Visit Indy has been not only a gracious sponsor and host for FitBloggin 2016 but they also have loads of awesome ideas and perspective to share with attendees. We know it’s not a beach in Mexico but Indianapolis is a fantastic city with lots to offer those who are looking not only for a great time networking and seeing old friends but also getting out and busting around town! Check out what Visit Indy’s team has to share with our FitBloggin & FitSocial attendees!
Active vacations are my thing, taking in as many sights and experiences that can possibly be crammed into a day, but with respite along the way to enjoy a local cup of coffee, sip a locally crafted beer, and indulge in the best dishes the destination has to offer. And if all of that can be accomplished on foot, while outside basking in the sunshine, even better.
Perhaps that’s why summers in Indianapolis are so appealing. If you’re still on the fence about whether to attend FitBloggin’ 2016 in Indy, hopefully this will help convince you to make the trip. You’re sure to have a productive visit thanks to the planned education and networking opportunities, but you’re also bound to create memories and make lifelong connections alongside fellow bloggers and social influencers while exploring a fun, underrated destination.
There’s a reason USA Today named Indy the best convention city in the country and Travel + Leisure just named it one of America’s best cities. This is your opportunity to find out why Indy is getting so much attention.
Your host hotel, the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, is in the heart of the action, with endless entertainment possibilities a short walk or bike ride away. You can’t miss White River State Park, the nation’s largest urban state park and home to seven major attractions. The minor league Indianapolis Indians will be in action at Victory Field, named the best minor league ballpark in the country by Sports Illustrated. Gregg Allman Band and Peter Frampton will be live at The Lawn amphitheater, a top outdoor concert venue according to Pollster. The Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and Indiana History Center are great attractions in their own right, but during the conference they’ll host outdoor concerts as well. The NCAA’s national headquarters and Hall of Champions offers an interactive museum to try your hand at all 24 collegiate sports.
But perhaps the most scenic part of White River State Park and the downtown core is the Central Canal and its scenic 1.5 mile walking and biking path. Get to it via the Cultural Trail, an 8-mile urban greenway running adjacent to your hotel. Gondolas, Segways, kayaks, surreys, dog walkers, murals, monuments, and more activate this incredible space.
Take some time to explore the Cultural Trail and the five distinct districts it connects, each with its own flavor of dining, shopping, and entertainment. Hop on the Pacers Bikeshare, take a guided tour through ActiveIndy Tours, or just lace up your sneakers and venture out.
Along the way, stop at Calvin Fletchers for a caffeine and pastry break. A local is sure to want to chat, and if they find out you’re a visitor, there’s sure to be no lack of opinions on how to spend your time in the city. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat, enjoy a Dutch baby pancake at Milktooth or farm fresh burger at Bru Burger. If not, City Market is home to over 30 vendors, from crepes to creole.
If you have time to venture slightly outside the downtown, the new can’t-miss outdoor attraction is Mini Golf at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Designed by artists, all 18 holes pay homage to Indiana landmarks, culture, and landscape. After a round, head to 100 Acres Art & Nature Park for more walking paths, gigantic sculptures, and fresh air.
The possibilities of being active and having fun in Indy are endless. Plan your trip at VisitIndy.com and stay up to date @VisitIndy.
Register today and be a part of the FitBloggin & FitSocial event!