Originally posted by Urkeldaedalus Got any restaurant or coffee shop recommendations? Or cool places to shop? I already helped her find the donuts at Long's Bakery through the power of the Internet
What side of town does she live on?
I LOVE longs! There are several little botique type shops and nice ( but not that expensive) places to eat along Mass Ave between Alabama and College downtown. I work in that area and would suggest: McNivvens ( Scottish, try the fried chicken sandwich), Bazbeaux ( WONDERFUL pizza, try the quatro) Yats ( cajun) and Rathskeller / Beer Garden( German but $$) and there are a lot of other places along there I've not tried.
Also Broad Ripple is full of little shops, pubs and good food but, can get a bit crazy after dark.
As for Coffee shops, they're all Starbucks these days. My favorite is at the corner of Mass and Alabama. It sits in a courtyard area with a brick head statue and there are a lot of cool folks there.
If she is looking for Shopping malls, I go south to Greenwood Park or north to Castleton Square / Fashion Mall. I don't care for Lafayette Square or Washington Square and neither are very safe.
I'll also say that if she's looking to make a day of it, head down 65 south to Edinburgh and there is a really nice outlet mall there. Head west from there to Nashville, IN for tons of little shops and beautiful scenery and then head even further west to Bloomington and hang out with the IU kids. She could then head north on 37 and stop at Oliver Winery. 37 will bring her back to Indianapolis. I don't drink wine but I LOVE to visit Oliver, it's a beautiful place. That's about my favorite 1 tank trip from Indianapolis and it's a good full day.