Indy's 2007 Mini-Marathon is this weekend (5/5/07), an event that is consistently sold out every year. With 35,000 participants all going a distance of just over 13 miles, this is quite a challenge for most Americans, and easily accomplished by those who've trained by walking, jogging, or running for months of personal preparation.

This year, the 5K is also sold out, an event held in conjunction with the mini and the 500 Festival, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. For a complete calendar of events, visit: http://www.500festival.com/calendar.

1. The Mediterranean Grill, located on E. US 36 in Avon, is a Wireless Internet hotspot in Indy. Call 317-273-8570 for more info or hours.

2. Panera Bread(http://www.panerabread.com) offers a warm cafe atmosphere with soups, salads, deli sandwiches, bagels, pastries and coffee. With several Indianapolis locations, the 10777 East Washington Street is among the best for free Wi-Fi. Call 317-895-6810 for hours.

3. The Egyptian Cafe & Hooka bar (http://www.theegyptianindy.com) is one of Indy's premier Wireless Internet hotspots. With Egyptian decorative elements throughout, this shop is located at 6265 Carrollton Ave. in Broad Ripple. Call 317-255-4400 for more info. Cafe hours are Daily 11am to 2am, closing at 4am on Friday and Saturday.

4. Gelato DaVinci (http://www.gelatodavinci.com) is located in Carmel's Clay Terrace outdoor shopping center. With an air of sophistication about it, and this classic Italian sorbet treat, Gelato DaVinci offers free Wi-Fi to patrons. Stop by or call317-816-9100 for store hours.

5. Strange Brew Coffee, located at 4800 West Smith Valley Rd. in Greenwood, is a great stop for free Internet access during the day, and hot music by night. Call 317-881-JAVA for hours or directions.
6. Monon Coffee Company (http://home.indy.rr.com/mononcoffee/about/index.htm) in Broad Ripple (920 E Westfield Blvd.) is one of the best in the city for Wi-Fi, an artsy atmosphere and good brews. Call 317-255-0510.

7. Claude & Annie's (http://www.claudeandannies.com) located at 9251 E. 141st St. in Fishers will fill your appetite with good beer, great food and free Internet. They also have pool tables and a lot of overhead TVs, so don't come here to work if you are easily distracted.

8. Corner Coffee (http://www.cornercoffeeindy.com) is where Indianapolis intellectuals go with their laptops to study or talk philosophy. They also have great lunches. Visit them at 251 E. 11th St. downtown, or call 317-916-9805.

9. Qdoba Mexican Grill has multiple Indianapolis locations, many with free Wi-Fi. Call ahead to see if they have limited hours of access. Check out 6815 S. Emerson Ave., 6334 N. Guilford Ave., 7411 N. Keystone Ave., 5025 E. 82nd St. or 907 Indiana Ave. or visit them on the Web at http://www.qdoba.com.

10. Eagle Creek Coffee House (http://www.eaglecreekcoffee.com) at 10 South Main Street in Zionsville is a top free Wi-Fi carrier in the Indianapolis area. For a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of couches and outlets, visit them today. Call 317-733-3771 for more info.

You'll pay a slightly higher ticket price to see a movie at Landmark, but the surroundings are classy and one-of-a-kind. Start with the cinema's snack bar. You can buy a latte and vegan snacks to munch on during your movie. Or stick with the classic soda and popcorn...it's your choice. Posters of coming-attractions suited to your sophisticated tastes line the tall walls. You'll proceed to your theater led by a computerized portrait-style screen ushering you into the correct room. The modern restrooms and theaters are new and clean, and I don't know what else you could ask for in a movie theater.

A unique program offered at Keystone Arts is Rattle & Reel, a promotion for babies and their caregivers each Tuesday at 11am. Each week, a movie tailored to this group is shown, with free admission for the babies.

A special event, The Indianapolis International Film Festival (link) will premier at the Landmark Keystone Art Cinema April 25, 2007 and continue through May 4.

Though Brugge is known for their signature mussels and crepes, I have to confess that I didn't have any on my first visit. I stuck with a much safer grilled chicken and fresh mozzerella sandwich with frites (pronounced freets), or fries. My meal was wonderful. Whatever you order, you must experience the fries here, which come with your choice of dipping sauces like sea salt and vinegar or sweet chili sauce. They are a great pair with Brugge's dark and pale ales.

Contact 317/255-0978 or visit them on the Web for hours and directions.

I've lived in Indy for almost 6 years now, but was born in and spent my childhood in "sister city" Columbus, Ohio. The two cities are very identical in setup and feel, winning them the apt comparison. But one thing I've realized is that I've only begun to scratch the surface of what Indy has to offer.

No matter how many times my husband and I look at each other and ask that age-old question ("What do you want to do tonight?"), there's always something new, a concert, a cultural event, an ethnic restaurant we haven't tried. So my hope is that you and I will discover together what Indy attractions are worth getting up off the couch and missing American Idol for.

-Indy Chick