Hey, look at me! I'm fading :-)

Join us Wednesday, October 15, 2008, for dinner and tour at the Indiana State Museum.

Located in White River State Park in the heart of Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum is a wonderful place to find everything you never expected. Whether you are a visitor to the state or a life-long Hoosier, this world-class institution will allow you to explore Indiana's past, present and future through artistic, cultural and scientific exhibits. Starting with the birth of earth and tracing Hoosier history into the 21st century, the museum offers an eclectic and ever-changing adventure. The complex also houses the IMAX.

Indianapolis offers visitors something for everyone with a wide range of attractions, museums, music, arts, theaters, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, sports venues and recreational activities. For more information on what Indianapolis has to offer, click on the links listed below or visit www.indy.org.

SPORTS, HORSE RACING AND GAMING

Indianapolis is home to many minor and major professional sports team, including the XLI Super Bowl Champions Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Indians, Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, and Indiana Ice. Indiana also has several gaming venues within 1 ½ - 3hrs drive from Indianapolis, including Belterra Casino Resort & Spa, French Lick Springs Indiana and Casino Aztar.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway & Museum
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, located five miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis on the grounds of the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is recognized as one of the most highly visible museums in the world devoted to automobiles and auto racing.

O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis
While Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the most popular racetrack in the Hoosier State, the vast majority of motorsports events held in Indianapolis are held at O'Reilly Raceway Park, including a Craftsman Truck Series race and a Busch Series event. Drag racing, road racing, Sprint Car races and other events suited to a shorter track fall to ORP, which changed its name from Indianapolis Raceway Park in 2006. You can also usually find a large racing program there on the night before the Indianapolis 500. The annual NHRA U.S. Nationals are traditionally held there on Labor Day weekend and SCCA events are held on the park's road course.

Hoosier Park and Casino
Approximately 34 miles from Indianapolis in Anderson is Hoosier Park and Casino. Visit Indiana's first pari-mutuel horse racetrack featuring live racing and year-round simulcasting, indoor grandstand, clubhouse, restaurant and free parking (excluding valet). Get ready for fun, fantasy and excitement 24 hours a day as Hoosier Park's spacious, single-level gaming floor is now open. Featuring 2,000 of the newest and hottest slots and electronic table games in denominations ranging from a penny to $100, playing at Hoosier Park promises to be an exhilarating experience like no other in Indiana.

Indiana Downs and Indiana Live! Casino
Indiana Downs is conveniently located off I-74 at exit 109. The sparkling facility offers live Thoroughbred racing April-June and Standardbred (Harness) racing July-October. Off-track simulcast wagering and full service bar is available year round. The beautiful Silks & Sulkies restaurant features an a la carte dining menu and delicious buffet.

MUSEUMS

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
The Eiteljorg Museum is the only museum of its kind in the Midwest, and one of only two museums east of the Mississippi that showcase both Native American and Western art, culture and history. The museum contains one of the best Native American and Western art collections in the world, including traditional and contemporary work by artists such as T.C. Cannon, N. C. Wyeth, Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe, Allan Houser, Frederic Remington, Charles Russell and Kay WalkingStick. The museum's Sky City Café, a 90-seat casual dining restaurant, serves dishes inspired by Western and Native American culture. The museum also features the DeHaan Family Terrace, a beautiful garden space along the downtown Indianapolis Central Canal. Located in Indianapolis' White River State Park, the Eiteljorg Museum is within walking distance of the RCA Dome, Circle Centre Mall and several major downtown hotels.

Indianapolis Zoo
Just footsteps from downtown, the Zoo is open daily at 9 a.m. Highlights include Indiana's largest aquarium, open exhibit areas with 350 different animal species and seasonal pony, train and family roller coaster rides. The complex also includes the 3.3-acre White River Gardens, featuring hundreds of plant varieties on display in outdoor gardens, as well as entertaining and educational conservatory exhibits throughout the year.

CULTURAL DISTRICTS

Discover Mass Ave
Known as the arts and theater district, Mass Ave is marked by the free-spirited and friendly mood spilling from its eclectic mix of trendy venues. Five performance theaters and numerous art galleries make their homes here. Independently owned restaurants serve up some of the best meals in town. And, with its unique shops, Mass Ave is no place for mass production.

Discover Indiana Avenue
West of Downtown is an area that showcases Indianapolis' rich African-American heritage. Indiana Avenue anchors the district that stretches from the Central Canal to the White River. This diagonal gateway to Downtown is home to the IUPUI campus, the city's life sciences initiative and a collection of major medical campuses. The Madame Walker Theatre Center and the Freetown Village are also located on Indiana Avenue.

Discover Fountain Square
Looking for out-of-the-ordinary experiences in Indianapolis? Look right down Virginia Avenue to Fountain Square and discover a vibrant neighborhood as unique as the people who call it home. You'll find that Fountain Square is anything but…square. Great food, uncommon shops, noteworthy architecture and distinctive entertainment make Fountain Square a must-see destination in Indianapolis. This historic community has a town square and central fountain. It also boasts a concentration of visual, literary and performing artists who live and work in the neighborhood.

Discover Wholesale District
Welcome to the Wholesale District, where marquees showcase the best performances in town, tuxedoed doormen greet guests, shoppers flood into Circle Centre and sidewalks bustle with residents and visitors soaking up the scenery. If you're looking for a night - or a day - out on the town, you've come to the right place. In the Wholesale District, Entertainment is front and center. Amid Downtown's historic buildings and modern skyscrapers, in the heart of the business and entertainment district, you'll find the biggest names and brightest attractions. From world-class shopping and professional sports to concerts and theater, it's all here among fine hotels and signature restaurants.

Discover Canal & White River State Park
Whether it's a relaxing stroll, vigorous run, day at the ballpark, shark adventure, Indiana history lesson, exploration of Native American art, lessons about Lincoln or an outdoor concert, The Canal and White River State Park has surprises for everyone. This is not your typical park or waterway. Scattered throughout the Canal and 250-acre state park are the city's most inspiring museums, attractions and celebrations which offer a waterside promenade for strolls, jogging, inline skating, biking and boating. Discover Indiana's heritage as you meander along the limestone walkway, enjoying a stunning backdrop of the Downtown skyline. This cultural destination boasts seven major attractions, festival space, public art, unique cafes and three miles of walkways on the refurbished historic Central Canal. Amenities: Pedal boat rentals, assorted bike rentals, gondola rides, murals, bridges, fountains, History Center waterside cafe, waterfalls. Attractions: U.S.S. Indianapolis Memorial, Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, Historic Landmarks Foundation, Indiana Government Center, Military Park, Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum/IMAX and NCAA Hall of Champions.

SHOPPING

Circle Centre Mall
Shopping, dining and entertainment complex, reminiscent of a European street market but located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. With anchors Nordstrom and Carson Pirie Scott, 100 specialty stores, fine dining, food court and convenient parking, Circle Centre offers you more choices. Open: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. Department store, restaurant and holiday hours may vary.

DINING & PUBS

Restaurants and Pubs Map
Indianapolis is a diner's dream with a smorgasbord of edible offerings available. Tempt your taste buds with everything from succulent steaks and seafood at independently owned eateries to casual, familiar chains and fast food joints. In Indy, there's something to please even the most discriminating palate.

MUSIC AND ARTS

Indiana Repertory Theatre
The best in professional regional theatre -- comedy, drama, classic, contemporary and new plays. Artists from across the country and Indiana craft world-class theatre.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra continues a tradition of musical excellence in live concerts and community service. Most performances are held at historic Hilbert Circle Theatre on Monument Circle.

Indianapolis Museum of Art
Just 15 minutes from downtown Indianapolis on 152 acres of gardens and grounds, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is the fifth largest general art museum in the United States, with a collection of more than 50,000 works that spans a wide range of cultures and eras.

American Cabaret Theatre
The American Cabaret Theatre - Indianapolis' premier musical theatre and most exciting choice for live, quality entertainment is located in the historic Athenaeum building in downtown Indianapolis. The theatre offers cabaret style seating, in an intimate setting, complete with a cash bar and concessions.

Dance Kaleidoscope
Indiana's premier contemporary dance company consistently brings the finest quality dance performances to diverse audiences of all ages, mixed with a strong emphasis on arts education. The professional ensemble features talented individual artists who bring their multi-faceted skills together to form an ensemble dedicated to giving world-class performances of contemporary dance.

Broadway Across America
Broadway Across America - Indianapolis presents first-rate national touring Broadway shows at the Murat Centre and Clowes Memorial Hall.

The Mystery Café of Indianapolis
Participate in an interactive murder-mystery comedy dinner theatre. Enjoy a four-course dinner while solving a murder mystery. Reservations required. Private shows available $38 per person for dinner and show.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Veteran's Memorial Plaza
Veterans' Memorial Plaza is located just north of the Indiana War Memorial. Visitors are drawn to the 100' tall Obelisk fountain in the center of the park. This magnificent four sided shaft of Berwick black granite represents the hopes and aspiration of the nation, a symbol of the power of nature to reproduce and continue the life of the country. Near the base are four bronze bas-relief panels representing law, science, religion and education. The plaza is one of the downtown area's most popular venues for outdoor events; among them the annual 4th Fest celebrating Independence Day and the Indianapolis Public Schools "Back to School Festival".

Military Park
Toss a Frisbee, walk your dog, or simply settle into the grass in this 14-acre green space bordering the IUPUI campus. Although it was a Civil War encampment and home to the first state fair, the park drew its name from its shape-like a military badge. The park is home to many festivals and Indy JazzFest annually.