Pints, Pounds, & Pâté
  • Welcome & About
  • Lifestyle
  • U.S. & Canada
  • England & Scotland
  • Continental Europe
  • Travel Tips
  • Europe Travel Essentials
  • Shop
  • Privacy Policy & Contact
  • Web Stories

10 Fun Things to Do in Indianapolis for Couples

7/31/2020

0 Comments

 
View across the White River, Downtown Indianapolis. 10 Fun Things to do in Indianapolis for Couples
Looking for some exciting things to do in Indianapolis for weekend date night? Check out my top Indianapolis activities for couples!
Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Looking for a fun couples, date night activity ​in Indianapolis?

You've found the right blog! My husband and I have been lucky enough to live in downtown Indy (Mass Ave) nearly half a decade at this point, and we spend every weekend scouting out new, fun things to do in the Circle City!

From cozy breweries and long walks, to sporting events and local theater, I've rounded up our favorite things to do in Indianapolis for couples! Some you can do now, some might have to wait until things are back on track, but might as well get the juices flowing! Always check hours and safety precautions to make sure these events are available when you want to go!!
Lockerbie Historic District, Indianapolis. 10 romantic things to do in Indianapolis for couples
Lockerbie Historic District, Indianapolis

Stroll in The Lockerbie Historic District

Even many native Hoosiers don't know about downtown Indy's charming Lockerbie Historic District. Tucked away, just south of Mass Ave (which we'll discuss later!), "Lockerbie" consists of several well-preserved streets, comprising the oldest still-existing residential neighborhood in Indianapolis. Here, you'll see picket fences and neighbors hanging out on 100+ year-old porches. Architectural styles are identifiable starting in the mid-19th century. If you're looking to enter a home, Lockerbie is also home to the palatial James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home, which history aficionados can tour (NOTE: it has been closed much of the pandemic).
Lockerbie Historic District, Indianapolis
Cobbled streets in Lockerbie
Lockerbie Historic District, Indianapolis
My favorite house on our stroll!
With so many Mass Ave bars selling carry-out, why not make it a more exciting stroll?

Grab a Drink at Sun King

Pints at Sun Kings, Downtown Indianapolis. 10 fun things for couples in Indianapolis, Indiana
Pints at Sun Kings, Downtown Indianapolis

​While you're in this area, head a little farther south and stop by our favorite local standby, Sun King, to experience their downtown tasting room, the original of their ever-growing number. It has lovely outdoor seating in the large parking lot, as well!
Love local beer? Check out my list of the best breweries in Indianapolis!

Monument Circle & The City Market

Let's take a quick look at the center of it all, with Indianapolis's nearby Monument Circle. A pedestrian-friendly (but shockingly not pedestrian-only) circular block oriented around our stunning, turn-of-the century Civil War memorial, it's a must-see on any visit to Indianapolis, for tourists, and a nice spot for locals to revisit or stroll.

The first thing you'll want to discover is The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, "the Monument," as it's inevitably referenced by locals, itself. At Christmas time, Indianapolis gathers to watch the Monument be lit-up as a gigantic, concrete Christmas tree.

Standing tall at 284 feet, The Soldiers and Sailors Monument was dedicated in 1902, completing thirteen years of construction. The ten-ton Victory statue adorns the top of the Monument, facing South, to welcome our boys home from the war. If you're interested, you can climb the Monument, or take a very tiny elevator part of the way, for a very small fee. The Monument is also home to a small Civil War Museum and a gift shop.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, downtown Indianapolis. Fun things to do in Indianapolis for couples.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, downtown Indianapolis
Around Monument Circle are a number of restaurants, largely geared toward serving the thousands of office workers who normally pack the surrounding buildings every work day. For fewer crowds (and better food), head East toward The City Market and Mass Ave after you've gotten your fill of Monumental exploration.

Explore Quirky Mass Ave

Mass Ave, Indianapolis. 10 Fun Things to do in Indianapolis for Couples
The north end of Mass Ave, Indianapolis
A very easy walk from Monument Circle, my next thing to do in Indianapolis is exploring vibrant, trendy Mass Ave! Home to fun restaurants, classy bars, cute boutiques and endless pedal carts, Mass Ave is worth a walk and, definitely some time spent grabbing a drink.

My favorite spot in Indianapolis gets the shortest segment on this blog post? Luckily, I've already compiled my list of the best restaurants on Mass Ave, which you'll want to be sure to read before you visit this area.

Extra credit: Learn how to make macarons on Mass Ave!

Love to cook? Take a macaron-baking class at the macaron bar on Mass Ave! You'll come away with new knowledge and some tasty treats!
Macaron Bar, Mass Ave. 10 romantic things to do in Indianapolis for couples
Macaron Bar, Mass Ave
Macaron Bar, Mass Ave. 10 romantic things to do in Indianapolis for couples
Macarons!

Bike the Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Many of the places we'll discuss throughout this post are connected via the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which circumnavigates Indianapolis's best neighborhoods! This innovative, 8-mile urban bike path is a must-do in Indianapolis, if the Midwestern weather cooperates! So bring your own bikes, or rent bikes from our Pacers bike share program, and explore Indy on the Cultural Trail!
Biking the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Indianapolis. Things to do in Indianapolis for Couples
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Learn more about Fountain Square, one of the neighborhoods you'll discover on the Cultural Trail!

Visit the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Romantic things to do in Indianapolis for Couples.
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Just north of Mass Ave is the home of the only Hoosier president, Benjamin Harrison, who held the highest office from 1889-1893. The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site allows visitors to tour the home the Harrisons constructed in the 1870s, as General Harrison built a successful law practice after returning from the Civil War. The Harrison home and its contents are almost *entirely* original. It's a must-see for history buffs and a fun neighborhood to check out! 



​In the summer, the Harrison home boasts one of the best fundraisers in Indy, its annual croquet competition, Wicket World of Croquet.
Wicket World of Croquet at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. 10 fun things for couples in Indianapolis.
Wicket World of Croquet at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, Indianapolis

Extra Credit:
​Get a drink at St Elmo's Steakhouse

An icon of Indianapolis for tourists and those about to propose, St Elmo's steakhouse has been a mainstay of downtown Indy for a century. If you've got places to go, or aren't going to spring for the full meal, be sure to stop by and see the restaurant - and grab a drink at the historic bar! Don't forget to order a shrimp cocktail - diner beware!
Shrimp cocktail at St Elmo's Steakhouse, Indianapolis
Shrimp cocktail at St Elmo's Steakhouse, Indianapolis

Dig at Midland Arts and Antiques

Love antiques? You'd be forgiven for thinking Midland, a bit shabby and right off the interstate, isn't the place for you, but you'll be surprised! We've spent many a happy Sunday afternoon looking through its wares.

Stop by Flat12/RAD's beer garden afterward to reward yourselves for a job well done.
Midland Antiques, Downtown, Indianapolis
Midland Antiques, Downtown, Indianapolis

Extra credit: Grab pizza at King Dough

During the pandemic, we've become *obsessed* with King Dough! Seriously. The best pizza I've ever had. But get here early! The outdoor seating fills up (they offer carry-out as well!)

Discover Newfields

Robert Indiana's original LOVE sculpture at Newfields in Indianapolis. Romantic activities for couples in Indianapolis
Robert Indiana's original LOVE sculpture at Newfields in Indianapolis
Indianapolis boasts a surprisingly high-end art museum complex, thanks for the continued generosity of the Eli Lilly family of pharmaceutical fame. From the Indianapolis Museum of Art, home of the original LOVE statue by Robert Indiana, to one of the Lilly's home, Oldfields, a trip to the campus, recently rechristened Newfields, offers both indoor and outdoor activities to keep you entertained. Never super crowded.

​Oh and did I mentioned there's a beer garden (open during the pandemic, but will close for winter) and (sometimes) a pop-up noodle shop? And during the summer they show old movies outdoors under the stars? And at Christmas they light up the entire ground and serve spiked hot drinks while you explore the Christmas wonderland?
Outdoor exhibit at Newfields, Indianapolis. Fun Things to do in Indianapolis for Couples.
Harvest outdoor exhibits at Newfields
Oldfields Lilly estate at Newfields, Indianapolis. 10 romantic things for couples in Indianapolis
Oldfields Lilly estate at Newfields, Indianapolis
And this year Newfields have extended their Harvest events to span the entire month of October. Check out the full post on Newfields' Harvest Nights event, and the full post on a visit to Newfields itself!
Harvest Nights at Newfields, Indianapolis
Harvest Nights at Newfields

Extra credit: Crown Hill Cemetery

The second-largest urban cemetery behind Arlington National Cemetery, Crown Hill is the final resting place of over 200,000 Hoosiers, located across the street from Newfields. You can't miss it. With twenty-five miles of paved road, there's plenty to explore. Crown Hill is also home to the highest point in the city (where the fanciest graves can be found). From President Benjamin Harrison and Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley's burial places on "the crown," to John Dillinger's more difficult-to-find headstone, be sure to download a map before you go!

Take a Hike
​at Fort Benjamin Harrison

Hiking at Benjamin Harrison State Park, Indianapolis. 10 fun things to do in Indianapolis for couples.
Hiking at Benjamin Harrison State Park, Indianapolis

​Named for our local president whose house you've just learned about, Fort Benjamin Harrison was a US Army base for nearly the entire 20th century, until it was decommissioned in 1991 and turned into a park. 
Today, with miles of walking trails and nice facilities, Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park is a strangely rural retreat within the Indianapolis city limits.

and if you like hiking...

Did I catch your attention with my hiking tip? Indianapolis has plenty of spots for an outdoor stroll! Stop by Eagle Creek Park & Reservoir for some charming walking trails.
Eagle Creek Reservoir, Indianapolis. Fun Couples Activities in Indianapolis.
Eagle Creek Reservoir, Indianapolis. Fun Couples Activities in Indianapolis.

Take in an Indianapolis Indians' Baseball Game

Sadly, the next two suggestions are not available because of the pandemic
And while you're in the area, stop by Rick's Cafe Boatyard, for drinks and views of Eagle Creek!
Stop by Victory Field, home of Indianapolis's AAA baseball team, the Indianapolis Indians. With seats under $20, plenty of space to spread out, and local beer deals on tap, an evening at Victory Field is a perfect summer Indy night.
Indianapolis Indians game at Victory Field. 10 romantic things for couples in Indianapolis
Victory Field, Indianapolis

See a Show at the Indianapolis Repertory Theater

Pro tip: If you're driving downtown for the game, park far away, grab dinner, and walk to the stadium. Then, you avoid the (frankly manageable, but nevertheless annoying) traffic congestion after the game!

Thanks for stopping by!

Indianapolis has its own local theatre company, which performs affordable, but excellent, shows at the Indianapolis Repertory Theater downtown! With a mix of old favorites and original productions, there's something for everyone, each season!
Indianapolis Repertory Theater, downtown Indianapolis. 10 fun and romantic things for couples to do in Indianapolis
Indianapolis Repertory Theater, downtown Indianapolis

Don't forget to subscribe!

Enjoy your journey through our lovely city! I know you'll enjoy your time in Indianapolis as much as we always have. Let me know your favorite Indy date night ideas in the comments, below!

Love it? Pin it!

Fun Things for Couples to Do in Indianapolis, Indiana
Fun Things for Couples to Do in Indianapolis, Indiana
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019

    Categories

    All
    Arizona
    Boca Grande
    Boston
    California
    California Wine Country
    Canada
    Charleston
    Chicago
    Colonial Williamsburg
    Disney World
    Florida
    Glen Arbor
    Harry Potter
    Indianapolis
    Michigan
    Midwest
    New England
    San Francisco
    Sedona
    Virginia

    RSS Feed

    This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies.

    Opt Out of Cookies
©2020 Pints, Pounds, & Pate, LLC. All rights reserved.
This website is intended to give advice to assist you in planning your trip. Always independently verify information to fit your trip and ensure accuracy. Pints, Pounds, & Pate, LLC is not liable for errors. Any information regarding our business successes and travel experiences cannot be understood as guaranteeing your similar successes.
  • Welcome & About
  • Lifestyle
  • U.S. & Canada
  • England & Scotland
  • Continental Europe
  • Travel Tips
  • Europe Travel Essentials
  • Shop
  • Privacy Policy & Contact
  • Web Stories