Would you recognize this AI-generated rendering of the Indianapolis skyline? | Image courtesy of Dall E 3
With fall tourist season approaching, we’ve got travel on the brain. (Fall break for most Indiana schools is around Oct. 14–18.) Some people might be looking to escape to the other side of the world — may we suggest one of our sister cities — while others might be looking for a quick weekend getaway. Either way, it can be nice to find a little familiarity wherever you roam.
We asked ChatGPT to help us find travel destinations similar to Indy. Here’s what the artificial intelligence program said.
Important note: Anything written by AI will be in italics for clarity.
Which US city is most like Indianapolis, IN?
Columbus, OH (Hey, CBUStoday) A city that shares some similarities with Indianapolis is Columbus, Ohio. Both cities have a strong Midwestern vibe, are known for their sports culture, and have a mix of urban and suburban areas. They also have growing cultural scenes and are home to several colleges and universities. If you’re looking for a similar atmosphere, Columbus could be a good comparison.
Which international city is most like Indianapolis, IN?
Brisbane, Australia A city that is often compared to Indianapolis on an international scale is Brisbane, Australia. Both cities have a strong sports culture, a vibrant arts scene, and are known for their friendly, laid-back atmospheres. Additionally, both cities have a growing culinary scene and host various events and festivals throughout the year.
Adult Walking Club: The “Garfield Gaiters” | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | IPL Garfield Park | Free | Adults ages 55+ are invited to a planned walk using trails throughout the park and nearby neighborhoods.
Wednesday Trivia with QuiZZler Trivia | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 8-10 p.m. | Mass Avenue Pub | Cost of purchase | Enjoy four rounds of trivia, prizes for top teams, and drink specials weekly.
Harvest Nights presented by Everwise Credit Union | Wednesday, Oct. 2-Saturday, Nov. 2 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Newfields | $16+ | Get ready to experience a spectacle at Mischief Manor featuring glowing gourds galore and friendly spirits.*
Thursday, Oct. 3
Friends + Donors Night at the Fall Book Sale | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 4-7 p.m. | Carmel Clay Public Library, Carmel | Cost of purchase | Grab a bag and visit the Main Library Community Room for $10-a-bag pricing on used books, movies, and more.
Friday, Oct. 4
Parisian Market | Friday, Oct. 4-Saturday, Oct. 5 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Glendale Town Center | $5 | Visit this one-of-a-kind shopping event inspired by the eclectic markets of Paris.
Barktoberfest | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Asa Bales Park, Westfield | Free | Bring your furry friend, help support the Humane Society for Hamilton County, and be one of the first 250 attendees to stop by the Community First Bank’s tent for a free wag bag.*
Sunday, Oct. 6
Pacers FanJam | Sunday, Oct. 6 | 10:30 a.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | Free | Tip off the Pacers season with the chance to see the team up close and personal, plus fun giveaways for the first 5,000 fans and entertainment.
Sundown tonight marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Communities who observe this holiday typically enjoy apples and honey in hopes of having a sweet new year. The celebration runs until sundown on Friday, Oct. 4. Shana Tova! (That’s Hebrew for “have a good year.”)
Coming Soon
Even more places to play pickleball are coming to the north side. A new ~43,500-sqft facility with 15 indoor courts, concessions, and a lounge is planned for West 96th Street. 3rd Shot Pickleball has to be approved by Carmel’s Plan Commission before moving forward. (IndyStar)
Biz
Elevance Health plans to expand operations in Indianapolis with an $11.9 million investment at its headquarters on Virginia Avenue and another site on the southeast side. The company is committing to adding 230 jobs by Dec. 31, 2025. (IBJ)
Announced
Country music star Blake Shelton is set to perform at the new Fishers Event Center on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.
Environment
This Friday, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful will kick off the first tree planting of the fall season, adding 30 trees on the west side as part of an initiative to address the declining tree canopy in Indy. This event marks the beginning of an effort to plant 4,500 trees across the city over the next four years.
Ranked
Indy is for lovers. The Circle City just ranked No. 4 on a recent list of the best US cities for dating. The study looked at criteria like number of singles, divorce rates, and quality of life. Got a hot date yourself? Try one of these date night ideas. (TimeOut)
Sports
The Pacers held media day on Monday. What did we learn about Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Rick Carlisle, Myles Turner, and more? Locked On host Tony East breaks it all down.
Wellness
Upgrade your morning cup of joe when you switch to VitaCup’s Genius Coffee. It’s infused with vitamins and minerals that support all-day energy + focus. Try it in coffee pods.*
Health
Stop missing out on the conversations that matter — try these stealthy, barely noticeable next-gen hearing aids. No wonder 400,000+ customers love them.*
Streets in North Carolina suffered heavy flooding. | Photo by WCNC via CLTtoday
This week, Gov. Holcomb deployed the Indiana National Guard to North Carolina to help with search + rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Indiana Task Force 1 has shifted to North Carolina after helping recovery efforts in Florida and Georgia.
The Indiana National Guard team is expected to be based in Hickory, North Carolina for about two weeks. For Hoosiers at home who want to help, there are several places to donate:
You can donate money to help pay for supplies to the American Red Cross — give $10 by texting HELENE to 90999. There is also a critical need for blood products.
The United Way has created a special Helene Recovery donation page.
Indianapolis Animal Care Services is collecting supply donations for shelters in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. Donations can be dropped off at 2600 S. Harding St. by Thursday, Oct. 3.
Pantene’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner — it can repair split ends + protect against future damage, helping you achieve strong, silky-smooth hair. Psst, it’s less than $20.
I think this is my sign to visit Columbus — and use CBUStoday as my tour guide. I’ve also been dying to go to Hocking Hills in Ohio, especially this time of year when the leaves are changing. Maybe next fall.
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