Recreation

Indianapolis has quite a bit to offer for recreation enthusiasts. Extensive public parks and greenbelts offer visitors many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors at little or no cost. There are miles of walking and jogging trails along the White River and connecting canals. From downtown, the Indianapolis Canal Walk is a handy, scenic trail that's just over a mile long and connects downtown to White River State Park. Runners may prefer the longer Monon Trail, north of the city. For more information about area trails and waterways, contact Indy Greenways. Phone 317-710-0739. http://www.indygreenways.org.

Garfield, Eagle Creek and Holliday are among the city's nicest parks. Garfield is the city's oldest park and features an arts center, conservatory, tennis courts, the Sunken Gardens and much more. Eagle Creek is huge and only 10 minutes from downtown, with such activities as bird-watching, bicycling, boating, golfing and sharpshooting at the rifle range. Birding enthusiast and Indianapolis Star columnist Bud Starling leads informative, entertaining Sunday morning walks at Eagle Creek. Phone 317-327-7148. In winter, the park is a popular cross-country skiing site. Children like Holliday Park's spiderweb-like jungle gym, and adults enjoy its pretty gardens.

The city's parks are family-friendly, and many activities were designed specifically for children. All public parks have walking and/or hiking trails -- 10 have fitness trails that lead you through a workout routine. Many of the parks have public golf courses.

Sights -- Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, especially the views from its top floor; White River Park; the James Whitcomb Riley Home, a Victorian showpiece; the Medal of Honor Memorial.

Museums -- The Indiana State Museum for its distinctive, artsy limestone exhibit, IMAX theater and 1950s-style department store tearoom; The Eiteljorg Museum for its Western and Native American art; The Indianapolis Museum of Art and its lovely grounds; the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum; the Indiana Historical Society, especially for its music rooms.

Memorable Meals -- Something Different; trendy H2O for sushi; fine Italian cuisine at Tavola Di Tosa; the Indianapolis City Market for lunch.

Late Night -- Barhopping in Broad Ripple Village; blues at the Slippery Noodle Inn; sampling the various clubs at the World Mardi Gras Entertainment Complex.

Walks -- The Monon Trail; Indianapolis Canal Walk; strolling the footpaths of Eagle Creek Park; window shopping in Broad Ripple Village.