Having never been to Indy before, I wasn't sure what to expect. This place is the perfect marriage of small town and big city. It's small enough to navigate easily and big enough for tall buildings and a night life. I must say, this place is one of a kind.

I came into town originally for a conference and decidedto stay the weekend to get out a little. I drove on Friday night and used Air B&B to find a place to stay for the weekend. I highly recommend them to find inexpensive places to stay wherever you're going. I used them in Dublin earlier this year also and have had great experiences.

So, after checking in with my host, I decide to wander about to see what I can get into. Downtown Indy is a bit of a conundrum for me to describe, actually. Like I said, it's a big city with a small town vibe. The streets are clean (so clean, that I walked around Saturday evening barefoot, but I'll tell you that story in a minute) and the people are refreshingly nice. I haven't worried for my safety at all and the buildings are lit up beautifully everywhere I turn.

Friday nights wanderings brought me through downtown and onto the famous Mass Ave. Massachusetts Avenue sends to be THE leave to be after the sun goes down here. While walking around, I heard music coming from somewhere. I found a corner, it's softer; I turn back, it's louder. After a few minutes, I finally found it!

The Rathskeller was hosting a cover band and I had to go on. The cover charge was cheap, only $5. So, in I went.

The Flying Toasters at the Rathskeller on Mass Ave in downtown Indy

These guys were great. There was an energy inn the crowd and even though I was there by myself, it didn't feel like it. Everyone was dancing and singing along having an all around wonderful time.

The Flying Toasters live at the Rathskeller on Mass Ave in downtown Indianapolis

Dive this was an outdoor venue, the city noise ordnance kicked in and they shut down by 11. So, I wandered on. Since I have to be at work at 5:30AM, I was grateful for the early cutoff and I wandered back to my bed. Along the way...

The Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indy

I always love coming across cathedrals like this in the US. Some people think that you can only see beautiful buildings like this in Europe, but that is absolutely not the case. I would love to go into this cathedral, but unfortunately, it's been closed every time I've passed it.

Indiana World War Memorial in downtown Indianapolis

The most interesting this about this memorial is the fact that it says "World War Memorial". This monument was built in 1924. Before the world wars had numbers. I find that fascinating.

Albert Einstein on the Culture Trail through downtown Indianapolis

Being a scientist, I had to catch Einstein on the Culture Trail walking back to my place. The walk was pleasant and the streets were clean, so clean in fact, that earlier in the day when it was raining, I took off my sandals and walked around barefoot! I know, crazy right? That's just asking for tetanus or hepatitis C, but I'm here to tell you that this place is immaculate. I was deeply impressed.

The next night I went back out and had some fantastic food at Buca di Beppo downtown. The ingredients were fresh and the balsamic vinegar was shipped in from Italy, I am told. The lady fingers in the Tiramisu were home made at the restaurant and the Peach Bellini was to die for! I think the most entertaining part of the evening was the amusing sign in the ladies room.

Amusing signage in the restroom to encourage ladies to remain clean in the restroom

My bartender told me about a bar not too far from the restaurant, Howl at the Moon. I had never heard of this place and I was not disappointed. It is a dueling piano bar with a house band where each of the band members plays every instrument there and sings, too! It was a little steep on the cover charge, but I'm here to tell you that it was an amazing time. This bar is a franchise and there are some in other cities.

Howl at the Moon in downtown Indianapolis

The band takes requests and play a variety of games that include the crowd. I even won a free shot in one of the games! They called up 8 people to the stage to act out different lines in a song and apparently, mine was the best, so I won a shot from the band. I've never done anything like that before, so it proved to be a one of a kind evening.

All in all, Indy was an awesome place to visit and I will most definitely go back and soon. It's the biggest little town I've ever been to and it had so many amazing things. I highly recommend it to anyone and no matter what age you are, Mass Avenue is incredible and you can stay up all night anywhere downtown! I wish you the best trip in Indianapolis and enjoy the atmosphere.

Thanks, y'all!