Indianapolis Off The Beaten Path Tips by staindesign Top 5 Page for this destination

First Fridays

First Fridays are popping up in cities around the country. But I'd like to point out Indy's for the small point of the new but steady food movement growing known as food trucks. This is really great fun! 15+ trucks gather in a parking lot in downtown and sere everything from chef inspired to carnival treats. This is really a community event that is growing up quickly and I'm proud Indy is discovering it's food culture. Id recommend the Groovy Guys Fries and Scout's Treats! This trucks can be found town daily as well.

Website: http://google: Indy's First Friday Events

Monument Circle: Circle of lights Tradition

I attended this years ceremony, the first time in 8 years of living in Indy. It was just wonderful! From 6-7pm is the preshow and then from 7-8pm is the actual show that is televised. At 7.50 the tree/monument is lite up, carrols are sang, and fireworks explode above. This city knows how to ring in Christmas. The crowds are large and it is best to arrive early and dress warm!

It takes a lot to get the place decorated, more than 200 volunteer union electricians string 4,784 lights on 52 garland strands each 215 ft. long in November and then return in January to take them down. There are 6 huge lighted raindeer and about 25 lighted trees. Around the circle are 8ft. tall nutcracker soldiers and all of the trees are strung with lights. The surrounding buildings are light up with colored lights and in the windows they usually make an image of a green christmas tree.

Green Drinks!

Green Drinks is a concept that is in many cities. Our green drinks has really expended over the last year and a half. The group tends to meet all over the city, having a speaker just about each month. The first tuesday of every month the group meets, the best way to find out their location is to find them on facebook at GreenDrinks Indy.

greendrinksindy@gmail.com

Phone: (317) 635-3354

I love farmers markets!!!

To begin with, I think farmers markets are great! They give local people an opportunity to buy from local farmers. It is very important to support the local economy, why would want to buy corn from Iowa when there is plenty in Indiana? I have been to 2 here in Indianapolis, one at 62nd and Allisonville Rd. (open March-2nd wk. October) and the one downtown at City Market on Market St. (open Wednesdays: June-October). Right now it is fall and they have the craziest things, some of the gurds are just for decoration they told me. I was wondering because I wouldn't want to eat those, and i surely don't know how I would prepare it!

Plus, this is a great opportunity to mingle with locals and buy some healthy food if you are on a budget travel!

The link that I have included is to all of the farmers markets in Indiana with locations and open times.

Website: http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/States/Indiana.htm