After the buzz and excitement of the Super Bowl festivities that welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors downtown over a 10-day stretch, nearly 70,000 hospitality workers and more than 8,000 local volunteers are in need of some restful sleep. (Including yours truly) But who better to turn to for advice on how to get a better night’s sleep than the International Sleep Products Association? With all the activity, the timing couldn’t be better on the March 14-17 ISPA EXPO 2012.
And rest assured, the Hoosier hospitality that Indianapolis is known for will be back in full force come March 14th.
For those who haven’t been to Indianapolis since the 2004 ISPA EXPO, and for those venturing to the Circle City for the first time, you will be greeted with renovated accommodations and a further revitalized downtown. You are about to be awakened by award-winning eats and local brews, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, and ample urban green space and bike paths. And to walk into a convention center that was updated and doubled in size in 2011 to now be among the 20 largest convention centers in America.
All things Indy, including entertainment and dining options, can be found at www.visitindy.com, but here’s a sampling of what’s in store during the March gathering:
Sun King Brewing Company took home 8 medals at the Great American Beer Festival last year. New Day Meadery offers honey ciders and wines locally sourced and crafted from the owners’ honey bee farm. Looking for a great steak? St. Elmo’s. A tasty sandwich? Shapiro’s and Goose the Market. Fresh, local ingredients? R Bistro, Patachou, and Recess. Gourmet pizza? Bazbeaux. Gourmet hot dogs? King David Dogs.
Discover local acts or see national talent perform at landmark Hilbert Circle Theater- home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Repertory Theatre, or in the Mass Ave arts and theater district. Visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indiana State Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, and for those bringing kids - the world’s largest and best Children’s Museum.
During break time or to access cultural districts and attractions, check out the new 7.5-mile Cultural Trail, a bike- and pedestrian-friendly urban path that has garnered international attention, or the new Georgia Street promenade adjacent to the Indiana Convention Center. Or stroll along the Central Canal in White River State Park.
With all there is to see and do in Indianapolis, it may be quite a challenge to get that recommended 8 hours of sleep while you’re here…
- Guest blogger Lisa Wallace,
Communications Manager, Conventions & Meetings
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