the indianapolis canal walk has been a new discovery on this trip.  my best friend recommended last week before she trailed off to michigan with her sister for a few days.  (thank you for the tip, t!)  while the walk is very manicured and a bit sterile, it’s a pretty and peaceful place to just do a few miles on the loop, next to water and with views of several nice buildings (mixed in with housing.)  during some summer evenings, there are open cafes and a more bustling crowd – which would add to the atmosphere.  my kids loved the murals under the bridges and also the differing architecture of each of the little bridges – plus the small scale waterfalls.  the canal itself has actually been in existence since the early nineteenth century… was envisioned to be part of a larger network on indiana canals.  these canals never materialized but this little waterway was to put to use in other ways  – and now serves as an aesthetically attractive addition to downtown indy.