Beginner's Guide to Indianapolis

Described as one of the most "American" cities in the country, Indianapolis is a midwestern role model. The home of the reigning Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts may cherish the true-blue, but the city still has plenty of worthwhile culture, entertainment, cuisine, shopping, and sights. After the jump, we've collected a short list of highlights for the first-time visitor to the "Crossroads of America."

Shapiro's: When discussing such an "American" city, we have to include a famous diner. The short ribs and humongous sandwiches at Shapiro's are a major draw. The place started as a small deli and grocery in 1902. By the 1940s they switched exclusively to serving food and have become an Indianapolis institution.

Indianapolis Symphony: Once a neighborhood packed with warehouses, hotels, and other businesses, the Wholesale District was deserted after the Great Depression. About ten years ago, the city invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the area, turning it into an entertainment district. It's now home to numerous upscale restaurants, the Hilbert Circle Theater, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra is one of the few in the country that performs year round.

Madame Walker Theater: Indiana Avenue has been the center of black life in Indianapolis since the late 1800s. This is where the first black churches and businesses opened, and it was the home to the first black-owned newspaper. The Walker Theater was built in 1927 and served as a central point for the community. The theater was closed in the 1960s when the neighborhood fell on hard times, but it reopened in 1988 and is again a cultural center.

Seasonal Festivals: All kinds of festivals and events are held in Indianapolis, including famous Indy 500, the jazz festival in July, and the largest roleplaying-game conference in the country, Gen Con, in October. Other large events include the Heartland Film Festival, IndyFringe, and the Indianapolis Alternative Media Festival. And the Indy International Wine Competitionin July is the largest wine tournament outside of California.

St. Elmo's Steakhouse: Nothing is more American than red meat, and St. Elmo's has been serving up excellent red meat for over a century. It's one of the city's favorite steakhouses, and everyone from locals to visiting celebrities and sports stars frequent the place.

American Cabaret Theatre: Located in the famous Athenaeum building, the American Cabaret Theater is fun and intimate, cultural and historic. It sits in a once-doomed, (now gentrified) neighborhood of Massachusetts Avenue. The theater runs musicals, plays, and touring productions.

Luna's Music: One of Indianapolis's greatest music shops, Luna's has an awesome staff, great recommendations, and solid vinyl selections. It's a local fave. They also keep a pretty rad blog on their website.

Abbey Coffee Shop: This coffeehouse is a place you'll want to linger for awhile. The coffee blends are delicious, the crowd's reasonably hip, and the music artsy. The room is decorated eclectically with dark wooden tables, high-backed chairs, and paintings of clouds on the walls and ceiling. They also have stellar sweets.

The Villa Inn: A cute B&B styled after an Italian villa, the Villa Inn is a romantic spot to spend the night in Indianapolis. Each of the six rooms is furnished with a four-poster bed and a two-person Jacuzzi. All snacks are free, so you can raid the minibar all you want.

Broad Ripple Vintage: For vintage shopping on par with that in New York or Los Angeles, check Broad Ripple Vintage. You're almost always guaranteed great finds among the selection of vintage dresses, coats, jewelry, and bags. Some pieces date back to the 1940s.

-- Amanda Kludt