Indiana tends to either be a fly over state or bashed on because of the state's conservative powers. Despite all of it, Indiana, and specifically Indianapolis, will always be home. I have lived in Indianapolis for all 19 going on 20 years of my life. I have a traveler's heart and would love to live other places. That could be in response to my ever lingering teenage angst or just my desire to travel and learn. However, whenever I think about where I could be when I graduate, it is hard for me to visualize being anywhere but here. Indianapolis is my home and if it isn't always where my physical home is, it will always be home in my heart. Here are 20 reasons why Indianapolis will always be home for me.
1.Family and Friends
I mean off the bat, of course Indy will be home because my family is here. I come from a small family so they are all in the same state. We don't venture far. Home is where the family is.
2.I know my way around
At least in Marion County, I can find my way around. Most of the time, you just hop on either I-465, I-70, I- 69, or I-65 and get where you need to go. Plus, traffic is never super bad, which cannot be said of some cities!
3. Mass Ave.
Mass Ave is a street downtown full of local businesses and art. Lining the street there are massive murals on the side of buildings featuring famous Hoosiers. Some of the best restaurants are located along Mass Ave. Bazbeaux's Pizza, Bru's Burgers, Sub Zero, and The Best Chocolate in Town are definite must haves!
There is always something "new" to discover downtown. It may be actually new to the city or just new to you. Either way, there is always a new shop or restaurant to try out, even though you have your absolute favorites! Of course you cannot forget the Dancing Lady!
4. All the history
Even though Indiana just celebrated our 200th birthday last year, there is a lot of history packed into a smallish city. From Eli Lilly and Madame CJ Walker to President Benjamin Harrison and Kurt Vonnegut, there is a bunch to learn.
5. The Ripp
Also known as Broad Ripple, The Ripp is a happening (I apologize for sounding like I am a 60-year-old woman) neighborhood on the north side of town. It is the place to go for night life and alternative book and music shops. The perfect place to go with friends any time of the week.
6. You can almost always get Concert tickets
Just recently, Indiana has stepped up their concert game! More and more artists/bands are coming to Indy and we cannot get enough of it! Most of the time tickets are affordable and won't completely break your wallet. Some of that does have to deal with the artist and the venue but eight times out of ten, the concert won't break the bank!
7. When anything Indiana is mentioned you get excited.
Maybe it is just me but I love when Indiana is mentioned in some way, shape, or form is mentioned; although it does depend on the context. That is just reflex when you love your state! I have no shame! Need I mention Parks & Rec even though it was a fictional city!
8.You get all four seasons (in one week)
This is probably what we are most known for. Not college basketball or The Colts, but the fact that our weather is completely unpredictable. It is very likely that you could experience all four seasons within a week or sometimes even within a day. Although we do hate it most of the time, it is something that makes Indianapolis home.
9. Summer is not summer. Summer is construction season.
I don't even count summer as a season anymore because it has been renamed as "Construction Season." Everywhere you turn in the summer there are those bright orange cones and barriers blocking roads off. It is extremely annoying, truth be told. Construction Season just requires you to be proactive and find some sort of efficient detour if possible. You find ways to be creative when avoiding construction.
10. Down for a road trip? You can be in a different state in a matter of a couple hours.
We are a six by three state. That means that the length of Indiana takes about six hours and the width takes about three hours. Side note, for people that have never lived in Indiana, we measure distances in time, not miles. Anyway, you can be in Chicago or Kentucky, If you are starting in Indianapolis, in about three hours. You could be in either Ohio (King's Island) or Illinois in about an hour and a half. Perfect for weekend road trips.
11. We love our football!
When I say we love our football, WE. LOVE. OUR. FOOTBALL. Whether it be college football or the Colts, we are watching it and NO ONE is allowed to disrupt it. You know when its game day because everyone and their mother is wearing Colts attire. When it comes to football, we bleed blue!
12. We have beautiful state parks!
If you did not know, Indiana has 25 beautiful state parks! They are well maintained and fun for all ages. Take your furry friends, your kids, food, your bikes, whatever you want and you can make a day of it.
13. March is college basketball month and nothing else!
Much like with football, don't mess with us during the month of March. Indianapolis has hosted the Big 10 conference for as long as I can remember. We are obsessed with college basketball. The IU/Purdue rivalry runs deep in families. If you have an opinion of the matter, you will take it to your grave. The Big 10 and everything prior to that, is on all of our screens 24/7. None of us know what is going on in the world for the entire month unless is pertains to basketball!
14. We may not know what a Hoosier is but we are one!
I still don't know if there is an actual definition of a Hoosier, but if you are a Hoosier, you do not care. You are a Hoosier and that is all that matters. You are proud of it and no one can ever take that away from you. You are a Hoosier through and through, always and forever.
