Episode Details

Because I'm always looking for the next thing to do, today I sat down with Indianapolis author and historian Ashley Petry, who explains how she moved from freelance journalism into writing Indianapolis-focused books, including 100 Things to Do in Indianapolis Before You Die, Secret Indianapolis, Indianapolis: An Illustrated Timeline, Amazing Indianapolis, and Remarkable Women of Indianapolis.

She discusses how she builds categories, balances landmarks with hidden gems, and updates content after closures. We then dive into Indianapolis history, from the capital's move from Corydon and the failed White River/canal bets to the railroad, Union Station, the Speedway's origins, the 1913 flood, Madam C.J. Walker, and the Colts' move from Baltimore.

Petry also shares lesser-known attractions, museums, and restaurants, and why Indiana isn't boring if people plan deliberately.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- 100 Things to Do in Indianapolis Before You Die
- Indianapolis History
- Indy's Best-Kept Secrets

Thank you to our partners:
IU Indy

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:00 Indy Has Plenty To Do
00:40 IU Indy Arena Invite
01:40 Guest Introduction: Ashley Petry, Author
02:51 Becoming An Indy Author
04:20 Building The 100 List
06:28 Hidden Gems And Sports Picks
08:42 Updating Editions Post COVID
09:36 Remarkable Women Of Indy
11:38 How Indy Became The Capital
14:51 Canals Fail Railroads Rise
18:01 Speedway Auto Boom And Flood
25:46 Favorite Indy Stories And Colts
28:12 Offbeat Things To Do Next
28:53 Crystal DeHaan Backstory
30:14 Monastery Turned RH
31:22 Immigrant Roots Indy
33:15 Paddling the White River
35:23 Garfield Park Art Boom
36:20 Secret Indy Museums
37:57 World's Largest Ball of Paint
39:18 Oldest Indy Eateries
40:22 Random Page Challenge
43:08 Plaque Reader Mindset
45:27 Interurban Lost Transit
47:15 Rapid Fire Favorites
51:46 Final Three Questions
53:43 Hoosier Memory Wrap

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