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In just eight months, CPNP will venture to a new location for the 2018 Annual Meeting: Indianapolis, Indiana. Local members can’t say enough good things about this “underrated city with a lot to do,” and they can’t wait to welcome you to the place they call home.

“Indy is a great big-little city,“ says Elayne Ansara, CPNP Program Committee Member and Indy resident. “Its size makes it accessible (via walking or quick rides). It’s not so overpopulated that you feel crowded, but there is still so much to see and do.”

We reached out to CPNP members local to Indy to get their recommendations for food and activities, how to get around, and why you should be excited to attend CPNP 2018.

Food

Spoke & Steele is located downtown Indianapolis in the Le Meridien Hotel and has a “foodie menu and amazing drinks,” according to downtown Indy resident and CPNP member, Talia Miles. Photo courtesy of Spoke & Steele and VisitIndy.com

Over the past few years, the food scene in Indy has blossomed. Today, Indy has over 300 diverse dining and nightlife options for all palates and price points, many very close to the JW Marriott, the host hotel for CPNP 2018.

“Oh my gosh, the food in Indianapolis is incredible. My personal favorite restaurants are Garden Table, Livery, and Milktooth,” said Luke Smedley, a former Indianapolis resident.

CPNP Program Committee member Elayne Ansara recommends anything on Massachusetts Avenue (AKA Mass Ave). This area “has been undergoing revitalization over the past 5-10 years and there are SEVERAL new restaurants with a wide variety of food choices,” Ansara said.  “Everything from formal to informal, pub food to steak.”

Getting Around

As one of the country’s most walkable cities, Indianapolis already promotes active, healthy travel. Downtown shops, dining, and entertainment are just 5 blocks away from the JW Marriott, so walking is a great choice. “If walking isn’t your thing, we have a bikeshare system sponsored by in Indiana Pacers,” said downtown Indy resident Talia Miles. Shared car services Uber and Lyft are also popular forms of transportation in the area and are great for venturing out and for getting to and from the airport.

According to Miles, “You don’t need to rent a car while you’re here…Ubering from the airport to your hotel will be [about] $10-15 cheaper per ride than a cab. It’s the only transportation option I use to get to/from Indy International.”

Indianapolis is an accessible, visitor-friendly city, and there is a ton to do if you have any free time.

Pacers Bikeshare makes it economical and convenient to use a bike for enjoying downtown Indy. Photo courtesy of VisitIndy.com

Activities

The JW Marriott is perfectly situated between Indy’s thriving Downtown Cultural Districts and White River State Park. Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor activities, Indy has something for you.

Ansara says, “When downtown I love to visit the museums. Across from the hotel is the Eiteljorg and the Indiana State Museum (has an IMAX). These are all along the canal which is a man-made Riverwalk type of a structure. There is tons to do along this including renting a paddle boat or just walking. Also near the hotel is Victory Field which is home to the Pirates AAA Baseball Team the Indianapolis Indians. In late April you may be able to catch a game. The stadium is fairly new and extremely affordable.”

To combine your desire for exploration and exercise, explore the city on Indy’s internationally-acclaimed Cultural Trail, an 8-mile world class urban bike and pedestrian path in downtown Indianapolis. The Culture Trail seamlessly connects neighborhoods, cultural districts and entertainment options while serving as the downtown hub for central Indiana’s vast greenway system.

Numerous parks, paths and recreational amenities make Indy great for visitors of all ages. For the frugal visitor, read about 20 Free Things to Do in Downtown Indy, including winery tours, live radio shows, and historic architecture.

Locals walk on the Culture Trail, an 8-mile path that passes sculptures, murals, and many local attractions. Photo courtesy of Lavengood Photography and VisitIndy.com

We Love Indy

Indianapolis has so many great things to offer—it’s no wonder why the locals love it! Here are a few reasons why you should be excited to attend CPNP 2018 in Indy:

“Big city with a small town feel and friendliness...Downtown has really come alive in the past decade and is in the midst of a huge growth spurt. And if you love to eat, you won’t go hungry.” - Talia Miles

“Although it is landlocked and in the middle of the state, there is a cultural diversity that can be seen throughout the city in its “districts” and cultural trails, museums, etc. It’s a very friendly, typical mid-west city!” - Elayne Ansara

“Lots of great food and drink, Midwest hospitality, no huge crowds to have to worry about, and many things within walking distance or a short Uber/taxi ride.”Gaby Williams

The Central Canal in White River State Park is a popular location to run, walk, bike or boat in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The canal runs along the backside of museums, borders monuments and memorials and is part of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Photo courtesy of Lavengood Photography and VisitIndy.com

Save the date for an unforgettable Annual Meeting, April 22-25, 2018, at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. To keep up with all of the updates for CPNP 2018, follow CPNP on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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