One Man's Indy

Sports. Beer. Women (in this case my wife and daughter). I started this blog because our blog role was severely lacking testosterone and my favorite subjects weren't getting any ink. Here we are in Indianapolis - a place where Colts football and Pacers basketball are a way of life, a place where the sound of engines fill the summer sky, a place where the spicy shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo is a rite of passage - and this blog site was authored almost entirely by women. While they are exceptional women, for the sake of our readers I'd like to present a more hairy and gaseous version of our city for your enjoyment.

A few things about me I'd like to establish out of the gate. You've probably already figured out that I'm a diehard sports fan. I attended my first Indianapolis 500 eight years ago and haven't missed one since. While I can't afford season tickets, I don't miss a Colts or Pacers game on television. Yes, I even stay up ridiculously late when the Pacers go on west coast trips.

I am a family man. My wife and two kids are my world so they will be appearing in my posts. Then again, so will my buddies. So expect a viewpoint that can both score you points as a dad and earn you a ticket to the doghouse.

It should be fun. Thanks for reading.

And it begins...the first wave of hoops fanatics hit Indy last week for the Big Ten Women's Tournament and it continues this week with the Big Ten Men's tournament. Of course, this is just the opening act as we build toward the ultimate college basketball event, the NCAA Final Four which takes place at Lucas Oil Stadium at the beginning of April. If round-ball is your game Indy is hoops nirvana this year and you're missing out if you don't get here.

Tickets are still available for the Big Ten Tournament (trust me, I got hit up to buy tickets a dozen times during a short walk during lunch) so it's not too late. The atmoshere downtown is electric, the bars are hopping and there is no doubt that this is the place to be for basketball. As for the Final Four, while Lucas Oil Stadium does hold 70,000 people it's going to be a tough ticket to come by. Still, how often do you get an opportunity to see the best in college basketball compete in a city designed for just these types of events?

So, what are you waiting for? Get a ticket and get to Indy and live the ultimate basketball experience. The events and pageantry will be rolling all month so get here and get into the game.

I love beer. When I say "beer" I'm not talking about the barley-flavored water that is distributed in mass. No, I'm talking craft-brewed beers that deliver real flavor. For years I brewed my own beer as a hobbyist and I have an appreciation for the science and technique involved in creating that perfect Porter, IPA or Lager. Unfortunately, Downtown Indianapolis hasn't produced small breweries on the scale of cities like Denver and Portland. We do have some great franchise brewers like Rock Bottom, The RAM Big Horn Brewery and Alcatraz. These establishments brew unique recipes at their locations, but we can't claim them as "home grown." With that said, you can understand my excitement when I heard about a new local brewer. Sun King Brewery opened last July and while I've tried their product at some local bars I decided it was finally time to pay them a visit.

I corraled some friends and we headed over to College Avenue for a visit to the Sun King Tasting Room. My first observation was that this wasn't so much a room as a roped off area equipped with picnic tables. I actually liked this as you could check out the brewery setup while indulged. On one wall they had merchandise you could buy and on the other were a group of guys eager to serve up tastings. You can guess where I went first. During the course of the next hour I made my way down the line trying each of their beers, from the Sun Light Cream Ale (light but refreshingly flavorful) to the Poff the Magic Dragon Red Rye IPA (hoppy, complex and delicious) and everything in between. Kudos to the brewer on delivering some outstanding flavors and enough variety to challenge my taste buds.

Please note, the tasting room is not a bar. It is a place to go try some good beer. If you like one (trust me, you will) you can buy a growler and take it home to share with others (always appreciated). You can also go on brewery tours to learn a little something about the process. If you appreciate fine beers I encourage you to give Sun King a try. Sun King is still an infant, but from what I observed it is growing up quickly and I'm excited to see what the future holds.

So I'm out scouting some photo shoot locations in White River State Park the other day and my tummy start a-rumblin'. I decide to duck into one of my favorite places, the Eiteljorg Museum, to eat at the Sky City Cafe. I love the cafe because it has some of the best views of the Central Canal in the city, especially when it's warm and you can sit on the veranda. The food is also great and fitting for the musuem. On this day I did a little buffalo chili and cornbread to warm my chilly bones. Yum.

However, my stomach is not the subject of this post. On this day I decided to carve out a little time to tour their latest major exhibit, "Pistols: Dazzling Firearms." Let me preface this with the fact that I generally hate guns and blame them for many ills in our society. That said, I also have a strong appreciation for craftsmanship and this exhibit proved to be more art exhibit than gun show. Thank goodness.

As I toured the exhibit I was struck by the level of detailed ornamentation that covers each firearm. From presidential seals (one seemed to be a tribute to JFK) to happy swimming dolphins (an interesting choice) I was continuously surprised by what I discovered. The stories behind each pistol were equally interesting. As a bonus, I got the chance to hang out with Annie Oakley and hold her shotgun. Nice girl, that Annie.

So...if you like guns, art or like girls in cowboy hats I strongly suggest you give Pistols a chance.

A strong urban destination is defined by the sum of it's parts. This means that each "part" of the local culture needs to be well represented. In Indianapolis, I see this materializing nicely in the Fountain Square area in the form of some wonderful locally owned ethnic eateries. I'll quickly touch on three of my new favs.

1. Siam Square: I love spicy foods and this relatively young Thai restaurant is serving up wonderful dishes with some kick. It seems that word is out as each time I go the crowds are bigger, and it shouldn't be surprising. The menu is deep, the staff is excellent and the setting is quaint but open. My recommendation, the Drunken Noodles - extra spicy.

2. Naisa Pan-Asian Cafe: I had driven by this place without noticing it many, many times. Finally a friend introduced me to Naisa (Asian spelled backward) and I am forever indebted. This small (I refuse to say hole-in-the-wall because it's much too nice for this classification) eatery is serving up some incredible cuisine. Start with the fried wontons and dipping sauce, enjoy the zing of the hot-and-sour soup and then go with the Tangerine Chicken. You can thank me later.

3. Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe: Boogie down to East Street and discover this cozy eatery. Built into an old house, Bosphorus has a very welcoming interior. I can't say I have a lot of experience with Turkish cuisine but this place delivers great tastes at a small price. Get the hummus plate to get you going and then choose from a range of meals, most featuring a balance of skewered meats, rice and steamed vegetables. Yum.

It's important that we support our locally owned eateries. Visit any of these three and you'll see what a pleasure this can be. Cheers to Fountain Square for clearly emerging as one of Indianapolis' top dining destinations for local tastes.

Two stories caught my eye last week and both involve transporation. However, don't be fooled into thinking these two stories are in any way related.



First, a topic I am very passionate about. Indianapolis has all the makings of a Tier One city but there is one very obvious void. Unless you're on foot, walking or - more likely - driving, you're not getting around this city very easily. Sure we have a bus system and some cabs, but I don't think anyone would argue that we're behind when it comes to public transportation. Plans have come and gone, but a new initiative known as "Indy Connect" has real potential. It's a joint effort between private industry and public entities who are try to find a comprehensive solution to our transportation needs. I think we all need to get behind this intiative because we simply can't afford to wait. Check out their site and let me know what you think.



Second, as a huge fan of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing (the Indy 500) I was very intrigued by DeltaWing unveiling a new concept car for the IRL. Before I weigh in let me confess...I am not a gearhead, nor am I a year-round race fan. I go to one race a year and it's the mother of them all. I love the sites and sounds of raceday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I love gathering with 250,000+ people once a year and having some laughs. Still, even a casual observer like myself can't help but notice that the IRL as a league has been passed over by NASCAR. What's been missing, in my opinion, is the opportunity for innovation with the cars. With spec cars, the only defining trait of a race team is the driver and the IRL guys aren't touching the good-old-boys in that department. Perhaps this new concept (yes, it does look like the Batmobile) would allow teams the lattitude try new things for an edge. At this point, lets do something to revive interest. What do you think?

I have lived in the state of Indiana my whole life. The funny thing is, my state capitol held zero importance until later in my life. I grew up in South Bend, tucked in the norther part of the state. Chicago was much closer than Indianapolis and when I thought "big city" I gravitated to the third coast. When it came to sports I was a Cubs/Bulls/Bears fan. In fact, I dressed up as Jim McMahon for halloween in the fourth grade (shades, sweatband...the whole 9 yards).

These days, I live and breathe Indianapolis on a daily basis. It amazes me that, though I was not far away, I had no real impression of this great city as a kid. I think this speaks to the strides that Indy has made since the early eighties. And, I think a lot of those strides can be attributed to the rise of Indianapolis as a sports city. Particularly, I think the Indianapolis Colts have helped put this city on the map and boost our national profile.

I have heard a lot of people question the economic impact of having an NFL franchise. This became a big issue just a few years ago when plans were put forth to build Lucas Oil Stadium. Fast forward to today, and you can't turn on the television without hearing the word "Indianapolis." The Colts are gearing up to beat on the New Orleans Saints in this Sunday's Super Bowl and the buzz is palpable. Grabbing headlines and getting press on a national scale is tough work, but the Colts make it easy. The name of our once sleepy town is now rolling off of tounges across the globe. If you don't think there is great value in that then you're not thinking. I heard the other day that a 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl is going for over $2 million. Yet, our city is getting lip service around the clock for free. Cha-ching.

In addition to PR value I also witnessed first-hand the immense spending that took place just two weeks ago due to this great run by our team. The AFC Championship was taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium and downtown Indianapolis was packed. Bars and restaurants had lines wraped around the block and hotels were full. Money was flowing and it was directly benefiting not only the establishments, but the front-line hospitality employees who made a killing that day.

My last point is the least measurable. Every time I step into an elevator or simply walk the streets lately, I share a bond with the people I pass. We are united as a city behind our team. It's a group of outstanding men that have represented us proudly on and off the field. On behalf of the citizens of this city all I can say is thanks for all that you do and we are confident that you'll make us proud on Sunday. Go Colts!

It's Friday and I'm tired. You see, yesterday was the the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association's(ICVA) 2010 Annual Meeting. As the Creative Director for the ICVA I've gotten very little sleep in the last week building up to our big day at Conseco Fieldhouse. I hope my kids still recognize me when I return home. Anyhow, it was a major success and I woke up today filled with optimism about the coming year.

The theme of the event was "Right Now!" and it couldn't be more on point in terms of the forces shaping the city of Indianapolis. Step back for a moment and think about this. At a time of economic stress across the country we're adding an unprecedented amount of infrastructure.



Indianapolis International Airport - First impressions go a long way and our new airport is setting a new standard. Visitors are blown away and for good reason.

Lucas Oil Stadium - "The Luke" was home to the AFC Championship last week and will host the NCAA Men's Final Four in early April. We've also booked over 80 conventions utilizing this new addition to downtown.

Marriott Place - While most hotel projects are coming to a screeching halt Indy is moving forward with a 1,600+ room complex that is architecturally stunning. Within the conventions industry having a 1,000 room hotel is a must for consideration on top shows. The JW Marriott Indianapolis pushes to another tier and is an absolute game-changer.

Indianapolis Convention Center Expansion - For our industry this project is most pivotal. We are nearly doubling the amount of space available for hosting conventions. This is huge. When completed it will be connected via skywalk to 12 hotels. Again, this is huge. In fact, it will be connected to more hotels than any convention center in the country. When complete, this project moves us to entirely new competitive set and holds the promise of keeping downtown Indianapolis vibrant for decades to come.

We must appreciate how significant these projects are. In Indianapolis one out of every eight jobs is in the hospitality industry. This city's commitment to tourism insures that this economic train keeps rolling.

In addition to these projects there are oodles of other cool things happening this year:

Indianapolis Cultural Trail - An urban bike trail that it truly the first of it's kind. Two more legs will be completed in the coming year.

100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park - One of the largest museum contemporary sculpture parks in the United States opens this year at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The IMA is another institution that continues to raise the bar year after year.

Major exhibits - Barbie at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Cheetahs at the Indianapolis Zoo and Pistols at the Eiteljorg...to name a few. No shortage of things to do this year.

Sports - The Big Ten Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse, the NCAA Men's Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Centennial Era at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and more. There is plenty to cheer about this year in sports.

Right now is our time to shine and I hope Indy residents are proud. I also hope that anyone outside of Indianapolis pays a visit to see for themselves what is happening in this amazing city. We're good now but we are getting oh so very much better. Enjoy 2010...I know I will.

For more information on things happening in 2010 go to visitindy.com/rightnow.

We're happy you're here. We really are. Sure, we've had Patriots fans visit this time of year as well as our friends from San Diego. However, we've never had the pleasure of hosting New Yorkers this time of year. In all honesty, we didn't expect it to happen this year (or next year, or the one after that). Yet, here you are descending upon our city for the AFC Championship. Let me be the first to say, "Welcome!"

If you're anything like the New York media, who has taken this opportunity to disparage our fine city for not being up to your elite standards, you might be wondering what exactly to do while you're here. Let me offer up a few suggestions for making the most of your visit to Indy.

1. Pacers vs. Philly on Saturday at Conseco Fieldhouse: They're not playing the Knicks, but in the entry pavilion you will notice promotions for the upcoming "30 in 30" film about the epic "Hicks vs. Knicks" rivalry of the 80's. Remember, when our loving relationship first blossomed? I suggest you take in the best venue in the NBA (a stark contrast to the Garden) and extend your sporting weekend.
2. Soak in Mass Ave: I sense that most New Yorkers are under the impression that Indy lacks culture. I advise a walk up Mass Ave where you can take in some great locally owned shops and restaurants. Stroll our art galleries, drink a locally-brewed craft beer from Sun King Brewery at the Chatham Tap or eat a freshly prepared masterpiece at R Bistro.  Trust me, you'll feel right at home.
3. Shop at Circle Centre Mall: What better way to get your mind off of the upcoming game than shopping? Luckily for you, Circle Centre occupies three city blocks in the middle of the city and offers plenty of spending opportunities. You can admire the latest in fashion at Nordstrom, but more importantly, you can stop by the Colts Pro Shop and pick something up guaranteed to make you feel like a winner.
4. St. Elmo Steakhouse: When the game is done you're going to have a nasty taste in your mouth. I advise stopping by St. Elmo or it's sister restaurant, Harry & Izzy's, for their wold famous shrimp cocktail. This legendary concoction is sure to burn that taste right out of your mouth.

And if you still have questions while roaming the streets of Indy, feel free to send us a tweet @visitIndy or visit our Facebook page.

While the Colts do everything they can bring pain and misery to the team from New York, rest assured that Indy's citizens will do all they can make your visit to our city a pleasant one. Understand that it's not attitude that draws people here, but rather hospitality. Enjoy!

It was a cold and snowy day on December 27 when those running the Colts franchise agreed to make "The Decision." Our team was undefeated and looking good against the New York Jets in front of our home crowd. Colts fans across the land were dreaming of a solitary spot in the NFL history books. No team had ever run the table since the introduction of the 16-game season and we looked poised to finally put a cork in the 1972 Dolphins. Instead, Peyton Manning and the starters were pulled and our dream was crushed. What followed was a backlash that still lingers. Hometown fans, including myself, were irate. National pundits crushed us in the media. With "The Decision" a feel-good story turned ugly and my team went from celebrated to condemned.

Fast-forward to this week and we welcome that same Jets team back to Lucas Oil Stadium for the AFC Championship. It is widely understood that this gritty team from New York is only here due to our charity. As I think more about the situation my perspective has shifted. Bear with me. The General Manager of the Colts, Mr. Bill Polian, has long been considered the best in the business. As he looked beyond the late season matchup with the Jets he saw a cold and snowy game in Ralph Wilson Stadium. He knew there was no way he could expose his starters to the elements in a meaningless game with Buffalo so he wisely pulled back the reigns before a week of undefeated hype began.

I don't know about you, but I think having a rested and healthy team was a huge difference in the Divisional Round against the Ravens. Plus, the team we let into the playoffs went out west and knocked off our nemesis, the San Diego Chargers. If you're keeping score that's two positives resulting from "The Decision."

Now for the biggest bonus...we get to play the Jets in the AFC Championship round! We get a team with a rookie quarterback that will be lucky to put up 14 points. We get a team who is only here due to the poor play of others (see: Palmer, Carson and Kaeding, Nate). While the Saints and Vikings battle it out we get as easy of a draw as you could hope for. Suddenly "The Decision" is paying huge dividends and Mr. Polian is looking like Nostradamus. I want to personally apologize for ever questioning your genius, sir, and will never make that mistake again.

This will be a wild weekend in Downtown Indianapolis so soak it up, but be sure to save some energy for all of the festivities that WILL take place in the lead up to what the Colts like to refer to as "The Goal." Go Colts!

Roughly two years ago Scott Harris presented an ambitious idea to our organization. He recognized that the town of Speedway (it surrounds the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the fringe of downtown Indianapolis) was not delivering a comprehensive visitor experience to the hundreds of thousands of people that fill the legendary stands at the speedway every year. Moreover, he wanted to do something about it. Mr. Scott layed out an ambitious plan to reinvent the area so that race fans had something to do in Speedway beyond the spectacle of racing. As someone who works in the Indianapolis tourism industry I had to applaud his vision. I've been eagerly awaiting movement on the project ever since. Well, yesterday the "Speed Zone" project broke ground and I'd like to be first to offer a hearty congratulations to Mr. Scott and his team for their hard work and dedication.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) has always been hollowed ground for race fans. The problem is, once you step outside of the track that experience comes to a screaching halt. Sure, you can tour the Hall of Fame Museum and gaze upon the stable of former Indianapolis 500 winning cars, but technically that is still within the confines of IMS. There has never been anything to do before or after a race beyond the traditional tailgating (which is a blast for those eager to party, but is lacking for those with more refined tastes). More importantly, there was nothing to draw visitors when a race wasn't on the calendar.

This new plan transforms the area into a destination beyond race day. Visitors will be able to shop, eat and immerse themselves in racing history 365-days a year. They're going far beyond a simple "spruce up." The Speed Zone plan will make drastic changes to coincide with the IMS Centennial Celebration. The work that's done will pay dividends for generations. A few highlights include:

• Reinventing Main Street: They'll widen the streets, rework the sidewalks and add mixed-use retail and condominiums on both sides of the street. What is now a desolate street will come back to life as the heart of the redevelopment plan. One highlight is a "racing wall of fame" in front of the Praxair Technologies headquarters. 
• Greenspace!: Georgetown Road is a cluttered mess on race day as bodies make their way into the west side of the speedway, and there are always a handful of vehicles trying to inch their way through the masses. No more. Georgetown will go away and become a park-like setting with greenspace, sidewalks and a hint of serenity. Plus, the area south of the track will go green with the diverting of 16th Street.
• A Grand Entrance: The push for greenspace surrounding the track also opens up the opportunity to install grand, race-themed sidewalks and sculptural entry markers more becoming of a legendary race track. There needs to be something that visually tells people they're about to encounter something special. The Speed Zone plan accomplishes just that.

This is an exciting move for both Speedway and the city of Indianapolis. It's only fitting that the Racing Capitol of the World provides an experience like no other. In an age of increased competition (I think NASCAR just ran their 200th race of the season) Speedway needs a reason beyond the rev of engines to draw visitors. This plan goes a long way toward helping us retain our position at THE destination for auto racing. Mr. Scott, here's to you!

For more information on the redevelopment plan click here.

To view more renderings click here.

I admit, during those long summer months when the only sport on TV is baseball (snooze) and all of my favorite shows are repeats I have a guilty pleasure...the Food Network. I'm not much of a chef myself, outside of a few years working the line at Applebee's during college. Still, I have a huge admiration for finely prepared food and the chefs who dream up savory culinary creations. I'll gladly pass on another steak for an opportunity to surprise my taste buds.

This weekend I was trying to decide which Indianapolis restaurant I was going to treat my wife to for her birthday (before cheering on the Pacers against the Celtics - boo ya!) and wanted something different. My wife is famously frugal so I started my search with the coupons on visitindy.com. I saw that there was a 15% off coupon for BARcelona Tapas on North Delaware Street. I pass this place every day on my way home from work and have always been intrigued. Plus, it's within walking distance of Conseco Fieldhouse...perfect.

Just a few weeks before I had taken my wife to another downtown Indianapolis restaurant and we paid a ton of money for a disappointing meal in a stuffy atmosphere (I'll never tell). Luckily, Barcelona Tapas was the complete opposite. The atmosphere was downright festive and the staff was warm and welcoming. We started with a pitcher of Sangria (they claim they're the best in Indy) and it was perfect for the length of our stay. Wow were they delicious and yes we're lushes. Deal with it. We ordered six different plates for dinner with everything from shrimp and mussels to curried pork and marinated roasted red peppers. We took our taste buds on an exciting journey and when it was done we were pleasantly full. Best of all, the check was under $50. Discover Barcelona Tapas for yourself and thank me later.

Everyone has their favorite holiday. For some it's Christmas, Easter or perhaps Valentine's Day (the latter clearly does not pertain to my fellow men). My favorite holiday is unofficial, relatively new and is very much along the lines of Hanukkah in that it's an extended celebration. Yes, it's Beat Boston Week for the second year in a row in Indianapolis. The stars have aligned once more to bring both the Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots to town over the same weekend and there is an entire week of hype leading up to it. Each day is filled with gifts of new articles, interviews, flashbacks and more leading up to these epic clashes. As an Indianapolis fan I just plain don't like Boston teams and this week gives me a chance to celebrate my hatred in a healthy way. Maybe healthy isn't the right word, but you get the drift.

I know what you're thinking, "I get the whole Colts/Pats thing, but you can't be serious about the Celtics/Pacers?" Well, let's travel back to last year to get some perpective. It's opening day at Conseco Fieldhouse and the NBA Champion Celtics are in town. With little to no expectation on the Indiana Pacers this seemed to merely be a precursor for the Colts/Pats game the next night. However, the Pacers put up perhaps their grittiest win of the season and did their part in making Beat Boston Week a shutout for Indianapolis sports. The win even cost Danny Granger his front teeth. It was one heck of an atmosphere.

This year? The setup looks earily familiar on the basketball court. The Celtics are on fire and the Pacers just clawed their way back to .500 after a disappointing 0-3 start. Can the home team pull another rabbit out of their hat? As for the football field, it looks as it should. Both the Colts and the Pats are playing exceptional football and are high upon their perch atop the AFC. This should be yet another chapter in the most compelling NFL rivalry of the past decade.

If you're like me, this weekend can't come fast enough. Whether you have tickets or not (Pacers tickets are still available, Colts/Pats tickets are harder to find than the Lost City of Atlantis), you will be missing out by not getting downtown and soaking up the atmosphere this weekend. We've got plenty of sports bars with oodles of TV's. Join your fellow Indianapolis fans and cheer on our home teams as we celebrate the second annual Beat Boston Week. Go Colts! Go Pacers!

Let me start by saying I am a die-hard fan of the show Mad Men. I majored in advertising while at Ball State University and have always been intrigued by the industry, particularly the early pioneers who were pitching up and down Madison Avenue. Mad Men captures that spirit perfectly and just happens to be the most well-written show on television. One aspect of the show that I particularly enjoy is the sense of sophisticated style on display by the men running Sterling-Cooper. One episode this season featured a battle between Donald Draper and Roger Sterling. They were ordered to go work out their differences and where did they end up? Not sipping scotch at a bar as you might suspect. Nope, they went to go get a proper haircut and shave.

This brings me to the subject of today's post. One of my absolute favorite places for men in this city has got to be Red's Classic Barber Shop on Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis. In an age when many men have been reduced to going to "salons" or their fast-food equivalent, Red's is a sanctuary for men who want to be groomed like men. Walk through the doors and the first thing you'll enjoy is a proper greeting from their uniformed staff. These guys are absolute professionals who know mens hair. You won't have to wait for them to finish a perm or hair coloring. Men's hair is all they do and they do it exceedingly well. You can shop for male grooming products, try on hats, get a shoe shine or just relax as you await your time in the chair. Did I mention the chairs? At Red's you sit on antique barber chairs from the early 1900's as they attend to you. The decor is decidedly retro at Red's and you'll feel like you've entered a past era as you enjoy a cut that is always finished with a straight-razor shave on your neck and sideburns. Of course, you can also get a full straight-razor shave of your face and neck. Trust me, you've never had a shave like this (smooth as a baby's...well you know).

There is no place better in Indianapolis for a man to channel his inner Don Draper than Red's Classic Barber Shop. William, Tony and the boys will be glad to see you and you'll be glad to have discovered this Indy gem.

OK, so I never went to band camp. In fact, the extent of my musical experience is limited to one year as a sax player in fourth grade. I simply didn't have a passion or any discernable skill and chose other pursuits. Still, I do appreciate those who devote themselves to a life of music or art. It's a tough road that requires immense dedication. You can't pursue music or art for money because the odds of getting paid well for either is slim. However, the freedom to create is something to be envied and there is little question that a community rich with artists develops a backbone of culture that pays big dividends for both residents and visitors.

Indianapolis has chosen to pursue the musical arts much as they pursued amateur sports in the 1980's. The effort is paying off in terms of bringing major events to Indianapolis. In addition to the events, many of these music organizations have relocated their headquarters to Downtown Indianapolis. Below is a list some music groups/events you might know and other you might not know that now call Indy home:

• Drum Corp International
• Music for All: Bands of America Grand Nationals
• Percussive Arts Society
• American Pianists Association
• International Violin Competition of Indianapolis

If you are in to music you're cheering this effort. If not, you're asking "how does this benefit Indianapolis?" Well, each year these groups inspire talented young people to work hard in hopes of making it to Indianapolis. Our city has become an aspirational place for these people and hopefully we will retain a special place in their lives even after their musical careers end. As a city it is vital that we support these artists and their events because, much like the amateur sport intiative, the long-term benefits of the seeds we plant today will fuel the cultural growth of our city. Get your feet wet this month by attending one of band world's most perstigious marching band events, "Music for All: Bands of America Grand Nationals and Percussive Arts Society International Convention," on Nov. 12-14 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Percussive Arts society will also be opening the new "Rhythm! Discovery Center," adjacent to the Indianapolis Artgarden in Claypool Court, at the same time. This interactive museum is dedicated to anything and everything drum. Get into the groove in Indy and support the musicians who are enriching our city.

I was having coffee the other morning with a group who is working to develop audio-based architectural walking tours of downtown Indianapolis. It should be a very cool project when we get it done, but more on that later. The first tour we're developing involves a stop by Indianapolis' Monument Circle to learn about the city's signature architectural structure, the iconic Sailors and Soldiers Monument. This led us to discuss the work that was recently done to the monument. For weeks we were all fenced off from the heart of the city as they reinforced some steel in the monument. At least I thought that was all they were doing. I was informed by one of the architects at the table that they were altering Lady Victory's base. I got the sense that the change was intended to better accommodate visitors wanting to see views of the city. Sounds great right? However, the architect was upset because the changes altered the shape of the structure and, in her opinion, disrupted the natural sight lines created by the previous design in order to insert an observational "box."

I could see the architect's point. As you see in the photo above the "Old" design flowed much better than the "New" design. The question remained, are the improved views worth the sacrifice? I decided to find out.  After years of saying I was going to visit this Indianapolis attraction and travel to the top, today I was finally going to do it. I made my way there, excited about what I was going to discover. I went through the doors to the interior of the monument, but was then informed that the "New" observation deck wouldn't be open until after Thanksgiving. Huh? To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Yet another one of the great things to do in downtown Indianapolis that I have yet to check off my list.

What do you think? Does the new design bother you? Will the new design enhance the visitor experience? Your thoughts are welcome.

I've blogged about the Indiana Pacers a few time recently and I promise to hit some other subject matter soon, but they tip their first game tonight and for a die-hard Indianapolis sports fan it's a major sports holiday. Right now my team is undefeated and the sky is the limit. If you look at most forecasts/predictions for the team they aren't very glowing. Most people have them finishing in a similar spot as last year. They didn't go out and acquire any major stars or facilitate any blockbuster deals. However, as I watched them last year I saw a young team that was beginning to find itself. If they continue to evolve as a unit I think they can make some noise this year.

Below are six questions to consider as the Pacers begin the 2009-10 season:

1. What is the ceiling for Danny Granger? He averaged close to 20 points a night last year and he seemed to develop a more well-rounded game. He earned the "Most Improved Player" award for his efforts. Pacer fans can only hope that he continues to grow and, as our franchise player, asserts himself as the leader of this team.
2. Will Dahntay Jones be the defensive stopper we desperately need? In Denver he was a force to be reckoned with. Hopefully his toughness on defense will spread to his teammates and give us a much needed edge.
3. Are Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert ready for their next step? Last year each of these rookies showed flashes of brilliance. Still, their greatness was balanced with too much hesitation by Rush and too much foul trouble for Hibbert. If they committed themselves in the off season to polishing their games they could take the proverbial leap this year.
4. How will the release of Jarrett Jack in the off season affect our point guard position? Jack won my heart last year and I was sad to see him leave. T.J Ford has been handed the reigns as starter and we acquired Earl Watson. Can they carry the load?
5. Can Mike Dunleavy make it back into the lineup and will he be affected by his long injury hiatus? It's been a long time since he has contributed and it may still be a few weeks until he is back fully. Can he pick up where he left off before the injury? We could use his smarts on the court but you never know how guys will react after a substantial layoff.
6. What did we get in Taylor Hansbrough? If was cold on this pick when they made it, but the more I've sat on it the warmer I've gotten. He has always been a winner and plays a tough brand of basketball. If his work at North Carolina translates to the NBA we could have gotten a quality role player. Time will tell.

As you can see, there is no lack of intrigue with this team so tune in tonight and see how things play out. You should also consider attending Friday Night's home opener at Conseco Fieldhouse. Third Eye Blind will be playing at a FREE block party and if the game is anything like the opener last year (taking down the Celtics, Granger losing some teeth) it should be one heck of an atmosphere. Some great ticket packages for the Pacers are available. I think I'm going to do a 10-game package as it's just enough for my budget and my time. Either way, get out and support the Pacers and remind the rest of league how much basketball means to Indianapolis. Go Pacers!

The annual trip to the pumpkin patch is a highlight of my calendar year. For one, I take great pride in my pumpkin carving skills. What can I say, I love a good jack'o lantern. Second, it's a chance to take the kids out to one of my favorite places, Stonycreek Farms.

Just a short trip north of Indianapolis in Noblesville, Stonycreek has become our traditional place to soak up the fall colors while seeking out the perfect pumpkin. They offer up a slew of activities for kids, from the new jumping pillow (which I resisted even the kid in me desperately wanted to give it a try) to the pumpkin train and some animal encounters, there is plenty to keep the kids entertained. For me, it's the beauty of the farm that keeps me coming back. It sits in a picturesque valley and the pumpkin patch is intermingled with the Christmas tree farm on rolling hills. I've tried a lot of other farms in the area and I don't think any compete with Stonycreek in terms of aesthetics.

Halloween is almost here so get out while you can. Soon the leaves, and the pumpkins, will be gone.

From my first experience with the the acclaimed Chef Boyardee I've always had a deep love of Italian cooking. Load me up with pasta and bread and I'm a happy boy. While Indianapolis might not have a "Little Italy" we do have some outstanding places to share some grub with your pizanos.

Last night the good folks at Buca di Beppo hosted an event for the ICVA (Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association) and our partners. Chase and his team at the downtown location rolled out the red carpet and were incredibly hospitable to our group. I've always been a fan of Buca as it's my daughters go-to restaurant for birthday dinner. It is perfect for kids. With a number of modest sized dining rooms you only have to worry about upsetting a small group of folks if your kid gets out of hand. Not that my perfect children have ever made me consider such things. Plus, what kid doesn't like spaghetti and meatballs? Tip: Order yourself a regular order and enjoy pasta for the next three days. Their portions are anything but skimpy.

Another favorite of mine is Iaria's. This is a fourth generation family business that's been in Indianapolis since 1933. Their traditional sauce is made the same as it was when they opened and the warm atmosphere sets this place apart. Last time I was there my waiter's name was "Vinny." No joke. I recommend the chicken marsalla. Their recipe is out of this world good.

A new addition to the Indianapolis dining scene is Amrosia Centro, just opened on Maryland Street between Pennsylvania and Meridian. This is Ambrosia's second location after year's as a staple in Broad Ripple. I had the opportunity to put their menu through the paces the other day and it did not disappoint. From the Calamari Fritti and Bruschetta Al Pomodoro through our main courses, it was an excellent experience. This is a great locally-owned addition to our downtown dining scene and I encourage all of you to support them.

You may have heard that Indianapolis is trying to bring FIFA World Cup Soccer to Lucas Oil Stadium. I couldn't be more thrilled by the prospect. I played soccer (football if you're a purist) from the time I could walk until high school. Was I great? Not really. Still, I loved the competition, the exercise and the camaraderie involved in the game. Plus, it is THE international sport and would go a long way toward amplifying Indy's image outside of the U.S. Ever since F1 walked away from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway we've been searching for another key international event and you don't get bigger than the World Cup. Best of all, you can help bring it here. Click here to sign the petition and assist with Indianapolis' bid (we're currently in third place behind Atlanta and Seattle - let's go people!).

The thought of a World Cup crowd in our city gives me chills. I have found that the great thing about living in a big-time sports city like Indianapolis is that each event brings a different vibe to the city. For instance:

1. Indy 500 - The pageantry of the month of May speaks for itself. Over 30 days hundreds of thousands of people transform our downtown and the city of Speedway into a speed junky's paradise. Race day in this town is second only to Christmas Day. Maybe.

2. Big Ten Tournaments/NCAA Tournament - As a regular stop for the NCAA Tournament and the annual host of both the Men's and Women's Big Ten Tournaments, we're treated to a few weeks of college revelry each year. Fans from their respective schools descend upon the city and take over bars throughout the city. With everything in walking distance, it's like one gargantuan urban tailgate (urban tailgate - can I copyright that?).

3. Red Bull Indianapolis GP - On the Friday night of race weekend Meridian Street gets shut down and bikes line the street from the Monument down to South Street. It's a celebration of all things motorized and two-wheeled and includes a major international contingency. Think of it as a much more refined version of Sturgis. Actually, don't.

4. Indianapolis Colts Football - It takes over the city on game days. To not be wearing a blue jersey is to be a minority. The bars and restaurants are packed with fans the tailgating takes over every parking lot downtown. A party surrounds Lucas Oil Stadium and there is a discernable energy that vibrates throughout the streets. It's nothing short of electric.

These are but a few examples. The Indianapolis events calendar is overflowing with sports year-round and it keeps things fresh as new crowds create new experiences. The World Cup would surely place its only unique stamp on our sports landscape and I'd desperately like to see what that would look like. Vote today and let's show the world what the NFL figured out before awarding us the Super Bowl - Indianapolis is a premier sports city.