I just spent the last 4 days in Indianapolis, IN on a business trip for Lava Row at the 82nd National FFA Convention. Nathan and I were helping a client of ours with their technology presence at the convention, including a text-to-win contest (in partnership with Catchwind) and their Facebook presence. I’ve never been to Indy before, nor have I experienced anything like the National FFA Convention in my life. We’re talking about nearly 55,000 FFA members in town for the event – it was literally a sea of blue jackets no matter where we were.
I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get to see Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs who delivered the keynote at the first session during the convention (watch it here), but I did get to take in some Indy culture while I was there, so here are a few highlights from my adventure.
In true Des Moines “International” Airport / Midwest Airlines form, we got to board our airplanes like The Beatles.
Omni Severin Hotel
40 West Jackson Place
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225
We stayed at the Omni Severin Hotel in the heart of downtown Indy. The hotel was classic and beautiful. I learned on Wikipedia that the hotel originally opened in 1913 as the Grand Hotel of Indianapolis. I was obsessed with this phone, which was sitting on an antique boudoir table outside of the elevators on my floor.
Historic Indianapolis Union Station
39 Jackson Pl
Indianapolis, IN 46225
The hotel is located directly across from the Indianapolis Union Station. This building looked really cool at night.
Ike & Jonesy’s
17 W. Jackson Place
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225
On Thursday night, we went to this club called Ike & Jonesy’s which is across the street from the Omni. We paid $5 cover, and then they let us pick out some candy (I chose Skittles, of course). Rumor has it, that 25 cent draws ended right before we arrived. Despite all of those great incentives, I’m pretty sure this place is a cougar bar (evidence to follow).
Sushi On The Rocks
235 S Meridian St
Indianapolis , IN 46225
Thanks to @adangross for recommending Sushi On The Rocks - it… rocked! I would have previously never considered combining sushi and live blues music, but it was pretty badass.
It was a unique set up because the (liquor) bar was the main element with just a few tables surrounding, and the sushi bar was in the back of the restaurant. I ordered the Rock & Roll: It has eel, cream cheese and 2 kinds of fish with masago inside. It is deep fried on the outside with 2 types of chef’s unique blend of special sauces. I also enjoyed a Kirin Light and Green Tea Ice Cream for dessert. Yum!
I loved this painting that was hanging above the tables.
12 seconds of highlights from the last 4 days in Indy:
Some highlights from Indy on 12seconds.tv
