Fountain Square.
Indiana's first commercial historic district, about two miles from Monument Circle.
The lowdown
Fountain Square sits about two miles southeast of Monument Circle, right where Virginia Avenue, Shelby and Prospect meet. It grew up around an 1889 fountain and a streetcar turnaround. By the 1920s it was the city's first movie-theater district. Today it's Indiana's first commercial historic district and one of Indy's cultural districts. We love the neon signs, the 1928 Fountain Square Theatre Building and the Cultural Trail ride in. Side streets mix older cottages with new townhomes and apartments.
Our top 5
Five things we love in Fountain Square.
- Music venue
HI-FI
Check the calendar and catch a show in this small Virginia Avenue room. The bigger HI-FI Annex books touring acts too.
- Duckpin bowling
Action & Atomic Duckpin Bowling
Small balls, three rolls a frame, vintage lanes in the 1928 Fountain Square Theatre Building. Call ahead on weekends.
- Record store
Square Cat Vinyl
Dig through new and used vinyl, then grab a coffee or a beer. Watch for live sets and open mics.
- Italian
Monti Aperitivo & Cucina
Start with a spritz or vermouth, then get the house-made focaccia and fresh pasta. Reserve ahead for weekends.
- Hot chicken
World Famous Hotboys
Get the chicken and waffles. Pick your heat from Southern up to Hot, and know your limits.
