When I'm not on the road working as an anonymous AAA inspector, racking up mileage and perfecting my in-car karaoke voice, I call downtown Indianapolis my home. In a few days, Indianapolis will take center stage as host of the Super Bowl, arguably America's largest sporting event.

As Super Bowl XLVI draws near, the city and residents are excitedly preparing to welcome a vast number of visitors. As someone who works daily to inform our members about high quality hotels, restaurants and attractions, I am equally excited to share this great city.

In that spirit, I've compiled some suggestions for enjoying Indianapolis that range from hot spots and cool neighborhoods to my favorite restaurants. Here are four strategies for a game-winning trip to Indy:

1. Learn the Play Book
The list of special attractions, events and concerts during the Super Bowl weekend is large and growing daily. In order to get the most out of the weekend, prepare with both local information, as well as special event details.

As a starting point, use the AAA TourBook, read the Indianapolis Travel Guide on AAA.com or download the Indianapolis eTourBook guide on AAA.com/ebooks. You can also use the online TripTik Travel Planner and AAA mobile apps to make your travel plans and get your bearings once arriving in the city.

For more specific information about the Super Bowl weekend and logistics, I recommend checking out the Indianapolis Super Bowl website. On it there is information about the NFL Experience, an interactive pro-football theme park that will pop-up downtown, as well as the Super Bowl Village, which will span three city blocks and offer a rotating variety of free entertainment and activities.

For the daredevils out there, you can purchase online tickets to the zipline, which will run above the Super Bowl Village and afford those brave enough to race through the winter wind with an excellent view of the festivities.  For a comprehensive day-to-day list of special events, parties and concerts, check out the local newspaper’s coverage, at the Indianapolis Star website.

2. Move (Past) the Chains
Indianapolis has more than its fair share of chain restaurants but to get the best taste of the city, I recommend sticking to the locally owned restaurants. Get reservations early and often to some of my personal favorites listed below.

For those who want to stay at the center of the action, try one of Indy's favorite new establishments, The Libertine. While this hip lounge offers classic cocktails by dapper bartenders, don't skip out on sampling the upscale menu, filled with a variety of small shareable plates.

If you'd like to continue enjoying a round of drinks, then saunter over to Nicky Blaine's, a swanky martini and cigar bar located underneath the buzz of street life near Monument Circle. 

For those who want to visit the heavy hitters, then head to the historic St. Elmo's Steak House. This iconic Indianapolis restaurant offers a classic atmosphere, harkening back to a bygone era.

If you need your sinuses cleared or have something to prove to an opposing team’s fan, order the signature shrimp cocktail. I've tried this fiery creation only once and spent quite awhile afterwards drying my tears and trying to regain my sense of taste.

For a more modern dining experience, try St. Elmo's sister restaurant, Harry and Izzy's, which just so happens to be co-owned by Peyton Manning. Shapiro’s Delicatessen is another downtown institution, and this NY-style deli and cafeteria is known for jaw-breaking sized sandwiches. Prepare for long lines here, since this restaurant is mere steps away from the football stadium.

If you crave the company of others, head over to Scotty's Brewhouse. This casual pub is a local mecca for all types of sports fans. You will never miss a big play due to the numerous TV screens that fill the restaurant walls. Small TVs are even located individual tables, as well as in the restrooms!

For those that don't mind exploring, set out on a 15 minute walk or take a quick taxi to Massachusetts Avenue (called Mass Ave. by locals). On the east end of Mass Ave. lies the newest local culinary star, Black Market, a gastropub where diners sit at communal tables, sip craft beers and share appetizers like a daily pickle plate.

For a more traditional fine dining experience, head over to R bistro, a stalwart favorite among locals, who flock here to sample the best in local, seasonal ingredients from a weekly changing menu.

3. Stay Mobile
Like many cities across the U.S., the popularity of mobile food trucks has exploded in Indianapolis. To satisfy the upcoming hungry masses, the city is planning to keep a rotating selection of over 20 different food trucks parked around Monument Circle.

Look for these food trucks as a quick and tasty way to quell hunger pains. And remember, while some food trucks accept credit cards, plan on having cash on hand for speedy service. Keep an eye out for these favorites:

• West Coast Tacos: Korean style tacos and burritos.
• Duos: Seasonal, local and organic ingredients with some vegetarian and vegan options.
• NY Slice:  Large, thin crust NY style pizza.
• Scratchtruck: Modern comfort food.
• Fat Sammies:  Sicilian street food.
• Scout's Treats: Cupcakes and flavored popcorn.

4. Cover the Spread
While much of the Super Bowl action will be taking place in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, I recommend exploring a few other neighborhoods to get a full taste of the city. Here are my picks:

Mass Ave: Closest to the downtown center and only about a 10 to 15 minute walk, this area is full of excellent local restaurants, bars, shops, art galleries and theatres. While the aforementioned Black  Market and R Bistro are located here, you’ll also find a number of other AAA recommended restaurants, such as McNiven's Restaurant & Bar, Bazbeaux Pizza, Mesh on Mass Ave, and Yats.

Hit the avenue for shopping, like the quirky and cool At Home in the City or fun Mass Ave Toys before quenching your thirst with a pre-prohibition era cocktail at the Ball & Biscuit lounge. Also consider taking in a play at Theatre on the Square or an improv comedy show at ComedySportz. 

Fountain Square: Hail a cab to get to this artsy up-and-coming neighborhood located just southeast of downtown. Try your hand at duckpin bowling before dining at one of the AAA rated restaurants, like Siam Square or Nasia Pan-Asian Café. I recommend pairing a margarita with spicy pork tacos at Revolucion before heading over to the Radio Radio music venue to see which bands take the stage.

Broad Ripple: For those with access to cars, head 15 miles north of downtown to this popular nightlife area. Although an assortment of local restaurants and cute shops fill this locale, the big draw for many is the large variety of bars and pubs.

At night, the main drag of the Broad Ripple neighborhood becomes lively and boisterous. If that doesn’t sound like your scene, then I recommend sticking around for a meal. If you’re in the area for breakfast try Good Morning Mama’s, at lunch head to Taste Café & Marketplace and if you can swing it, snag dinner reservations at Recess, a restaurant offering a playful take on fine dining.