Indianapolis and central Indiana are getting some high altitude publicity this month.

It’s the kind of favorable stories targeted at tourists that city officials love to see anytime, particularly in the publicity buzz leading to the Super Bowl in 2012 in Lucas Oil Stadium.

The October issue of Southwest Airlines’ magazine Spirit includes a four-page package of stories and photos on the fun, culture, sports, history, food, shopping and lifestyle of the region.

“Our city has so many great attractions to offer visitors, from our accommodating downtown, arts district, museums and entertainment, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard said in a news release today.

“We are very excited about this opportunity through Southwest Airlines, to show off the city and enlighten people across the nation on what we here in Indianapolis already know — that the Circle City is a great place to live, work and visit.”

The package of stories invites travelers to “meet Indianapolis” and check out the editor’s top 10 ways to enjoy the Crossroads of America.

The feature articles hit the highlights of Indianapolis’ economic and sports cultures and give the airline’s passengers a glimpse into 10 of the most exciting attractions in Indianapolis including Monument Circle, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum and the NCAA Hall of Champions.

The photos include a night view of the downtown skyline, fun at Conner Prairie living museum in Fishers, the bright and lively atrium of the Children’s Museum, a drag racer burning away from the start line at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Hendricks County, and other scenes.

And there are several mini-features on Hoosiers including basketball legend Larry Bird, who is quoted as saying, “I couldn’t find the action when I retired from the game. No better place than here. This is where I find my peace, in Indiana.”

“We couldn’t be more delighted with the expansive Indianapolis coverage in the October issue of Southwest Airlines’ Spirit Magazine,” Don Welsh, president and chief executive of the Indianapolis Convention&Visitors Association said in the city’s news release.

“The articles reinforce to Indianapolis-bound passengers and all (the airline magazine’s) readers that we are a vibrant destination with so many wonderful and unique things to do and see.”

The magazine feature and photos can be found at http://www.spiritmag.com/city_pr...>