Things to do in Indianapolis March 2017

It's warm, it's cold, it's raining, then snowing, then sunny.... strange winter in Indianapolis indeed. You just decide it is a good time to go hiking, when the temps drop and the snow falls. As March rolls its way in, the weather will continue to flip flop. Outside, or in, there are always things to do in Indianapolis.

Here are my TOP 5 recommendations for March 2017.

Broadway in Indianapolis
If you have not seen it, now is the perfect time as Broadway in 

Indianapolis brings a return performance of Jersey Boys to Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University February 28 - March 5. This will be my third time to catch it, because it is worth it (read my review here). Then, March 30 – April 2, Motown the Musical takes over The Murat Theatre at ONC. Two great eras of music ~ life is good.

WFYI Ice Miller Wine Fest 2017

Hosted by Ice Miller this wine event will be held Fri., March 3, and has been moved to Old National Center. Still the preeminent fundraiser for WFYI, this annual tasting soiree' is THE wine event for Indy.

Livery Stable
Livery has a rooftop dining experience with spectacular views of Mass Ave's splendor, Lockerbie, Chatham Arch and other historic neighborhoods. This most recent restaurant addition to the Mass-College corner is impressive in its simplicity. The understated urban décor, efficient and friendly service (an important detail to many), and trendy, well-executed menu ~ both culinary and cocktails ~ make this THE place to catch sunlight, starlight and wonderful views.

Central Canal
The best way to break out of those winter blahs is to take a stroll, bike ride, or brisk walk, along downtown's canal. From war memorials, to fountains and fauna, to people watching, there is always something to do along the waterway.

Cabaret
Moved into its new home (for now), The Cabaret is a perfect reason to dress up. Great talent is brought in from all over for the cozy, intimate club-style ambiance. Fri., March 10, Judy Kuhn performs two shows at Cabaret's new location.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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.

Circle of Lights includes Santa's Mailbox

One of my favorite memories from Christmases of long is writing to Santa Claus. Positive he (or at the very least one of his trusty elves) would pen a reply.To be honest, I can't remember if he ever did.

What I do remember, however, is the trip to take the letter to the post office. The excitement of getting the letter just right, decorating the envelope to the point the address was almost indecipherable, and the satisfaction when I dropped the letter in the slot.

To this day one of my must-watch holidays movies annually is "The Christmas List." Starring Mimi Rogers. The film (1997) reiterates the feeling that goodness brings happiness when the main character mails her grown-up Christmas wish list letter to Santa Claus. This feeling spills over from another favorite, Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," which instills the warm-fuzzies with the knowledge that human kindness can break down any barrier and mean people can be rehabilitated.

So how do the children in your life get this over-the-top feeling this holiday season? Encourage them to write (cursive if possible, please), decorate and mail a letter to the jolly old elf ~ personally.

Where? 

Santa Claus (or maybe his helpers) has installed an official mailbox at the Circle of Lights location ~ Soldiers and Sailors Monument ~ in downtown Indianapolis. Accepting letters to Father Christmas through December 12, the mailbox is decorated with Santa and reindeer likenesses. Sitting on the east side of Monument Circle, the box faces Market Street, but I encourage you to make it an event. Park the car (much like my father), and enjoy the lights, sip hot chocolate and create lifetime memories for the tots.

Each year, this holiday mailbox is installed for children of all ages to drop off their letters addressed to Santa. And to every child’s delight, Santa himself personally answers each letter that has a return address. In 2012, more than 5,000 letters were sent to Santa.

*** Letters must have a return address for Santa to reply. (A self-addressed, stamped envelope is appreciated)

**Special Note** The lighting ceremony of Circle of Lights is presented by the wonderful folks known as Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW #481. These people work hard annually, selflessly giving of their time in the cold weather to make this happen for all of us to enjoy. The official lighting ceremony will take place Friday evening, Nov. 29 on Monument Circle. More than 100,000 holiday enthusiasts are expected to attend Indiana’s largest, annual, FREE public gathering now in its 51st year.

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.

4th Annual Midtown Home Tour November 9-10, 2013

The Midtown Home Tour 2013 will take place Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10 from 11 am-5 pm.

Giving a glimpse inside some of Indianapolis' oldest homes, the tour also gives back to its community.  As five homes, decorated for the holidays, are showcased each year, decorating tips are given for your own home. Al proceeds are returned to the historic neighborhood to maintain the unique homes.

Homes on Tour 2013

5515 N. Washington Blvd

(see above image)

decorated by The Empty Vase

4270 N. Meridian St

decorated by The Empty Vase

5727 Central Ave

decorated by The Frugal Decorator

3674 N. Delaware St

decorated by Ken Johnson and Carolyn Houk

3657 N. Washington Blvd

decorated by Palm Court Design

Celebrating the unique homes and neighborhoods in Midtown,  this area is defined as the area between Fall Creek and the White River. Early bird tickets are $15 and can be purchased at midtownindy.org, Be Boutique (5607 N. Illinois St.), The Empty Vase (111 E. 49th St.), National Bank of Indianapolis (4930 N. Pennsylvania St.) or The Riviera Club (5640 N. Illinois St.). Tickets are also available the days of the tour at any of the participating homes.

Images provided

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.