Does anyone think Indy is the best city in the midwest besides people who live in the city? (Indianapolis: condo, neighborhood)

[Zoo Animals On Wheels]

This was really funny, and true.

Unfortunately, strip malls filled with chain stores are EVERYWHERE, as are Chili's, TGI Fridays, etc. If you decide to go to those places, you can hardly complain about their proliferation. As long as they get customers, they will thrive!

People complain so much about Indiana's Olive Gardens and Steak 'n' Shakes...so why don't they go to Mama Carolla's or Yen Ching or St. Elmo's or The Iron Skillet or Ichiban or Shalimar or The Egyptian or...?

They complain about Target and Wal-Mart. Those stores are EVERYWHERE. If you don't like them, don't go there; patronize local retail stores; they ARE out there! Rather than going to the mall, go to downtown Indy or Carmel or Zionsville or...

Saraga on Indy's west side is an international market that is so authentic I can't go near the meat counter. Desi Bazaar (and sweets) is an Indian Market in Greenwood, of all places.

Then there are museums, the state and city parks, the symphony, the IRT, the Amish settlement in NW Indiana...

I've lived a number of different places, including outside the midwest, and I can truly say that Indiana lacks only three things: Coastline, mountains, and mass transit. So if you live to surf or mountain climb, Indiana is definitely not the place for you.

Apart from that, I have no sympathy for people who claim to be bored because there's supposedly nothing but Target and Applebee's in Indiana.

Originally Posted by DC 38

His tour started in Castleton, with a tour of regionally famous Castleton Square Mall. He then dined at the world renowned Castleton Buca Di Bepo. Upon completing his Italian dish, it was time to travel west to the always hopping Jubilee Bowl on Michigan road. There, he was bowled over by the cheese sticks and exclusive special recipe marinara sauce that you can only find at Jubilee bowl. The tour then headed south to the world famous Southport SuperTarget for some great art shopping. There was then a brief visit to downtown Southport before getting back on the freeway and hitting up the east side. It was time for dinner at one of our finest dining establishments; the fabulous Washington Street Qdoba. after all of this fun, the tour headed back up Keystone Ave for a visit to that tourist trap we call the Keystone Ave Super Wal-Mart. Oh the sights to be found there! Finally, to round out the trip, the tour concluded at the always breath-taking Castleton Applebee's for drinks and conversation. A great time indeed!

Please note that this is an almost perfect description of a friend's recent visit to Indy; who then complained about how boring Indy was. It is not meant to be deragatory or inflammatory in any way.

[rydellbixby]

I don't disagree with those of you who claim that there are options in Indianapolis apart from big chains. That is true anywhere, although becoming increasingly less so. It's the ratio in Indy that is so off-putting. And one somewhat intangible aspect regarding cities that I value and that many of the cheerleaders on this forum seem to ignore is that of atmosphere. I find the general atmosphere, the overall feel of the city, to be pretty sluggish and sterile. Obviously, there are those of you who strongly disagree and that is your right. There's just nothing about Indianapolis, as opposed to many cities I've visited, that invites exploration.

On a less bitchy note, Zoo Animals on Wheels...great name from the greatest show ever!

[Zoo Animals On Wheels]

Thanks, rydellbixby. Wondered if anyone would pick up on that.

[Works Aero]

Originally Posted by rydellbixby

I don't disagree with those of you who claim that there are options in Indianapolis apart from big chains. That is true anywhere, although becoming increasingly less so. It's the ratio in Indy that is so off-putting. And one somewhat intangible aspect regarding cities that I value and that many of the cheerleaders on this forum seem to ignore is that of atmosphere. I find the general atmosphere, the overall feel of the city, to be pretty sluggish and sterile. Obviously, there are those of you who strongly disagree and that is your right. There's just nothing about Indianapolis, as opposed to many cities I've visited, that invites exploration.

On a less bitchy note, Zoo Animals on Wheels...great name from the greatest show ever!

I agree with everything said.
Downtown Indy is so boring, there is nothing there!
The architecture is about as pleasing to the eye as a cardboard box.
The "arts" district is 1 street, mass ave. hardly a district.
You can only walk the canal or go to the museums so many times before your bored with it.
and broad ripple? ugh... dont get me started, its got about as much culture as a frat party.

Indy is a decent place for people who live at a slower pace, maybe the 45 and over crowd.

but I prefer beautiful landscape, beaches, amazing architecture, REAL baseball teams, cultural neighborhoods, art on every corner, rich history and a city with its own culture.

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by Works Aero

I agree with everything said.
Downtown Indy is so boring, there is nothing there!
The architecture is about as pleasing to the eye as a cardboard box.
The "arts" district is 1 street, mass ave. hardly a district.
You can only walk the canal or go to the museums so many times before your bored with it.
and broad ripple? ugh... dont get me started, its got about as much culture as a frat party.

Indy is a decent place for people who live at a slower pace, maybe the 45 and over crowd.

but I prefer beautiful landscape, beaches, amazing architecture, REAL baseball teams, cultural neighborhoods, art on every corner, rich history and a city with its own culture.

Uh oh ... I'm putting on my shield ...

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by Works Aero

REAL baseball teams

Obviously not talking about Chicago.

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

Obviously not talking about Chicago.

That's it
gloves off

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by domergurl

That's it
gloves off

People come to Indy for a REAL football team.

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

People come to Indy for a REAL football team.

That will leave the minute the city doesn't bend to the Irsay family's will ... at least Mayor Daley didn't kowtow.

[Works Aero]

oh yeah im talking about Chicago, world series 05 ring a bell? when was the last time Indy had a world seri ... oh .... oh wait .... that's right. NEVER.

and the colts? please, the colts have been real for what 5 years?
before that they were the lovable losers.

but they beat the bears ill give them that, i wouldn't say they dominated them or anything.

and man Indy as a city has some growing up to do before the 2012 super bowl.