IND Airport

Chocolate at IND Airport; Motivational Mirrors at ELP Airport; Merch at CVG

Events, , , ,

We can tell travel is inching back to ‘normal’ because airports are hosting fun events and encouraging travelers to stick around and engage.

Two great examples: Indianapolis International Airport (IND) welcomed the Sweets & Snacks Expo to town (yes, that’s a thing!) with an in-terminal chocolate sculpting demonstration.

And as part of its ongoing Elevate Love Project, El Paso International Airport (ELP) has motivational messages on restroom mirrors.

Chocolate sculpture at IND Airport

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) joined forces with Indy-based Endangered Species Chocolate to host a live chocolate sculpture carving by Chef Paul Joachim, known as the Chocolate Genius.

You can see the action in the video clip below.

Motivational Messages from ELP Airport

A Twitter message from El Paso International Airport (ELP) on National Selfie Day sparked our curiosity about the writing on the restroom mirror in the photo.

It turns out that is part of the airport’s Elevate Love Project, so named to fit with the airport’s call sign ELP.

“Our staff submitted their positivity and we placed them on the mirrors to boost the mood of anyone who sees them,” explains, ELP Education and Graphics Specialist Asa Aguilar. “We have had great responses from the public and many people have submitted to this initiative.”

Here are some samples of the messages and the selfies people have shared. Great idea!

We were also curious about the bird in the photo. And we are pleased to learn that this is Red T. Hawk, El Paso International Airport’s mascot and ambassador.

We think every airport should have a mascot and we’re pleased to add Red T. Hawk to our list.

Fresh Airport Merch at CVG

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) now has an online merch store. Our favorite item? The airport socks, of course. Bonus: 15% off.

IND: 5 Things We Love About Indianapolis International Airport

Airport guides, , , , ,

Stuck at The Airport’s “5 Things We Love About…” series is back for the new year celebrating more features and amenities at airports around the country and the world.

Today we land at Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

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5 Things We Love About Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

Indianapolis airport art
From Ron Baron’s ‘Baggage Claim” at IND Airport

1. All the Art at IND

Connections, by Cameron McNall and Damon Seeley at IND Airport

IND has a wonderful collection of permanent and temporary art collections displayed throughout the airport. Many of the pieces were created by artists or poets who live in Indiana or have ties to the Hoosier state.

2. The food at IND

IND is one of those airports where you want to arrive hungry.

The “World’s Best Shrimp Cocktail is served with a signature and very spicy cocktail sauce at Harry & Izzy’s steakhouse in Concourse A. The list of other eateries with local connections includes the Sun King Brewing Co., Shapiro’s Delicatessen, and Tinker Coffee. And check out this Reis and Irvy’s robotic yogurt kiosk.

3. Racing Cars in the IND Terminal

Indianapolis is home to the Indy 500, the largest single-day sporting event in the world. So IND airport displays vintage racing vehicles from the vault at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

Passengers will also hear revving engine sound effects in the pedestrian bridge.

4. Largest Airport Solar Farm

IND lays claim to being home to the world’s largest airport solar farm. The field of panels creates enough energy to power 3,675 average American homes per year. For more energy, the airport has human-powered charging bikes.

5. Souvenir Shopping at IND

Souvenir shopping at IND? Fun options include made-in-Indiana candy at Natalie’s Candy Jar; books by Indiana authors at INK by Hudson and, for a splurge, a crystal basketball from Scoreboard on Concourse A.

Did we miss one of the features you love about Indianapolis International Airport? If so, drop a note in the comments section below. Also let us know which airport you’d like to nominate to be featured in our series next.

Indy 500 cars displayed at IND Airport

Exhibits, ,

The Indianapolis 500 takes place in about a month and Indianapolis International Airport is revving up for the race with a new display of some vintage race cars.

IND_Russo-Nichels

This 1950 Russo–Nichels Special, known as “Basement Bessie,” was built by driver Paul Russo and chief mechanic Ray Nichels in the basement of Russo’s home in Hammond, Ind. and had to be partially dismantled in order to move it to the ground floor. Look for this car on Concourse A near the exit to Civic Plaza.

IND _Mickey Thompson

1962 Mickey Thompson Harvey Aluminum Special

Look for this car on Concourse B near the exit to Civic Plaza

(Photos courtesy Indianapolis International Airport)

John Dillinger’s Getaway Car parked at IND Airport

Exhibits, , ,

Dillinger Getaway car at IND s

Thinking of getting away?

This 1933 Essex Terraplane (T8) was owned for short time in 1934 by the notorious criminal John Dillinger (Public Enemy Number One) and used as a getaway car until Dillinger and his brother, Hubert, crashed the car in a farm field.

Between September 1933 and July 1934, Dillinger and his gang went on a Midwest crime spree that included bank robberies, murders and jail breaks that turned the charismatic Dillinger into a folk hero.

Much of the ‘action’ took place in and around Indiana, so it’s somewhat appropriate that for the next few years the flashy car will be on display at the Indianapolis International Airport.

Look for it in the ticketing hall of the airport.