Indianapolis: A City Full of Surprises

I love Indianapolis.  I love it so much that I tried to move there a couple years back.  Although the city is more like a big town, there seems to be so much to do.  One of my favorite moments is turning onto Meridian Street and seeing the range of architecture with the houses/mansions.  I always feel like I am somewhere completely different.

If you’ve ever thought about visiting, here are some of my favorite sites with links for more information.  By the way, all the amazing places are not listed here.  These are just some of the many things you can do in Indy.

Sights to See:

Indianapolis Museum of Art-Meet many artists you’ve heard of before.

Crown Hill Cemetery-Go on a tour or just drive by to visit some famous dead.

Broad Ripple-Great for food or hanging out with a young crowd at the bar.  I like Chumley’s on Thrusdays because it is schooner night!

Speedway-Stop by if you feel the need, the need for speed.

Indiana State Museum-I went many years ago, but still enjoyed it.  I had no idea Indiana could be so cool.

Fountain Square-This up and coming area is pretty hip with shops and restaurants.  There is even a cultural trail you can hop on.

Canal-Feel like a venetian as you cruise down the canal in a gondola.

Children’s Museum-This has got to be one of the coolest children’s museums in the US.  I actually want to go back even though I am far from being a child anymore.

Antique Malls-I own several items from the antique malls in this area.

Garfield Park-Visit the tropics at the conservatory.

City Market-Stop by the Smith Winery stand and talk to Mr. Smith.  He has an amazing personality.  Your mouth will be watering as he describes how different forms of barbeque will go well with each wine.

Goose the Market-If you like artsy delis/markets, you should stop by.

Butler University-Great grounds for walking or biking.

Circle Center-Get your shopping fix.

Charming Towns Outside of Indy:

Zionsville-My favorite!  I love this town.  Be sure to visit Brown’s Antiques.  I own a pair of great shutters from there that bring back great memories of this area.

Noblesville-This is a cute town square great for more antique shopping.

Nashville-This is further outside of the city, but a fantastic day trip.

Travel Inspiration

It doesn’t take much for me to be inspired to travel.  I daydream constantly of strolling the beach in the Cinque Terre or finding the perfect spot at a cafe and spending half my day there.  I’ve decided to create photo art to inspire those that might need a little more persuasion to travel.  I’m starting with simple words featured with a photo, but I plan on creating a variety of images that fall under different themes.

Here is some of what I’ve designed so far.  If you like what you see, visit my portfolio to see what other creations I develop.

Travel Journey of the Week: San Fransisco

I’ve only been to San Fransisco once, and I don’t think I got an accurate view of the city.  I was very excited to go, but I just needed more time to really dig into the bay area.  I’d love to hear about your experiences in San Fran.  Here is how you can contribute:

1. Each Sunday, a place will be set as the theme (it could be a city, landmark, national park, etc.)

2. If you are familiar with the place and would like to contribute, you will write a post and title it Travel Journey of the Week: San Fransisco.  If you’ve already written a post about San Fransisco, feel free to share it in the comments section!

3. Your post can be any medium that works for you; videos, photos, descriptions, itineraries, personal memories, poems, ticket stubs, etc.

4. Finally, be sure to provide a link back here so everyone can connect and share their own take on the place: http://liberatedtraveler.com/2013/09/29/travel-journey-of-the-week–san-fransisco/

Travel Journey of the Week: San Fransisco

Since I’m not the expert on San Fransisco, I’ll just post a few shots and learn from what you have to share.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Horizon

The space where the land meets the sky is often photogenic.  Here is what I have to share for the weekly photo challenge.

Not quite an ocean, but still beautiful.

Light brings me much joy, and I miss it dearly when it is gone for a while.

Pont de Avignon

Beach

Travel Festival Webcast on Saturday

Europe Through the Back Door

Rick Steves is hosting another live travel festival tomorrow.  The webcast begins at 9:00 AM Pacific Time and can be found at this link.  What seminars will he be offering?

• 9:00 a.m. European Travel Skills
• 11:30 a.m. Packing Light and Right
• 2:00 p.m. France
• 4:30 p.m. Italy
• 7:00 p.m. Europe 101: Art and History for Travelers

I enjoy letting the webcast play as I dream about my next travel plans.  Have a great weekend!

Travel Journey of the Week: Rhine Valley

I’d like to dedicate this post to my Aunt Lori.  She is having dreams of cruising down the Rhine and taking in the German countryside.  Today we will take a journey to the river valley.  Here is how you can contribute:

1. Each Sunday, a place will be set as the theme (it could be a city, landmark, national park, etc.)

2. If you are familiar with the place and would like to contribute, you will write a post and title it Travel Journey of the Week: Rhine Valley.  If you’ve already written a post about Florence, feel free to share it in the comments section!

3. Your post can be any medium that works for you; videos, photos, descriptions, itineraries, personal memories, poems, ticket stubs, etc.

4. Finally, be sure to provide a link back here so everyone can connect and share their own take on the place: http://liberatedtraveler.com/2013/09/29/travel-journey-of-the-week–rhine-valley/

Travel Journey of the Week: Rhine Valley

Today, I will let my photos guide you down the river.

Bacharach, Germany

Weekly Photo Challenge: The Hue of You

This week’s photo challenge is a bit of a challenge for me.  We are supposed to pick a color that reveals more about us.  I have decided to pick photos that have a pop of color.  Right now I’m living for those moments that really shine and are big events.  The rest of the time doesn’t quite stand out.  I know that it is not a good way to live, but that’s just how it is right now.  So, here are some pops of color to brighten your day.

The most famous location of Shakespeare and Company. This is the place we think of when we think of the Lost Generation.

Spices

Thoughts

Travel Journey of the Week: Florence

I regret not getting very many photos of Florence on my trip a couple years ago.  It was a city that many had told me was THE place to go in Europe, and it just overwhelmed me.  Now that I think back, it feels as if my two days there were a blur.  I’d love to hear about your experiences in the city to see another perspective.  Here is how you can contribute:

1. Each Sunday, a place will be set as the theme (it could be a city, landmark, national park, etc.)

2. If you are familiar with the place and would like to contribute, you will write a post and title it Travel Journey of the Week: Florence.  If you’ve already written a post about Florence, feel free to share it in the comments section!

3. Your post can be any medium that works for you; videos, photos, descriptions, itineraries, personal memories, poems, ticket stubs, etc.

4. Finally, be sure to provide a link back here so everyone can connect and share their own take on the place: http://liberatedtraveler.com/2013/09/29/travel-journey-of-the-week-florence/

Travel Journey of the Week: Florence

This week I’m going to focus on the art and architecture of Florence.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Infinite

This week’s photo challenge has us searching for shots that feel endless.  Here is my contribution.

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Galleries Viviene Paris

Versailles, France

This is a photo with a double meaning. Both green space and wine are constant companions.

Netherlands (Road to Arnhem)

Egna, Italy

Jardin de Tuileries

The Tuileries garden is like a red carpet (or perhaps green) that flows from the Louvre.  One of my favorite activities in Paris is finding one of those reclining green chairs near a fountain, and plopping myself down for some period of time.  When I think about slowing down, and taking Paris in, this is the place that comes to mind.  Let’s take a stroll through the park tonight.

Here are some of my favorite spots you might encounter on your walk:

• Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
• Carnival (Summer)
• Orangerie
• Place de la Concorde
• Ponds
• Blooming Flowers
• Statues
• Celebrities (I’ve seen one here)
  

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