Bottleworks District: An Entertainment Mecca

Recently we were in Indianapolis on a Saturday night and discovered the revitalized Bottleworks District. The Bottleworks district is an entertainment mecca! Once, the Coca Cola Bottleworks was the largest bottling plant in the world in the 1920’s. Then, it was owned by the Indianapolis public schools from 1969-2016. Now, this former factory has been reimagined into the Bottleworks district as a hub for entertainment, history, art, and food. It is not to be missed! Located near Mass Ave, you can get there by walking, Bird scooter, Uber, or drive. There is public parking available, the rates vary.

Pins Mechanical Company

Pins Mechanical Company is a great spot to go with friends or family for a night of fun and games. It truly is an entertainment mecca! With many tongue-in-cheek references to playing with balls, there is much to do here. Duckpin bowling, tons of pinball games, foosball, pingpong, and bocce ball are available to play. Kids under 21 are welcome until 8pm. Pins Mechanical works on a first come, first serve basis for the Duckpin bowling. Don’t worry if there is a wait, as there is plenty to do in the area to entertain yourself. Pins Mechanical Company doesn’t have food, but the Garage Food Hall is across the street (see below for info).

Duckpin Bowling

What is Duckpin bowling, you ask? It is similar to 10 pin bowling most people are familiar with. However, Duckpin bowling is played with a much smaller, lighter ball with no finger holes. The pins are set up in the same way as 10 pin bowling. The pins are shorter, slightly thinner, and lighter, but because of the smaller ball it is much harder to get a strike. Another difference with Duckpin bowling is you get 3 chances per frame instead of 2. Knock all 10 pins down in 2 balls, it is a spare. If it takes 3 balls to knock all 10 down, it is scored as 10 with no bonus. No special shoes are required to bowl, so don’t worry about sticking a pair of socks in your purse!. Things get real competitive- I just want to say that I’m the reigning champion of our family right now.

The Garage Food Hall

The Garage Food Hall is not your typical food court. It was originally one of two of the Coca Cola Bottling Company’s garage buildings. It now houses a bustling marketplace of about 20 restaurant and drinking establishments. Think mall food court on steroids, the difference being the atmosphere is great and the food and drinks are delicious! Spencer noshed on a classic burger and fries from Clancy’s Hamburgers. Travis and I indulged in some fish and chips and ales from The Harbour. Just looking at the lineup of all the vendors in The Garage Food Hall makes me want to go back and visit again so I can try all the different options!

The Bottleworks Hotel

This hotel IS BEAUTIFUL! I’m a lover of all things old and historical. My mind was blown that this hotel was basically a factory, but the architecture and details are insane! Built in art deco style, the developers of the hotel wanted to keep as many iconic details as they could. Local artists restored and recreated the tiles in the lobby and in The Lab perfectly. Even the brilliant white tiles on the outside of the building have been expertly restored. When I entered this hotel, I felt like I had stepped back in time. I was just in awe of how beautiful the lobby and the bar was. I am apparently not alone in my admiration for the Bottleworks Hotel. It is rated the number 1 hotel in Indianapolis in Trip advisor. This would be the perfect romantic hotel to stay in for an anniversary trip.

If you are a history lover like me, find out more about the history of the Bottleworks district here.

More to do in the Bottleworks District

The Living Room Theater: The Living Room Theater features 8 screens. They show a combination of new releases and independant films in comfortable recliners. There is an on-site bar and restaurant where you can even dine as you watch your movie. Each seat comes with an attached table!

Woodhouse Spa: Woodhouse Spa is a day spa offering everything from facials, to massages, to nails. Reinvigorate your body and mind with their Ultimate Reset package. This package includes the Woodhouse Signature Calming Retreat, the Nourishing Wrap, Hydrofacial deluxe, and lunch. Yes, please!

Gordon’s Milkshake Bar: Do you want to have one of the best milkshakes of your life? Check out Gordon’s Milkshake Bar. I shared a banana milkshake with Spence. (I use the word “share” loosely- he left it unguarded.) It was seriously a legit milkshake. It was up there with Purdue’s Triple X milkshakes- which I hold in very high esteem.

Next time you find yourself in downtown Indianapolis, I would highly recommend checking out the Bottleworks district. You will find yourself entertained for hours. You will also love the beauty and the history of the area as well!

For more things to do in Indianapolis, check this out: Indianapolis: A Championship Destination

You might also enjoy: Girls Weekend in New Buffalo

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