INDIANAPOLIS - THINGS TO DO
IU School of Law-Indianapolis Faculty Favorites
Ken Chestek
- Eagle Creek Park – “If you’re looking for a natural getaway from the hustle and bustle of Downtown, Eagle Creek Park (in the northwest corner of the city, about 10 miles from downtown, has miles of groomed hiking trails through deep woods, picnic areas, a brand new nature center and paved, marked running routes from 5K to 10K distances. One of the largest city-owned parks in the country, it also features a 36-hole golf course, hundreds of acres of completely undeveloped woodlands, and a large reservoir for canoeing, swimming and sailing.”
- Dining – “At the southern end of the Eagle Creek Reservoir, near the dam which forms the lake, check out Rick’s Cafe Boatyard, 4050 Dandy Trail. Enjoy a great meal on the outdoor patio, watching the sailboats complete their evening excursions as the sun sets over the reservoir.”
- Monon Trail – “Starting near downtown, the Monon Trail is a paved hiking/biking path that runs north along an abandoned train track. It goes past the Indiana State Fair Grounds, through the heart of Broad Ripple (an artsy section of town known for good restaurants and night life), and up into Carmel. It is more than 12 miles long from end to end. Best places to park and start your run or walk are in Broad Ripple or at the trail parking area off of 96th Street near Nora Lane.”
- More dining – “If you like microbrew beer, try the Broad Ripple Brewpub, 842 E. 65th Street. It features a selection of six beers brewed on site as well as a full menu of excellent pub food. (I like to go for the Lawn Mower Pale Ale and the Scotch Egg Pizza.) Get a table on the outdoor patio so you can watch all the runners, hikers and bikers pass by on the Monon Trail half a block away, then walk off your dinner with a stroll on the trail up to Marott Park on the banks of the White River.”
Jim Dimitri:
- Mass Ave Arts District – “Where the locals go to dine, drink, shop, and enjoy the arts. Trendy but fun.”
- Fountain Square – “This neighborhood is where you’ll find the coolest art and art galleries. What Mass Ave was like 12 years ago—bohemian, artsy, and authentic because it’s withstood total gentrification.”
- The Rathskeller– “Great beer selection and stellar view of the city from the biergarten.”
- The Rooftop Gardens at the Fountain Square Theatre Building – “Aside from the seats on the third base side at Victory Field, this dining establishment provides the best view of the downtown Indianapolis skyline. It serves great food as well. I’ve never had a disappointing meal there.”
- Santorini Greek Kitchen – “A Fountain Square gem. The best Greek food in Indy, served in massive portions. Try the Chef’s Special Combination plate. It’s big enough to split with a friend or two.”
- Shapiro’s Delicatessen – “Matzo ball soup and kosher salami sandwiches like Bubbe used to make.”
- Yats – “The best cheap food in town. For a plate of Cajun or Creole heaven, you pay an average of $6.00.”
Allison Martin:
- Palomino – “Great food and atmosphere.”
- The Rathskeller – “Great view from the biergarten where I met my husband.”
- Yats – “Deliciously spicy and cheap Cajun food.”
Debby McGregor:
Joel Schumm:
- The Canal – “If you’re looking to stay in shape, take a run or walk on the canal downtown. It can be congested in the evenings, so you might run earlier in the day.”
- Dining – “For a cheap meal on trendy Mass Avenue, check out Bazbeaux’s. For a finer dining experience, Palomino offers a terrific menu and excellent service.”
- Indianapolis Tennis Championships – “If you enjoy men’s tennis, check out an afternoon or evening match at the Indy Tennis Championships, which is held just across the street from the law school. The tournament usually draws several prominent players, and good seats are easy to obtain.”
- National Institute for Fitness and Sport – “NIFS is the place to work out. It has scores of weight and cardio machines as well as a full-size basketball court.”
