Clockwise: AZ, Annette Langley. Meg Hoefle Faulkner and Josh Michael Indianapolis 11/30/2024
On Sep 13, 2024, I booked a round trip Flixbus! trip to Indianapolis for Thanksgiving Weekend and a room at Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis Downtown 501 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN
November 28 at 7:28?AM I was in downtown Chicago Greyhound Station to take a Flixbus! to Indy. The bus which I had reserved a seat on was actually not crowded and I had a seat next to me empty a rarity especially on holiday travels and a busy one being that a lot slowed down during and after COVID. A little more than 3 hours I was in downtown Indianapolis where I’d meet one of my very best friends in life Annette Langley who I hadn’t seen in over 20 years as she’s been living in Jackson Hole WY but we never lost touch and have never stopped laughing since we met on that May morning in 1995 when were were both in training for our sales jobs at BMG Direct. Weonly had 3 stops along the way and it was quite a pleasant journey.
I departed the coach at 12:50?PM and there was Annette looking very much the same as last time I saw her. We hugged and I proclaimed “HOW DID YOU RECOGNIZE ME?” As if by cue we both laughed.
Don Lemus Restaurant 507 S Sherman Dr Indianapolis, IN www.facebook.com/LemusRestaurant
It was Thanksgiving afternoon and I had just arrived in Indianapolis and wa very hungry. My hotel didn’t have a restaurant and we scoured the east side in hopes for Chinese food. Nothing was open. Literally nothing. We found Don Lemus Restaurant 507 S Sherman and it looked authentic. I live in Chicago and we have plenty of authentic, I wasn’t sure about Indy. I sure was surprised this place was the real deal.
I ordered 3 Tacos: 1 Carne Molida / Ground Beef 1 Asada / Steak and 1 Pollo con Cilantro y Cebolla / Chicken with Cilantro and Onion. Annette ordered 2 tamales. We both had bottled water as they don’t serve alcohol. I was craving a margarita but that would have to wait till the next day.
My meal came to only $17.97 which I consider a great value. The service was speedy fast. I couldn’t believe it.
Around 345 PM Annette dropped me off at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis Downtown
Upon checking in I was greeted warmly by Britney who made my check in process more quick and easy than the bulk of my travel experiences. The hotel remained quiet and comfortable. My room was very clean and spacious featuring all of the amentias one would expect: Internet, TV, microwave, refrigerator and hair dryer. Britney gave me a room with a view of Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art at no extra charge. This would inspire me to visit its exhibitions with friends on my last day at the hotel. The hotel is located walking distance to many downtown restaurants and ball parks as well as White River State Park. The complimentary breakfast was above par and boasted many hot and cold options. On my final day Britney allowed me to have an additional hour till a 12 noon check out.
Overall the property exceeded my expectations and I hope to return and will recommend to my family, friends and business associates.
Condado Tacos 530 Massachusetts Ave Suite 190, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Terrence
On Black Friday 11/29/2024 I had organized a meet up with friends at my favorite new taco chain (is it new?) at the Condado Tacos downtown Indianapolis location. I became a fan last summer when my brother took me to a location on N High Street in Columbus Ohio. I was hooked. Sadly we don’t have any locations in the Chicago area but we have lots of Mexican so no biggie. This gives me something to look forward to as I travel.
The meet up was at 2 PM and I was going stir crazy in my hotel room so I left a little early and arrived at 530 Massachusetts Ave location after exiting an Uber that smelled like weed. I live in Chicago and the entire city smells like weed. I entered the spacious and brightly decorated establishment and took a seat at the bar and was greeted by Terrance who would single handedly take care of the bar and the floor buy some miracle on his own. I ordered the Handsome Devil : Tanteo Habanero-Infused Tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde, lime, and agave with a Tajín rim and it hit the spot. It was perfect.
Within and hour or so my friends all showed up and Terrance brought menus to all of us now seated at a table. Everyone ordered drinks and then food. I had 3 amazing tacos. The quality of this chain is absolutely above par. I think I turned everybody onto the place and I really wanted to go back. I actually did have one for the road the following Sunday at the Greenwood location where my drink was made by Angie.
Hats off to Terrance for taking care of us as he handled other customers as well. When I return to Indy I will return here for sure!
Handsome Devil : Tanteo Habanero-Infused Tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde, lime, and agave with a Tajín rim
Hotel Tango 702 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203 (not a hotel) in Indianapolis $17 for the worst glass of whiskey ever and I could not even finish it. The room has an old school living room/den feel but the restrooms were very very uncleans and gross. NEVER EVER AGAIN!
Afterwards I went with Wheelchair JSIN Haron and Saffi back to the hotel; adn chilled till around 830 and I was stressed out over my cats,They headed out and I was unable to sleep till after midnight. I should have bought and brought a bottle back to the room.
Earlier in the morning 735 AM to precise I sent a text to the human who was staying in my guest room asking how my cats were doing. That’s not asking a lot. At around 10 PM EST I sent a text to Max let him know what I had asked of his friend over 12 hours earlier and I had no reply. I asked Max to follow up. Max got back to me around 11 PM EST that he said the cats are keeping to themselves and they come out to eat. Yeah, my cats were petrified over this person. They would hide and whimper which is completely out of character of them. Even a new guest that comes in will have my cats all over them. Technicians, repairmen, anyone. But this guy had my cats scared as I have never seen them .
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art 500 W Washington St Indianapolis, IN 46204 eiteljorg.org
As I had planned when I saw it w sacross from the hotel Annette would pick me up at the hotel at 12 noon. The night before Josh called and told me that hs girlfriend Megs family were benefactors of the museum and had a family pass that would cover 4 of us and parking. I would only have to buy a ticket for Annette. HUSE PLUS and we’d have fun people to dine with afterwards.
The Eiteljorg prides itself on offering engaging exhibitions. Special exhibitions at the Eiteljorg have covered diverse subjects, including the artistry and histories of pistols and motorcycles; the intersecting experiences of African- and Native Americans; Jewish life in the West; and the work of iconic artists Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe. The museum allows guests to further immerse themselves in Western and Native cultures through dynamic programs, cultural exchanges and events. The Eiteljorg has explored GLBT representation in Western film; celebrated women in the West and hosts a variety of Western and Native artists in residence each year.
So it was Josh and Meg, Annette and I and Josh’s brother JD altogether in the museum together working our way to the cafe. on the main floor where we orders a beverage and took a seat. We would be joined by two of JD’s friends from out of town who proved to be quite amusing. Alan and Ann from Ohio and man alive would they ever prove to be a couple of very fun people.
Meg and Josh
Alan and Ann
A One-of-a-Kind Hoosier Holiday Tradition
A beloved annual holiday tradition, Fifth Third Bank Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure is a breathtaking model train display featuring nine G-scale trains traveling through spectacular landscapes and past famous landmarks of Indianapolis and the American West. Each scene is masterfully crafted from natural materials and adorned with festive holiday decorations and twinkling lights, creating a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
This year at Jingle Rails enjoy extended evening hours on select days, explore the all-new Winter Markets featuring local artists, and marvel at the newest addition to the display, the iconic Madam Walker Theatre!
Acorns and Elm Bark and Fungus, Oh My!
As you explore Jingle Rails and take in the different scenes, see what materials you can find within the backdrops. You may find miniature buildings made of twigs, sycamore leaves, pinecone scales, walnut shells or cinnamon sticks.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is made of: slate, elm bark, mahogany pods, Brazilian mushroom, winged euonymus, eucalyptus seeds, forsythia, beech seeds, horse chestnut, pine cone scales, cinnamon, barley, acorn caps, crepe myrtle, hemlock cones, magnolia stems, beech, oak, elm, birch barks, eucalyptus, gourd, alder, poppy seeds, acorns, lichen, raffia, corn silk, grape vine, pepper corn, bamboo, pistachio shells, cloves, walnut, cinnamon, reeds and fungus.
The Monday prior to my trip to Indy I found this wonderful film on TUBI which came out during the pandemic. I forgot about it and wasn’t sure what came of it. I was so happy and had so much fun watching this tale I’ve known so so well on film. So much that the last night of my trip when I was staying we Annette we watched it together.
Fear and Loathing in Aspen
Released Jul 23, 2021 1h 25m
Director/Writer
Bobby Kennedy III
Starring
Jay Bulger, Cheryl Hines, Laird Macintosh and Amaryllis Fox
Fed-up with local pollution problems, journalist and activist Hunter S. Thompson challenges the establishment by running for sheriff of Aspen, Colo., in 1970.
A well researched and written portrayal of actual events , many liberties were taken to enhance the story to keep it moving . Screenplay was enjoyable comes across entertaining without going overboard with the “ Raul Duke “ character but keeps true to Hunter S Thompson “ the man “ . Cinematography , Editing and Set Locations all were enjoyable, as a fan of this era of Thompson I would recommend. For someone with no background or references, it could be lost .
Condado Tacos – Greenwood.(Angie)
First Watch Greenwood
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Yard House (Indianapolis, IN)
Hotel Tango (not a hotel) in Indianapolis $17 for the worst glass of whiskey ever and I could not even finish it.
Condado Tacos 530 Massachusetts Ave Suite 190, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Terrence
FlixBus!
