Indiana’s state capital and largest city offers a world of sightseeing and dining options. As it’s home to the Indy 500 and multiple sports teams, that segment of tourism seems to get all of the attention. However, Indianapolis also has an up-and-coming food scene, and local breweries are popping up all around the region. As the birthplace of David Letterman, home to Frank Sinatra’s singing debut, and the site of the country’s best children’s museum, Indy is far more than it first seems. Here is a guide to Indianapolis and a look at this Midwestern city’s unique sights and flavors.

photo credit toledo589ad

Indiana Medical History Museum~

Built in the late 1800s, this is the oldest surviving pathology laboratory in the country. Enter at your own risk as you check out more than 15,000 artifacts from mental and nervous system disorders from that time. Some are eerily antiquated, while some appear as though they could still be used. Either way, you will leave feeling fortunate for living at a time when you can experience modern medicine.

Naptown Roller Derby~

Indianapolis is often all about sports, but one sport you may have never witnessed firsthand is women’s flat track roller derby. This insanely competitive sport requires guts and stamina and is an amazing sight to behold. These ladies want to unlock their potential and move past the old days of savagery in the rink to achieve sheer athletic glory. This is a must-see on any trip to Indy.

Time for Lunch~

By now, you are certainly ready for lunch. Indianapolis has more than a few amazing restaurants, with more popping up every day. One local favorite lunch option is heading to Goose the Market, a butcher shop, restaurant, and farmers market. Choose from locally sourced meats and cheeses to make the ultimate sandwich, go for the catch of the day, or grab a variety of deli items for the ultimate picnic in the park.

Add a bit of History~

It can be easy to forget how involved this area of the country was in the Civil War. Indianapolis is home to the third-largest cemetery in the nation, and it’s considered one of the most haunted places in America. This city has plenty of scary haunts to check out, but none is more interesting than the Crown Hill Cemetery. More than 200,000 gravesites appear on the hillsides, many for the leaders and soldiers of the Civil War.

A Grand Finale~

Indiana is known for its love of basketball. What better way to finish off a great day in Indianapolis than to have dinner at Plump’s Last Shot? The owner is Bobby Plump, whose final shot in the coveted state championship basketball game clinched the victory for the underdogs. Now a popular neighborhood pub, Plump’s is known for its basketball lore and pork tenderloin sandwich, offering the perfect finish to a fascinating day in Indianapolis.

Whether your vacation ideal involves world-renowned sports, great dining, or fun times spent exploring museums, Indianapolis has what you’re looking for.