There’s a genuine fervour for sports in this city which is reflected in the priorities of its residents. Although Indianapolis boasts of being the ‘Amateur Sports Capital of the World’, it’s the big time events which have put this town on the map. The Indy 500 is the oldest car race in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to engulf themselves in the power and thrills of auto racing. The infamous speedway also hosts the Brickyard 400 and America’s only Formula One Championship race.

But car racing isn’t the only thing on people’s minds. For decades, basketball has been serious business within the state. From the deep legacy of the Hoosiers college basketball team to the glamour of the NBA Pacers, Indianapolis has an unmatched passion for the game. Indy natives also love to cheer on the NFL Colts and the Indians pro baseball team, whose downtown ballpark is really impressive.

In its love for sports, however, the city has not forgotten about the arts. Over the past couple of decades, Indianapolis has been engaged in a determined effort to revitalise its tattered downtown area. In addition to a few noteworthy museums, the city has a charming historic neighbourhood scene. Lockerbie Square is a wonderful district to explore, with its restored Victorian homes and cobblestone streets. Massachusetts Avenue has been reborn with art galleries, shops and chic restaurants and the amazing Broad Ripple Village project has renovated the old canal-side neighborhood with boutique shops, cafés and a vibrant nightlife scene.

The depth of cultural attractions may be a bit lacking in Indianapolis, but the city makes up for it with a wealth of green spaces and public parks. Helping to keep the city green are such wonders as White River State Park. This urban area offers cool waterways straddling grassy areas, while the Canal Walk offers a broad pathway that runs along the historic canal in the heart of the city.

Tourism has become a major industry in Indianapolis, and the city is doing everything it can to protect, promote and expand the things which make it a pleasant destination. With plenty of great sporting events, recreational areas and a respectable historic environment, there’s more to this city than meets the eye if you’re willing to take the time and explore it.

There is a wide range of accommodation options, offering something to suit everyone’s taste and budget. Top-class luxury hotels can be found in the centre of the city and offer surprisingly good value for money while mid-range options can be found scattered throughout the city.

Indianapolis was founded in 1821 when a judge of the Indiana Supreme Court founded the capital city along the banks of the White River. The judge’s rationale was that the river would serve as a major transportation artery, giving the new city a natural advantage in trade and commerce. However, the waterway was too sandy and the trading boats could not pass.

Connection to the rest of the country did eventually arrive when the original east-west national road was routed through the capital. But Indianapolis’ first major boost came when the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad opened its tracks in October 1847. Subsequent railway connections spurred a period of massive economic and population growth.

By the beginning of the 1900s, Indianapolis had become one of the country’s main automobile manufacturers, rivalling the likes of Detroit for top honours. With roads and railway lines leading out of the city in all directions, Indianapolis quickly became a major transport hub linking Chicago, Louisville, Cincinnati and St Louis. The city’s nickname, ‘The Crossroads of America’ is well-deserved.

Ironically, this very network of roads sparked the suburban housing boom over the ensuing years. As the city’s population grew, rapid suburbanisation took place, luring residents out of the city and into the green outlying suburbs. Today, the capital is in the midst of a revival and a newfound spirit of civic pride has engulfed the city’s residents.

Indianapolis is experiences a typical Midwest climate, with hot humid summers and cold snowy winters. Summers can be pleasant at times, with temperatures averaging around 29°C. However, the thick persistent humidity makes conditions very uncomfortable, especially during the peak summer months of July and August. Visitors should be prepared to sweat profusely, even after minimal exertion. Thunderstorms frequently appear during the afternoons, providing a moment of respite. However, once they dissipate the humidity spikes.

Winters are not much better. December through until February are the coldest months of the year, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snowfall is common, and usually lingers for many days before it turns to ice. Indianapolis is one of those cities which is best visited during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn. May and early June are reliably pleasant, with warm temperatures and a feeling of renewal as the trees bud and plants emerge from their slumber. The autumn months of late September and October are even better, as the blue skies dominate and trees burst into colour.