Zionsville, IN

Early settlers in the area chose homestead properties either near the creek or on higher ground. As settlers moved in, the community grew and thrived. Zion Park, an outdoor entertainment venue, opened in 1891 and drew visitors from all over to the Zion Park Assembly held every year. Another important part of the town's history, the dahlia flower, enticed visitors to see the large beautiful blooms grown by two dedicated growers.

Museums and cultural attractions in Zionsville include Fanimation, an antique fan museum. The museum showcases more than 450 antique ceiling and desk fans; the oldest electric fan dates to the early 1890s.

The Village, Zionsville's downtown area, hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Fall Festival, holiday decorating events, city-wide Christmas attractions and summertime fun festivals.

Zionsville's central restaurant hub is mostly located downtown, but other pockets in and around the neighborhood house one-of-a-kind, locally-owned eateries sure to please everyone in your group. From sushi bars to grill houses, pizzerias to traditional American fare, Zionsville offers something for everyone.

This small city offers numerous fine dining establishments, including Noah Grant's Grill House & Oyster Bar. The menu features over 20 entrees, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch has rated nearly all of its seafood choices as "Best" or "Good Choice." Known for its oysters, Noah Grant's provides a lively dining venue catering to seafood and steak lovers. The choices don't stop there; pasta dishes, fresh salads and sushi round out the menu. A trip to Noah Grant's must include any one of its signature mac and cheese dishes. Try the 3 Cheese Mac, Lobster Mac or Roasted Butternut Squash Mac. This fine-dining establishment also offers a full beer and wine list, as well as creative cocktails to quench your thirst.

For something a little more casual, check out Amore Pizzeria & Ristorante, located in Boone Village Center. This family-owned pizzeria has a well-rounded menu that includes New York-style pizza, Italian grinders, calzones, appetizers and salads. Start with its Eggplant Amore, a signature appetizer of grilled eggplant layered with balsamic vinaigrette, fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil. The veggie specialty pizza pleases even the meat eaters in the group; fresh spinach, tomatoes, ricotta and mushrooms is very popular. Lunch specials run from Monday through Friday, giving Zionsville residents an inexpensive, filling lunch option.

Happy Kitchen, one of Zionsville's sushi bars, gives residents and visitors the chance to enjoy fresh sushi or more traditional Chinese fare. Happy Kitchen specials, each served with white rice, include a mix of tantalizing options. The Sizzling Four Season includes beef, shrimp, roasted pork, chicken and mixed vegetables smothered in brown sauce. Sushi specials abound on the menu as well.

Zionsville's close-knit and charming community atmosphere doesn't support the rowdy bar or club scene of Indianapolis. Most people opt instead for cozy neighborhood pubs and taverns. Friendly Tavern provides a comfortable atmosphere, extensive beer list and full food menu. Weeknights get busy. Cobblestone Grill serves up a full drink and food menu with live music on the weekends. During the summer, you can enjoy live music Wednesday and Thursday nights as well.

Driving remains the primary form of transportation for Zionsville residents, although IndyGo, Indianapolis's public transportation system, offers stops around Zionsville to serve the local community. A trip from Zionsville to downtown Indianapolis takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes via bus; some driving may be required depending on your destination. Businesses within Zionsville offer ample parking in paved, attached lots for added convenience.

Because of Zionsville's convenient location, residents have numerous major thoroughfares and interstates to choose from. Interstates 65 and 465, which serve greater Indianapolis, sit just a few minutes from Zionsville's Village center. Interstate 465 serves as Indianapolis's loop; it forms a large circle around the city and connects to I-65, I-69, I-70 and I-74.

The Village features well-maintained sidewalks, providing safe walking for visitors to the downtown area. In 1985, the town began a comprehensive plan to incorporate a pathway system. The Nancy Burton/Dave Brown Trail connects several schools and facilities, uninterrupted by street crossings. Zionsville continually adds or improves existing paths along major thoroughfares to provide safe cycling and walking lanes for residents and visitors.

Residents of Zionsville don't rely on cabs and cannot hail one on the street. A call to one of Indianapolis's many taxi companies is necessary for cab transportation.

Although the town may be small, it offers a large assortment of free public parks for residents of the area. Starkey Nature Park, for example, includes 72 acres of wooded bottom land along Eagle Creek. Take advantage of the hiking trails, wildlife viewing, picnic shelters and educational programs at Zionsville's largest park.

Lincoln Park's beautiful setting with mature trees and large grassy areas provides the perfect setting for the Lincoln Park Concert Series, which showcases live music Wednesdays during the summer.

Events and activities include garden plots, family bike rides, arts and crafts, T-ball and other sports for fitness-focused families. Some events may require admission or other fees, although public parks remain, in general, free. Leashed pets can enjoy most of the town's parkland with you.

The cost of living in Zionsville hits slightly above that of Indianapolis, although it remains an affordable place to live compared to the rest of the country. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in this affluent neighborhood starting at $785 per month. A single ride pass for IndyGo costs $1.75; a day pass costs $4. Gas prices in Zionsville tend to stay on par with the national average, falling slightly below or rising approximately 1 percent higher.

Main Street serves as the epicenter of Zionsville's shopping district, although the entire town features creative stores and boutiques. Savvy shoppers will find jewelers, bookstores, antiques and cooperative galleries. For great fashions in a chic atmosphere, Nikki Blaine Couture draws in discerning shoppers from the Zionsville area, as well as from the rest of the Midwest. The shop features items designed by Nikki Blaine, as well as select other pieces. It is a must-stop shop for anyone who craves an exclusive look. Jack & Jill Children's Shoppe caters to the younger crowd with sizes from newborn to seven. Sleepwear, outerwear and everything in between line the shelves and racks of this local boutique. Art galleries full of handcrafted pieces of art and gifts also call Zionsville home. A handful of grocery stores line the streets of the Historic Village, including locally owned treasures and familiar chains. Grapevine Cottage serves the residents of Zionsville with fresh-baked breads, an exciting selection of wines, fresh cheeses, pates, soups, sauces, salsas, chocolates and cured meats. More locally owned and fresh grocery choices lie in nearby Carmel and northwest Indianapolis. The Zionsville Farmers' Market serves the residents of the area every Saturday from Mother's Day through September. Over 35 vendors offer fresh produce, meats, eggs and baked goods.