Westfield, IN

Westfield began as a Quaker settlement in 1834 when some residents of North Carolina moved to the area as a protest against slavery. The city was a significant stop on the Underground Railroad, and it has strong agricultural roots. During World War I, Van Camp Company became an important provider of pork and beans for American troops as part of the war effort.

The Westfield-Washington Historical Society & Museum, on Union Street, focuses on educating residents about the rich cultural history of the city throughout the year. Major artifacts and information explain how the Underground Railroad worked in Westfield.

The arts scene revolves around Westfield Playhouse, a venue that produces several plays and musicals all year long. Residents enjoy Westfield Rocks the 4th, celebrated every Independence Day, and the largest single gathering in the city.

Plenty of local eateries and national chains dot the landscape of Westfield. Most restaurants sit along Highway 32 on the north side of the neighborhood, while a few establishments exist on 146th and 161st Streets. In terms of ethnic cuisine, you have choices for American, barbecue, Italian, Chinese and Mexican. Several nightlife options give you a chance to chill out after a long day's work.

Big Hoffa's BBQ features a pirate theme inside and a bright red exterior. The place serves huge sandwiches piled high with your choice of a half-pound of pulled pork, beef brisket, pulled chicken or smoked sausage. Rib tips come as a choice with several platters. For something totally different, The Hoffinator comes with a plate full of french fries topped by mac and cheese, baked beans, pulled pork, barbecue sauce and ranch dressing. A teriyaki bowl contains jasmine rice, your choice of smoked meat and teriyaki sauce. El Segundo adds a bit of Tex-Mex with jasmine rice, cilantro, a lime wedge, spicy mayo and onions on top of french fries, mac & cheese and pulled pork. If you love meat, Big Hoffa's BBQ is your place.

J. Razzo's 2 in Westfield represents the second location of J. Razzo's, a fine Italian dining establishment in nearby Carmel. The Westfield location has a more casual feel thanks to simple wooden tables and chairs, along with pictures of Italy on the walls. The extensive wine list and gluten-free choices enhance J. Razzo's reputation as a fantastic place to bring your friends for dinner. You absolutely must sample the dates as an appetizer--they're stuffed with Italian sausage and then wrapped in bacon. Risotto balls feature rice stuffed with sweet peas and mozzarella and served with a spicy tomato cream sauce. The signature menu item of J. Razzo's 2 is the sausage with spinach, a dish that comes with onions, tomatoes and mushrooms served over a bed of spaghetti.

Erika's Place opens for breakfast and lunch. Pick a home-style breakfast that includes eggs, hash browns and pancakes. The Hoosier pork tenderloin sandwich covers your entire plate, and it comes with a side of onion rings. With huge portion at the right price, no matter what you order, you get your money's worth.

For nightlife, you have two or three choices for bars in Westfield. The Mill Tavern stays open until midnight or later every night of the week. In addition to pub fare such as rib-eyes, wings and sandwiches, indulge in drink specials every night of the week. This nonsmoking establishment sits on 161st Street towards the southern part of Westfield. Head to Carmel or the north side of Indianapolis for other bar options.

In terms of live music, you need to head to The Warehouse in Carmel, just south of Westfield, to see regular blues and rock acts. This intimate setting gets you up close and personal to some of the best musicians in the Midwest.

Definitely bring a car to Westfield so you can drive from one end of town to the other. U.S. Highway 31 bifurcates the city, and you hop on this thoroughfare to reach Interstate 465 north of Indianapolis. Some east-west streets, including 146th, 161st, 191st and Main all intersect Highway 31. If you need a taxi, several companies from Indianapolis can pick you up, while Uber rides remain an option. Plenty of free parking exists for government buildings, parks and businesses.

Most residential streets contain sidewalks for daytime or evening walks with your family. An extensive trail system and dedicate bicycle lanes give cyclists an easy way to get around town. Bike lanes on 156th, 161st and 169th Streets represent great ways for cyclists to reach residential areas. Houses typically have driveways, so bicyclists have plenty of room to travel on narrower roads.

The Hamilton County Express works as an on-demand transportation service in Westfield. Simply call the shuttle service to go anywhere in Hamilton County.

Westfield has tons of parks and water areas to enjoy. Grand Park serves as the central recreational area for Westfield thanks to several baseball and softball fields. Cool Creek Park has something for everyone, including ball fields, hiking trails, a nature center and a playground. Jog around four miles of trails at this free, 90-acre park. Bring your pooch to Simmonds Family Dog Park for some unleashed fun for your beloved pet.

During the summer, Cool Creek Concerts occur over five Fridays from June to July. Bring a picnic and a blanket and listen to some free live music from local acts.

Living costs more in Westfield as compared to downtown Indianapolis, mainly due to higher housing expenses. A one-bedroom apartment rents for approximately $826 per month.

A pint of beer runs $3 during happy hour specials at local bars, while gas prices hover around 16 percent lower than the national average. A one-way ride on the Hamilton County Express costs $5.

Shopping opportunities abound Westfield. Locally owned shops generally sit in the downtown area along Main Street. Grocery stores and high-value stores exist on the south side of town closer to Indianapolis, near the intersection of 146th and U.S. Highway 31. If you want high-end options, head to Indianapolis.

Bash Boutique , on Walnut Street, sells outfits for a night on the town and the party of the year, as well as casual wear. Check out the shop's selection of infant wear, fragrances, candles and accessories. Meanwhile, Pebbles to Pearls Boutique takes discarded treasures from estate and yard sales and turns them into saleable vintage items. Shop for a handbag, jewelry and accessories for your home.

For grocery stores, a Wal-Mart Supercenter sits on the south side of town, and a Whole Foods Market provides higher-end and organic foods for people who want this type of shopping experience. Westfield Farmers Market, on State Highway 32 at Ameriana Bank, opens Friday evenings from early June to the end of August.