Photo courtesy of Broadway Tour
Hoosier-born David Letterman, one of America's favorite late night talk show hosts, is hanging up his tie after 33 years. A native of Indianapolis, Letterman still has many connections to the Circle City from his mom Dorothy, whom he made famous, to owning a racing team that competes at the Indianapolis 500.
With a little more time on his hands during retirement, you just might have a shot at catching the Ball State graduate at some of his favorite Indy hangouts. In honor of his many great years reigning as late night king, here's a final Top 10 List of the places you'd be mostly like to spy "Dave."
1. St. Elmo Steak House
St. Elmo Steak House — Photo courtesy of VisitIndy.com
It seems every celebrity, not just Letterman, who visits Indianapolis makes a stop at the famed St. Elmo Steak House, known for its steaks, seafood, chicken and chops. Be sure to try their signature spicy shrimp cocktail.
2. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis Motor Speedway — Photo courtesy of Lavengood Photography
As one of the owners of Rahal Letterman Lanigan racing, you'll certainly spot this celebrity at the annual running of the Indianapolis 500 cheering on his drivers. Stop by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway anytime in May during practice, Pole Day or Carb Day and you just might pass him at the track.
3. Monon Trail
Monon Trail — Photo courtesy of Jason Lavengood, VisitIndy.com
Running through the heart of Broad Ripple, a charming village area in Indianapolis where the late night legend called home for a time, is the Monon Trail. The 18-mile rail trail is one of the world's busiest greenways with walkers, joggers, cyclists, bar-goers and dog walkers lining the path by the White River throughout the day and night. It happens to go right by his alma mater, Broad Ripple High School.
4. Conrad Indianapolis Hotel
Conrad Indianapolis — Photo courtesy of Kevin Foster
Where does the late night talk show host like to hang his hat when he's in town? At the Conrad Indianapolis downtown, his favorite Indy hotel, which happens to house an art gallery. He’s a regular and one of the few who's granted back door access.
5. Monument Circle
Monument Circle — Photo courtesy of VisitIndy.com
Indianapolis is perhaps best recognized by the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the center of the city's Monument Circle downtown. After all, the monument was the butt of one of his jokes when he told his audience the island of Guam was purchasing it, painting it green, turning it into asparagus and moving it. People were in an uproar after believing him.
6. R Bistro
R Bistro — Photo courtesy of VisitIndy.com
Shhh... it’s a well-kept secret that he eats dinner at this farm-to-table, intimate restaurant the night before the Indy 500. Located along Mass Ave, one of the most happening and charming districts in town, R Bistro features fresh local ingredients, seasonal flavors and slow food-style dishes.
7. Indianapolis Museum of Art
Indianapolis Museum of Art — Photo courtesy of Lavengood Photography
With the new Dream Cars exhibit at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, you might find Dave wandering through the 19 unique concept cars from the 1930's on display. Be sure to stroll the beautiful grounds of the museum, which is located just north of downtown and along the White River.
8. Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Bankers Life Fieldhouse — Photo courtesy of VisitIndy.com
You might find Letterman cheering on the NBA's Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse downtown. Former Pacers star, Reggie Miller has been on his show three times, and even Pacers’ coach Frank Vogel made a debut as a talented kid in 1986. Bankers Life Fieldhouse is a retro-styled basketball arena that was named the finest NBA basketball arena in the country by Sports Business Journal.
9. Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Children's Museum of Indianapolis — Photo courtesy of Lavengood Photography
With son, Harry, in tow, the late-night king might be spotted at the world's largest children's museum. Named the No. 1 children's museum in the U.S. by countless media outlets, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis features one of the largest collection of adult and juvenile dinosaur fossils, Dale Chihuly's 43-foot Fireworks of Glass sculpture and many rotating exhibits.
10. Goose the Market
Goose the Market — Photo courtesy of VisitIndy.com
Look for Dave shopping at Indy’s posh deli, Goose the Market, particularly for ham. He got his start as a weatherman for an Indy TV station, providing forecasts that included one of his most famous lines, “it’s going to hail the size of canned hams.” Goose the Market is chef-owned and operated offering bacon, wine, beer and cheese clubs.