Indianapolis today

The once sleepy Hoosier capital has grown into a major attraction

Just a two-hour jaunt up Interstate 65, Indianapolis is a manageable city with lots to offer. Depending on the season, sports fans will want to take in a Pacers or Colts game, or maybe see some racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There are also museums and attractions to satisfy all types of visitors: those with kids won't want to miss the Indianapolis Children's Museum, while art enthusiasts will want to visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Plenty of shopping and dining options make for a full weekend in the Circle City. (If you want to do research when planning your trip, visit www.indy.org for information about what to do and where to go.)

Monument Circle

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Monument Circle, which honors Indiana veterans of all Wars prior to World War I, is probably Indianapolis' most recognizable landmark. It is also a good place to get oriented. For $1, you can ride the elevator up 231 feet for a nice view of the city. The observation area can also be reached by climbing 32 flights of stairs, but these were closed for repairs during our visit, not that we would have taken them anyway. The South Bend Chocolate Company's Chocolate Cafe, 30 Monument Circle, is a chocoholic's dream. An incredible aroma greets visitors, tempting them to sample the cafe's hot and cold drinks, ice creams, cakes and confections. During nice weather, outdoor tables provide a great spot for people-watching. Info: (317) 232-7615 or www.in.gov/iwm/civilwar.

Photo by The Indianapolis Star. The Indianapolis Zoo has lots of aquatic life, including a dolphin show.

White River State Park

White River State Park is home to a number of the city's attractions. If it's nice, and if you have kids in tow, visit the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens. One price ($8 for adults, $6 for kids and seniors), plus an additional parking charge ($4) gets visitors into both attractions. Noteworthy at the zoo are the dolphin shows, which are offered several times a day. The other attractions in the park include the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum and the NCAA Hall of Champions. Info: 1200 W. Washington St., (317) 630-2001 or www.indyzoo.com.

Massachusetts Avenue Arts District

Massachusetts Avenue is a great street to wander along, browsing the shops and galleries. A worthwhile stop is @ Home in the City and Silver in the City at 432 and 434 Massachusetts Ave. The "Home" side of the store features modern furniture and home accessories, as well as smaller items such as greeting cards and magnets. The "Silver" side offers unique jewelry and other silver items. Across the street, check out Blithe & Bonny — Adventures In Shopping, 431 Massachusetts Ave., for novelty purses, jewelry and other items upstairs and vintage clothing and furniture downstairs. If you need a break, head farther up the road to the Abbey Coffeehouse, 771 Massachusetts Ave. With its celestial ceilings and laid-back atmosphere, the Abbey is the kind of place where people linger over food or coffee, reading or chatting with friends. Info: Massachusetts Avenue between New York and 10th streets

Circle Centre

Those looking for a more traditional shopping experience won't be disappointed with the Circle Centre. The huge complex houses more than 100 shops, anchored by Nordstrom and Parisian. There is also a number of restaurants. Bertolini's Authentic Trattoria is a good choice for a nice Italian dinner. An entertainment complex includes Gameworks and several bars Sports fans in search of souvenirs have several choices at Circle Centre. There is the Pacers Home Court II, the Colts Pro Shop and Brickyard Authentics, which has its merchandise centered around a life-sized model of an Indy race car. Info: 49 W. Maryland St., (317) 681-8000 or www.simon.com.

Broad Ripple

I'm told that Broad Ripple is the place to go if you're "young and looking for fun" in Indy. Indeed, the area, which is about a 20-minute drive from downtown, has bars and nightlife to satisfy a variety of tastes. Gathering places range from the Corner Wine Bar to the Mineshaft Saloon, and live music venues include Vogue and Patio. If you're in the neighborhood during the day, be sure to stop and see the Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St., which is significant because 1) it was designed by renowned architect Michael Graves — he designed the Humana Building in Louisville and all that stuff for Target — and 2) it houses galleries that are free to visit, operates a gift shop and offers art classes. You can browse in the variety of vintage gift and trendy clothing shops or walk, bike or jog the trail along the canal. Info: College and Broad Ripple avenues, (317) 251-2782 or www.mybroadripple.com.