What do you do in Indiana?

Sometimes, I get jealous. Like the time my high school boyfriend took a family friend to (her) winter formal because she didn’t have a date, or the time I lost the student body elections to the “popular girl” who was voted for secretary all four years of high school, or when I realized that I am one of the very few Indiana bloggers, segregated from all the fun blogging activities in other parts of the country. Wait, what?

They (whoever “they” is) say that trends take about five years to get from the coasts to the Midwest. Read: When I started doing Zumba, 2 1/2 years ago, there were five people in my class. My gym was on the verge of canceling the class. Fast forward to the present day, and the class is overcrowded. Everyone in Indiana is freaking out about Zumba, but I’m guessing it’s been popular in California for at least five years now? This is just one example of the slowly moving trends, but blogging is another. I am kind of jealous of the bloggers in NYC and Orlando that can call up another blogger and meet for a “fun lunch date”, just because. If you wanted to meet me for a fun lunch date, the closest restaurant nearby is Applebee’s. We are living large in the Indianapolis suburbs ;). So Indiana might not quite be there (there, meaning- trendy) yet, but let me assure you, we are not how they make us out to be.

This (insert sarcasm) lovely ABC show is supposed to depict a family living in Indiana. My mom and I watched it last week, and we were a little appalled. Why does Indiana have to be considered “average”? Why are the characters wearing clothes that were popular ten years ago? Why does their kitchen look like something out of a 70s sitcom (just watch it- it does)? If you have not been to Indiana, let me assure you, it is not all cornfields and cows (believe me, I had to be convinced when I moved here, too). So, in case you are ever heading to Indiana, or passing through on your way to somewhere more exciting ;), I thought you would like to know everything that “The Hoosier State” (yes, that’s what we’re called) has to offer. And perhaps we can schedule a blogger meet-up while you’re here :).

Everyone is not walking around in overalls, feeding their cows, or shucking their corn. When I first moved to Indiana, the cornfields overwhelmed me. But, it’s gets better :).

If you like sports, we have…

Indianapolis Motor Speedway– home of the Indy 500 and Brickyard 400; The Speedway also has a museum and offers a track tour, both of which are pretty cool to see at least once.

Lucas Oil Stadium– home of The Colts, and next year’s Superbowl

Conseco Fieldhouse– home of The Pacers; Conseco also houses concerts, ice skating shows, and other sporting events

I saw Tay Swift at Conseco, she’s sporting an Indiana jersey 🙂

Or, if you’re more into the arts and/or museums, we have…

Indianapolis Museum of Art– This museum is FREE to the public, and  one of the best places to go on any occasion. In the summer they have outdoor movies on the lawn, shown on a projector screen. People line up a few hours before the movie to get a good spot and picnic.

We saw Roman Holiday, with Audrey Hepburn

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis– Best. Children’s. Museum. Ever. Okay, so maybe I’m biased because I’ve been there so many times, but it is really fun. There are four floors of exhibits;  it takes at least a whole day to see everything. Right now they have a Barbie exhibit, and it is the coolest thing for a little girl (or a grown up girl, like me 🙂 ).

Wonderlab Museum– This is in Bloomington, basically on Indiana University’s campus. It is completely hands-on, making it perfect for kids and adults who feel the need to be constantly doing something.

Indiana State Museum– Here, you can learn all about the history of Indiana, of course. Did you know that Michael Jackson and Florence Henderson are both from Indiana? This also houses the state’s largest movie theater- a six-story IMAX Theater.

And, of course you have to eat…

Traders Point Creamery– Their restaurant, The Loft, features all organic, locally grown food.

Bazbeaux Pizza– I am not a huge “pizza person,” but many of my friends are obsessed with this pizza. They have tons of options, including a whole wheat crust.

Tegry Bistro–  This sushi place has become a once-a-week stop for me. Their avocado sushi and vegetable fried rice are the best I’ve ever tried, and the prices are very reasonable.

Or, if you’re the scholarly type, we do have options when it comes to education…

Purdue University– This is where I first went to college, for a year.

Indiana University– I love this campus!

Jill Behrman 5K at IU

Butler University– Now known as the school who made it to the NCAA Championship two years in a row!

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology– One of the best engineering schools in the country, right up there with MIT.

Okay, so I think you get my point :). If you’ve ever wondered what Indiana has to offer, now you know. We do, of course, have many more things to do, more places to eat, and more colleges than I listed :).

If you’re ever in the area, come say hi. For the record, I do not live on a farm.

However, do be prepared to see corn.

Remember this?

That, my blogger friends, is not an exaggeration.

Where are you from?/What is your favorite thing to do in your state?

Do you live in a part of the country where you can easily do blogger meet-ups?

Have you ever been to Indiana?