Snacks Guion Creek - Indianapolis, IN

Being the center of county and state government has allowed Indianapolis to grow from a small settlement on the banks of the White River into a thriving urban center. The site for the Indiana state capital was chosen for its central location and because it was believed the river would make the city a major transportation hub. That was not the case, as the river proved to be too sandy to support much waterway traffic.

Snacks-Guion Creek head downtown to the Indianapolis Symphony and Indianapolis Museum of Art for culture, and the Indianapolis Zoo provides fun and education. The Indianapolis 500, held every Memorial Day weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, offers white-knuckled fun that attracts visitors from around the world.

While there may not be a central location for dining and nightlife in the Snacks-Guion Creek neighborhood, several options for food and drink can be found close by For great Chinese food, locals flock to Imperial Palace. Lunch specials of yum yum chicken and pepper steak, wonton soup and crab rangoon keep hungry regulars coming back. The menu provides many affordable options and the owner loves to interact with and entertain his guests.

Fans of Mexican fare find plenty to love on the Los Chilaquiles menu. Weekly specials on food and Margaritas keep customers happy, and breakfast dishes such as their namesake chilaquiles, provide a great way to start the day. Served with pork refried beans and onions, chilaquiles option include los Texano, with pico de gallo and cheese, and the los Poblano with traditional mole sauce. In addition to breakfast you'll find a full menu of tacos, flautas, burritos and more.

Beer connoisseurs in Snacks-Guion Creek don't mind traveling east to test their taste buds with the small-batch craft brews created by the Black Acre Brewing Company. The brewers here continually create new selections of porters, stouts and ales, and a limited menu of appetizers and sandwiches make the perfect snack when lifting a pint or two.

For an intimate, laid-back bar experience, residents head to the Wellington Pub, referred to as The Welly by locals. With a good selection of beer and wine, great drink deals and the chance to see live bluegrass music, it's no wonder the people love this English-style pub.

Cars stand as the most popular mode of transportation in and around the neighborhood, and free public parking can be found fairly easily on residential streets. For public transportation options, the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation runs 31 local bus routes, with 27 IndyGo buses connecting at the downtown hub. Uber rides can be obtained in Indianapolis, in addition to many options for cab service. Calling for a taxi provides better results than attempting to flag one down on the streets of Snacks-Guion Creek.

The neighborhood is walkable and bike friendly, although caution may be required when accessing busier streets. Several designated bike lanes run along streets throughout the city, but not specifically in the Snacks-Guion Creek area.

Interstate 65 stretches through the area, providing a route north to Lafayette. Interstate 70 also passes through to the south of the neighborhood, which can be used for travel west to Terre Haute or east to Dayton, Ohio.

Just west of Snack-Guion Creek lies the expansive Eagle Creek Park, which tops the list as one of the largest city parks in the country, with 3,900 acres of land and 1,400 acres of water on the Eagle Creek Reservoir. For a small fee, locals and visitors can access the many hiking trails, educational programs, fishing and boating opportunities here. For a free public park in the area, residents head to Northwestway Park, with amenities that include a swimming pool, multiple soccer fields, baseball diamonds and plenty of green space to let the kids run amok.

To the east, the Central Canal Towpath provides options for exercise in the form of biking, hiking and cross-country skiing with more than 5 miles of pathway. The trail also connects with the Monon Trail to extend the outing for up to 18 additional miles.

Resident with dogs travel southeast to take advantage of the enclosed area of Paul Ruster Park. The city parks system also provides several Canine Companion Zones around the city that allow for dogs to play off-leash. The required "pooch pass" can be purchased at designated parks throughout the city.

The Indiana State Fair commences at the State Fairgrounds every summer and provides residents the opportunity to enjoy music, food and fun from vendors and performers from around the state.

The cost of living in the Snacks-Guion Creek neighborhood remains similar to the rest of the city and falls below the national average. A one-bedroom apartment costs about $525 per month on average. A one-way ride downtown on an IndyGo bus costs $1.75 for adults and 85 cents for students, seniors and the disabled. Gas prices fall roughly 5 percent below the national average. A bottle of domestic beer at a local bar costs about $3, while a bottle of imported beer costs between $4 and $5.

Circle Centre Mall provides residents of Snacks-Guion Creek the largest selection of name-brand shops and outlets with familiar names, such as American Eagle Outfitters and Bath & Body Works. For a great selection of womens' Indian fashions, Sai’s Boutique features an assortment of gorgeous jewelry pieces and saris.

Several options exist for groceries in the area. Marsh Supermarkets has locations throughout the area and feature huge selections of groceries and everyday household needs. Saraga International Grocery provides residents of different ethnic backgrounds the chance to purchase products and ingredients not found in more conventional stores. One could argue that dogs need grocery stores, too. City Dogs meets that need with a store dedicated to food, treats and toys for mutts of all shapes and sizes.