By Lauren Kmec
Indianapolis
Indiana
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Located in the land of the Hoosiers, Indianapolis, the state capital of Indiana, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Often dubbed “the crossroads of America,” Indianapolis has much to offer for novice and seasoned travelers alike.
   
EscapeWizard.com encourages you to plan your next trip to Indianapolis and experience all that this dynamic city has to offer. Indianapolis is served by Indianapolis International Airport (IND), located only 16 minutes from the heart of the downtown area. Book your flight today using EscapeWizard.com (www.escapewizard.com/flight.php). Need a place to stay while you visit? Simply refer to EscapeWizard.com’s top picks for Indianapolis hotels. Our number one selection in the city is the Staybridge Suites because it gives guests the feeling of home while on the road. Just  book by following this link (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl).

Indianapolis offers plenty of options for sightseeing; in fact, it is second only to Washington, DC in the number of war memorials located on city land. EscapeWizard.com recommends a visit to Monument Circle, home to the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. Check out the shops just outside the Circle, then stroll a few blocks to Indiana World War Memorial Plaza and take in the architectural beauty that spans 24 acres of monuments, sculptures, and green space. The War Memorial itself is an impressive structure, modeled after the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Sports fans will find plenty to do in Indianapolis. Lucas Oil Stadium is home to the storied NFL franchise the Indianapolis Colts, and it also plays host to NCAA basketball games on a rotating basis. In the past, Indianapolis has been a popular choice for the NCAA “Final Four” basketball games, as the NCAA’s headquarters are located in this city. Indianapolis also claims two professional basketball teams: the Indiana Pacers of the NBA and the Indiana Fever of the WNBA, and both teams call Conseco Fieldhouse their home. For NASCAR enthusiasts, EscapeWizard.com suggests an outing to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located just a few miles outside of the city in Speedway, Indiana. Billed as the world’s largest spectator sport facility, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts hotly contested races such as the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400.

EscapeWizard.com also recommends a visit to the Broad Ripple Village neighborhood in Indianapolis, which is one of six designated “cultural districts” in the city. Broad Ripple Village boats an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and music venues. Nightlife options abound in this diverse area, but there is no shortage of daytime activities either: Take a walk, jog, or bike ride along the historic Canal Center Towpath or the Monon Trail and enjoy the scenery. Or browse the wares at the funky boutiques and have lunch at a café serving delicious cuisine made from fresh, locally grown ingredients.

Traveling with kids? There is fun to be had for both young and old at the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, America’s first institution accredited as a zoo, an aquarium, and a botanical garden. The zoo is divided into four biomes, or areas meant to mimic the animals’ natural habitats: (i) the forests biome, (ii) the oceans/marine mammal exhibit, (iii) the deserts biome, and (iv) the plains biome. Dolphins are a favorite attraction in the marine mammal exhibit, as they can be observed from the only underwater viewing dome in the world. The adjoining White River Gardens is a breathtaking 3.3-acre expanse of botanical life and impressive design; its beauty is not to be missed. Visitors can pick up gardening tips, learn about rare species of plants, or simply wander along the paths traversing the gardens.
   
On the whole, Indianapolis is a rapidly growing metropolis with a plethora of interesting sites and attractions to be enjoyed by all. Let EscapeWizard.com assist you in planning your next vacation to this very special midwestern city.
Hotels in Indianapolis
By Kathy Heydasch
Hilton Indianapolis
120 West Market Street, Indianapolis, IN
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The Hilton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites is located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis on beautiful Market Street, just a short walk from everything downtown has to offer! Conveniently located near the Indiana Convention Center as well as many other unique attractions, the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites suits the needs of business and recreational travelers alike. Plus, small dogs are welcome with prior notice so travelers and their pets can enjoy the stay. Potential guests can book their hotel stay at EscapeWizard.com.

Every room at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites comes complete with a flat-screen, high-definition television, data ports, extensive work spaces and luxurious beds. The hotel has a state-of-the-art workout gym called Precor®, as well as a 24-hour business center. There's a large heated indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi and a day spa which offers massages, manicures, pedicures and hair services. One can take advantage of the laundry and concierge services offered as well.

The sports enthusiast is sure to love the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites. As an exclusive hotel partner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it offers race weekend packages. Walking distance away is the Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, and the Conseco Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers. Other nearby attractions includes the Indianapolis Children's Museum, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Indianapolis Zoo, and Circle Centre Mall. Travelers can also tour the nearby Indiana State Capitol and visit other historic sites.

Guests of the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites have the option of dining at one of the hotel's restaurants. McCormick and Schmick's has tasteful seafood, and 120 West Market Fresh Grill features indigenous foods from Indiana and the Ohio River Valley.

Booking events has never been easier than with the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites' E-Event service. Whether it's a large corporate gathering or a small wedding reception, the hotel's experienced staff can offer meeting arrangements as well as full-service banquet catering. Just click the following link to begin your EscapeWizard.com adventure in Indianapolis (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl).
Hotels in Indianapolis
By Kathy Heydasch
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
One South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
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Enjoy everything downtown Indianapolis has to offer by staying at the Hyatt Regency. The recently-remodeled luxury hotel has all the amenities you expect from a Hyatt, including a 24-hour StayFitTM gym, an indoor heated pool with Jacuzzi, and sauna and massage services. The Hyatt Regency offers 499 guestrooms, all with views of beautiful downtown Indianapolis. Each room comes equipped with an iHome stereo and iPod© dock, as well as a generous work space with WiFi. Expect a large TV with an abundance of channels, as well as a luxurious bed in which to relax.

For travelers attending the Indiana Convention Center or the Lucas Oil Stadium, the convenience of the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis can not be beat. You can walk to either inside a climate-controlled skywalk. Or walk to some of the best arts, entertainment and shopping in the nation. Take advantage of your proximity to great attractions like the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, one of the largest children's museums in the world. Or visit the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500. After a day of entertainment, take advantage of 24-hour valet parking at the Hyatt Regency.

Guests can experience fine dining at its very best at the Hyatt Regency's private restaurant, The Eagle's Nest. Voted one of the top 50 “most romantic restaurants”, the Eagle's Nest is a revolving, award-winning restaurant. Guests can also stay in their rooms and relax with the Hyatt Regency's deluxe room service.

If you need a large room for an event or business conference, look no further. The Cosmopolitan Ballroom boasts an area over 8,000 square feet, and the hotel has over 35,000 square feet of meeting space in total, accommodating small groups as well as large conferences. Plus onsite catering is available, making the Hyatt Regency your one-stop shop for your next big event.

Whether you have just arrived or are leaving the hotel, take advantage of the Hyatt Regency's Express Check-In and Express Check-Out services. Designed with the traveler in mind, these services get you in and out of the hotel with virtually no wait at all. Just click here to book your hotel experience with EscapeWizard.com (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl).
Hotels in Indianapolis
By D. Gregory Perrin
Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis
2501 East 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN
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Homewood Suites by Hilton®Indianapolis- At the Crossing is just the right hotel to stay in while vacationing in this great city. The hotel is located to the north of the city and vacationers can easily make it downtown.  There are 116 suites in this facility, which gives ample room for a large number of travelers.  Upon arrival into the city, the friendly staff will assist you with check-in at 3 p.m. or after on the day of arrival. The hotel has a bi-lingual staff.

The suites of the hotel range in size, including both one and two bedroom suites. Guests with children can request a crib and/or playpen if required. There is a color television with cable, as well as complimentary high speed Wi-Fi service available so guests can search the World Wide Web. Each suite also has a full kitchen area with refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and more.

Homewood holds nothing back as far as amenities for its guests. The hotel offers a swimming pool for guests to relax in after a long day of sightseeing or business. There is a fitness center available because the hotel knows how important it is to have the opportunity to maintain your normal fitness regime while on the road. Guests can wash their clothing at the self serve coin laundry on-site.

After you arise in the morning, make sure to head down to the lobby to get some breakfast. Homewood offers the Suite Start™ hot breakfast. Then, check-out from the hotel ends at 12 p.m. EscapeWizard.com knows that the Homewood Suites by Hilton®Indianapolis- At the Crossing is an excellent option for a hotel in the city. Just click this link (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl) to use our hotel finder to search some of the internet’s top travel websites for the best pricing.