My Indy Summer: Part One

This summer, I had the privilege of living in Indianapolis and exploring a new city. Though I did some exploring last year, this summer's ventures really opened my eyes to what Indy is all about and has to offer. My summer wasn't terribly earth shattering with excitement, but it was definitely something new. To recap, here is Part One of some things I did this summer while in the Circle City.

Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station: Over the summer, Allison and I went to the BRICS for some cool treats during the hot summer. I was first introduced to this Indy gem at the Alpha Sigma Tau National Convention in June but hadn't actually seen the store until later in the summer. The interior was so cute -- the mixture between historic and new, wood and metal was intriguing! It felt cozy despite the coolness of the metal. More importantly, the ice cream was delicious! I really enjoyed it and look forward to my next trip there!

The Flying Cupcake: It sure was a tasty summer! In addition to ice cream, I also enjoyed some cupcakes. I never really was exposed to the cupcake fad. It isn't a big deal around my hometown; I actually don't even know of a cupcake bakery in either my hometown or Erie. But they are everywhere in Indianapolis.  While on a cupcake tour last winter, I found my favorite Indy cupcake bakery so I didn't have to waste too much time shopping around now. I don't really have a favorite flavor because they are all so good! Plus, on your birthday, they give you a free cupcake.

Holliday Park:  This 94-acre park in Indy is definitely unique and has a little bit of everything: some hiking trails, a river to watch, a beautiful nature center, gorgeous gardens, an amphitheater, and even some city ruins. The interesting ruins come from the St. Paul Building on Broadway in New York from the 1950s. The three massive statues, also known as "the Races of Man" and made of Indiana limestone, were torn down to make room for a modern skyscraper.  When the sculptures were looking for a new home, the owner held a competition among U.S. cities. The cities had to submit plans for their display and preservation, and Indianapolis, which proposed Holliday Park (which was then an arboretum), was awarded the sculptures! It was one of the first things I did this summer and it was a great introduction to Indy's natural side.

Fort Harrison State Park: Another park I went to this summer was Fort Harrison State Park. It was a hot day outside so I didn't explore it too much, but I did go horseback riding! Inside the park, they have a stable where people can rent horses for either a half-hour or an hour. And it was only $22 for an hour's worth of riding. The trail went down through the hills of the park and through the creeks in the valleys. The horse they gave me to ride was very friendly too! The only thing that was lingering in the back of my mind was my last experience getting down from a horse.

For those who haven't heard my horseback riding humiliation story, let me fill you in; it's about time to make it public. The last time I went horseback riding, it was an interesting experience for all those involved.  A few years ago, my friend Rhonda took me to her family's farm where we rode a horse. Before heading up to the farm, I made sure I looked extra country; I wore my cowboy boots that didn't often leave my closet, Levi jeans, and this cute flowy top. Yee haw, I looked my country best! After taking a few rides around the pasture, I was getting ready to get down from the horse. I hesitantly looked down at the ground. Then to those who were watching me. Then to the ground. It looked so far away. "Am I even that flexible," I thought. I wanted to use the little step stool that all the children used to get down from their ponies, but no one would let me. "You can do it!" They all said, "Just swing your leg over!" Theoretically it was easy, so I gave it a shot. I stood up on my left leg, leaned over the horse's mane while swinging my right leg over, and then got ready to land on the solid ground with my right foot (which as you recall was rocking an authentic cowboy boot.) But then, my country flowy shirt allowed my undergarments to get caught on the Western saddle's horn! It was all such a blur, but I'm confident I flashed everyone there. I scrambled to get myself in order and was beat red by the time I had. It was humiliating, yet hilarious.

That's the reason I have a fear of getting down from horses, and I didn't want this to happen at my new place in Indy. I wanted to be able to show my unashamed face again. This time I had victory, family-friendly victory! This horseback ride was a good time for both me and those around me. All in all, it looks like I will pay more visits to this place. SUCCESS!

 

And Fort Harrison State Park also had a small museum which housed some old war memorabilia.

The USS Indianapolis

Eagle Creek: Lastly on my list of park exploration was Eagle Creek Park where I did some kayaking. It wasn't a very nice beach to lay out on, but kayaking was fun! They do have sailing lessons for those interested, so that may have to be for next time. This adventure made me miss Deep Creek Lake, where I spent every weekend as a child. But regardless, it felt great to be around a body of water -- it feeds my soul.

"Look, I'm going through the rapids!" - Aziz Ansari

Part Two coming soon!