Instagram Worthy Spots In Indianapolis

If you're looking to add some eye candy to your social media profiles on your next trip to Indy, I have got some fab drool worthy places for you to visit. And yes....don't roll your eyes at me--it's all about the gram these days and you know it!

Perhaps you are already there for The Indy 500?! I sure wish I was there this weekend.

This was my first time in Indy and I was so pleasantly surprised! I knew nothing about this part of the United States. But after a brief 48 hour visit, it's fair to say I know a little bit more and if you happen to be visiting then hopefully this will be of some guidance for anyone who's planning a short break. We were there at the beginning of March and it was super chilly--coats were required! It even snowed a bit here and there which was really exciting to me being a winter lover.

WHERE WE STAYED

We stayed at The Ironworks Hotel. It's located in the Keystone area just north of downtown – allowing you to see and experience all the city has to offer. Situated near the Keystone Fashion Mall, Ironworks Hotel is within walking distance of luxury retail stores along with several bars and restaurants. Directly across the street from the Ironworks Hotel, a distinct 5-story development brings, even more, quality and character to the already prestigious suburban neighborhood. Ironworks at Keystone features nearly 36,000 square feet of fine dining and shopping on the 1st floor with a salon, nail spa, Orange Theory Fitness, and a Club Pilates.

Ironworks has a very charming industrial feel with modern amenities. Love the self parking option and loooove that the hotel is pet-friendly. The lobby has such gorgeous light and serves as the most perfect backdrop to get that gram photo!

We ended up booking a Traditional Room which was just perfect for us. Beds were wonderfully comfy and the perfect retreat to come back to after long days walking and exploring the city. The Spa-like bathroom with frosted glass was super romantic too all though I could see where friends sharing a room might find this feature a tad weird as you have full view of the shower from the bed. So if you are modest, go a different route!

Breakfast or brunch is served in the hotel's main restaurant, Rize, which has to be the prettiest spot in the hotel by far. The tile and green stools alone will have your jaw dropping. Rize features light, organic fare.

http://ironworkshotel.com/indianapolis/

THING TO SEE / DO

- Explore Newfields- A place for nature & the arts and quite possibly the best art gallery I have ever laid eyes on. As the Indianapolis Museum of Art has grown to become an internationally renowned museum, they now turn our attention toward increasing our emphasis on combining art with nature.The galleries are surrounded by gardens, water features, over a hundred acres of woodland filled with surprise and beauty. The campus itself is ideal for performances, afternoon walks, kite-flying, cloud-gazing, memory-making, new-idea-having. There’s a mansion to stage unforgettable events, restaurants for relaxing, bars for microbrews and friendships. So take your time here. Wander through the exhibits and then the gardens. You can take a docent-guided tour of the American Country Place Era home of the late Indianapolis businessman, philanthropist, and collector J.K. Lilly, Jr. too .

If you make it to Columbus, explore one of the most important mid-century modern residences in the country. Miller House and Garden showcases the talents of architect Eero Saarinen, designer Alexander Girard, and landscape architect Dan Kiley. The rooms are filled with well-preserved mid-century modern furnishings and textiles that feature strong colors and playful patterns. Amid the residence’s large geometric gardens, its grandest feature is an allée of honey locust trees that runs along the west side of the house. This guided tour starts at the Columbus Area Visitors Center, 506 Fifth Street in Columbus, Indiana, and guests are shuttled by bus to the Miller House. The tour is oriented to adults and children over ten years.

Tours at Miller House and Garden are made possible through the Columbus Area Visitors Center. Miller House and Garden is owned and cared for by Newfields.

https://discovernewfields.org/

- Check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway- I mean come on. You are there! I would love to see The Indy 500! Imagine the energy.

https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/

- Have a piece of pie at Locally Grown Gardens- Here you will meet an amazing kind man by the name of Chef Ron Harris. He cares deeply about ingredients, aesthetics, community, and pie. Oh and kitties. This place was just a gem and I will never forget it.

http://locallygrowngardens.com/

A FEW RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS...

Restaurants in Indy can be a bit daunting trying to find a good one so here's a few to get you started. Even on a seemingly quiet time in March, there are some restaurants which you can't just walk in and sit down in (they're not overly big so only seat a certain number of people) so the best thing for you to do is book a day or two in advance, or if it's racing season when you go, plan a week ahead just to be on the safe side.

- Milktooth -A fine diner opened in 2014 by Jonathan Brooks, utilizing the beautiful produce and agriculture of Indiana to serve world inspired breakfast and lunch fare. Just look at this menu. Out of this world delicious and oh so insta-grammable

- St. Elmo Steak House- A historic & stately wining & dining destination known for its steaks & seafood, plus cocktail lounge. Do get the shrimp cocktail and thank me later. I celebrated my birthday here and they really made me feel so important. Every staff member signed my birthday card!

- Libertine -Great late night place for cocktails and nibbles like Smoked Salmon Rillette and Cauliflower Bruschetta.

- Napolese Pizzeria - Napolese is about artfully made pizza and stone hearth baking. They use the finest ingredients available, carefully sourcing cheeses, meats and local farm produce grown specifically for Napolese. The seasonal menu paired with incredible Patachou service make for a world class pizza experience. Wish we had gone in daylight because everything is so pretty!

- Cafe Patachou -We didn't make it here and I am still kicking myself for it.

-Bluebeard- Another one we missed and I swear I am going back just to eat here!