My first trip of the year is planned. In mid-May I am going to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the Squared Circle Expo and to spend time with friends I haven’t seen since the pandemic.

Photo 104124072 © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

By that weekend, I will be fully vaccinated and more than ready to get back to convention fun. The convention organizers are taking all safety precautions while still providing a fun experience for all.

I will see friends from all corners of this country and Canada. I will probably even see a few on the road on the way there.

The convention takes place at the Wyndham West, a wonderful hotel where I have stayed many times. In addition to many amenities at the hotel, I love the surrounding area for running.

Within the Wyndham is Nicolino’s, a wonderful Italian restaurant. The menu offers plenty of great options, but the star is the Tuscan pizza with grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, black olives, spinach and mozzarella cheese.

I’ll probably also venture out to some other Indy favorites, including Pasquale’s Pizza and the Library Pub. To celebrate my return to travel, I might even get daring for me and try new dining spots.

While I always enjoy trips to Indianapolis, I viewed them as easy, extra trips added to my travel calendar. No trip to Indianapolis will ever be as important and as welcome as this one.

— John Wroblewski, online writer