Indianapolis Races Ahead as a Gay-Friendly City

It may be coined as the "Racing Capital of the World," but Indianapolis is known for much more than the Indy 500 -- especially in the arts and cultural arena.

America's 13th largest city is re-starting its engine, with more than $3 billion in new tourism developments in trendy downtown neighborhoods, one-of-a-kind museums, outdoor recreation, and increasingly more GLBT friendly offerings.

According to the Dallas Voice, a GLBT paper, "You'll find quite a few lively gay and lesbian bars here (Indianapolis), along with a handful of historic gay-friendly B&Bs and some wonderfully appealing, artsy neighborhoods with an engaging mix of attractions and shopping."

While the city does lay claim to 10 world-class sports venues, those of us who can't tell a homerun from a touchdown need not fear. With 14 museums, 21 galleries and 25 performing arts centers and theaters, there's also a finer side to this Midwestern city three hours from Chicago.


Where to Stay - Gay Friendly Hotels

Indianapolis offers a wide variety of gay-friendly accommodations, from quaint to sophisticated, affordable to luxury.

For a cozy getaway in the heart of downtown, try the Villa Inn, which offers extensive spa services and one of Indy's top 25 restaurants.

For a more elegant stay, a good bet is Conrad Indianapolis-one of only three Conrad hotels in the U.S. Their Spa Chakra offers a wide array of treatments and tons of celebrities come through when visiting Indy- including Jennifer Aniston and President Elect Obama. The Canterbury Inn is a European boutique-style hotel that prides itself on charm and hospitality with a traditional afternoon tea served to guests daily.

Each of these hotels is located downtown, a short walk from the GLBT friendly neighborhood of Mass Ave. (www.discovermassave.com). Located on the Northeast edge of downtown, Mass Ave is lined with exclusive boutiques, gay-popular lounges, one of a kind restaurants and theaters. Be sure to check out one of our favorite spots: Out Word Bound Bookstore.

Just 10 minutes north of downtown is the trendy Broad Ripple Village neighborhood. It's an enclave of cafes, bars, wine shops and boutiques. Stop and check out Missing Link for off the beaten path vinyl records and albums. Also, don't miss Broad Ripple Vintage (824 East 64th Street, 317-255-4135) for cheap vintage clothes on par with NYC. When it's time to eat, check out 3 Sisters Cafe for teas and vegetarian dishes.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art touts more than 50,000 pieces from around the globe, set on more than 150 acres. It's also home to the original three-ton "LOVE" sculpture. Check out Picasso, van Gogh, and Gauguin. FREE admission. www.imamuseum.org

White River State Park is a unique 250-acre green space located downtown Indy. www.discovercanal.com. The park offers festivals and concerts, public art, cute cafes and three miles of walkways on the historic Central Canal. You can even take Segway rides touring downtown. The Eiteljorg Museum, one of only a handful of museums in the nation focusing on Native American Art, is cool to check out as well. www.eiteljorg.org

It's at White River State Park where you can enjoy Italian-style gondolas that will take you on an enchanting ride through the waterway - so grab your special someone and come enjoy the breathtaking views.

May marks the month of the world renowned Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, but you don't have to be into racing to get in on the fun. Indy's 500 Festival (www.500festival.com) is one of the largest festivals in the nation - a month-long celebration of the legacy and impact that the race has had on the city.

Last year nearly 500,000 people from around the world were apart of the 500 Festival. Parts of the festival that you won't want to miss are one of the nation's premier parades and the Mini-Marathon, which is the largest half-marathon in the U.S., and overall, the fifth largest running event in America.

The month of June means its time for Indy Pride, Indianapolis' annual Gay Pride Festival. The Gay Pride Parade, concerts, parties, drag performances, speeches and trade stalls make this extravaganza a highlight of gay Indianapolis' calendar and in recent years has attracted around 30,000 gays, lesbians and friends. (www.indyprideinc.com).

Also in June, every Fathers Day Weekend at Military Park downtown, Indianapolis presents the Indy Jazz Fest. The three-day musical celebration spotlights the best in jazz, funk, R&B, blues, zydeco, gospel and more, from local, regional and even national musicians.

Don't think there's nothing exciting in the winter either. November is the time for the LGBT Film Festival, a weekend event featuring gay-themed films. The theme may be the same, but the content varies completely from year to year.


Shopping in Gay Friendly Indianapolis

A classic choice for shoppers is downtown's Circle Center Mall. Housing 100 specialty stores, fine dining, a food court and easy parking, Circle Centre is the way to go if you need choices and convenience.

On the more upscale end of the Indy shopping scene is Keystone at the Crossing Fashion Mall. Featuring Saks, Crate and Barrel, Coach, Burberry and over 90 more specialty shops, Keystone is hands down the place for classy shopping.

Browse through the gallery and showroom of Indiana-based, internationally-acclaimed American Contemporary Realist Nancy Noël. Visitors may purchase original paintings, limited and open edition prints, works on canvas, books, computer screensavers and textiles featuring sensitive child angel portraits, as well as Amish, African, floral, animal and whimsical images. Sensitive portraits of animals and Amish children have helped make Noël a household name. www.nanoel.com

An exceptional gallery featuring original artwork handcrafted by local and regional artists and located just inside the Indianapolis Art Center's main entrance, the Basile Gallery provides an edifying location for artists to sell their artwork and an educational and inspiring venue for the community to purchase artwork. It's a contemplative space - a space of slowing down and appreciating beauty in sight, sound and scent and one that encourages the artist in each of us.
www.indplsartcenter.org/html/basile.html

Clay Terrace became central Indiana's first lifestyle center when it opened in early 2005. The array of upscale fashion and food retailers is located just 16 miles from downtown. Home to more than 60 retailers neatly aligned in an open-air setting, shops and restaurants. www.clayterrace.com


Getting Around in Gay Friendly Indianapolis

It's not called the crossroads of America for nothing! More than 50% of the nation's population is within a day drive of Indy.

Arriving at the new $1.1 billion Indianapolis International Airport - the first airport designed and built post Sept. 11 - make sure to admire the more than $4 million in public art. Outside of baggage, hop aboard the "Green Line," taking you 10 minutes to downtown and the front door of your hotel - all for only $7. There's no need to rent a car, as there are more than 200 restaurants and 50 attractions within walking distance.

By 2010, the city will be even more bike friendly, with the addition of the $50 million Indianapolis Cultural Trail - connecting nearly all of the city’s attractions and restaurants via designated urban trail (www.indyculturaltrail.org). A portion is already open, and in the end, more than eight miles will be connected. Grab a friend, rent some bikes and check out the city.


Farm to Table - Dining in Gay Friendly Indianapolis.

As an agriculturally rich state, Indianapolis has been serving up "farm to table" cuisine way before the west and east coasts brought this into "hip."

R Bistro is one of these off-the-beaten-path places, sourcing all product locally.
Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant only has 15 tables, so call ahead.

More than 20 years ago, Martha Hoover moved from NYC to Indy, and couldn't find a healthy place for her kids to have breakfast - the solution, she opened her own. Cafe Patachou sources all fresh, Indiana ingredients and has six locations all in Indianapolis. Try their omelets with free range eggs or their homemade granola. They are open for breakfast lunch and some spots even dinner.

Sushi lovers must try Naked Tchopstix, a contemporary, family-owned sushi bar and lounge, featuring specialty rolls like the Crunch Munch or the Playboy Roll (which comes to you on fire)! They also offer a class, "Sushi for Sissies," teaching you the art of making sushi and the health benefits.

Another recommendation is the French, Asian and Mediterranean-influenced Elements and the five-star Scholars Inn, which is known for its effervescently glowing colors and food so exquisite that the owner calls it "sex on a plate"; - both of which are very well-received by gay residents and visitors.

Gay Bars and Nightlife in Indianapolis


When it's time to cut loose and hit the town, there are plenty of hot spots and cool gay bars in Indianapolis. Whether you're looking for cocktails or dancing, a social hub or intimate bar, there are tons of options. Here are a few gay-friendly establishments you may want to visit.

501 Eagle
Classic leather and jeans cruise bar, where you'll be met by a crowd ready to cut loose and have a good time.

English Ivy's Restaurant and Corner Bar
This neighborhood restaurant and bar is a nice place with a friendly staff. Big screen TV, reasonably priced dining and late night menu make it a gathering spot during the weekends.

Greg's Indianapolis
An Indy Classic, the bar was formerly Our Place, and still sometimes referred to as OP's. The bar was renamed in 2002 in honor of the late Greg Powers. The bar has been serving the community for over 20 consecutive years. The club features amusements, heated patio, live entertainment, and over 10,000 watts of sound!

Metro
A cool downtown gay nightspot, Metro is located on the south side of Mass Avenue, between College and East Streets.

Talbott Street
Located off Talbott street downtown Indy, this legendary bar has re-opened after extensive renovation. The bar features a huge dance floor and weekend drag shows.

Varsity Lounge
An Indy institution, the Varsity Lounge is the oldest gay bar in Indianapolis.


For more information - and a complete list of all the gay bars in Indianapolis - visit the City Directory found on the left side of this page!

Check out other deals in Miami
National Hotel
Delux Room $(50-15)
King Room $(100-2)
Master Suite $(500-8)

Check out other deals in Sacramento
Sac Hotel Test
Jeff's Deal $1
Eddie's Deal $50