Hangin' Indy Style

I'm bound for home later today (yeah!) so I had to get out and walk around last night to see what Indy's downtown had to offer. It's a great city - tons of restaurants, shops, malls, and things to do within walking distance of the hotel. It's a big town with a small town Midwestern attitude. I can't remember if I mentioned this in my earlier post, but Indy is what Kansas City aspires to be when it grows up.

I snapped some pictures to share with you, but it was a rather grey, overcast day and the cell phone camera just didn't do well. First up is the Indiana Capital, which is right across the street from my hotel.

I love that golden eagle at the very top (biggify to see it!)  Then, just 2 or 3 blocks away is what is referred to as Monument Circle which is a roundabout with a huge monument in the middle called the "Soldiers and Sailors" monument.  It's dedicated to the Indianans that served and died in the Civil War and Mexican War.  I love history and, in particular, these types of beautiful monuments.  I'm not sure if you can pick it up,but look at the detail in the carving.

I believe that picture on the rigth is depicting victorious Lady Liberty.  The angel carrying the olive branch overhead signifies peace after the tribulation depicted at her feet.  I particularly love the slave with the loosed chain.  This is a beautiful monument and the pics just don't do it justice.  Around it is the financial district and tons of shops, including the Best Chocolate Company.  How could I resist stopping in there?!

On the way back from the monument, I spotted another beautiful bronze statue at the Capitol and snapped a pic of it.  The detail on the bottom of her gown is astounding - especially when you consider that it's done in bronze!

Then it was back to the hotel for some dinner and relaxing. The famous football coach Don Shula has a restaurant here in the Westin, so I thought I would try it out.  It's comparable to a Morton's or a Ruth Cris if you've ever been to one of those.  Expensive but the service is impeccable.  I had the chef's special, Steak MaryAnn, which was two 5 oz filets in a cognac and green peppercorn sauce, and the twice-baked potato (which was as big as an NFL football) followed by a motel chocolate lava cake.  Completely orgasmic is how I would describe it - the best steak I have ever had in my life. 

Speaking of, here's the menu to the right.  Yep, that's a football signed by Shula himself.  And, speaking of football, Lucas Oil stadium is just a block away.  As I was driving into Indy, it completely dominated the skyline.  There's no doubt in my mind what importance the residents of Indy put on their Colts.

Well, I need to run off to my seminar now and then I'm headed for home.  It will be nice to be back at the Farm and not having to sneak down to the lobby to "talk" to all of you.

Have a great day!