002- Free and Outdoor in Indy (Indianapolis, Indiana, Travel Locally)

In this episode, Emily and De talk about some (mostly) free and outdoor activities. Emily's favorite "free" activity is walking or biking on the Monon or just around Indy. The Monon offers tons of cute shops and restaurants and the Cultural Trail is especially interesting with lots of history and people watching. With all of the fun places to stop in, this activity will almost certainly not be free. But it could be if you have lots of self-control. If you find yourself on the Monon further North in Carmel, stop at Union Brewing Company . They have a great outdoor area with fire pits and live music -- this could rival the ever searched for patio! Bring your pets, enjoy some beer, and listen to some live local musicians. Another fun free activity is walking along the Canal , which is De's favorite thing to do. It's a gorgeous walk with lots to see. You can also rent kayaks, paddle boats, and bikes or stop in any of the shops and restaurants-- if you'd rather turn it into a non-free activity. But don't worry, the fried pickles at Burgerhaus make it all worth it. The Canal is the host of the Poseidon Swim Challenge -- a race in which swimmers swim 2k down the cringe worthy water of the canal, trying to block out images of the slimy algae beneath them and the larger than average goldfish following them. If you're into that sort of thing, sign up! If not, go watch and cheer on your favorite swimmers! During the summers, White River State Park puts on free outdoor concerts on the Canal at The Lawn at White River . Some big names have shown up in the past, it's always fun to see who comes to town. The 100 Acres Art and Nature Park is an extension of the beautiful Indianapolis Museum of Art . While the IMA has an entry fee, the 100 Acres doesn't! The park has a main trail leading about a mile around a lake and many smaller offshoot paths, with unique and interactive art installations throughout. You'll be able to see the climbable "Funky Bones," a huge felled tree-like swingset, and benches you're not sure if you should sit on or take pictures of. Also at the IMA are outdoor summer movies. Costing $10/person, the IMA plays out-of-theater movies from June to August. Tickets sell out fast though, so be sure to get them online as soon as the schedule comes out! If you're like De and Emily and prefer to spend money during your free outings -- check out the City Market ! Housed in a super cool old building, there are tons of vendors with cute items, food, drinks, and a brewery up top! It's also a killer event space -- so book it for you next big event! If you're up for a climb, trek up to the top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument smack dab in the middle of Monument Circle. The monument, which was completed in 1902, was built to honor Hoosiers who served in the American Civil War, but that has expanded to honor Hoosiers who served also in the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Spanish-American War. Climb to the top to see the view then head below to learn the history of the monument in the underground museum. One of Emily and De's favorite outdoor activities is kayaking. They recently tested out two of the local kayaking places -- Geist Reservoir and Eagle Creek Park . Geist was super cheap at $10 for 2 hours, but ended up being a more strenuous and stressful kayak. You're sharing the water with boats and sometimes big fishing tournaments. The wake from the boats combined with the wind creates a more difficult ride. De and Emily think it's best if you prefer a workout and to see residential areas like huge lake houses that you'll never be able to afford. Eagle Creek Park , on the other hand, was a peaceful, nature filled kayak. There were other people on the water -- but they were all on paddle boats, kayaks, slow fishing boats, or paddle boards that created no wake. This is a great place to go with a friend and come up with a podcast or something-- just an idea. While it was more peaceful, it was quite a bit spendier at $18 for an hour and $25 for two hours. That's in addition to the $6/car fee you pay to enter the park. Beyond the water, Eagle Creek also offers lots of hiking trails and Go Ape . Go Ape is a super fun high ropes obstacle course. All in all, Eagle Creek is a fantastic park that takes you out of the "city feel" of Indianapolis, even though it's still in Indy! As for something that is neither free nor outdoors -- the touring Broadway production of Wicked is coming to town! Tickets go on sale in October, so buy them before they sell out! So if you're looking for something free to do, look elsewhere -- or just be willing to get your wallet out for these mostly free activities around Indianapolis. And if you're looking for anything outdoors, Indy has you covered! The Monon Trail -- A walkable trail that spans from Sheridan, IN to Mass Ave in downtown Indianapolis. Indianapolis Cultural Trail -- An 8-mile bike and pedestrian trail that connects people and places in Indianapolis. Union Brewing Company -- Good beer and live music -- right on the Monon. The Downtown Canal Walk -- A 3-mile loop along the White River Canal right in downtown Indy. Burgerhaus -- Burgers, craft beer, and fried pickle's (De's fave). Right on the Canal Walk. Poseidon Swim Challenge -- A 2k swim race down the White River Canal. The Lawn at White River -- A concert venue on the Canal. The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres -- Known as 100 Acre Park to locals. Easily accessible trails and unique, interactive art installations. The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) -- A beautiful art museum with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Features an outdoor summer movie event from June-August. City Market -- A huge building full of over 25 locally owned businesses including restaurants, boutiques, and more. Soldiers and Sailors Monument -- A monument in the center of Monument Circle that honors "the common soldier" from 5 different American wars. Geist Reservoir Kayak Rental -- Located outside of 465 on the Northeast side of Indianpolis, $10 for 2 hours. Eagle Creek Outfitters -- Bike and boat rentals inside Eagle Creek Park, $18 for 2 hours of kayaking. Eagle Creek Park -- A beautiful park located just outside of 465 on the West side of Indianapolis. Go Ape Zipline and Treetop Adventure Course -- A zipline and high ropes course located inside of Eagle Creek Park. Wicked -- In the Murat at Old National Center in April 2018.

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002- Free and Outdoor in Indy (Indianapolis, Indiana, Travel Locally) is an episode from Indy Unscripted.

This episode is 34:28 long.

This episode was published on Dec 21, 2017.

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