WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Indigo, Columbus Architectural Center • Stylishly modern and in the heart of downtown Columbus. Amenities include a restaurant/bar, indoor pool/whirlpool and fitness center. Pets allowed. 400 Brown Street, 1-812-375-9100, hotelindigo.com

Inn at Irwin Gardens Bed & Breakfast • Built in 1864, this Italianate mansion has five guest rooms beautifully furnished with the Irwin family's period antiques and stunning formal gardens. It is just steps from some of downtown's architectural treasures. 608 Fifth Street, 1-812-376-3663, irwingardens.com

WHERE TO EAT

Tre Bichhieri • Fine Italian food in a warm, friendly environment in downtown Columbus. Save room for the tiramisu — it's divine. 425 Washington Street, 1-812-372-1962, trebicchieri-columbus.com

Bistro 310 • French-inspired cuisine from locally grown ingredients. 310 Fourth Street, 1-812-418-8212, bistro310.com

Zaharakos • An elegantly restored turn-of-the-century ice-cream parlor featuring soups, salads, sandwiches, sodas and sundaes. 329 Washington Street, 1-812-378-1900, zaharakos.com

WHAT TO DO

The best way to learn the Columbus story is to take a two-hour tour aboard the Visitors Center's bus. Schedules, fees and complete visitor information is posted at columbus.in.us.