Valentine’s Day Ideas in Indianapolis + Central Indiana

RED ALERT! Valentine’s Day is coming up in less than three weeks and your girl wants to do something romantic in Indianapolis (she told me). If you’re looking for the perfect dinner reservation in Downtown Indy, an activity she’ll brag about to all her friends, or just a night to remember in Indianapolis, you’re in the right spot!

P.S. Click the locations below for links to individual videos dedicated to each location.

Activities in Indianapolis

For my more active couples, below is a list of activities that require varying levels of energy. And don’t worry! These activities are all indoors since Valentine’s Day in Indy is typically on the chilly side.

PINS Mechanical Co. 📍 856 Carrollton Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202

16-Bit 📍110 E New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Pro Tip: I recommend pairing this one up with one of Indy’s romantic restaurants on Mass Ave. Recommendations below.

The Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis📍1125 E Brookside Ave d9, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Flying Squirrel Axe Throwing 📍 5748 Crawfordsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46224

Back 9 Golf and Entertainment 📍1415 Drover St, Indianapolis, IN 46221

Activate 📍 8600 E 96th St, Fishers, IN 46038

Entertainment in Indianapolis

Helium Comedy Club 📍 10 W Georgia St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

Feinstein’s 📍 1 Carmichael Square, Carmel, IN 46032

BONUS: Make this a whole weekend staycation and book a room at the Hotel Carmichael (more details below). Also, they offer food before the performances, so arrive early and make this a dinner + show date night!

Indy Staycation Ideas

If your Valentine wants a romantic Indianapolis staycation for Valentine’s Day weekend, then we’d get along swimmingly. These three hotels in Indy are some of the most gorgeous I’ve stayed at in the whole country.

Ironworks 📍2721 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240

Watch the video for my full list, but here are my top recommendations to make this Indy staycation one that your Valentine will never forget: Blue Sushi for dinner, RIZE for brunch

Bottleworks 📍 850 Massachusetts Ave Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Watch the video for my full list, but here are my top recommendations to make this Indy staycation one that your Valentine will never forget: Garage Food Hall for food + drinks, PINS Mechanical for fun, and Blue Collar for coffee

Hotel Carmichael 📍 1 Carmichael Square, Carmel, IN 46032

I know this one is actually in Carmel, but with Hotel Carmichael offering the Feinstein shows, amazing restaurants, and gorgeous views, your Valentine will never want to leave.

Romantic Restaurants in Indy

Blue Sushi Sake Grill 📍2721 E 86th St STE 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240

3UP 📍 201 W Main St, Carmel, IN 46032

Bocca 📍 122 E 22nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

P.S. Bocca has a speakeasy in the basement!

1933 Lounge 📍 175 S Rangeline Rd Suite 100, Carmel, IN 46032

Pro Tip: I recommend the Carmel location for the most romantic vibes.

Union 50 📍 620 N East St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

RH Indianapolis 📍 4501 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46228

Heads Up on RH: The food is pricey. However if you’re looking for the most gorgeous photo-ops in Indy, this is your spot. Occasionally, I’ll just get a glass of wine and walk around the estate (stay tuned for my Galentine’s Day recommendations).

Indy Cocktail Spots

We love a little sexy cocktail bar moment! I, of course, recommend pairing this up with one of Indy’s romantic restaurants to make this more of a nightcap situation, but to each their own. Cheers, lovers!

8th Day Distillery 📍 1125 E Brookside Ave Suite D06, Indianapolis, IN 46202

BONUS: They have an AMAZING Mocktail selection for my N/A baddies out there.

Hotel Tango 📍 702 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203

Quick note about the Hotel Tango video, I want to give a strong RIP to my favorite place ever, Duke’s Indy, which is now permanently closed. 😭

The Vault 📍 1542 S East St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

Indianapolis speakeasy with vault door that requires a “secret” passcode to enter! (Pro Tip: They have the code in their Instagram bio!)

Dinner + A Movie

So you like the classics. I hear ya. However I want you to really impress your Valentine this year, so here is a local recommendation for dinner and a movie in Downtown Indy that truly has it all!

Kan-Kan Cinema & Bar 📍 1258 Windsor St, Indianapolis, IN 46201

In the video, I actually recommend going to 8th Day for a drink before heading over to Kan-Kan, but if you’re looking to keep it low-key, just grab some food and drinks in the cinema before or after your show. They used to do their own food, but now they serve King Dough Pizza. They do show more eclectic films (not necessarily blockbusters). But if your Valentine is really into film, they will love this!

Explore an Indiana Small Town

Wait, wait, wait. You’re telling me you want to get out of the city and explore some of the cutest towns in Indiana? You want to grab an iced coffee and explore antiques and bookshops all day with your Valentine? Oh, your girl will love you for this. *swoons*

Noblesville, IN 📍 North of Indianapolis

Watch the video for my full list, but here are my top recommendations: Chapter Book Lounge, The Courthouse Club.

Franklin, IN 📍 South of Indianapolis

Watch the video for my full list, but here are my top recommendations: Main & Madison, Wild Geese, candle-making at Woven Co.

I wish you all a very happy Valentine’s Day! I hope this list helps makes planning an unforgettable weekend in Indy even easier (Feel free to send this to your Valentine to drop a hint).

Stay sexy, Indy! Love, your Valentine, Sondra 💋

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