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For the shopping enthusiast, Indianapolis is full of untapped potential. The city boasts dozens of top-notch shopping areas, from high-end retailers to fun local boutiques. Whether your heart's set on window shopping or you actually want to splurge on some purchases, the following retail districts are where you need to be. Indianapolis City Market For a closer glimpse into Indianapolis history and culture, head to the Indianapolis City Market. This unique shopping stop has over 30 local artisan booths, meaning you're sure to find that perfect homemade gift for a loved one. While there are plenty of sellers offering hand-forged jewelry and other items, the majority of the items for sale here are food-oriented. This is the best place in the city if you need fresh fruits and vegetables, ethnic spices, exotic coffees and teas, or locally sourced meats. While you're here, you'll absolutely need to get a snack at one of the many fine eateries. Grab a slice at Mauricio's Pizzeria, or try something a little sweeter at Simply Divine Cupcakes. more Mass Ave While the Mass Ave neighborhood only encompasses five blocks, it provides one of the city's most unique cultural experiences. In addition to having numerous art galleries, theaters, and restaurants, Mass Ave is a shopper's paradise rife with small boutiques. More than 20 retail businesses await your visit, offering everything from baked goods for dogs to quilting supplies. Be sure to stop by Stout's Shoes, which is the nation's oldest shoe store. You'll probably also want to take a respite at The Best Chocolate in Town, which specializes in a number of tasty treats including truffles, toffee, and turtle squares. Broad Ripple Just 20 minutes outside the city center, Broad Ripple offers discerning shoppers the chance to step outside the box. There are more than a dozen small, locally owned shops here for you to explore. Stop by the Indy CD & Vinyl record shop to browse for your favorite tunes, or try The Shop Indy for local sports gear and souvenirs. After you're done burning holes in your wallet for the day, soothe the fire with a cold beer from one of the numerous bars and clubs that line the streets. Circle Centre Mall With numerous skywalks that link the building to 12 separate hotels in the downtown area, Circle Centre Mall is the throbbing heart of Indianapolis's shopping scene. Browse nearly 100 stores in this massive complex, including favorites like H&M, Victoria's Secret, Journeys, and Forever 21. If you get hungry while you're walking around this 729,981-square-foot complex, feel free to stop at either the food court or one of the 13 full-service restaurants for a bite to eat. After a long day of shopping, Circle Centre Mall also numerous opportunities to relax. Catch a movie at the UA Circle Centre 9 theater, or schedule a foot massage at Art Spa. Wherever you choose to shop in Indianapolis, you're bound to have an exciting day on the town. You may even want to hit up a few of these locations to maximize your day of fun. Image via Pixabay

There are many great events coming to Indianapolis in February. Grab a friend or load up the family for one of these local events. CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo It’s more than an eight-second ride at the 2019 CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo. Twelve contestants compete in three featured events including Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding and its most extreme sport, Bull Riding for the winner-takes-all Showdown Round. Come early for the pre-show at 6 PM for an opportunity to meet and greet the cowboys and cowgirls. The pre-show also includes pony rides, a peek behind the scenes, special giveaways and more. Learn more about this main event get your tickets to the rodeo for a night of fun with the family. The event will take place February 1-2 nd at Banker’s Life Fieldhouse at One Bankers Life Ct., 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 more A Conversation with John Cusack & High Fidelity For fans of John Cusack and the hit comedy “High Fidelity,” this is the event for a top five list. The event will host a screening of High Fidelity followed by a live conversation with John Cusack about his career and making of the film. You will get the opportunity to experience a moderated discussion and possibly get a question of your own answered by John. Tickets are available now with a limited number of VIP seats are available that include a post-show photo op. The event will be at Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, February 7 th. Old National Centre is located at 502 N. New Jersey St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 Monster Jam The world’s premier monster truck series, Monster Jam, is revving up on February 9-10 th Indianapolis! The show will include three main fan-favorite elements – the pit party, racing, and freestyle. With a wide variety of tickets, starting at just $15, and affordable family deals, there is a seat for everyone. Grab your earbuds and head down to the main event. The event takes place at Lucas Oil Stadium at 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225 on February 9-10 th. Catch a show at Old National Centre Whether you enjoy comedy shows or music entertainment, the Old National Centre as plenty of shows to offer for February. Catch Dancing with the Stars: Live! On February 1 st or William Shatner Live – screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan on February 8 th. Check out the complete event calendar for more details and ticket options. Old National Centre is located at 502 N. New Jersey St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 The Price is Right Live Grab a friend, wear matching shirts and come on down to the Price Is Right Live™ show on February 22 nd. This live, on-stage version of the show offers you and your friend a chance to win big prizes that may include appliance, vacations and possibly a new car! Learn more and purchase your tickets for a fabulous showcase event. The event is held at Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University at 4602 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46208   Image via Pixabay

Basketball is a way of life in Indiana, and fans often follow players from high school to college and onto the NBA. Indiana's NBA team is the Pacers, and they play their home games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse right in downtown Indianapolis. If you like basketball and want to take in a game, here are some ways you can do it like a local. Getting There Some Pacers tickets come with parking passes, but if you don't get these, make sure to get downtown early on game day. If you want to find a space in a parking garage, it's important to beat the crowds. The mall is nearby with parking that is $2 for the first three hours and $5 after that. Other lots in the area near the area range from $5 to $20. Pregame Since you need to get downtown early to get parking, you should have time to grab a bite to eat and a drink before the game. And if you don't have tickets, you can just stay and watch the game from one of these local places. Try Kilroy's for weekly specials and a fun environment or Coaches which is a great place for both before and after the game. If your Pacers experience is one for the whole family, Scotty's is a restaurant nearby with a kid's menu and a large menu with food that everyone will like. more Where to Sit There are no bad seats at Bankers stadium, but for some of the best views, try to find seats down low. Check out the view from each area by going to the official Pacers website to get a 3D tour and choose where you want to sit. If you want to elevate your game experience, try the club level. This area has food and drink service so you can keep watching the game even if you decide you need a snack or want a drink. Don't Skip the Halftime Show Halftime is usually when you get up to use the facilities or get something to eat, but the halftime shows at Pacers games are something you shouldn't miss. You can even make your gameday experience even more memorable, with the Fan Experience halftime show. This includes a performance on the main court, use of Star Rooms if they are available, recognition of your group on the LED ribbon board during halftime, and a complimentary picture. Best Indy Places to Watch The Game If you don't have tickets to the game, there are plenty of places you can go in Indianapolis to watch on a big-screen TV. Ale Emporium has 12 projection screens and over 80 flat screen TVs, and Stacked Pickle has fifty-inch screens and 92-inch projectors so you can see the game no matter where you sit in the restaurant. Locals love the Pacers, and everyone has their own way of watching the game. Whether you head to Bankers Life Fieldhouse to see a game in person or you get together with friends to watch them play at a local bar or restaurant, you can enjoy the game like a local. Image via Pixabay

Indianapolis is a great city for people who love food. It was recently named "the most underrated food city in the U.S." by Condé Nast Traveler, but it won't be for long. We already know Indy for its racing, but people are starting to notice the food scene too. Here are some of the top places for foodies in Indy. Backroom Eatery at Nicole-Taylor's Pasta & Market If you like pasta, then a stop at the Backroom Eatery at Nicole-Taylor's Pasta & Market is a must. This has a changing lunch menu served Tuesday through Saturday so you'll need to check out their social media pages to see what you can get. Foodies who want an experience should book a demo and dinner. These are 10-seat private events, and you get to sit around the chef's prep table to watch the food prep and talk with the chef. Shapiro's Delicatessen Shapiro's is an Indy staple and famous for its corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. Since 1905, this local deli has piled their sandwiches high with high-quality meats, served up matzo ball soup, and made their famous rugelach. Shapiro's has a large, open dining room with a bakery and a grocery store, making it a one-stop shop for all your deli needs. You can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner here and it has a self-serve cafeteria-style line. more The International Marketplace Head to Lafayette Road and the International Marketplace for the best global cuisine in Indianapolis. This area represents cultures from all around the world, and the food is something you can't get anywhere else. There are over 80 restaurants in a 12-block corridor including the Al-Rayan Restaurant and Bakery with cuisine from the Arabian Peninsula, and the Mexican ice cream shop. This marketplace also has over 40 ethnic grocery stores, bakeries, and specialty shops. Milktooth Any foodie visiting Indy needs to go to Milktooth. This is one of Indy's most popular and highest-rated restaurants. Located in the Fletcher Place area of the city, Milktooth offers a unique brunch with menu items you won't see anywhere else. The chef prepares menu items such as apple Dutch baby pancakes, sorghum glazed bacon, and sourdough-chocolate waffles with oolong-infused maple syrup. You can get bacon and beef sloppy Joes for lunch, or smoked Great Lakes whitefish salad and spicy miso soup. Chef and owner Jonathan Brooks is a James Beard semifinalist, and Milktooth is gaining national attention. Indianapolis City Market The Indianapolis City Market first opened in 1866 and it now operates as a food hall in the downtown area. This is the place to go for some of the best vegetarian and vegan food in Indy. Stop by Duos and Three Carrots, or go to Spice Box for Indian food. Circle City Soups has a wonderful corn chowder, and make sure to stop by Gomez Barbecue for smoked meats. Foodies have numerous options in Indy whether they want to sit down in a nice restaurant, shop for unique food, or enjoy ethnic cuisine from around the world. Image via Pixabay

Hoosiers, get out your dancing shoes! With the holidays right around the corner, there is a lot to be excited for here in Indianapolis. Overflowing with holiday spirit, downtown Indianapolis has dozens of fun ways to celebrate these special winter moments. Circle of Lights On the Friday after Thanksgiving, brave the crowds and the cold with thousands of other revelers to enjoy the lighting of downtown's Soldiers and Sailors Monument. For over 50 years, people have enjoyed the annual Circle of Lights that marks the official kickoff of the holiday season. Enjoy live entertainment and Santa's workshop complete with busy elves and mountains of toys. Jingle Rails Each year, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art hosts the annual Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure exhibition that delights children and adults alike. Follow toy trains over 1,200 feet of track adorned with natural replicas of national landmarks made of twigs, moss, and other earthy materials. The train passes through a miniature downtown Indianapolis then heads west through natural and human-made legends of the American West, including Mount Rushmore, Old Faithful, and the Grand Canyon. The train's odyssey is adorned with festive holiday decoration that adds a cozy, homespun touch to this stunning masterwork. more Indianapolis Auto Show In addition to serving as a mecca of car racing, Indianapolis also hosts the Indianapolis Auto Show each year. Held the week after Christmas, it gives those in the market for a new car and car enthusiasts, in general, an opportunity to sneak a peek at the newest rides on the road. Check out hundreds of new models from dozens of manufacturers showcasing cars, vans, concept cars, and more. Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Indiana is proud to have President Benjamin Harrison as one of its native sons. A year-round destination, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site really comes to life during the holiday season. President Harrison was said to have been an enthusiastic admirer of Christmas traditions and was, in fact, the first president to put up a family Christmas tree in the White House. During the holiday season, the former home of President Harrison is decorated to showcase a traditional Victorian Christmas, complete with authentic decorations from the period and vintage children's' toys under the tree. This event is sure to delight all visitors with an accurate representation of holiday traditions at the turn of the 20th century. Christmas at the Zoo For over 50 years, the Indianapolis Zoo has turned into a winter wonderland during the holidays with thousands of twinkling lights and festive events. The first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event, the Indianapolis Zoo winter presentation continues to grow each year. In addition to the lights strung throughout the zoo, Santa's Village features free visits with the man in red himself, a peek at Mrs. Claus' kitchen, and a chance to look at Santa's sleigh and his able fleet of reindeer. Makes sure to check out the Snowflakery, a mirrored maze of twists and turns with a winter flair. Take the city by storm with a huge variety of only-in-Indy holiday events. From festively decorated historic sites to an impressive light display, you'll get in the holiday spirit in no time. Image via Pixabay

During a typical work week, the repetition of waking up early, grinding through busy days, and doing it all again the next day can be exhausting. Once the weekend comes, it is always a nice treat to take it easy and catch up with friends over a delicious, leisurely brunch. Indianapolis boasts a healthy selection of award-winning spots to take on the endless debate over sweet versus savory. Cafe Patachou Lauded as one of the top places for breakfast by Bon Appetit magazine, Cafe Patachou has grown to six locations that serve up a delicious, fresh, and local menu. The James Beard award-winning offerings are sourced from within 100 miles of Indianapolis and include dozens of options for omnivores, vegans, and every dietary choice in between. The mouth-watering breakfast specialties include such hits as Croissant French Toast Patachou, Indiana sweet corn cakes, and a vegan "omelet" assembled with an open-face garbanzo flour “crepe,” hummus, black beans, tofu crumbles, and a variety of salsa and toppings. If it's closer to lunchtime, enjoy the to-die-for chicken salad or a smoked salmon bagel. Or give the Sweet Ruby's Special a try, which includes a cup of tomato artichoke soup and a Southern-style sweet grilled cheese. All proceeds from the Sweet Ruby Special benefit The Patachou Foundation, which provides wholesome meals and information on healthy habits to at-risk youth. more Milktooth Fashioned as an upscale diner, Milktooth has become one of Indianapolis' most talked-about breakfast spots since opening in 2014. Chef Jonathan Brooks has been recognized as one of Food and Wine magazine's best new chefs for his clever and delicious menu that incorporates locally sourced ingredients. Everything at Milktooth is an alchemy of ingredients and flavors that are ingeniously combined for a taste sensation every time. The Indiana Autumn Dutch Baby Pancakes blend shitake mushrooms, sweet potato, bleu cheese and walnuts for an unparalleled umami experience. Looking for something on the sweeter side? The Sourdough Perl Sugar Waffle comes topped with a coffee-poached pear, horchata syrup and sea salt butter for an explosion of sweet flavor. Pair your meal with a vegan cranberry coconut pop tart or sourdough sweet potato donuts for good measure. If you still have room, don't miss the extensive drink menu from which you can choose a Dreamsicle Mimosa for yourself or a pitcher of Basic B Bloody Mary for the table. The Garden Table The Garden Table offers an eclectic blend of breakfast and lunch options alongside a full-pressed juice menu. The Hippie Porridge will leave your belly happy and full with oatmeal, red quinoa, seasonal fruit, and hemp seeds. The vegan banh-mi is a clever twist on the original, composed of sun-dried tomato hummus, avocado, cabbage, and house-made pickles. Don't miss out on the fresh pressed juices that put The Garden Table on the map. Enjoy the Emerald Elixir, a green lemonade made from a detoxifying blend of romaine lettuce, cucumber, celery, kale, spinach, lemon, ginger, and turmeric, among other fresh ingredients. You can also dabble with the cold-pressed juice flight, featuring your choice of four juices. Indianapolis has become a true foodie city, and brunch is a great way to sample your way around. Healthy or decadent, savory or sweet, the Indy food scene offers something for everyone. Image via Pixabay

A day at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana, will take you through a timeline of the state's history with interactive displays throughout. The museum is located at 650 W. Washington St., in White River State Park. Check its website for current days, hours and admission charges. Pre-History It all starts with a geology lesson on how the Earth was formed. The highlight of this room is the 8-foot-tall multimedia globe where you can watch as the continents move and connect, view other planets of the solar system, or check out maps showing population density, education, or other data. The skeleton of Fred the Mastodon, found near Fort Wayne, leads you to the next area, dominated by fossils and an ice age cave you may walk through. From there you move on to landscapes showing native wildlife, with buttons that allow you to hear the sounds made by various animals. more 19th and 20th Century After an introduction to the Native Americans of the area, go upstairs to the second floor. There, you see an overview of the times leading up to statehood in 1816, and life in the state in the 1800s. You can experience various types of early roads, try your hand at choosing supplies for a journey west, or get the feel of sawing and splitting firewood. Various artifacts from the period are explained, providing a sense of life at the time. A three-story diorama and a video describe the importance of the limestone industry in the southern part of the state. Displays detailing Indiana's connections to World War I, the Ku Klux Klan, and breweries lead you to more recent cultural exhibits, from World War II to the present day. You get to see how the war affected life back home in Indiana, which dealt with rationing and war bond drives. Then see artifacts of life from the 1950s through the end of the 20th century. Be sure to visit the Legacy Theater, where a perspective of the African-American experience in Indiana resides. Interactive panels give you a sense of what early African-American residents endured. Next is a room dedicated to national cultural figures from 1900s Indiana, from Emmett Kelly to Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. You can check out the display of photos and descriptions while a video montage plays on. You might discover popular figures you didn't realize came from the state. The historical rundown concludes with a section on Indiana broadcasting. A video terminal explains various parts of the industry's history, from early radio to the latest wireless go-anywhere-with-it video. Traditions and Rotating Exhibits A can't-miss exhibit is surrounded by a circular staircase. A three-story Foucault pendulum that was at the center of the state museum's former building still swings back and forth, demonstrating the Earth's rotation as it knocks over small panels. The third floor offers rotating exhibits, such as sculptures made of Lego blocks, works by Hoosier artists, or World War I propaganda posters and songs. If that's not enough, the museum also houses the state's largest IMAX screen; both documentaries and popular films are shown. Image via pixabay

Indianapolis has several delicious Italian restaurants. You can find a cool pizza place, an excellent family establishment, or an ideal spot for a romantic date. Many area restaurants have been in business for decades, and they use authentic Italian techniques. Here are some of the best Indianapolis restaurants for an awesome Italian meal. Iaria's Italian Restaurant This family-owned diner and bar has been around since 1933, and it has a laid-back, retro atmosphere where people can laugh and have fun with friends and family. You'll find all the Italian favorites here, including baked penne, spaghetti, ravioli, cheese tortellini, meatball parmesan, chicken marsala, and lasagna. Try the fettuccini with Iaria's original clam sauce. It's made with sherry, baby clams, and crushed red peppers. You can also try the seafood pasta with shrimp, scallops, and mussels. The thin-crust pizza bianco has grilled chicken, bacon, provolone cheese, and alfredo sauce. Iaria's, located in the Fletcher Place neighborhood, is open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. They stay open until 10 p.m. on Fridays, and they're open from 4:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. They're closed Sunday and Monday. more Mama Carrolla's Mama Carrolla's Old Italian Restaurant opened in 1997. It's in a charming, Mediterranean-style South Broad Ripple villa that was built in the 1920s, and the food is a lot like the traditional dishes Mama Carrolla prepared for her family. USA Today called it one of the 50 Most Romantic Restaurants, and it's earned many other awards as well. Start with the fried ravioli or a portabella mushroom stuffed with crab meat and cheese. You can also try the Sicilian asparagus patties. They come with asparagus, egg, parmesan, bread crumbs, and a lemon aioli. For the main course, try the rosemary chicken lasagna. It has wild mushrooms, spinach, ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and a tomato butter sauce. The clam linguine has fresh mushrooms sautéed in butter, lots of parmesan, and a splash of Crown Royal. Almost all their dishes are available gluten-free. Napolese This artisanal pizzeria, an offshoot of the popular Cafe Patachou, uses local produce, meats, and cheeses. The pizzas are baked in a stone hearth with homemade dough and tomato sauce. The appetizers and salads change often, and they showcase nearby farmers. Try the smoked salmon pizza with dilled creme fraiche, capers, leeks, garlic, and olive oil. There's an extensive wine list, and you can make your pizza crust gluten-free. For dessert, check out the sweet pizza with Nutella, chocolate sauce, powdered sugar, and gelato. You can choose from three convenient locations, one downtown and two on the north side. You can discover many other excellent Italian restaurants in Indianapolis, whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat, a fun place to hang out, or a unique culinary experience. Relax, have fun, try some new dishes, and make memories with your friends, your family, or a new acquaintance. Image via pixabay

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis exists to create extraordinary learning experiences across the sciences, arts, and humanities, transforming the lives of children and families in the area. This fascinating museum is packed with please-touch exhibits that will help to educate kids while they have a great time. During a visit to the museum, make sure to check out a few of these awesome exhibits. American POP For older kids who are fascinated with the most current TV shows, movies, and music, American POP is a favorite exhibit. This new permanent exhibit allows you to explore pop culture and how it shapes us and the world in which we live. Listen to the latest tunes, play a guessing game of covers versus original songs, learn more about classic TV and movies along with their famous storylines and props, and rediscover classic toys and games with your family. You can also view issues from the collection of comic books from Max Simon, put your family on the cover of a comic book, and strike a pose as a fashion icon. This exhibit has it all for those who are fascinated by not only current pop culture but also past pop culture and its evolution throughout the years. more Dinosphere Take a step back more than 65 million years in time when you enter the Dinosphere, another permanent exhibit at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. In this fascinating exhibit, you'll come face-to-face with life-size replicas of the skeletons of massive dinosaurs, touch a real bone from a Tyrannosaurus rex, and dig for bones with other future paleontologists. Some of the significant specimens on display include Leonardo, a mummified dinosaur whose fossils were unearthed in 2002, and Bucky, a teenage T. rex. If your kids are fascinated by dinosaurs and fantasy, be sure to check out the Dracorex hogwartsia, a skeleton of a dinosaur that is new to researchers and resembles a dragon from a fairy tale, with a bony head covered in knobs and spikes. ScienceWorks Got a budding scientist in your family? Then ScienceWorks is the exhibit to see. This permanent collection feeds the curiosity of young explorers and scientists, offering exploration into the work of geologists, hydrologists, and naturalists; methods for asking questions of real scientists; and a glimpse into how farmers, engineers, and other professionals use their science skills in their daily work. Climb along the side of a hill to learn more about underground animal species, climb behind the wheel of a combine to protect and harvest plants, or learn more about the formation of caves and what species live in these dark caverns. This exhibit also has living amphibians and provides information about how they live and contribute to their pond habitats. With so much to see and do, it's easy to see why kids love the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. This unique and educational spot is fun for children of all ages. Stimulate the minds of your children by taking them on an incredibly fun outing to the museum. Image via Pixabay

When the mood strikes for a cold one, you can find a number of bars throughout Indianapolis, Indiana, that can cure your craving. These are some of the best local bars and lounges, offering great food and drink options, comfortable atmospheres, and plenty of extras. Twenty Tap Twenty Tap is located in SoBro and, as its name suggests, has more than 20 different beer options available on tap at all times. Many of the delicious beer options are brewed locally, offering tasty regional flavors and seasonal vibes. One of the house favorites is the Central State House Belgian Blonde, which comes from the only brewery in the state that focuses primarily on the farmhouse and wilder sides of fermentation. The blonde ale is malty and moderately bitter, offering a craft flavor that appeals to a wider palate. Along with the beer selection, you can also get wine, cocktails, and food. The menu includes appetizers like roasted Brussels sprouts, beer-battered cheese curds, warm soft pretzels, and salads and soups. If you're a burger fan, be sure to try one of the specialty options such as the French breakfast burger, which is topped with Brie, bacon jam, pickled onions, and fries. more Rock Bottom Although Rock Bottom is part of a chain, the location in Indianapolis has one of the best brewmasters in the state. All the beer options on tap at this location are brewed locally. Patrons at this spot enjoy the wheat and IPA beers. The brewing process at Rock Bottom is unique, with special focuses on how the grain is stored and milled and the kettle in which the beer is produced. Sample the Nit Wit, a Belgian Wit beer brewed with coriander and orange peel for a spicy, fruity flavor. If you prefer a more mature beer, ask what's available on cask, which goes through a second fermentation process and is served without extra carbon dioxide. The food menu is also appealing at Rock Bottom. Start your meal with an order of crispy chicken fingers or fried pickles. Next, grab an order of classic or boneless wings, tossed in signature barbecue or Buffalo sauce. You can also dine on steaks, salads, soups, tacos, and other hand-crafted entrees. For your sweet tooth, options include bourbon pecan pie, cheesecake, brownies, and salted caramel toffee. HopCat Another local favorite spot for beer is HopCat, which has hundreds of beers on taps, including macro-brewed pints and local craft options. It's located on College Avenue and is known as the craft beer hub of the city. In addition to the massive beer selection, HopCat offers its signature crack fries, which are beer-battered and sprinkled with the signature seasoning featuring plenty of cracked pepper. You can also add smoked bacon, onions, pickled jalapenos, cheese sauce, cheese curds, caramelized onions, spicy gravy, or scallions to the top of your crack fries. Enjoy a cold beer and maybe some tasty bar food at these local Indianapolis bars. You'll love the extensive menus and the unique vibes at each location. Image via Pixabay

With warm weather on the rise, what better way to cool off than with a visit to a top Indianapolis swimming pool. With both indoor and outdoor facilities catering to residents, going for a swim doesn't have to be limited to summer. Here are four of the coolest Indy pools we think you'll love. The Riviera Club Swimming Pools This massive recreational hotspot is home to 27 acres of indoor and outdoor facilities, including six swimming pools. Two are located indoors, with one being heated and another reserved for juniors. Four are located outdoors, with the main outdoor pool holding the title of Largest in the U.S. The latter also features 15 lanes — with distances ranging from 25 yards to 50 meters — along with slides and a diving tank. Other outdoor pools include a diving pool with three diving boards, a junior pool, and a deep wading pool. The Riviera Club also offers swimming lessons for kids and adults who want to channel their inner Olympian. In fact, the facility served as the training site for a handful of Olympic gold medalists between 1924 and 2004. more Indy Island Pools Located at Raymond Park, Indy Island is perfect for all ages and the go-to spot for affordable summer fun. This indoor facility features a leisure pool that reaches a depth of 3 feet and a 3-lane swimming pool that is 6 feet deep. You'll also find a large spiral waterslide — perfect for older kids and adults — along with deck chairs for lounging in comfort. Oh, and you'll find plenty of water amenities for the kiddos, too, including a playhouse, slide, geysers, and sprayers. Locker rooms and attentive lifeguards round out this facility's extensive list of perks. Krannert Park Pool and Aquatic Center Krannert Park is home to an indoor swimming pool that is accessible year-round and an outdoor aquatic center that's open during the summer. Amenities include everything from a toddler pool and play area to large and small water slides. You can also sign up for swim lessons or one of the many $3 weekly sessions that include water aerobics, water Zumba, and aqua arthritis classes. For even more fun, don't forget to head outdoors to get your fill of the lovely landscape surrounding Krannert Park. You'll enjoy plenty of wooded scenery, a shimmering 2.5-acre pond, 1.6 miles of paved trails, and a variety of sports courts. Thatcher Park Pool The final entry on this list can be found at Thatcher Park. This swimming pool is located indoors and is ideal for swimmers of all ages. It stretches 25 yards and features six lanes, a 12-foot diving well, and a rock-climbing wall. It's flanked by a paved patio area and a large overhead pool cover. The pool is set at 85 to 87 degrees, so it's always a cozy temperature and perfect for a variety of water activities. Much like Krannert Park, this pool offers swim lessons, water aerobics, water Zumba, and aqua arthritis classes, but it also adds kayaking lessons and reserved times for swim team practices. Looking to entertain the family this season? These four Indianapolis swimming pools are your ticket to cool summer fun. Image via Pixabay