Life In Indianapolis

It was impossible to miss but Taylor Swift was in town last weekend and Indianapolis did not miss out on the opportunity to celebrate! Between a larger than life picture of the artist on the side of the JW Marriott, re-naming city streets, and welcoming visitors with Swift themed photo ops at the airport, the city really leaned in. I was lucky enough to snag a ticket and I can assure you she delivered! Indianapolis is a city that does an excellent job hosting large events - while many of them have been sports related in the past, it was fun to let in a little (or a lot) of sparkle!

One of my favorite spots for a city view is Highland Park! It's on the near east side of Indianapolis - easy to bike to, walk to, etc. and perfectly positioned in between a few awesome local eateries. Some friends and I like to grab pizzas at King Dough and have picnics in the park - I highly recommend!

"One key selling point for Luke was the program’s partnership with 16 Tech, a thriving innovation district in Indianapolis. As part of the incentives offered by the Indianapolis relocation package, he received access to a coworking space at 16 Tech, a perk he’s found invaluable. “My wife and I both work remotely, so having access to a coworking space a few times a week was perfect. The atmosphere is collaborative, the staff is welcoming and they even host community events,” he said."

Read more about my relocation from DC to Indianapolis at this link.

#testimonial

Sun Bean Roastery in Indianapolis is one of the only roasteries in the US that is 100% powered by solar energy - how cool?! Plus they package their coffee in these awesome, retro cans. I snagged several for holiday gifts this year!

Didn't think Indy had it's share of speakeasy bars? Check out these five...my favorite is Wiseguy Lounge hidden inside of Goodfellas Pizza downtown.

Bootleggers

Bootleggers is on point. (That’s a hint.) This brick-walled bunker is gritty in all the right places, with plenty of classic cocktails to choose from. You’ll need a password to enter the underground speakeasy, but if you need a hint — or a snack — you can find it at the restaurant upstairs. Hint, hint.

Commodore

Snake around the Murphy Building to find Commodore, Fountain Square’s sensual speakeasy. It’s dark and secretive. It’s lush and luxe. There’s live jazz music and specialty cocktails, and while the entrance isn’t easily specified, there’s no password required.

The Vault

In the heart of Bates-Hendricks, you’ll find The Vault Indy, whose name alludes to some of the country’s most notorious bank robbers. The speakeasy specializes in classic cocktails and local food pairings, and there’s live jazz every Thursday. To get in, enter a four-digit password on the vault door. Hint: If we’re going to work together, I want it understood I take no orders.

Verita

Verita is hidden below Bocca, a sexy Italian restaurant in Fall Creek Place. To find it, go down the stairs next to the host stand, or as a footnote on the cocktail menu suggests, “Come in through the back door after 10 p.m. and be discreet.” While there, try an Italian amaro cocktail and order some small plates. (We recommend the meatballs.)

Wiseguy Lounge (pictured)

There’s no external signage for Wiseguy Lounge, which is hidden in plain sight along Mass Ave. Named one of the Top 50 Speakeasies in the United States and Canada, Wiseguy Lounge embodies the energy and ambiance of the ‘20s. Think rich leather sofas, low lighting, well-dressed bartenders, and elite bourbons — more than 400, in fact. Cheers, friends.