Indiana's 'Most Charming Small Town' With Restaurant-Lined Brick Streets And Parks Is An Enviable, Green Suburb

Zionsville's breathtaking natural sights and quaint atmosphere provide a spectacular setting for its residents, positioning it as the 'Most Charming Small Town' in the state. Brick buildings and streets line its lively downtown areas, and scenic parks offer safe recreational spaces for all ages. Located 20 miles northwest of Indianapolis, this exquisite town has unique boutiques, cozy bistros, and lush green vegetation. Travelers notice comfortable, relaxed vibes the moment they set foot in this town, with plenty of bike paths and common areas to enjoy. 

You might find great art and music at various hidden gems around the bustling city of Indianapolis, but what attracts folks to Zionsville is the laid-back village atmosphere and beautiful green spaces. Autumn is the perfect time to visit when fall foliage is in full swing, but travelers can enjoy the town year-round, whether horseback riding through the hills, visiting local parks, or holiday shopping in the fascinating shops. Even its bustling downtown area has a cozy small-town feel. The quiet, picturesque neighborhoods and award-winning schools make it a great place to raise a family. These highly regarded A+ schools are equipped with a variety of programs, offering children a plethora of educational opportunities for a bright academic future. 

Other cities around Indianapolis might boast charming city parks and a historic downtown, but Zionsville's quality of life is unparalleled. The town is extremely safe, since it is a small, isolated suburb, and surprisingly clean. While it's not as isolated as the abandoned ghost town dune beach of eerie City West, it's still remote enough to avoid crime spilling over from bigger cities. One of the downfalls is that real estate and cost of living are more expensive than the rest of the area, making it difficult for some families to move there.

Zionsville has a plethora of public parks to visit while you're in town, whether you want to hike on 20 miles of connecting trails or take your kids to the splash pad at Mulberry Fields. Mulberry also has pickleball courts and a skate park among its 38 acres, as well as the Maplelawn Farmstead, a farm and educational center focused on preserving Zionsville history. This family farm, located at 9575 Whitestown Road, dates back to the Great Depression and has been restored since. Tours are offered around the property so visitors can get a feel for farm life here in the 1930s.

There are 500 acres of parks to choose from, depending on what strikes your fancy. Elm Street Green Park features a lovely fountain, picnic shelters, amenities for canoeing, and a charming community garden. Lions Park has picnic shelters and various courts for team sports, like volleyball, baseball, and tennis. Starkey Nature Park is an excellent choice for fishing and wildlife viewing, with a wooded section around Eagle Creek, ideal for nature photography. For wilder options off the beaten path, check out Wetland Reserve and Turkey Foot Park, a favorite for canoeing. Zion Nature Sanctuary is a beautiful spot for a forest hike, with its nature trails and boardwalks, and Overley-Worman Park offers disc golf and mountain bike trails.

If you are staying in town for the night, treat yourself to the lovely Brick Street Inn, a rustic downtown hotel located at 175 South Main Street. Beautiful classically decorated rooms range from $219 to $239 a night, including luxurious amenities and free Wi-Fi. You'll be right in the heart of town, close to shopping and dining hot spots.  

Visiting downtown Zionsville will make you feel like you have stepped into a quaint country village. You immediately sense an old town vibe and unparalleled quaintness as you walk its cobblestone streets and pass the many red brick buildings. While parking is scarce, the area is extremely walkable; you can spend a pleasant afternoon scouting for various treasures at lovely boutiques or enjoy lunch at a quaint bistro. On Saturday mornings, visit the downtown farmers market for fresh produce, baked goods, and an array of artisanal creations like exotic coffees, gourmet donuts, and homemade brie.  

Stop by Rosie's Place for brunch, located at 10 South Main Street. Diners can feast on avocado toast, brown sugar oatmeal pancakes, or a delicious gourmet quiche before taking home one of the restaurant's famous gooey butter cookies. If you are in the mood for baby back ribs or a ribeye, treat yourself to a fancy dinner at Cobblestone, located at 160 South Main Street. It features a full bar with deliciously crafted cocktails like the pineapple buffalo mule and coconut white Russian. If you are craving something sweet, stop by the Confectioneiress Cupcakes & Sweets for a special treat. This exquisite bakery, located at 80 Brendon Way, is the perfect stop for cupcakes, macarons, or an oatmeal cream pie. 

Among the downtown shops, you will find cute bookstores, such as Black Dog Books and Curious Squirrel Books, where you can spend a whole afternoon browsing through the shelves. These stores sometimes feature cool functions you can attend, like book club meetings and book signing events. Grapevine Cottage is the perfect stop for wine, gift baskets, and artisanal snacks. It also stocks a wide selection of beers from all over the world.