• 1. Where to Stay
• 2. Where to Eat
• 3. What to Do
• 4. Insider’s Tip
• 5. An Oddball Day

The Monon Trail   (Photo: Courtesy of Indy Parks and Recreation Greenways Division)

Indy’s a big-box, chain-store kind of town. But an independent spirit survives in the charming, eclectic neighborhood of Broad Ripple. Kick off a day in the district by picking up some sticky, home-baked cinnamon buns at Taste Café & Marketplace on the corner of College Avenue and 52nd Street. Walk west to pick up the Monon Trail, an old railroad track turned fifteen-mile pedestrian walkway that runs through the entire city. Veer off at 65th Street to get to Rusted Moon Outfitters, where you can rent a $40-a-day kayak to paddle up and down the White River, just three blocks north. End your wanderings with happy hour at the perfectly divey Alley Cat Lounge (6267 Carrollton Ave.; 317-257-4036) off Broad Ripple Avenue. Or, walk back down to 52nd Street for a good, basic burger at the Red Key Tavern (5170 College Ave.; 317-283-4601). Abide by the house rules—No swearing! No hats on gentlemen! No feet on the bar!—and you can listen to a WWII-era hit parade on the ancient juke.

Published on September 12, 2007 as a web exclusive.