Exercises in Being Alone

On coming back from Europe at the end of last summer, I had two realizations.  One, when I'm a tourist in a new city I search out all the most interesting events and locations so I can get to know the city and make the most of my time there.  I've certainly experienced Indianapolis in various ways over the years, but I've never put forth much intentional effort to explore it in quite that way.  Two, I've gone to a lot more places alone in Europe than I ever have at home.  I don't mean errands, but things like restaurants, bars, parks, events, etc.  In the U.S. I've been more likely to stay home than to go out if I can't find someone to go with.  I admit it's a somewhat awkward experience to sit down to dinner by oneself, but it seems like it shouldn't have to be.

Since I don't have a job this summer, I decided a good way to keep busy and get out of the house would be to combine these two thoughts and look for things I can do in Indianapolis even if friends are busy or if I just don't feel like coordinating.  I want to own my connection to Indianapolis, to branch out into new settings, and to practice being comfortable by myself.  Here's how it's gone so far.

1. Wine/beer tastings and local brewery tour.  I found two different wine shops that do free weekly tastings, plus a brewery where I sampled beers and got to learn about their whole production process.

Kahn's Fine Wines, which is in an
old insurance building with a
sweet vault in the basement

Mass Ave Wine Shoppe

Goose the Market

wine, beer, and meat (!)
tasting at Goose

Sun King Brewery

Sun King fermentation tanks and assembly line

2. There are several fairly new cafes each just a few blocks from home where I can go to read, write postcards, drink tea, or eat gelato.  Mmm.

3. A drag show, which was a fundraiser for the fight against HIV/AIDS and my first time in a gay bar.

4. Indy pride parade and festival.  Mostly just observed (it's quite a production), but I did get a "spiritual reading" and blessing at the festival.

5. Independent music and art festival, where local artists sold their handicrafts.  If you had happened to pass by, you might have seen me drinking rhubarb wine or in front of the stage learning an African dance.

6. Art galleries are always a win.

Steven Sickles

Christine Drummond

Unfortunately I don't know the artist for this one,
but I really liked it!

Paul Villinski

7. A huge yoga event at Monument Circle.

8. I am a huge fan of street food, and Indianapolis has been stepping up its game with food trucks all over the place.

On top of getting exposure to some new things, I was able to bike or walk to each of these, which is super convenient and leaves me no excuses.  Yay for exercise, sunshine, and being able to find my way around downtown better!  There are a few more solo adventures I'd like to squeeze in still if I have the time, but overall I'm pretty happy with what I've managed to do.