Keystone - Indianapolis, IN Area Guide

While the area of Keystone has certainly grown over the years, the neighborhood simply wouldn't be the place it is today without the growth of the Fashion Mall. The Fashion Mall began in the 1970s as a small luxury mall located next door to a larger shopping center named the Bazaar. Over time, the Fashion Mall underwent numerous renovations and growth by attracting high-end stores and restaurants to its space. Eventually, the Fashion Mall overtook the Bazaar and expanded its shop space. With this rapid expansion came more residential neighborhoods surrounding the mall, with more and more people being drawn to the shops and restaurants found nearby. Today, Keystone serves as a major retail center for the state of Indiana, particularly for those looking to shop at high-end stores. Despite being a popular destination for fashion lovers, it remains unknown whether the area has acted as home to any notable personalities in the past.

Those who appreciate independent films will enjoy the availability of the Keystone Art Cinema & Indie Lounge. Located on the second floor of the Fashion Mall, this movie theater shows independent films, period pieces, and various mainstream films. Stop in the Indie Lounge after the movie to grab a drink and talk about the film with other audience members.

The Keystone Art Cinema also acts as host to numerous events occurring throughout the year. One of the most notable annual events includes the Indianapolis Jewish Film Festival. This day-long festival celebrates Jewish culture and arts through independent film screenings that challenge and change the perceptions of audience members. Following the films, visitors can attend the special Gala featuring Mediterranean food, belly dancers and music from the Middle East.

Keystone features one of the most diverse selections of restaurants around. Residents always have plenty of options to choose from, with everything from classic Italian to Chinese to Modern American. Most restaurants here remain part of a chain business, but that doesn't mean they don't keep a good reputation for quality service and mouthwatering dishes.

If you're looking for a fancy spot for a date or special occasion, try Late Harvest Kitchen for a taste of classy American cuisine. If the weather suits you, book your reservation for a table outside on the patio. The General Taos pork belly appetizer and the sticky toffee pudding dessert are two dishes that keep them coming back. Order one of their creative cocktail blends for a new take on traditional mixers.

Those seeking a more laid-back experience should try Ruth's Cafe. This local brunch spot serves up traditional breakfast plates, as well as some not so traditional ones, such as the Cheesecake Pancakes. Despite being located in a strip mall, Ruth's maintains its independent nature by using locally sourced ingredients and artisan breads.The restaurant also serves as a full-service catering venue, providing a good-sized space to host special events.

While it can't compete with the nightlife of areas like downtown Indianapolis or Broad Ripple, Keystone still includes a couple of spots to let loose on the weekend. Live music connoisseurs should check out Birdy's Bar & Grill. With a host of different events and concerts throughout the year, Birdy's appeals to fans of many different genres of music. Found about a mile south of Keystone, this long-time music venue holds around 400 people and hosts live shows from local, regional and even national bands occasionally.

Although a couple of public transportation options exist, most residents in the neighborhood own cars to get around. The Fashion Mall includes bus stops for the 26 Keystone Crosstown line as well as the 18 Line to Nora. If you need to travel to Nora for a trip to Target, the 18 Nora line should do the trick. Otherwise, the destination options via bus remain fairly limited.

Although The Fashion Mall lies nearby many residential areas, not many people walk to restaurants and shops. Within the mall area, sidewalks remain prevalent; however, past the boundaries of these stores, the neighborhood proves not optimal for walking as a mode of commuting. In a similar way, commuting cyclists remain a rarity as well. Despite being exceptionally flat, the lack of bike lanes and busy highway traffic from Keystone Avenue deters bikers from riding on the roads. That being said, the residential roads near homes provide a nice space for a recreational bike ride, and the Monon Trail lies just over a mile away to the west.

Drivers in the area enjoy the convenience of living nearby the major highway merger of Keystone Avenue. For those who work downtown, Keystone Avenue provides a straight shot to the center of the city. For everyone else, the I-465 highway loop serves as the main highway connecting people to other parts of Indianapolis.

Taxi cabs can be hailed if you find yourself near The Fashion Mall, as the nearby Sheraton hotel usually attracts drivers looking to pick up passengers. However, if you really need a ride, it might be a good idea to call ahead: Cab drivers can't always be counted on to be circling the area. Most residents tend to use alternative services such as Uber of Lyft to get rides to the airport or downtown.

The Monon Trail serves as the closest outdoor amenity for walking, running and biking. People can be seen exercising and commuting along the trail almost every day of the week. The trail also connects to other parks and open areas as it runs north and south throughout Indianapolis.

For a more traditional park experience, take a trip to Sahm Park located just a few miles east in the Castleton area. The Sahm Park Aquatic Center attracts families from all over the city, bringing their kids to play in the huge pool featuring fountains, three water slides and lap lanes.

In addition to the aquatic center, Sahm Park includes all the amenities that make a park great. With a kids' playground, picnic shelter with bathrooms, tennis courts, basketball courts and sand volleyball pits, Sahm Park has something for everyone to do. In addition, a large portion of the park serves as a golf course and driving range. Disc golfers will be pleased to find a nine-hole disc golf course available as well. Sahm Park acts as host to numerous events for organizations who want to rent out the shelter area. In addition, Zumba classes also occur during the summertime outdoors.

Keystone proves a great neighborhood to live in if you like to shop. The Fashion Mall represents the central area of commerce, with dozens of stores located inside and around the building. Upscale fashion seems to be the general trend of this mall, yet other stores such as North Face, Apple, and Pottery Barn also reside within its walls. Anchor stores include Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. Those looking for the latest trends can browse the selection at Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie.

Residents can choose from a few grocery options in the neighborhood. Traditional shoppers go to the Marsh located a mile east on 86th street from The Fashion Mall or the nearby Target located a mile to the west. If you're looking for something a little different, a Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's lie near the intersection of 86th Street and Westfield Boulevard. Although the neighborhood lacks a grassroots farmers' market, the Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market serves as the next best thing. Similar to Whole Foods Market, this store provides natural food options and organic produce to residents of the neighborhood.