History Archives : Page 3 of 15 : TRAVEL/FOOD

Discover Oxmoor Bourbon Company, now an official partner of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®

Cultural Immersion, Distilleries, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville

Oxmoor Bourbon Co. recently announced that they are now an official partner of the world-renowned Kentucky Bourbon Trail® program, offering a new opportunity to explore where Kentucky’s Bourbon history began. A great option for those looking for something beyond the typical distillery tour — and perfect for history buffs — Oxmoor Bourbon Co. in Louisville interprets the story of a Kentucky farm as it transformed along with the state, striving to tell the story of all the people who lived and worked on the land through preservation and education. For more information, visit https://oxmoorbourbon.com/.

“After two decades in the spirits business, I thought I had seen it all — but a place with such rich, undiscovered history in the category, so carefully maintained in its place in Kentucky and American history was unimaginable to me,” said general manager Rosser Lomax. “Oxmoor Bourbon Company is tied to the very origin of bourbon and how it came to be, and being part of something that actively works to preserve and share that history is an honor of the highest order. Building the Oxmoor Bourbon Company has been such an exciting journey, and we are so excited to share this wonderful history and incredible space with friends old and new, near and far.”

During the immersive experience, visitors stroll through three centuries of architecture and learn about the five generations of legal scholars who have called Oxmoor home, the “why” and “how” behind the rules of bourbon told on every distillery tour and the almost-forgotten people who codified those rules into law to protect the good name of America’s only native spirit.

Visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens designed in 1911 by one of the country’s first female landscape architects and the largest collection of preserved outbuildings in the region.

Each tour concludes with a tasting of the exclusive Oxmoor Bourbon Private Label — a private stock bottling in the family tradition, awarded a gold medal by the prestigious John Barleycorn Society. Bottles of the bourbon are available for sale following the tour. Guests also have the option to enjoy a selection of cocktails in the breathtaking family library and gardens following tours.

Tours are offered Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Guests must be 21+ to participate. Space is limited on each tour, so reservations are required — to reserve a tour, visit here.

Oxmoor Bourbon Company also welcomes inquiries regarding private event bookings and corporate events and is excited to host a variety of special events and private tastings throughout 2025.

“Visiting Oxmoor Bourbon Company is a rare and fascinating opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the history of bourbon and of Kentucky, while also supporting the preservation and the advancement of both,” said Cordell Lawrence, CEO of Eastern Light Distilling and advisor to Oxmoor Bourbon Company. “With my extensive background in the bourbon industry, I’ve experienced countless bourbon tourism offerings, and I can confidently say that the tour offered by Oxmoor Bourbon Company is unlike any other. It’s been a thrill to help bring this experience to life and I’m eager to see more Kentuckians and tourists alike explore all that Oxmoor has to offer as the latest addition to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.”

Last June, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail celebrated its 25th anniversary, welcoming millions of visitors a year to more than 60 experiences across the state. According to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, more than 80% of all Kentucky Bourbon Trail visitors come from outside Kentucky. Bourbon is a $9 billion economic and tourism powerhouse for Kentucky, generating more than 23,100 jobs with $2.2 billion in salaries and benefits.

About Oxmoor Bourbon:

Step back in time with Oxmoor Bourbon and explore where Kentucky’s Bourbon history began. This first-of-its-kind historical tour and tasting experience takes place at Oxmoor, with buildings constructed before the Commonwealth of Kentucky had a constitution. Learn about the five generations of legal scholars who have called Oxmoor home, the “why” and “how” behind the rules of bourbon told on every distillery tour and the almost-forgotten figures who codified those rules into law to protect the good name of America’s only native spirit. Guests see the home’s three sections, constructed in 1791, 1829, and 1928, with furniture and family belongings as the family left them.

Visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens designed in 1911 by one of the country’s first female landscape architects and the largest collection of preserved outbuildings in the region. The tour includes a tasting of the exclusive Oxmoor Bourbon Private Label and the option to enjoy a selection of cocktails in the breathtaking family library. The site interprets the story of a Kentucky farm that has transformed alongside the state and strives to tell the story of all the people who lived and worked on the land through preservation and education. Multiple tour times offered Tuesdays through Saturdays; must be 21+ to participate.

Visit oxmoorbourbon.com for information or to book.

The Way We Used to Travel

Maryland, National Road, Uncategorized

Let’s turn on the time machine and travel back 219 years and a few days to March 29, 1806. That’s when Congress approved the concept of a “National Road.” Signed into law by President Thomas Jefferson, the National Road as it still is known today, was America’s first federally funded highway, designed to connect the Potomac and Ohio rivers and serve as the major path westward for countless settlers eager to discover the opportunities they hoped awaited them on the American frontier.

It took five years after approval for the road to be constructed, but it was a big deal when completed. People, animals and covered wagons assembled in Cumberland, Maryland, ready to head west on trails that had long been traveled by the region’s Indigenous Peoples and by a young George Washington in the 1740s in his early career as a surveyor.

After more than two decades of construction (as with modern transportation projects, there were plenty of problems and delays), the road ultimately stretched about 620 miles, from Maryland to Illinois, passing through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Indiana along the way. The idea of this first “road trip” – which, let’s face it, was a lot less fun and way more dangerous 200 years ago than it is today – all began in Cumberland, in the scenic region known as “The Mountain Side of Maryland.”

A bustling place back then, Cumberland, after undergoing a $17.2 million renovation/restoration last fall, is again a premier destination, offering visitors both outdoor and urban adventures coupled with early American history as well. Stops to see include “Mile Marker 0” monument at Canal Place National Heritage Park, the incredible Allegany Museum with its stellar “Crossroads of America” exhibit that tells the story of the region’s role in America’s early westward expansion, as well as the small towns that played major roles in American history. For more information, take a peek at MDMountainside.com.

And if you’d like to follow a “road trip” itinerary along America’s first federally funded highway, here’s a starting point: America’s First Road Trip.

Theater goers learn about female Titanic survivor during a special show in Munster.

Northwest Indiana, Theater

By Guest Blogger Eloise Valadez.

Titanic play takes the stage at Theatre at the Center where a new survivor is discovered during a special show in Munster, Indiana.

Actress Leslie Goddard relays the story of Violet Jessop, a cabin maid crew member on the Titanic, in the one-woman show “Violet Jessop: Titanic Survivor” at Theatre at the Center. The play runs through March 30.

Jessop, who died in 1971, also survived the sinking of the HHMS Britannic. She was one of the passengers who obtained a lifeboat seat. Goddard has been portraying interesting and pioneering women on stage through the years such as Jackie Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, Julia Child and Amelia Earhart.

Image courtesy of Theatre in the Middle.

During the play, Goddard talks about both the Titanic and Britannic tragedies as well as other aspects of the cabin maid’s life. During a past interview, Goddard said she enjoys researching the lives of strong, creative, and influential women.

Video courtesy of Blue Star Line

Goddard, who took an interest in theater as a child, has undergraduate and master’s degrees in theatre as well as a PHD in history. The actress previously brought her shows on Amelia Earhart and Julia Child to Theatre at the Center.

In addition to the performance, theater goers can make a reservation for a Titanic-themed meal created by 10Forty Banquets. The meal is inspired by the final meal served on the Titanic. Cost for the meal is an additional $30.

FYI: “Violet Jessop: Titanic Survivor” runs to March 30 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Tickets are $40. Call 219-836-3255 or TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

Top photo courtesy of Theatre at the Center.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.

200 Years of Johann Strauss Tour

Austria, Vienna, Zicasso

Celebrate the timeless elegance of Vienna and the legacy of the “waltz king” on Zicasso’s eight-day 200 Years of Johann Strauss Tour. The 19th-century musical sensation earned fame akin to modern-day rock stars with his infectious melodies and elegant compositions, especially waltzes like The Blue Danube. Immerse yourself in Strauss’s world and that of Vienna’s Golden Age with VIP seating at masterful performances, ballroom evenings, and exclusive access to opera houses and palaces.

From guided visits to imperial residences to leisurely walks through Vienna’s charming streets, enjoy Strauss’s enchanting melodies as each day blends cultural splendor with ceaseless indulgence.

Prices for Zicasso’s eight-day 200 Years of Johann Strauss Tour start at $4,000 per person for accommodations, in-country transportation, some or all activities/tours, expert trip planning, and 24/7 support during your trip.

Trip highlights include:

Visit Strauss’s former residence and learn to waltz at a private ballroom dancing class;
Enjoy an evening at a traditional Viennese heurigen, wine tavern, with local wines and music;
Discover the House of Strauss, a multimedia museum showcasing the composer’s legacy, and tour the Vienna State Opera with exclusive backstage access;
Don your finest ballgown or tuxedo to show off your skills during ball season before heading for refreshments at a UNESCO-recognized sausage stand;
Wander through Vienna’s Central Cemetery to view the graves of musical legends and admire Art Nouveau architecture.

In addition to these itinerary inclusions, this tour offers guests the option to trace Strauss’s footsteps through iconic landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and City Hall.

Stroll through Vienna’s Baroque squares and hidden alleys to uncover its musical heritage with visits to Café Frauenhuber, the city’s oldest coffee house which opened in 1824, and Schönbrunn Palace. Guests can also journey to Stift Klosterneuburg Abbey for a winery tour and wine tasting with scenic views.

For more information about Zicasso’s eight-day 200 Years of Johann Strauss Tour, visit https://www.zicasso.com/i/austria/200-years-of-johann-strauss-tour.

Discover the Beauty of Machu Picchu on a Women-Only Apaca Expedition

Adventure, Authentic travel, Cultural Immersion, Historic foodways, Peru, Sustainable travell, Travel trends, Uncategorized

As part of their commitment to empowering women through exploration and cultural immersion, Alpaca Expeditions, a Peru-based travel organization, offers the Women-Only Salkantay & Sacred Valley, a 7-Day Tour to Machu Picchu. This multi-day hiking experience, led by only female guides and porters, is limited to women travelers as it follows the Salkantay.

It’s an off the beaten trek through an ever-changing landscape of stunning panoramic vistas of valleys, mountain peaks, waterfalls, and streams, stopping at places such as Pisac, a town on the Urubamba River known for having one of the best archaeological complexes in Peru and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. This unique mix of culture, scenery, glamping, and experiences centered on Perusivan traditions also includes Peruvian wine tasting, a cooking class, the weaving women’s collective, and a coffee tour.

It’s an alternative trek, and participants won’t see many other hikers or groups on the trail, adding to the intimacy of the experience in the vastness of the Andes mountains.

The trip is a mix of glamping and tent camping. Guests will enjoy two nights in glass cabañas with stunning views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain range. For a unique experience, one night is spent in the Lord of the Rings-inspired Hobbit Houses exclusive to Alpaca Expeditions. Hot tubs, showers, and a nearby glacial-fed river complement the mystical Hobbit House experience.

Two nights are tent camping, one within the Salkantay Mountains and the second at an exclusive campsite overlooking the ruins of Machu Picchu at Llactapata. The final night is at a hotel in the mountain village of Aguas Calientes (Spanish for hot springs), at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Sacred Vally and Salkantay Ultimate Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu–7 days is $995 per person. Group size is 8-12. Custom tours with groups of 6 or more are available. Dates are available May – October 2025.

For more information and a day-by-day itinerary, visit Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Only Women.

All photos courtesy of Alpaca Expeditions.

Forgotten History: The Gardens of Jens Jensen

Chicago Parks, Garden Tours, Ideal HIghway, Jens Jensen, Lake Michigan, Lincoln HIghway, Uncategorized

For all but the most avid landscape design devotees, the name Jens Jensen may seem slightly familiar but little more. However his beautifully crafted landscapes in Chicago, Indiana, and Wisconsin endure more than a century after his death.

Jensen left his native Denmark and settled in America in 1884 because of his parents’ disapproval of his wife. Starting as a street sweeper for Chicago’s West Park System, he became one of America’s most significant landscape architects.

Northwest Indiana

South Bay Hotel in the early 1900s. Photo courtesy of the East Chicago Public Library.

From still here to long gone, Jensen’s work can be traced throughout this area that abuts Chicago, known by locals as The Region or, if you’re really from there, Da Region. He landscaped the grounds of the South Bay Hotel, a posh place in Indiana Harbor, popular around the turn of the last century.

South Bay Hotel postcard in the early 1900s. Photo courtesy of the East Chicago Public Library.

It was a place for yachtsmen who sailed from Chicago, docking their boats in a cove of Lake Michigan and spending time having good times at the hotel. Not far away, he designed the very stylish city’s water works park near what is now Jeorse Park Beach.

Jensen was the landscape architect for the original park in Marktown in East Chicago. He also drew up plans for Indiana Harbor’s Washington Park in the 1920s when large homes for Inland Steel’s executives were being built along the park’s perimeters. The neighborhood is now designated as the Washington Park Historic District.

He wrote columns for what was then The Hammond Times and now the Times of Northwest Indiana, offering planting advice and was also involved in a project called the Ideal Section, a 1.5-mile stretch of U.S. Hwy. 30 between Dyer and Schererville, part of the Lincoln Highway designed to showcase what highways could be like in a time of unpaved and gravel roads.

According to George Rogge of Miller Beach, Indiana who served on the Lincoln Highway Association and was a board member of Indiana Landmarks, says that Edsel Ford (Jensen also landscaped their Detroit area home that is open for tours), one of the backers of the highway, authorized a payment of $25,000 for Jensen to design a roadside park area and campground. That never came to fruition.

But the memorial Jensen designed honoring the Ideal Section and also Henry C. Ostermann, an early proponent of the Lincoln Highway remains and is surrounded by the native plants he would have chosen.

A member of the Prairie Club–a group of scientists, early environmentalist and those who enjoyed nature who came from Chicago to enjoy the dunes and waters of Lake Michigan, Jensen was instrumental in the fight to save parts of Gary’s shoreline from the encroachment of the steel mills on land now comprising the state and national dunes parks. A fountain he designed is located at the entrance of the Indiana Dunes State Park.

A Splendid Past

Jens Jensen Gardens at The Barker Mansion in Michigan City. Photo courtesy of the Barker Mansion.

In Michigan City, Jensen designed the gardens at the stately Barker Mansion, the former home of a wealthy industrialist built in 1857 and now an opulent example of the Gilded Age is filled with original furnishings and art.

Barker Mansion in Michigan City. Photo courtesy of The Barker Mansion.

The museum hosts numerous garden events showcasing its brick walkways, formal plantings, fountain, a niche with bench and Tiffany globes, urns overflowing with flowers and climbing bushes with pretty blooms.

The Lost is Found

The Jens Jensen Gardens at Marian University in Indianapolis. Photo courtesy of Marian University.

Dr. David Benson, a biology professor at Marian University in Indianapolis, wanted to revitalize the sprawling grounds of the James Allyson estate where the school is located. But when landscapers started to work, they realized this wasn’t just an overgrown piece of land; it was the work of Jensen. It is among the largest and most intact of his landscapes in the United States.

As an interesting aside, according to the Marian University website, Benson secured the 12th global ranking for identifying an impressive 611 bird species across the lower 48 states during the 2023 calendar year. Reflecting on his monumental feat, Benton described it as “an enormous challenge and a fantastic experience in practical ecology and ornithology.”

Foundtain at the Jens Jensen Gardens at Marian University in Indianapolis. Photo courtesy of Marian University.

According to Deborah Lawrence, Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and General Counsel, who is also involved in the garden project, the 55-acre natural area of native plants, prairie, now the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab, is designed to educate through interaction with the environment.

Riverdale, the estate’s formal gardens were also restored. Both contain many of Jensen’s signature elements including a player’s green, and for water features, a series of spring-fed lakes encircling a central clover meadow. The restoration of historic structures include a stone colonnade, fountain, and what Lawrence describes as their version of a council ring.

“The plants are color-coded in purples and blues,” says Lawrence, noting there are walking trails and the grounds are open to visitors. “It’s what Jensen wanted.”

Chicago

Many of Jensen’s memorable works can be seen in Humboldt Park where he expanded the lagoon into the Prairie River, a cascading and meandering waterway with stepping-stone paths and banks lined with native plants. He also built the Prairie-style boat house there

Jens Jensen designed Columbus Park in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.

Columbus Park is the only Chicago park completely designed by Jensen, and it is the only place in the city with one of his famed council rings. Part of his heritage, Jensen attended the Folk School in Denmark, a place for learning Danish traditions and culture, including an appreciation of nature. Council rings were part of the concept, used as a way to bring people together in the outdoors, a place to sit, share, and tell stories.

Jensen incorporated Prairie-style elements in his design of the Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the most popular settings for engagement and wedding photos in Chicago.

Up North

After the death of his wife, Jensen, who loved the beauty of Door County, Wisconsin, moved to Ellison Bay, establishing The Clearing Folk School, a place for classes and seminars centering on arts, fine crafts, humanities, and natural sciences. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and building and there are also guided hikes.

Upper Range Lights. Photo by Jane Simon Ammeson.

Jensen also played a part in the preservation of the 1,600-acre Ridges Sanctuary near Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin’s first land trust. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it’s a wonderful place for hiking.

Lighthouse — Lower Range Light in Baileys Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin. Photo by Jane Simon Ammeson

But its main features are the Upper Range and Lower Range lights dating back to 1870. Set 980 feet apart and aligned on a 340° bearing line, they are the only lighthouses still on range being used as navigational aids.

The last mile of WI 42 north of Ellison Bay was sketched by Jens Jensen and the most photographed stretch of road in scenic Door County. Photo courtesy of Destination Door County.

“Jensen also is credited with having sketched the last mile of Wisconsin 42, north of Ellison Bay leading to the Washington Island Ferry dock,” says Jon Jarosh, Chief Communications Officer at Destination Door County. “The extremely curvy stretch of road is the most photographed stretch of road in Door County.”

Schuler’s Announces Opening of Venue 19 Zero 9 in Historic Downtown Marshall

Historic Restaurants, Hotels, Restaurants, Schuler's Restaurant & Pub, Venue 19 Zero 9

In less than a year, one of Marshall’s most historic yet long-vacant buildings has been converted into an elegant, first-class event space called Venue 19 Zero 9. An extension of Schuler’s Restaurant and Pub, is named for the year in which Schuler’s was founded–1909. The public is invited to view the transformation of Venue 19 Zero 9 at an Open House on Thursday, March 20 from 4-7pm.

“We can’t wait to share this newly renovated space with our community and guests,” says Sue Damron, President & CEO of Venue 19 Zero 9 and Schuler’s. “Over the years, we’ve been committed to expanding and enhancing the hospitality experience here in Marshall. The addition of Venue 19 Zero 9 gives us another unique space to create memorable events complete with catering and planning services.”

Housed inside an 1880s historic landmark, known for many years as Dreamers Furniture, Venue 19 Zero 9 sits two blocks from the Marshall’s legendary Schuler’s Restaurant. The restoration of the iconic stone structure aligns with the town’s dedication to its heritage, offering the perfect blend of tradition and modernity while creating a beacon of sophistication and unparalleled experience for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.

The multi-use Venue 19 Zero 9 features a large room accommodating up to 300 seated guests, an intimate soft-seating area, two changing quarters for wedding parties to get ready, as well as three stylish boutique hotel rooms, adding a touch of class for those seeking an all-encompassing experience.

To ensure an exceptional culinary offering, Venue 19 Zero 9 features exclusive catering by Schuler’s Restaurant. Known for its impeccable service and delectable cuisine, Schuler’s will bring its signature touch to elevate events held at Venue 19 Zero 9 including unparalleled professional onsite planning services. Drawing upon the extensive hospitality experience of the Schuler’s team, the venue aims to provide full-scale event coordination, ensuring that every detail is meticulously executed.

“The MEDC is proud to have helped support the reactivation of the long-vacant Dreamers Furniture Building through a Revitalization and Placemaking grant. With its fieldstone exterior and more than a century of history, this property has long been a downtown landmark,” says Michele Wildman MEDC’s Chief Place Officer. “As we continue to execute our Make it in Michigan economic development strategy, focusing on People, Places, and Projects, we are excited to watch the building begin a new chapter and look forward to celebrating the vibrancy this project will add to Marshall’s historic downtown. We appreciate our bipartisan partners in the state Legislature for their support of this vital tool and the placemaking opportunity it brings to communities across the state.”

The Venue 19 Zero 9 project is the latest initiated by Damron, who acquired the legendary restaurant in 2019 and has worked for the company for almost three decades. Over the past five years, she and her team have been responsible for ongoing renovations at the restaurant and pub, but more notably she led the charge to transform former office and storage space (part of the building’s original hotel footprint) into seven new mixed-income units—four of which are reserved for low-to-moderate-income residents—and five boutique guest rooms branded as The Royal Hotel. In 2020, she also developed a picturesque off-site outdoor venue in rural Calhoun County called Hyde Away, which adds diversity to the company’s hospitality portfolio.

Damron says she couldn’t have completed this project without the support of the City of Marshall, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance, and Homestead Savings Bank. The project was eligible for a grant coupled with significant investment from Damron and Schuler’s Restaurant.

Founded in 1909, Schuler’s is noted as one of Michigan’s most iconic restaurants. With more than a century of successful years in the industry, Schuler’s remains a hospitality leader not only in Michigan, but throughout the country.

Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub is located at 115 S Eagle St. in Marshall, Michigan. (269) 781-0600; SchulersRestaurant.com

Venue 19 Zero 9 is located at 112 N Eagle St., Marshall, Michigan. https://19zero9.com

The Hebridean Baker: The Scottish Cookbook

Book events, Book signings, cooking, Uncategorized

Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridian Baker, will be in Chicago on Saturday, March 1st at 2 p.m.- at The Book Stall, Winnetka, IL, to talk about his latest book, The Scottish Cookbook. And yes, he will be wearing a kilt.

Tickets: https://www.thebookstall.com/book-stall-welcomes-coinneach-macleod-hebridean-baker

Chocolate and Gingerbread Bundt Cake

For the bundt tin:

A little butter, melted
Cocoa powder for dusting

For the cake:

6 1/4 ounces butter
8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
5 oz light muscovado sugar
2 tablespoons black treacle
3 tablespoons golden syrup
2 balls of stem ginger and syrup, finely chopped and drained
Four large eggs, lightly beaten
Four and a quarter ounces self-rising flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of salt

Brush your bundt tin evenly with melted butter and lightly dust with cocoa powder. Next line in a large pan, melt the butter along with the chocolate, sugar black treacle and golden syrup. Stir until smooth then allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Preheat the oven to 340°F.

Add the chopped stem ginger and beaten eggs to the chocolate mixture, stirring thoroughly until combined.

Stir the flour, baking powder, mixed spice, ground cinnamon, ground ginger and a pinch of salt into the chocolate mixture. Fold in gently.

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt tin and bake for 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra treat, serve with cream or ice cream.

Discover Indianapolis in the Spring

Black History Travel, Indianapolis, Indianapolis Zoo, Soldiers and Sailors Monument

Museums & Attractions

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (the world’s largest!) is celebrating 100 years with an exciting lineup of events, including:
- Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (Feb. 22 – Aug. 1): Kicking off its national tour in Indy before traveling across the Midwest.
- Centennial 110-ft Ferris Wheel launching March 15, coinciding with the Sports Legends Experience expansion.
- Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design (March 22 – Sept. 7): Featuring 60+ original costumes, including some from Black Panther.
- Take Me There: Peru exhibit opening this summer—fun timing with the Paddington in Peru movie release this Friday.
Conner Prairie (Smithsonian-affiliated Museum)

Promise Land as Proving Ground—a new exhibit opening March 25 focused on African American history in Indiana. This exhibit has been three years in the making.
Indiana’s first and only Forest Therapy Trail—guided tours begin in May, blending history and nature for a unique outdoor experience.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum reopens April 2 after an $89 million renovation, featuring cutting-edge tech and immersive sensory experiences. Offering visitors a way to experience the Indy 500 any day of the week.

Giant tortoises are coming to the Indianapolis Zoo in May, following the successful launch of the International Chimpanzee Complex last year—home to one of the largest groups of chimpanzees in human care.

Hotel development:

Indy’s newest hotel, the InterContinental Hotel, will be perfectly positioned right off Monument Circle, the epicenter of Indy. While once on a list of Indiana’s 10 most endangered landmark buildings, the hotel will offer a rooftop bar with an unobstructed view of Lady Victory, sitting above the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Opening later this month.

Sports

NFL Combine is back at the end of this month with a chance for families to step into Lucas Oil Stadium for free and see 300 – 350 prospects trying to make it in the National Football League. Plus, there is a free fan festival outside the stadium as well.
March Madness takes over Indy next month with 43 games across 29 days, including: Big Ten Men’s & Women’s Tournaments and Men’s Sweet 16 & Elite 8.
WNBA All-Star Game (July): With Caitlin Clark expected as the #1 draft pick for our hometown team, this will be huge!

Black Heritage & Legacy Trail

Launching this June, Indy’s Black Heritage & Legacy Trail is a self-guided tour highlighting iconic landmarks pivotal to Black history in Indianapolis. One of the neighborhoods on the trail includes Belmont Beach, the beach where Black families were granted access to swim in the city in the 1920s. At that time, and up until a couple years ago, the water was polluted. Now, Belmont Beach is transitioning from a story about segregation to celebration, as it is now a place for gathering for people of all ages, races, etc.

The Black Heritage and Legacy Trail is part of $150 million in trail expansions and improvements currently underway, making Indy one of the most connected cities in the country—fitting for the “Crossroads of America.”

Indianapolis Cultural Trail Expansion: In fall 2024, Indy celebrated a two-mile expansion of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, bringing it to 10 miles total. This wheelchair- and scooter-accessible trail has been recognized by the Project for Public Spaces as one of the “biggest and boldest steps by any American city.”

The recent expansion now links Indiana Avenue—Indy’s historically Black cultural district—by the Madam Walker Legacy Center, as well as the South Street corridor, leading to Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Colts).

Indy’s riverways & trailways project reaches a major milestone this fall, further solidifying Indy as one of the most connected communities in the country. A new resource highlighting Central Indiana’s Trailways network will launch alongside America’s 250th celebration.

All photos courtesy of Visit Indy.