Countdown to Conference: Walkable Indianapolis
As our Summer Changes Everything™ national conference nears, we’re bringing you glimpses of our conference site, Indianapolis, from the people who know it best: our 2010 host committee. Here, Roderick Wheeler of the Central Indiana Community Foundation tells you about all the things you can do just within a short distance of the conference hotel, the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown:
Downtown Indianapolis is one of the most beautiful places you have probably never seen, and once you visit, you will not want to leave.
–Enjoy the innovative architecture of the elevated glass Artsgarden (hovering above the intersection of Washington Street and Illinois Street) and the unique amenities offered by White River State Park.
–Literally connected to the hotel is the Indiana Convention Center, soon to be the sixteenth largest convention center in the country.–Arrive on Sunday, Nov. 7, before the pre-conference workshops, and you can watch the 2006 NFL Champions and soon to be 2010 Super Bowl Champs, the Indianapolis Colts, play the Philadelphia Eagles at my favorite place, Scotty’s Brewhouse. On Monday, Scotty’s offers all-you-can-eat wing night.
–On the way back to the hotel, pass by the 63,000 seat Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the 2012 Super Bowl (and of our conference welcome reception Tuesday evening).
–Visit the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) and see a love tale, Mary’s Wedding, just a block from the hotel.
–Circle Centre Mall is in the center of downtown, connected to your conference hotel, but you will never know it. The mall is actually hidden behind the facade of buildings that once graced our city’s skyline.
–Connected to the mall you will find some of the best fine-dining restaurants, including the Oceanaire Seafood Room (one of my favorite places to dine. We can argue all day about the best steakhouse, but St. Elmo, on nearby South Illinois Street, is easily a hometown favorite. But if you are anything like me, and on a budget, then there are more than 260 dining choices in the downtown area that will meet your needs.
–After your session on Tuesday, for as little as $10, come watch the Pacers destroy the Carmelo-led Denver Nuggets at one of the most intriguing stadiums in the NBA.
The Summer Youth Program Fund (SYPF) partners in Indianapolis focus on investing in world-class youth programs so that we may develop world-class citizens. We are especially proud that this great city consistently ranks high as one of the best places to live and to raise children. We are particularly honored that America’s Promise named Indianapolis as one of the top 100 Best Communities for Young People. We can’t wait to see you in Indy at the 2010 Summer Changes Everything™ conference!
2 comments September 7th, 2010