By Victoria T. Davis
With more than 850,000 people settled into the Circle City and booming development occurring each day, it may be surprising to some that Indianapolis hasn’t always been Indiana’s capital. At one point, Corydon held this prestigious title after it was previously held by Vincennes. In 1813, the capital moved from Vincennes to Corydon, a more central location for Indiana’s population at the time. That is where 43 delegates met to draft the first state constitution. In 1825, the capitol was moved to Indianapolis.
For visitors and neighbors looking to learn more about either of the state’s capital cities or where to find the top dining and attractions, this quarter’s city spotlight provides it all.
ATTRACTIONS
Indiana Caverns
Discovered in 2010 and opened in 2013, Indiana Caverns is one of the longest caves in the U.S., measuring more than 41 miles. In February 2012 in Corydon, Ind., a connection between Blowing Hole and Binkley Caves was discovered. The Binkley Cave System became the 11th longest in the nation and the longest in Indiana. Since then, there have been numerous books and online posts regarding Binkley Caves. Guests of Indiana Caverns enjoy an 80-minute tour, which includes an underground boat ride that explores the cave’s heights, depths, a waterfall, ice age fossils (including bones dating back at least 40,000 years), tracks, claw marks and formations.
For more information, visit IndianaCaverns.com.
Indiana Repertory Theatre
For more than 40 years, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT)
has provided a gathering space for Hoosiers interested in a wide variety of musicals, dramas and cultural views for the entire family. Visitors can expect to see legendary shows such as “The Great Gatsby,” “A Christmas Carol,” “To Kill a Mockingbird” and some lesser-known, more personal community plays that hit close to home, like “April 4, 1968: Before we Forgot How to Dream.” If visitors seek a little more entertainment, they can check out some of the IRT’s special events that offer exclusive meet and greets with cast members, craft activities and champagne toasts.
For more information, visit IRTlive.com.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum
Each May, more than 400,000 people from all over the country — and many times, out of the country — visit Indianapolis for one major event: the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the “greatest spectacle in racing.” Race fans get the chance to see race legends on the track, as well as historic cars, photos and trophies in the Hall of Fame Museum. Although the big event is in May, race fans can enjoy the Speedway all year round, as other events are held there such as the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis, Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational, Crown Royal at the Brickyard and Red Bull Indianapolis GP.
For more information, visit Indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Established more than 130 years ago, the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) opened at the English Hotel on Monument Circle in 1883, and the Art Association of Indianapolis organized its first exhibit. Today the IMA serves the creative interests of its communities by fostering exploration of art, design and the natural environment through the collection, presentation, interpretation and conservation of its artistic, historic and environmental assets. Visitors can view upcoming 2016 exhibits such as “Artist Designed Mini Golf,” “Color Me Orchid” and “A Land Enchanted: The Golden Age of Indiana Art, 1877–1902,” in addition to many permanent installations. Several art classes, special performances and films are shown throughout the year.
For more information, visit Imamuseum.org.
Turtle Run Winery
Jim and Laura Pfeiffer, proud owners of Turtle Run Winery in Corydon, Indiana, invite wine lovers to their location to experience award-winning wines and food with those they care about most. Turtle Run Winery is known for incredible scenery, insanely complex dry red and white wines, sweet wines with no sugar added, a Sunday concert series with some of the region’s best bands and the most unusual winery tours, as Jim loves to entertain people while giving tours. About 30 wines are available for sample and purchase, as well as complimentary tastings.
For more information, visit Turtlerunwinery.com.
White River State Park
Covering more than 250 acres of land, Indianapolis’ White River State Park is the state’s only urban state park offering a variety of attractions and entertainment. Park lovers can explore the area by renting a Segway or Pacers Bikeshare bicycle, or renting a pedal boat to make their way down the 1.5-mile canal. Several green spaces, such as the Bison Plaza, Celebration Plaza Amphitheater, The Children’s Maze, Historic Military Park and the White River Promenade, are available. Visitors can often enjoy seasonal outdoor events and an array of attractions just a short distance away: Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, IMAX Theater, Indiana State Museum, Victory Field and the NCAA Hall of Champions.
For more information, visit inwhiteriver.com.
Capitol Building
Visit Indiana’s first state office building, the Capitol Building, located in downtown Corydon. The square, Federal-style building, built between 1814 and 1816, is where the first Indiana General Assembly and the lieutenant governor met. To tour the historic site, visitors are encouraged to come any time of the year. Guests can also attend a variety of special events like the “Murder Mystery” dinner and “Real Haunted Happenings Tours,” which takes those brave enough on a nighttime tour of the building during October and November.
For more information, visit Indianamuseum.org/explore/corydon.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Kintner House Inn
Listed on National Register of Historical Places, Kintner House Inn, a 15-room bed and breakfast in Corydon, offers a TV, phone and private bath in each room along with free high-speed, wireless Internet, central air conditioning and antique furnishings. Full breakfast is included with each stay. Guests may also enjoy other perks of staying at Kintner House Inn, depending on the reason for their stay, as a free gift is given to honeymooners. Other lodging perks include: free parking and children ages 12 and under stay free with parents.
101 S. Capitol Ave., Corydon, IN 47112 / (812) 738-2020 / KintnerHouse.com
Nestle Inn
As an alternative to some of Indianapolis’ major hotels, Nestle Inn provides high-quality service just blocks away from popular attractions, restaurants and shopping. The six-room bed and breakfast is located just one block away from Massachusetts Avenue, one of downtown’s most visited neighborhoods. Visitors can expect modern guest rooms, self check-in, private bathrooms, free wireless Internet and an included breakfast. A place to stay isn’t the only thing Nestle Inn provides. Guests can also sharpen up or develop their cooking skills on the property. Instructors from The Chef’s Academy and local restaurants teach fun and informal cooking classes on select Friday nights and Saturday afternoons.
637 N. East St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 / (317) 610-5200 / NestleIndy.com
Old Northside Bed & Breakfast
Located in the middle of the historic Old Northside neighborhood in Indianapolis, this unique brick residence is considered the prime example of Romanesque Revival architecture in the city. Old Northside Bed & Breakfast was built in 1885 by Herman DeWenter, a German immigrant who became a prominent Indiana industrialist. Guests can choose from six different styles of rooms and have access to a 24-hour snack bar, private parking, hundreds of movies in the video library, cable TV, free wireless Internet and a complete breakfast at a time of their choosing.
1340 N. Alabama St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 / (317) 635-9123 / OldNorthsideInn.com
Stone Soup Inn
Choose from a list of traditional guest rooms varying from lofts featuring antique furniture to guest studios at Stone Soup Inn on Indianapolis’ Old Northside. Many rooms feature large bay windows, decorative fireplaces, queen-sized beds and private bathrooms, and some even offer two-person hot tubs. Stone Soup Inn is near many city attractions such as President Benjamin Harrison’s home, Theater on the Square and The Indianapolis Propylaeum.
1304 N. Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202 / (866) 639-9550 / StoneSoupInn.com
DINING
Cafe Patachou
Known as a staple place for brunch meetings and gatherings, Cafe Patachou is the self-proclaimed “student union for adults.” With several locations in the Indianapolis area, the Cafe Patachou menu features build-your-own and specialty omelets, hot grains and granola, varieties of French toast, waffles, sandwiches, homemade soups and chili, and much more. Ingredients from these menu items are sourced locally from within 100 miles. This brunch establishment is also part of a network of other local restaurants that support The Patachou Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to feed wholesome meals to food-insecure school children in the community.
4901 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 / (317) 925-2823 / CafePatachou.com
Emery’s Ice Cream
Established in the 1950s, Emery’s Ice Cream began as family business in a residential neighborhood in New Albany, Indiana. Years later, equipment from the original shop was purchased to help recreate the environment of Emery’s old-fashioned ice cream shop. Today, owners claim not much as changed, except the relocation of the shop to Corydon, Indiana. Customers can choose from more 33 ice cream flavors such as Homemade Real Banana, Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon, New Orleans Creole Cream Cheese, Dutch Chocolate and others. Candies, Amish chocolates, sherbets, sundaes and other cold beverages are available.
112 W. Walnut St., Corydon, IN 47112 / (812) 738-6047 / EmerysIceCream.com
Fredericks Cafe
For those looking for a quick, fast food-style meal, they won’t find it at Fredericks Cafe. The owners, Debi and Ron Frederick, pride their establishment on slow- and home-cooked brunch. Located in downtown Corydon, customers can find some traditional favorites such as eggs, biscuits and bacon, but many find themselves hooked on Debi’s homemade pies. Guests are invited to check out weekly specials such as Fish Friday and Italian night.
400 N. Capital Ave., Corydon, IN 47112 / (812) 738-3733 / FredericksCafe.com.
KentJava Coffee Bar
One day in February 2013, Sherry Watson spotted the perfect location on Chestnut Street in Corydon to open her dream coffee shop. The name “KentJava Bar” was created in memory of Watson’s husband, Kent, who passed away in 2007 after a five-year battle with a rare type of heart cancer. KentJava offers a wide selection of specialty coffee drinks, featuring beans roasted by Quills Coffee, and fresh pastries baked in-house. Choose from hot tea, Chai latte, macchiato, espresso, hot chocolate, brownies, cupcakes or scones. The mission at KentJava Bar is to serve quality drinks in a positive, relaxed and, most of all, friendly atmosphere.
227 E. Chestnut St., Corydon, IN 47112 / (812) 736‑0032 / KentJavaBar.com
Yard House
Recognized as one of Indianapolis’ top new restaurants, Yard House provides more than 100 beers on tap and food items such as street tacos, firecracker wings, grilled chicken and avocado wraps, grilled burgers and a selection of pizzas. For those who appreciate vegetarian cuisine, Yard House’s Gardin menu may pique their interest. This menu offers meatless dishes such as jerk wings, fried chicken strips and spicy Thai chicken pizza with a chicken substitute made from soy, wheat, pea proteins, vegetables and ancient grain.
15 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 / (317) 917-4408 / YardHouse.com
Yats
Get a taste of New Orleans while visiting Indianapolis at Yats. Owner of several city locations, Joe Vuskovich, wanted to make sure each location offered a rotating menu with a diverse selection of down south flavors. Customers can find items such as jambalaya, chili-cheese ettouffee with crawfish, drunken chicken, red beans and rice and vegan chili on the menu. All meals are served with toasted buttered bread.
5363 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220 / (317) 253-8817 / YatsCajunCreole.com
