We are very excited to welcome you for the weekend to Central Indiana! With Indianapolis, Carmel, and several other towns nearby, there are an abundance of activities to spend your time. Here are some of our personal recommendations:

Activities:

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum

Nothing is more Indianapolis than the Greatest Spectacle in Racing –the Indianapolis 500. While the race will have already occurred on Memorial Day Weekend, the track has wonderful guided tours and a newly renovated museum on the grounds.

The Children’s Museum

If you’re looking for a fun way to entertain the kids, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum is world renowned for its fun and interactive exhibits. Boasting the title of the largest children’s museum in the world, the DinoSphere and Outdoor Sports exhibits are particularly popular.

The Canal and Indiana State Museum

Late July in Indiana can sometimes feel like the inside of an oven, so a great way to cool off is to take a stroll along the Downtown Canal, pop into the Indiana State Museum, or even rent a swan pedal-boat to get the full experience.

NCAA Museum

Near the Canal is the national headquarters of the NCAA, as well as a greatly underappreciated museum experience. Explore college athletics history, and even recreate some iconic March Madness buzzer beaters in the replica 1930’s Indiana gymnasium.

Indians Baseball Game

The Indianapolis Indians, the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, play at one of the best minor league stadiums in the country in Victory Field. Enjoy affordable tickets and a picturesque view of the Indy skyline from the outfield lawn—perfect for families to spread out a blanket and soak in the sun.

Newfields Museum

For a blend of art, nature, and culture, Newfields is a must-visit just a short drive from Indianapolis. Housing the Indianapolis Museum of Art, you can stroll through historic gardens or visit the Lilly House and The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. With a café and beer garden, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon.

Food and Drinks:

Mama Carolla's (Italian)

Modita (Asian/Sushi)

Livery (Latin)

La Piedad (Mexican)

Root and Bone (Southern)

Morning Pick-me-ups:

Tinker Coffee Co.

Hubbard and Cravens Coffee Co.

Parlor Public House

Bovaconti (Fountain Square)

Activities:

Carmel Arts and Design District

Walk amongst a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafes for a day of shopping near the reception venue. Plenty of great food options as well.

Coxhall Gardens

Enjoy a large, picturesque park in West Carmel with paved trails for biking or walking, a recreation lake for fishing, and even the occasional live music at the Centerpiece amphitheater. Kids can play in Children’s Garden with its tunnels, playhouses, and rainbow-colored paths.

The Palladium

Located right next door to Hotel Carmichael, the Palladium concert hall is a famed venue for shows in Carmel. While we can’t guarantee a show that weekend, the American Songbook Foundation is currently hosting an exhibit there about the history of jazz. The American Songbook Foundation, and jazz generally, greatly inspired Hotel Carmichael’s aesthetic.

Food and Drinks:

Divvy (Small plates)

Vivante (in Hotel Carmichael)

Adagio Lounge (in Hotel Carmichael)

Joe's Butcher Shop and Fish Market (Fresh deli)

Roma Ristorante (Italian)

Morning Pick-me-ups:

The Cake Bake Shop

Bovaconti (Carmel)