Indianapolis: Static & Streetlights (and a weirdly specific number)
okay, so i just landed back from indy. it’s…a lot. i was there scouting locations for a friend’s indie film - she’s obsessed with midwestern grit, and honestly, Indianapolis delivers. the whole trip started with these numbers floating around: 4265737 and 1840009671. i have no idea why i had them scribbled in my notebook, maybe a bad dream, maybe a glitch in the matrix, but they felt like a starting point, a weird little code to unlock the city.
first off, the *weather. i just checked and it’s…like a damp hug right now, hovering around thirteen degrees, but feels colder, you know? like twelve degrees colder. the air’s thick enough to chew on, and the humidity’s sitting at fifty percent. apparently, the pressure’s a bit wonky too, around one thousand and nine, but honestly, i just felt…tired. it’s the kind of weather that makes you want to drink lukewarm coffee and stare at brick walls.
my accommodation was…an experience. a tiny Airbnb above a record store in Fountain Square. the walls were paper thin, and i swear i could hear the neighbor’s cat judging my life choices. speaking of neighbors, if you get restless, Cincinnati and Louisville are just a quick hop, skip, and a jump away. i didn’t venture that far, though. i was too busy getting lost in the city’s little pockets.
someone told me that the Slippery Noodle Inn is totally touristy, but you have to go for the atmosphere. apparently, it’s where all the cops hang out undercover. which, honestly, makes it even more appealing.
Fountain Square itself is pretty cool. Lots of vintage shops (my weakness, obviously), and some decent coffee shops. i stumbled into a place called Wild Bean Coffee - pretty solid, though the barista looked like he hadn’t slept in days. relatable. i also spent a ridiculous amount of time wandering around Mass Ave, which is…trying very hard to be hip. it’s got its moments.
location scouting was…challenging. my friend wants “authenticity,” which apparently means abandoned warehouses and dimly lit alleys. i spent a lot of time looking at crumbling buildings and trying not to get mugged. i did find a really interesting spot near the canal, though. it had this amazing, decaying beauty.
I overheard a rumor at a dive bar (The Vogue, if you’re curious - check out their Yelp page: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-vogue-indianapolis) that the canal walk is haunted. apparently, a guy drowned there years ago and now his ghost wanders around looking for his keys. i’m not a ghost hunter, but i’m always down for a good story.
food-wise, i mostly ate pizza and burgers. i did try St. Elmo Steak House, because apparently, you have to when you’re in Indianapolis. it was…expensive. and spicy. very, very spicy. i’m still regretting that decision. you can find more reviews on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g39789-d116849-Reviews-St_Elmo_Steak_House-Indianapolis_Indiana.html.
a local warned me to avoid the area around the stadium after dark. apparently, it gets…rowdy. she said something about “sports fans and bad decisions.” i took her advice.
overall, Indianapolis is…complicated. it’s not a city that immediately grabs you, but it grows on you. it’s got a weird, quiet energy. and those numbers? still no clue what they mean. maybe they’re the coordinates to a secret speakeasy. or maybe i just need more coffee*. check out this local guide for more info: https://www.visitindy.com/. i'm already thinking about going back, maybe with a better notebook and a stronger caffeine tolerance. And definitely avoiding the spicy steak.
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