Wine and Spirits Travel

My friend Angela and I were on a short getaway to Indianapolis . We were staying downtown at the Courtyard Marriott , directly across the street from White River State Park. Our first scheduled stop of the day was a Segway tour at the park, but it was a bit windy so we decided to put it off for a few hours and head to brunch first. I usually don’t repeat places when I travel because I like to try something new. Café Patachou is the exception. Owner Martha Hoover (a fellow former New Yorker) opened one healthy brunch spot 25 years ago and it has turned into a chain of tasty cafes. Hoover also gives back to local children in need of food through the Patachou Foundation. The place was packed and we decided to take our food to go and sit outside instead of waiting for a table inside. Although I usually spend some time skimming the menu filled with delectable dishes, I almost always get the same: the California Omelet (filled with lots of avocado) and a

I’ve had the pleasure of making a lot of trips to Indianapolis as it is less than two hours from here. Every time I go there are different things to see and do. That was especially true for this trip. My friend Angela and I checked into the Courtyard Marriott Downtown .  It’s in a perfect location, directly across the street from Whitewater State Park and the Indiana State Museum. The Courtyard has a nice coffee shop and lounge area, and it’s connected to the Fairfield Inn and the massive JW Marriott Indianapolis for more options. First on our schedule was our first trip to the Indiana State Museum . We really enjoyed learning about the Hoosier State and it’s place in America’s history. Among the exhibits and hands-on experiences are a 50 th Anniversary exhibit on the Indiana Pacers and a looks into the gems and minerals in the state, as well as its start through the Ice Age.  We also were able to see plenty on famous Indiana natives, including Jam

I haven’t done a lot of family travel adventures in the last few years. My job as the Midwest Travel Guide forAbout.com has dictated that I find I way to do this. Fortunately, I have some friends with young kid, and it’s always fun when you have little ones involved. One trip I had recently was double the excitement with my friend Cortney and her five year old twins. They helped me check some very unique hotel rooms as well as one of the best zoos in the nation. The Indianapolis Zoo introduced some new exhibits which I was especially anxious to see. They also have a Total Adventure Package which lets you experience it all, including the rides, for one price. One of the extras you get with the package is the interactive Zooper Challenge™. (You can also access Zooper if you have a zoo membership.) The biggest and most exciting addition at the Indianapolis Zoo is the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center. Unfortunately, the Skyway was not open the day we were

I’ve had a lot of interesting opportunities over the years. I’m always on the lookout to write about things I don’t often get to, so when I was approached by DKC, the public relations firm that I’ve worked with on Caesars and Harrah’s properties, I was ready to listen. The offer was to not only check out the Horseshoe Hammond Casino just outside of Chicago, but to see a concert there – as a VIP. It’s an experience that is available to the public at reasonable prices (amount varies depending on the event). I had even more reason to look forward to the night since two bands I really enjoy were playing, Staind and Theory of a Deadman. John Uremovic, who handles marketing for the casino, met me at the entrance and gave me a tour of the property. I didn’t realize how big it was and how many different events they hold there, like the Brews at the 'Shoe beer festival in March. I also wasn’t aware that the casino had a large   Asian Gaming Room   which has Pai Gow Ti