Middle age and middle America
By Kimberly Harms
“That’s amore” Indianapolis-style.
With middle age came mid-section expansion and bank-account reduction. Most of my empty nester friends either can’t afford the tropics or wouldn't be caught dead in a bikini. So what to do? I say visit places close to home that offer variety and a good value.
Here in Indianapolis, we have White River State Park sitting next to a mile-and-a-half-long canal lined by all kinds of wonderful attractions. First, there's the zoo and gardens, then the NCAA Hall of Champions, then the Indiana State Museum and IMAX Theater. Next is the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and across the street is Victory Field, home of the AAA Indianapolis Indians.
There's so much here that we could visit the park area over and over and have a different experience every time – including eating at different restaurants, going on bike rides and riding pedal boats or gondolas along the canal.
We've even forked out extra money up front for year-long memberships to places within driving distance (4-6 hours). That way, we can take our time on each visit, and still have things to look forward to later on. Another tip: See if a venue has “family plus two memberships,” such as those offered by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis or the Indianapolis Zoo (allowing you to bring the kids and grandkids). Sometimes it only costs an extra 20 bucks or so for the whole year, and that way we feel like we visit the next time or two for free. And if you're like me, it helps rationalize the cost of an extra dessert somewhere. Members also get invitations to previews, special events and offers to visit during extended hours when the crowds aren’t as large.
We always look for an event or attraction we really want to make sure we hit at a given city and splurge a little there. It could be a play or musical or even a special restaurant. Then, we look for budget-friendly things to bundle with it, such as free parking, free attractions or discount passes, free days of admission, affordable food options, and added value (celebrity appearances or workshops that go along with the topic).
One of my favorites is the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It's one of the top 10 general art museums in the country. In addition to offering free admission, it has 100 acres of natural wetlands and wooded areas and it's perfect for romantic walks and picnics. An insider tip: There are plenty of little nooks and crannies to sneak in that peck on the cheek with your sweetie. During the summer, they even show classic movies outside sans the usher with a flashlight walking up and down the aisle. So you can feel free to snuggle up.
Speaking of spicing up your romantic life, what better than a ‘heavenly bed’ at a hotel (thanks Westin)? My husband and I love the overnight getaways that are just one night and two days. They’re refreshing and give us time off together that works into our hectic schedules. That way, we can spread the fun (and the love) out over a full year instead of ‘one and dones’. Besides, the luggage doesn’t break my back.
Another thing we do is look for affordable transportation. For example, we might drive up to Northern Indiana, stay at a hotel, take the train in to Chicago or Milwaukee for the day and come back. Some hotels, like Comfort Inn & Suites offer free hot breakfasts and if you stay during mid-week, you get free hot dinners along with adult beverages. That way, we save money on meals, beverages, parking and expensive hotels in prime business locations.
And, we still get the big city fix.
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