About to visit Indy for 1st time (Carmel, Crawfordsville: violent crime, hotel)

[DarbyD53]

Hello to all you Indy residents.

Friday morning I am headed to your city, my wife wants to go to the car show at the speedway this weekendn and I told her we'd make the 400 mile trip and have a mini vacation. I am staying at the Holiday Inn at the Pyramids or something like that, it's where the car show people said to stay so I hope it's nice well more important safe.

Any heads up on anything I should try (food) or avoid (streets, bad areas and such). I've mapquested everything and have GPS in my truck, it seems I'll be on Georgetown road the most.

Is this area of town fairy safe? Now I know most of the violent crimes are usually drug related or gang ect, but looking at the map this area looks ok to me just thought I'd ask.

I travled to Memphis, TN last year and was actually told to be at guard for anyone getting to close any where in town, even the "nice" downtown area, so I was just curious if this area is ok for a first time visitor, or do I need to have my guard up.

Can't wait to see your city. thanks - shane

[Toxic Toast]

To be fair, you should ALWAYS be on guard to a degree. But anyway, Indy is much safer than Memphis. Holiday INN at the Pyramids is on Michigan Road by 465. This is a safe area. There is a great Iraqi place near 71st and Michigan you could try if you have time, the name escapes me. 38th and Georgetown, ok not great. 56th and G-town, ok, but not great, but better than 38th. Personally, I would frequent business near IMS or along Michigan Road. 71st and G-town is fine as well. I gotta get back to work..

EDIT: Mix5/Iraqi Shish kabob is the name of the place at 71st and Michigan if you are interested.

[DarbyD53]

thanks so much, yeah I had read 38th wasn't too good, but think I'll only be passing it once or twice on my way to the track on friday and sat. I might give that place a try. thanks again so much you've eased my mind

[IndyKM1]

The Holiday Inn at the Pyramids is in a good area. Right next to I-465. I had a meeting there once, and from what I could see it was a decent hotel also.

Food... It really depends what you're looking for. The Northside has lots of good places to eat. Rock Bottom Brewery, close to your hotel, is a favorite of mine.

From my experience downtown, the only thing you have to worry about are panhandlers. At times they can be aggressive. I've never been too worried about crime... but of course it does exist so still be careful if out at night.

[Naptowner]

Where you're staying is very safe, but most of the restaurants around there are national chains. Which isn't a bad thing, it's just kind of sterile and indistinguishable from any other highway exit. The area around the Speedway isn't so great, but you'll be fine getting on 465, taking that to Crawfordsville Road, and going east to the track. Try to get downtown at least once if you can. You can go down Michigan, but I'd go on 465 to Meridian and then south. You'll pass a historic district with some mansions, including the governor's mansion, and then go right down to Monument Circle, which is kind of neat. It's safe to park and walk around at night downtown - and there is parking available for dirt-cheap in parking garages all around the Circle Center mall.

[coltsfaninjax]

I kind of have to disagree with the poster who said the area around the speedway isn't that great. The speedway is HUGE and there are areas that are bad, but the town of speedway and some of the neighborhoods are not bad. I would stop by Union Jacks for dinner one night. It is off of Crawfordsville road next to the Hardees and the old BW3's..not sure what is there now as I moved from Speedway a month ago

[DarbyD53]

I have to say if my hotel is 1/2 as nice as the replies from you guys/gals I'll be very happy, thanks for all the replies in such a short time. I'm really looking forward to visit the city that hates Tom Brady as much as I do.

[teebird1012]

It's a good area, but as with most major cities, just use common sense and you should have no problems. 38th and Georgetown is not a great area, 56th is getting better. Now 56th and Meridian- I love that area! What sorts of food are you looking for? There are a number of places in Carmel that I love- Bub's is a great little burger joint in the arts district. Welcome to Indy, the city where everyone hates the Patriots, one reason I love it so much!

[Toxic Toast]

Bub's is good for burgers. So is Boogie Burger in Broad Ripple. Last time I visited Boogie Burger, I ate a cheeseburger with a fried egg on it. It was so good; unhealthy yes, but delicious!

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by teebird1012

Welcome to Indy, the city where everyone hates the Patriots, one reason I love it so much!

Don't generalize.
Assuming makes an .. well, you know.