Blog

Danielle Look is a music correspondent for NUVO Newsweekly and IndyMojo.com, a marketing student at The Kelley School of Business, and a general supporter of the local art and music scene in Indianapolis.

There are a lot of things that we encounter in our daily lives that are accepted for the way that they are without questioning. It’s kind of like learning a new concept in elementary math class and wanting to know why dividing by zero is unacceptable but the teacher can only reply, “Because that’s just the way it is.” Understanding the reasons why things are the way they are can be en empowering feeling and moves one to cultivate a greater sense of appreciation for objects, events, and traditions they might otherwise take for granted.

This concept of a questioning lifestyle can be applied to the City of Indianapolis, especially when it comes to our history. Have you ever wondered exactly why we have a circle at the center of our city, what was there before the monument, or why the figure on top of the monument faces south? Residents of The Circle City, wonder no more.

Realizing the rich history that rests on the pages of our city’s history books and wanting to share the story with the public, Indiana Landmarks has developed a guided walking tour of Monument Circle. Every Friday and Saturday (during the months of May through October) the nonprofit organization offers informative and interactive walking tours of The Monument Circle and other landmarks surrounding the monument.

During the tour, you’ll learn about the mansion that used to occupy the circle’s center (and which former Indiana first lady refused to reside there due to a lack of privacy). The term “The Mud Doughnut” will be explained, illustrating reasons why the circle donned this nickname after the mansion was demolished. And the trained tour guides from Indiana Landmarks will even talk about the religious role the circle plays in Indianapolis’ spiritual history.

The 2011 season of tours kicked off  Friday May 6th and will run every Friday and Saturday through October 29th. Tours begin at 11 a.m. at the Border’s Cafe, 11 S. Meridian St. and last approximately 75 minutes. And remember- it’s a walking tour that takes place rain or shine, so wear comfortable shoes that can withstand the elements!

I would recommend something from New Balance for your city stroll!