Is an afternoon trip from Indianapolis worth it? I've been reading about this town, and it sounds (and looks) pretty interesting. What's a good, inexpensive place for lunch in the Main Street area? Many thanks!

Hello Phoebe...my daughter and son-in-law just recently moved to Lebanon about 1/2 an hour north of Indy and they had wanted to buy a home in Zionville...I'll check with her and see if she has any suggestions...sally

Thanks Sally, I'd appreciate it!

Anyone?

Topping

Well, personally, if I wanted to take a half-day trip out of Indianapolis, I would visit: Bloomington (where the university/music school is), Columbus (where the architecture is), or one of the state parks for a hike (Turkey Run, or Shades). If you're looking for quaint little towne atmosphere, try Broad Ripple (in Indy).

Cap, what don't you like about Zionsville? I thought it sounded like a neat little town. Yes, we already are planning a visit to Broad Ripple. Is it pretty walkable? Keep in mind I'll be pushing a stroller and dragging along a four year old. ;o)

Well, I don't dislike it, have only driven through but it seemed pretty average, is all. Its been 10 years...

Broad Ripple is walkable, yes. But all there is to do is shop and eat, not much for kids. The campus of Butler University is nearby, and there is a nice green park area between campus and Broad Ripple (Holcomb Gardens, I think). You can walk along the canal path and park the stroller and run around in the grass. It has a big pond with huge goldfish, gardens, and short woodsy trails.

Beyond BU is the Indy Museum of Art, which also has a lot of parklike green grounds and sculpture gardens for running around in.

I assume you already know about the zoo and the children's museum...and Eagle Creek park has a lake and a sandy beach with playground, as I recall...

Zionsville is definitely a worthwhile afternoon trip from Indianapolis. It is a very quaint little town with nice shops along the main street. I love to go there because it is like stepping back in time to a quieter place. There are some inexpensive places to eat but none right in down town. There are 3 or 4 nice restaurants downtown and although I wouldn't call them inexpensive they are reasonable with very good food.

try it...it's very walkable and there are lots of things for the kids to stay interested in as well...lots of stuff to see...ice cream shop, etc.

As much as we were looking forward to visiting Zionsville, we wound up skipping it for a 2nd day at the children's museum, which was fantastic. Thanks for all the help!

ttt