Visit Indianapolis one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Getting there: one-way rates from $105 during frequent sale periods; nonstop on AirTran or Delta.
Trip tips: Spend time exploring the Indianapolis Cultural Trail — a world-class 8-mile urban bike- and pedestrian-friendly path that connects neighborhoods, the Cultural Districts and entertainment amenities, and serves as the downtown hub for the entire central Indiana greenway system. The five downtown cultural districts connected by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail include Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue, the Canal & White River State Park, and the Wholesale District.
BUDGET
Stay: The Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown is part of a collection of five Marriott properties in the heart of this very walkable city. Adjacent is the 250-acre White River State Park, a cultural district featuring the Indianapolis Zoo and several world-class museums such as the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art ($10; www.eiteljorg.org). On site is a TGI Friday's, and guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and hot breakfast at rates from $99.95. 501 W. Washington St. 317-636-7678, www.marriott.com.
Eat: BRU Burger features gourmet burgers, salads, sandwiches and 16 craft beers on draught. Enjoy a classic American burger or the slightly smaller Burger Snack, $4, which can be dressed with unique toppings at no additional charge. 410 Massachusetts Ave. 317-635-4278, www.bruonmass.com.
Experience: Take a brewery tour and sample seasonal and original beers at Indy's beloved big brewery, Sun King Brewery — all complimentary (6 p.m. Thursday or 2 and 3 p.m. Saturday; 135 N. College Ave. 317-602-3702, http://sunkingbrewing.com). Enjoy the 100-acre art and nature park at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, among the 10 largest in the nation. Inside, IMA's collection features more than 54,000 works of art, spanning 5,000 years. Free admission. 4000 Michigan Road. 317-923-1331, www.imamuseum.org.
MODERATE
Stay: The Alexander, a brand-new boutique hotel, features more than 40 works of art curated by the Indianapolis Museum of Art in dramatic public spaces and in guest rooms. Explore Indianapolis' Cultural Trail, located just outside the hotel, with complimentary bicycles. On site is Plat 99, a hip mixology lounge with outdoor terrace seating. Catch a Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium, visit the Indianapolis Zoo at White River State Park or experience a variety of restaurants, museums and theaters at nearby venues. Through Sept. 30, "Dolce" rates from $199 include breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking. 333 S. Delaware St. 317-624-8200, www.thealexander.com.
Eat: Come in flip-flops or a tuxedo to Mesh on Mass. Entrees at this upscale restaurant average $15. Snacks, sliders and tacos are just $2 from 3-6 p.m. and late night. The hidden back patio has open fireplaces. 725 Massachusetts Ave. 317-955-9600, www.meshonmass.com.
Experience: If you're traveling with kids, the Children's Museum is an absolute must as it's considered the world's largest and world's best. Adults enjoy many of their exhibits like "National Geographic Treasures of the Earth" — a look at three of the world's greatest archaeological finds; adults $18.50; $13.50 ages 2-17. 3000 N. Meridian St. 317-334-3322, www.childrensmuseum.org. Rent a gondola to ride along the lovely downtown Central Canal (www.discovercanal.com) — complete with an Italian gondolier. Public ($30 for 30 minutes) and private rides ($150 for 30 minutes) board at Creation Cafe, 337 W. 11th St. 317-340-2489, www.4gondola.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: Conrad Indianapolis is a downtown luxury hotel and one of just four Conrad North American locations. Attached is Tastings, a unique sampling wine bar, and Evan Todd Spa & Salon is inside the hotel. Public spaces are adorned with incredible artwork (for sale) by some of the world's most celebrated artists. The "Summer in the City" package (valid through Sept. 8) includes complimentary valet, Wi-Fi and breakfast in the clubby Capital Grille (by night go for dry-aged steaks and seafood). Rates from $270. 50 W. Washington St., 317-713-5000, www.conradhotels.com.
Eat: Recess is a culinary treat. Every day, chef Greg creates a four-course prix-fixe dinner from scratch, using for inspiration the season's freshest local and regional ingredients. $56. 4907 N. College Ave. 317-925-7529, www.recessindy.com.
Experience: A check off the bucket list: Don a fire-proof racing suit, helmet and shoes and then get strapped into a real IndyCar and be driven around the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway (3 laps/2.5 miles each lap) at 180-200 mph. Many of these rides are given by former Indy 500 winners and racers Davey Hamilton and Arie Luyendyk Jr. 1201 Main St. 317-243-7171, www.indyracingexperience.com.
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