Fairgrounds - Indianapolis, IN Area Guide

The Fairgrounds neighborhood area remains one of the oldest in the city with the historic Monon Railway built in 1847. The city held the first Indiana State Fair at the newly constructed fairgrounds in 1892, but most of the Fairgrounds residential area was not built until the 1920s.

The neighborhood rests just a short drive from cultural attractions like the Children's Museum of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Aside from the state fair, the Indiana State Fairgrounds also holds dozens of annual cultural events throughout its 20 venues. Options range from hockey and basketball games to the Indy International Fest and the Indianapolis Home Show.

Head north on College Avenue to discover a trendy selection of gourmet eateries, classic grills and sandwich shops that place a heavy emphasis on creative cuisine that utilizes local ingredients. Whether you crave soul food, Latin American favorites, grass-fed tenderloin or a bottle of craft beer, you're sure to find something to love in this hipster paradise. The Fairgrounds area also hosts an eclectic nightlife scene with some of the city's coolest pubs and lounges. Stop by The Jazz Kitchen to enjoy your favorite cocktail while listening to live blues and jazz on the patio, or swing by for salsa night on Thursday.

Upscale gourmet cuisine meets modern industrial flair at Recess, a restaurant for the connoisseur in you. The chef's creative multicourse meal changes each day, making for a unique farm-to-table fine dining experience. The pre-set menu features a diverse mix of local vegetables, seafood, meat and dessert items, and the wine pairings never fail to impress.

Locally Grown Gardens caters to fans of country-fresh ingredients and seasonal cuisine, featuring homestyle dishes such as grilled salmon with ginger coleslaw, free range chicken with a curry lime vinaigrette and an open-faced hog roast sandwich. After purchasing some morel mushrooms and fresh fruit from the farmers market, sit down on one of the old-fashioned wooden tables to sample a slice of warm blueberry, apple or sugar cream pie while sipping on a tall glass of iced tea. This little bistro lies just off the Monon Trail, making it a popular pit stop for local bicycle enthusiasts.

Whether you want to savor some vegan biscuits and gravy or a rave-worthy stuffed burger, join the diverse local crowd at The Sinking Ship for some of the most creative pub food this side of Indianapolis. Here you can get your favorite tap beer served in a Mason jar while watching a hockey game and chowing down on tater tots and a tofu scramble. Also swing by for live music events and movie showings.

Drive down Keystone Avenue for a quick trip into downtown Indianapolis. For access to the rest of the city, drive just a few miles to Interstate 65. The Fairgrounds area has plenty of free street parking, but be ready to hunt for a spot during the state fair and other big events. If you need a quick ride, you can always call Uber or a local taxi service like Indianapolis Yellow Cab.

If you prefer public transportation, ditch the car and hop on an IndyGo bus from one of the frequent stops around the neighborhood. Residents with bikes can cruise down the bike lane along 46th Street or the Monon Rail Trail, a paved greenway that stands as one of busiest in the country. Although you can run your basic errands on foot, most residents navigate the neighborhood by car.

When you want to kick back and enjoy a sunny day in Indy, head over to Arsenal Park, the neighborhood's primary public green space. Watch your kids climb on the playground or run through the spray park, or play a game on the basketball and tennis courts. The park also holds plenty of grassy areas where you can walk your dog. Catch a game at the bike polo courts, or enjoy a quiet picnic at one of the brick shelters or under the shade of the park's mature oak trees. When summer ends, enjoy public ice skating at the Youth Arena during the cooler months for a small admission and skate rental fee.

The Fairgrounds area enjoys an overall cost of living that falls below average for the Indianapolis metro area. Renting a standard one-bedroom apartment here costs an average of $554 a month. If you take the bus into downtown, expect to pay around $1.75 for a one-way trip. Gas prices normally hover around 11 percent below the national average, and residents pay upwards of $6 for a pint of beer at the local pubs.

While a nice selection of pharmacies, discount stores and markets await along Keystone Avenue, the area north of 52nd Street brings you to a rich collection of antique shops, garden stores, thrift stores and music shops. Pick up some unique decor for your new home, a one-of-a-kind gift or a rare vinyl record all on the same street.

Browse a whimsical display of home decor and accessories with a feminine touch at Be the Boutique. Pick up some hand-made jewelry and a pair of boots to complete your outfit.

Music fans spend hours exploring the huge collection of vinyl, CDs and cassette tapes at Luna Music. From obscure jazz artists to popular bands, Luna has something for every musical taste. Don't forget to check the $1 and $2 bins for some hidden treasures to brighten up your record collection.

Grab your weekly groceries at Marsh Supermarket. If you crave local produce, check out Locally Grown Gardens or the Crooked Creek Farmers Market a few miles away.