Hoosier Holidays 2013 Offers Discounts at Downtown Indianapolis Hotels, IRT, Indy Zoo & More

Looking for a way to stay in budget and still have family fun for holiday season 2013? Things to do in Indy can be achieved  ~ if you just believe...

Indiana residents can stay close to home this holiday season with Visit Indy’s ‘Hoosier Holidays’ campaign offering up to 50 percent off on Indianapolis hotel accommodations and significant savings on holiday activities throughout the capital city.

The program invites fellow Hoosiers to shop, dine and be entertained this holiday season. It kicks off Sunday, November 24, and continues through January 4, 2014.

Show your valid Indiana driver’s license, and discounted hotel stays can be booked at any of the participating hotels ~ like the newly renovated Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station or the Omni Severin which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. (Special rates range from $69 to $149).

After checking in, participants are also provided with additional exclusive discounts to Indy’s holiday events and attractions such as Indiana Repertory Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol or a Beef and Boards Theatre dinner and show.

Other discounts include admission to Eiteljorg Museum and their annual Jingle Rails exhibit and admission to the Indianapolis Zoo, just in time for Christmas at the Zoo.

To book your Hoosier Holiday stay and receive significant savings at Indy’s best holiday attractions, log on to VisitIndy.com/HoosierHolidays.

Discounted rates are available to overnight stays made 72 hours in advance of the date of stay and a valid Indiana driver’s license or other Indiana photo ID must presented upon check-in. Taxes are additional.

About Visit Indy

Visit Indy's mission is to increase Indianapolis growth by strategically selling the destination to conventions, meetings, events, and leisure travelers. According to a recent study by Vantage Strategy, 22 million people visit Indianapolis annually, generating $3.95 billion in economic impact, and supporting 75,000 full-time employment positions. For more information, VisitIndy.com

Images: provided by Visit Indy

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

6 Best Spots to Take Kids During Holiday Break 2011 Indy

Every year parents, grandparents and fun-loving adults ask for my opinion of places to go in the Indy-metro area with kids over holiday break from school. Here are the Top 6 Best Spots.

Jingle Rails at Eiteljorg through Jan. 8. Image/RRImages

1. Jingle Rails: Where: Eiteljorg Museum. What it is: Thirteen overhead walk-under bridges, replicas of downtown Indianapolis, The Great West and national treasures as seen via seven trains traveling throughout the display. When:  The "coolest exhibit I've ever seen," according to one child at the exhibit, is open through Jan 8. Website: Eiteljorg.com
2. Willy Wonka: Where: Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre. What it is: Roald Dahl's classic children's story. When: This is a great way to introduce kids to live theater through Jan. 7. Website: CivicTheatre.org.

   

   Willy Wonka                     Image/BTCivicTheatre

3. Jolly Days: Where: Children's Museum: What it is: Listed consistently as a national must-see museum, Jolly Days is still fun after Christmas with activities for children of all ages, including a play castle, "ice skating" and theater. When: Through Jan. 8. Website: ChildrensMuseum.org.
4. Hearthside Suppers: Where: Conner Prairie. What it is: Enjoy helping prepare an early 1800s dinner and eating it by candlelight. When: Starts Jan. 6. Website: ConnerPrairie.org.
5. Conservatory Crossing: Where: Garfield Park Conserrvatory. What it is: Running train models, and a train village in partnership with The Indiana Railroad Company. When: Through Jan. 8. Website: GarfieldGardensConservatory.org.
6. Ice skating: Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds. What it is: A great way to introduce kids to a new sport or keep active during the winter. When: Through April. Website: In.gov/StateFair

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: SouthSider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.