1. Everyone Loves The Colts. Period.
No, really. It’s practically a requirement when you move in. If you don’t, you’ll feel pretty left out, especially during football season. And pretty much any other time of year.
2. But Every Hoosier Has Mixed Feelings About The Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Among numerous other events, IMS is home to the famous Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400, both of which are great fun for Indianapolis residents who love fast cars.
On the flip side, those who don’t love racing get more than a little annoyed by the big races that bring thousands of extra people–and their cars–to the city annually.
3. Hoosiers Feel Nothing For Tom Brady Anymore
The days of Peyton Manning versus Tom Brady have long since passed, but they’re certainly not forgotten in Indianapolis. Sure, it’s possible to be a Brady fan in the city–just don’t tell anyone.
4. Reggie Miller Is Still A Legend
Every Indiana Pacers fan either remembers Reggie Miller or has heard all about his superhuman shooting skills. Miller shot eight points in 11 seconds to secure the Pacers’ win over the New York Knicks in 1995. No wonder he's practically a god.
5. Donuts From Long’s Bakery Are A Gift From Heaven
No matter if they’re glazed, frosted with chocolate, cream-filled or of the donut hole variety, Long’s Bakery is where to go to get 'em. Get there early for the most selection—and don’t forget to bring cash.
6. Indianapolis Locals Still Get Out On The Water
This city might be pretty landlocked, but that doesn’t keep residents from getting quality time on the water. Canal Walk is the perfect place for romantic strolls along the water—and don't forget about the awesome kayaking and pedal boating.
7. Everyone Knows Indiana’s State Fair Puts All Others To Shame
Sure, every state has a state fair—some states even have more than one. Indiana only needs one. People from all over flock to Indianapolis every summer for concerts, the queen pageant and, of course, the mind-blowing fried food, usually served on a stick.
8. The Only Sandwiches That Matter Come From Goose The Market
Goose the Market is any respectable Indianapolis local's go-to place for all sorts of delicious meats and cheeses–especially when they're put together to make one of the market’s famous sandwiches.
They have a rotating menu so you’re never quite sure what you’ll get when you walk through the doors, but it’s guaranteed to be delicious and possible life-changing.
9. Hoosiers Have A Team Called The Indians Too, Cleveland
The minor league Indianapolis Indians might not be as well-known as the major league ones from Cleveland, but that doesn’t mean Victory Field isn’t the place to be on game days. Doesn’t hurt that there’s a fireworks show after each Friday’s home game. And speaking of...
10. Hoosiers Know Fireworks Better Than Anyone
It’s not enough for Indianapolis to just have a nice, normal fireworks show. Nope. This city goes big. July 4 sees fireworks being shot from the top of Regions Bank Tower. Other cities just shoot ‘em from the ground. Amateurs.
11. People In Indianapolis Have All The Park Bragging Rights
Indianapolis is home to one of the largest parks in the country, a fact of which residents are seriously proud. Eagle Creek Park’s 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of land literally has something for everyone, whether it's bird watching, sailing, golfing or taking in an art show.
12. Everyone Hits The Trails In Indianapolis…
Between the city’s parks, greenways, bikeways and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, bicyclists are totally spoiled for choice here. The Cultural Trail is even committed to snow removal in the winter, so cyclists still have a safe place to ride when the temperature drops.
13. …But If They Don’t Have A Bike, They’re Covered
The Indiana Pacers Bikeshare program started earlier this year, with 250 bikes and 25 stations at which to rent or return those bikes. They're perfect for a quick ride around the city, since users aren’t charged if they return the bikes within the 30-minute time period.
14. Everyone In Indianapolis Has Their Pick Of College Teams
College football isn’t quite as black-and-white as the NFL. You can cheer on a few different college teams, since Indianapolis is so close to so many. So whether you like Notre Dame University, Butler University, Purdue University or Indiana University, it's all good.
15. Breakfast Is Always The Best Meal At Good Morning Mama’s Cafe
Good Morning Mama’s is a breakfast-all-day kind of place, which locals don’t mind at all. Actually, you could say they even embrace it. Who wouldn’t want an Elvis’ Favorite sandwich or Java French Toast all day long? Well, until 2:30 p.m., anyway, because Good Morning Mama’s is strictly breakfast and lunch.
16. Massachusetts Avenue Is An Artists' Haven
Mass Avenue has art galleries, a theater and retail stores with an art flair. Indianapolis residents know that this is the place to go for homemade goods ranging from the handcrafted sewn goods at Crimson Tate to pottery, glass and other art from Arts A Poppin.
17. But Art’s Not Just For Gallery Walls Here
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres is filled with art with names like Free Basket, Funky Bones and Indy Island. This isn’t the type of art you just look at, either; Chop Stick was created from a 100-foot-tall tulip tree and has swings attached.
But don’t get me wrong, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is stunning too. And always free.
18. Indianapolis Residents Know The Only Pizza Worth Having Is Bazbeaux
Bazbeaux Pizza’s extensive menu rivals the best of the best in any other city, hands down. Sure, you can get a different one each time but how could anyone pass up Pizza Alla Quatto Formaggio, with bacon, mushroom and FIVE types of cheese? Impossible.
19. Folks In Indy Ain’t Afraid Of No Ghosts
Crown Hill Cemetery is more than just a place for the dead—it's a point of pride for locals. It’s well-kept with sweeping views from the hill. And no wonder, considering some of the residents. President Benjamin Harrison is buried here, as is bank robber John Dillinger.
20. Locals Love To Grab A Cold One At The Rathskeller’s Beer Garden
There’s no place locals would rather grab a cold beer in the summer than Rathskeller’s beer garden (or biergarten, if you’re feeling authentic). You’ll find live music on the weekends and plenty of German beers you should try.
21. No One In Indianapolis Ever Misses The Indy Film Fest
Not to be confused with an indie film fest. the Indy Film Fest has been showing great films and giving out awards since 2004, with huge opening and closing parties and chances to mingle with the filmmakers.
22. The Indianapolis Zoo Is Fun For Hoosiers Of All Ages
Sure, other cities have zoos, and many even have the same animals. But this one is right downtown, with 2,000 animals, an aquarium and a botanical garden! Don't be fooled, this zoo is definitely not just for kids.
23. St. Elmo Steak House Is Perfect For Any Special Occasion
St. Elmo’s Steak House is pricey, as a good steak house should be. But it's so good locals would probably go weekly if they could. The filet mignon and shrimp cocktail are usually saved for those extra-special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. But so worth it.
24. A Hoosier’s Perfect Weekend Is Spent At Fountain Square
Indianapolis locals know that Fountain Square is one area that literally has everything you need for a good time: Restaurants like Peppy Grill and Siam Square, the Fountain Square Theatre, art galleries and plenty of retail stores. There are even annual events like Art Squared, which showcases local artists and their wares.
25. Indy Locals Know The Secret: Wineries Aren’t Just For Californians
Let the rest of the country flock to Napa Valley for wine. Hoosiers will stay right where they are, thank you very much. After all, there are multiple wineries within the city limits and others close by, and that’s all they need.
26. Rick’s Café Boatyard Is Made For Sunsets
Rick’s Café Boatyard’s prime spot on Eagle Creek Reservoir promises spectacular sunsets night after night, so be sure to snag a spot outside if you can. Luckily you’ll enjoy the food, too, especially if you’re a seafood lover. Rick’s serves everything from tempura fried calamari and jumbo shrimp to oyster shooters and crab ravioli. Nom nom.
27. Hoosier Life Doesn’t Move Too Fast In Indy
Despite what you may think, probably thanks to all those race cars, the living is actually a little slower here than in other big cities. Locals have that laid-back Midwest vibe and aren’t in a hurry to let the days pass them by.
What’s something you learned living in Indianapolis? Tell us in the comments below! 
