Whip it good: Roller Derby in Indy

Sara Croft Saturday, May 5, 2012 | Sara Croft Leave a comment

After 6 glorious seasons, the Naptown Roller Girls wrap up with Cinco De Mayhem, the last home derby bout this Saturday at the Pepsi Coliseum. If you’re reading this and asking “What’s roller derby?” then turn up your speakers and take a peek at this quick and dirty guide:

Think you’re ready to get in on some of the action? Take some tips from this veteran derby attender:

Want get up close and personal with the track? Bring a towel or something cushy for your tushy and snag a floor seat right next to the action. These seats come with a caution sign as it’s possible for you to end up with a roller girl in your lap! Head up to the blue coliseum seats and you’ll find a perfect spot with an aerial view to see all the girls at once.

Either way, get there early – doors open at 6:30pm and the bout starts at 7:30, and don’t forget $5 cash for parking.

Roller derby is very loud! The announcers are spitting out derby commentary while DJ’s Andy and Annie Skinner of A Squared Industries bring the Michael Jackson and P-Funk to get you grooving. The derby is kid-friendly but you may want to pick up some earplugs on your way in.

No need to bring your own snacks, just pick up some tasty pretzels, popcorn, pizza or other options from the vendors located all around the track. You can even quench your thirst with Indianapolis’ Sun King Brewing Company‘s Cream Ale and Osiris or Triton Brewing Company‘s Railsplitter IPA, one of my personal favorites.

Purchase pre-sale tickets for $12 online here or grab them for $17 at the door.

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Categories: Beer, Family, Sports

Being Active in Indy

Kirk Stelsel Friday, May 4, 2012 | Kirk Stelsel 1 Comment

On the occasion of my final post for the Doing Indy blog, I thought I would take the opportunity to write one last time about my favorite hobby.

Since 2007, I’ve been active in races in my pursuit of both health and competition. As a part of that effort, I’ve found Indy has a wealth of options for those who want get involved.

Considering it’s the largest half marathon in the country, I think most people know about the 500 Festival Mini Marathon and 5K event, but it’s certainly not the only road race in town.

If distance is your thing, I’d strongly recommend doing any of the following: Geist Half Marathon & 5K, Indianapolis Marathon & Half Marathon, Monumental Marathon & Half Marathon, and the Indianapolis Women’s Half Marathon.

Want to try something a little different? Give the Planet Adventure Eagle Creek Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 15K & 5K a go. It sounds like a blast!

Marathon Finish Line

 I also have to plug the many charities that put on mostly 5K and 10K races around town. My wife and I have done a number of these together and it’s a great feeling to know your participation means that those in need are supported by your efforts. A simple Google search can help you find these.

While I love running, for me personally a triathlon is even more fun because you get to train in three disciplines. I am far from a great swimmer, which is the hang up for many people considering this, but trust me when I say you can become proficient enough to try one. If I can do it, anyone can.

Here in town there are a number of really great races.

My favorite is the sprint-distance tri series out at Eagle Creek. Tuxedo Brothers do a wonderful job and it’s a distance that anyone can feel comfortable doing.

There’s also the St. Vincent Health Triathlon at Lawrence, the iChallenge Indy Triathlon and Duathlon, and some other indoor triathlons.

Indy Marathon

Well, I guess that’s it. I’ve plugged my favorite hobby one last time and now my final post has come to an end.

I’d be remiss, however, if I didn’t take a moment to thank my family and friends, as well as complete strangers, who have taken time to read my posts. It really has been a pleasure telling you about all the wonderful things there is to do in Indy. It’s a beautiful city with a lot to offer.

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Categories: Family, Sports
Tags: 10K, 500 Fesitval, 5K, Eagle Creek, Geist, half marathon, marathon, triathlon

A Day at The Indianapolis Museum of Art – In Pictures

Evan Strange Thursday, May 3, 2012 | Evan Strange Leave a comment

With amazing weather in Indy, it was hard to resist the urge to head out of the office and explore the grounds at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Enjoy this gallery of all the pictures I took while wandering the IMA and 100 Acres on a beautiful Spring afternoon!

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Categories: Arts, Arts & Culture, Family
Tags: Indianapolis Museum of Art

Weekend in Review: Living Local

Leslie Bailey Wednesday, May 2, 2012 | Leslie Bailey 1 Comment

How many times did you shop or visit a chain establishment last weekend? Once? Five times? I get it. It’s hard not to when there are chains around.

Personally, I usually have to make a concentrated effort to shop local. It’s a very intentional decision. But something happened this weekend – something as a consumer, I hadn’t expected.

I went one weekend without spending a single dollar outside of independently owned businesses without making a conscious effort to do so.

Before heading to a pitch-in birthday party on Friday night, I made an impulse decision to stop by Taste of Philly Pretzels.

Needing something to take to the party, I inquired about the tray of pretzel nuggets I had seen at another event. Within minutes,  I was out the door with a hot batch of pretzel nuggets, cheese dip and a delicious honey mustard – to the delight of the hungry party-goers.

Saturday evening was the wedding of a dear girlfriend. She and her husband planned to marry and celebrate in the same location – much to my delight, it was The Mavris Arts and Event Center. Not having been there before, I was beyond impressed with the character of the space and the originality of the entire production.

After the wedding, we popped over to The Ball and Biscuit for a few appetizers and a nightcap. The place was full of life, the drinks were strong, and the artichoke dip was delicious.

What more could you ask for?

Maxine’s Chicken and Waffles, that’s what!

Well not that evening,  but I knew I wouldn’t make it through the following day without some. Nothing beats Maxine’s sweet potato waffles, peach butter, and fried chicken on the morning after a late night out.

Small and independently owned businesses are part of our communities. I know that Zach at The Ball and Biscuit makes the best cocktails and that Connie at Maxine’s will offer up lemonade when I appear to be dying in their waiting area.

These businesses are our neighbors, our friends, and our family. If those things are important to you, here’s a reminder to try and support them. Get in the habit and before you know it, you won’t have to try at all.

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Categories: Dining, Nightlife
Tags: breakfast, Indiana, indianapolis, Maxine's Chicken and Waffles, Nightlife, Taste of Philly Pretzels, The Ball and Bicsuit, The Mavris Arts and Event Center

FREE Indianapolis Events in May

Cherie Lowe Tuesday, May 1, 2012 | Cherie Lowe 1 Comment

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines!  It’s May in Indianapolis, one of the very best months to do have lots of fun and not spend any money.  Seriously, you can lock up the entertainment budget and still spend every weekend busy.  Here are some of my favorite FREE Indianapolis events this month.

Tuesday May 1st: HEY that’s today!  Poccadio Moroccan Grill is giving away 1000 sandwiches beginning today at 11 AM.  YUM.  I <3 FREE food!  Now you have lunch plans that don’t cost a dime and you can check out a brand spanking new restaurant at their grand opening!

Wednesday May 2nd: May is about speed!  The 500 Festival Kick-Off gives you the perfect excuse to take a long lunch.  Head to Monument Circle from 12 – 1:30 PM for lots of Give aways, including FREE food for the first 500 people.

Thursday May 3rd: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers Target FREE Family Night every month, the first Thursday of the Month.  Not only is admission to the museum free from 4-8 PM, but there are always a host of FREE family activities.  This month, celebrate all things aeronautical as a part of “From Flight to Space.”

Saturday May 5th: Cheer on over 35,000 runners and then celebrate with them at the 500 Festival Post Race Party!  There’s live music, vendors, and activities for all ages.  It looks like this year’s festivities will be warmer than the last 2 years.

Saturdays and Sundays throughout May: Take a tour of Indianapolis Landmarks like the Morris-Butler House, Monument Circle, and the Indiana Landmarks Center for absolutely FREE.  To read more details, go here.

Saturday May 12th: The Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day allows you to spend time, and not money on your kiddos.  There is SO much free fun to be had that I simply can’t list it all here.  Crafts, inflatables, games, freebies, and more!

Saturday May 19th: It’s time for the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Saturday Day in the Park again.  This month, it’s all things Raptors, certain to be hit for your little bird watcher.  Hawks and owls will take flight and be available for a up close meet up.

Friday May 25th: the 500 Festival’s most important event, the Memorial Service will take place on Monument Circle at noon.  Celebrate the the true reason for Memorial Day – the men and women who have given their lives in service to their country.  From world class speakers to military traditions and honors, there will certainly much honor to be given, much to be learned.

I’m just scratching the surface with all you can do and see in Indianapolis this month without spending a dime!  Do you know of any free Indianapolis events in May?  Share them in the comments.

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Categories: Deals, Family
Tags: 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, 500 Festival, Free Event, FREE Events, Indiana Landmarks Center, Indianapolis Museum of Ar, Morris-Butler House