Indianapolis, IN Golf Weekend
Golf Magazine 8/08 and T&L Golf July/Aug 08
Golf Weekend on 3 Budgets, per Golf Magazine...
Under $500 per person
Play
Rock Hollow
GC of Indiana
Heartland Crossing GL
Stay
Holiday Inn Indianapolis North at The Pyramids
Under $700 per person
Play
The Fort GR
Purgatory GC (Fat Guy Note: This course looks awesome, very Tobacco Road-like, www.purgatorygolf.com )
The Trophy Club
Stay
Courtyard Indianapolis at the Capitol
Under $1,000 per person
Play
Brickyard Crossing GC
Otter Creek GC (North/West)
Prarie View GC**
Stay
The Westin Indianapolis many of us in Central Indiana know
**Fat Guy Research: Locals say, "Prairie View is ranked way above its level in all categories-price, service, value and condition and golf course itself. It sits smack in the center of the highest income bracket in the state and charges accordingly. Much better golf for less can be had at Purgatory or Bear Slide, and Bear Slide will almost always win out for your favorite. They are both 25% less than the Brickyard or Prairie View and are better in every way than PV. For a real treat head down to Columbus and play Otter Creek’s original Robert Trent Jones 18 for half the price ."
Per T&L Golf 2008, hit the Rib America Festival
Indianapolis, Indiana
August 29–September 1
Live music is a big part of this Labor Day weekend celebration (www.ribamerica.com). This year’s lineup includes classic rockers Peter Frampton and Blue Öyster Cult. Past headliners Hootie and the Blowfish always made sure to arrive early—less for sound checks than for feedings of the hearty fare, including ribs, pulled chicken and pork, and roasted sweet corn.
Golf
Brickyard Crossing
Four holes of this Pete Dye layout lie inside the giant oval of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Golfers must steer around pot bunkers and the former track wall. $90; 317-492-6572, www.brickyardcrossing.com
The Fort Golf Course
Another Dye design, the Fort is a hilly visual treat with well-sloped greens in a quiet, bucolic setting. $61; 317-543-9597, www.thefortgolfcourse.com
Prairie View Golf Club
Robert Trent Jones Jr. transformed a dull grassland site here into a lush course with five man-made lakes. $90; 317-816-3100, www.prairieviewgc.com
Staying
Crowne Plaza at Union Station
As part of your immersion into authentic Indianapolis, stay at this hotel, known for its twenty-six rooms in actual Pullman train cars. The centrally located Romanesque Revival building—still an active train station—is on the National Register of Historic Places. From $170 per night; 877-227- 6963, www.ichotelsgroup.com
Other Activities
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
While you’re in town, visit the 250,000-seat stadium surrounding the legendary 2.5-mile oval. Its popular grounds tour includes a spin through the speedway’s Hall of Fame Museum, located in the infield of the racetrack. www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com
ESPN.com's Guide To Indy:
• Nightlife areas: Broad Ripple is one of the city's six cultural enclaves, an eclectic gathering of pubs, boutiques and restaurants just 10 minutes north of downtown. Roughly six square blocks devoted to nightlife. One hidden gem is Plump's Last Shot, owned by Bobby Plump, who made the winning shot for Milan to beat Muncie Central in 1954 state basketball championship, inspiring the movie "Hoosiers." Also, check out Broad Ripple's Corner Wine Bar (6331 Guilford Ave.; 317-255-5159).
• Sports bars: Scotty's Brewhouse (One Virginia Ave., Indianapolis; 317-571-0808) -- surrounded by a brick exterior, it features non-traditional sports bar fare in a wide variety. Weather permitting, try the outdoor patio seating. Harry & Izzy's (153 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis; 317-635-9594) -- it's just a Peyton Manning toss from the stadium, and this NFL MVP is an investor in the restaurant and bar.
• Restaurants: The Rathskeller (401 E. Michigan St., The Athenaeum Building, Indianapolis; 317-636-0396) -- gourmet German cuisine and contemporary fare. R Bistro (888 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis; 317-423-0312) -- only 17 tables and the chef sources local ingredients. A true farm-to-table experience. Cafe Patachou (225 W. Washington St., Indianapolis; 317-632-0765) -- great breakfast place, hot spot for Indy 500 drivers and locals alike. Walkable from the stadium.
• Cheap eats: King David Dogs (15 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis; 317-632-3647) -- top your dog with a myriad of ingredients, anything from jalapeno mustard to baked beans and bacon to white chicken chili. Slippery Noodle Inn (372 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis; 317-631-6974) -- the oldest bar in Indiana (established in 1850), features live blues music daily.
• Attractions: NCAA Hall of Champions; duckpin bowling at Fountain Square; Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art; Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum; Indianapolis Museum of Art.