Quaint Places to See Around Indianapolis

The state capital of Indiana is a great place to live. It’s family friendly and has a growing millennial population. It’s known for its appeal to sports fans and is host to one of the biggest sporting events of the year, the Indianapolis 500.

The cost of living in the Crossroads of America is 7.6% lower than the national average, and the job market has ample opportunities. More than 90 national companies have offices here.

Several major interstates run through and surround the city and the Indianapolis International Airport serves all major US airlines. This makes it easier for avid travelers to get around to wherever they please.

The downtown is bustling and culturally rich, and the overall vibes are friendly. Among all this modern hubbub, as you’re looking at Indianapolis houses for sale, know that there are also quaint spots to enjoy.

Fountain Square

This quirky neighborhood harkens back to the old days in many ways. It was the first commercial historic district in the state and its buildings span back to 1871. It’s now one of the six Indianapolis Cultural Districts.

Enjoy a night of duckpin bowling in a dual-alley that originally opened in 1928. Action Duckpin Bowl has eight lanes and a vintage billiard table, while Atomic Duckpin Bowl is housed in an area with authentic 1950s and 60s equipment.

Duckpin is a variation of bowling that utilizes smaller, fatter pins and tinier balls with no finger holes.

The Fountain Square Theatre Building sits on the corner of Shelby and Prospect Streets. Built in 1928, it’s now a hub for community artists and independent entrepreneurs.

Within it is the duckpin bowling, Fountain View Inn, and a rooftop garden and lounge.

Indiana Avenue District

Indiana Avenue plays a major part in the black cultural history of the city.

The most prominent part of Indiana Avenue is the Madam CJ Walker Theatre Center, a National Historic Landmark named after African American hair care and beauty products entrepreneur Madam C. J. Walker. It was an entertainment, business, and commercial center for the city’s Black community from the 1920s to the 1950s.

Today it hosts history and heritage tours, comedy and musical acts, and a variety of other events.

The avenue was also a mecca for jazz artists back in the day, having over 30 clubs along the street that included headliners like Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole.

Mass Ave Arts District

This five-block area has many restaurants, galleries, theaters, and independent boutiques for visitors to enjoy.

The nation’s oldest shoe store, Stout’s Shoes of 1886, is here.

Enjoy Indianapolis-style pizza at Bazbeaux or partake in the fried chicken bar at The Eagle.

Silver in the City is a locally owned and highly regarded jewelry store, while the Art Bank is a gallery housed in a former bank building that the famed John Dillinger once robbed.

The Old National Centre is a large building that has three concert venues inside, including the city’s oldest stage house, The Murat Theatre.