Ladies & gentleman, start your engines! Home to the Indy 500, welcome to Indianapolis. Whether you're coming for a race, or just looking for a getaway, I have a full weekend travel guide of the best spots in the city. Buckle up, we're headed into it full speed!
Hotel:
Ironworks: 2721 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240
The first lap brings us to a one of a kind, industrial, boutique hotel in the northern suburbs of Indy. This sweet suite allows for an abundance of space with a separated area to lounge and relax. There is a substantial amount of natural light as windows line the entire room, a walk-in rainfall shower, and two flat screens for entertainment.
Just steps from your industrial suite, you will be immersed with some of the top restaurants in the entire city. I highly recommend trying out both Provision and Rize, both accessible from the lobby of the Ironworks Hotel. We enjoyed breakfast at Rize and I cannot recommend the Farmhouse Waffle, Crispy Fried Potatoes (best potatoes I've had), and Chia Seed Pudding Bowl enough; everything was incredibly flavorful!
Breakfast:
Sugar Factory: 49 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Alexa, play Candy Shop by 50 Cent. As they say "life is short, make it sweet"! The newest Sugar Factory just opened in downtown Indy and it’s a pink dream. The Strawberry Cheesecake Overload Pancakes were OUT. OF. THIS. WORLD. They literally come with an entire cheesecake and ice cream bar on top. Make sure to bring a friend…or four to share (lol)! If you’ve never been to The Sugar Factory before, the goblet drinks are a must! They come smoking over dry ice (make sure to have your cameras ready) and are perfect for sharing. We tasted the Strawberry Cadillac Margarita which was designed and tasted by Nick Jonas; all of their famous goblets are designed by some of your favorite famous people!
Gallery Pastry Bar: 319 E 16th St Ste 101, Indianapolis, IN 46202
This girl is pancake obsessed! Calories don’t count when it comes to brunch...in my book that is. Talk about a brunch feast; I highly recommend the lemon soufflé pancakes, which are super airy and flavorful, as well as the lavender white chocolate blueberry tart. Don't skip out on the pastries, because this is now my second time making a trip to Gallery Pastry Bar because they do it best!
Lunch:
Garden Table: 342 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Drink the rainbow! This morning’s lineup was absolutely stacked with the tastiest freshly squeezed juices; here’s my petition for more fresh juice flights with every brunch. Grab your girls & head to The Garden Table for brunch on the patio! It is the perfect vibe for sweet sips, fun vibes, and yummy food!
Petite Chou Bistro: 823 E Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46220
There's nothing a 'tini can’t fix. POV: You spend happy hour in the garden of roses with a martini in hand and fresh salad to enjoy. Now that doesn’t sound like a bad way to start the week, if you ask me! Ask to sit on the patio of this iconic French neighborhood restaurant that overlooks the Broad Ripple area of Indy, and enjoy the amazing ambiance.
Dinner:
Verde: 2727 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240
If you are looking for outstanding, full of flavor, and authentic Mexican food then look no further then Verde. Believe me when I say this is the best Mexican food I've had in quite some time. Verde is a family owned restaurant where they have passed down their tasteful dishes through many generations. The entire vibe of the restaurant will have you feeling like you are in a jungle oasis. We tasted a four-course offering of some of the best dishes they have to offer. The presentation is truly unmatched by their amazing chefs with our entree's being presented while flaming and a full dessert truck display full of homemade churros. I will definitely be booking a trip back soon simply to eat here again!
Sangiovese: 2727 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240
After reading endless stellar reviews of this Italian restaurant, and with it being just steps from our suite, we headed to Sangiovese. This is the perfect date night spot to enjoy a bowl of pasta and a glass of vino. I cannot recommend the Tortellini Alla Effie, a cheese tortellini with sautéed shrimp and spinach in vodka sauce, enough!
Coffee:
Bovaconti Coffee: 1042 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Ciao Bella! Trying new coffee in a new city is officially my favorite thing to do. They have the cutest indoor/outdoor setup with a fun retro-vibe and neon sign. I highly recommend the matcha latte for something a little more sweet, pictured below, or the nitro cold brew if you like your coffee black.
Treats:
Cake Bake Shop: 6515 Carrollton Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Life is short, eat the cake...especially if it is the Cake Bake Shop's. This romantic rose garden is a must when in Indy! They have two gorgeous locations, tap here to read about my visit to their second location, and make sure to come hungry for the dessert. I recommend coming for afternoon tea with the girls, and treat yourself to their decadent cakes - they seriously are so pretty I didn't even want to eat it.
Where am I jetting off to next? I'll see you back here soon!
XO,
Hanna Rose
