Avon, Indiana is a small-but-growing community located the west side of Indianapolis, just 10 minutes from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and roughly 20 minutes from downtown Indy.
This small town of roughly 12,500 residents has earned a reputation as a family-oriented community, with very low crime rates, a high graduation rate, an up-and-coming real estate market, and a number of fun things to do and see.
Articles about Avon, Indiana
- Haunted Bridge: Mysterious Ghosts of Avon Indiana
- World War II Memorial ParkWorld War II Memorial Park in Avon Indiana
Real Estate for Sale in Avon, Indiana
Housing is still a great bargain in Avon, when compared to other areas in central Indiana. But it’s only a matter of time before prices begin to reflect the growing demand to own a home in this increasingly sought-after suburb of Indianapolis.
Attractions & Things to Do
The finance website, nerdwallet.com, ranked Avon as the fourth best place in Indiana for homeownership. And the county in which Avon is located, Hendricks County, recently ranked as the 5th healthiest county in central Indiana by countyhealthrankings.org.
While it is by no means a mecca of entertainment, for a town of its size, Avon boasts its fair share of popular attractions. Here are a few of the more notable attractions and things to do in Avon.
Avon Antiques
“Antiquing” has become a very popular pastime for many folks in central Indiana. As an activity, it offers a fun way to rediscover the artistry and craftsmanship associated with a more pristine era in the country’s past.
Located at 192 N State Road 267 in Avon, Avon Antiques is a small, independently owned antique shop that has been in business since 1992. They offer a good selection of true antiques, from Primitive to Victorian pieces.
The shop has been featured in the national edition of Antique Week, a leading journal, and has also been the recipient of several honors, including the First Merchants Bank of Avon Business of the Month (2010), and Indy Channel RTV6’s A-LIST Winner.
Avon Commons
Located off Rockville Road, at U.S. 36 in Avon, the Avon Commons Shopping Center is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Avon. This modern strip mall was built in 2005 and is home to a number of large and small businesses and retail chain stores, including Target, Barnes & Noble, H.H. Gregg, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Marshalls, Factory Card Outlet, Dress Barn, Payless Shoes, Bath & Body Works, Irwin Union Bank, Chipotle, S&K Menswear, T-Mobile, GameStop and Allcare Dental.
Avon Farmer’s Market
The Avon Farmer’s Market is a popular summertime destination among locals in search of locally produced food and other items. The market operates in parking lot in front of Hendricks Regional Health, at 8244 E US HWY 36 in Avon. The season typically commences the first week of June, and runs through late September.
The farmer’s market is a great place to shop and socialize with like-minded members of the local community. You’ll find everything from locally grown produce, fresh coffee beans, pasta, breads, jams, eggs, honey, baked goods and frozen casseroles to lotions, clothing and even a few service providers. The 2014 Avon Farmer’s market featured close to 3 dozen different vendors.
Avon Washington Township Library
The Avon Washington Township Library is located at 498 North State Road 267. This is one of the largest and oldest public libraries in Hendricks County and, in addition to housing a huge collection of physical books, offers an extensive digital library of audiobooks, e-books and DVDs. Another nice thing: All book holds, and checkouts can handled online.
The library’s offers a number of services to adults, teens and children alike, including fun events like Chess Night, Homework Helper, outreach programming, public computers and printers, a Teen Advisory Group, wireless internet service and even a business center, equipped with services like copying, scanning and faxing.
Haunted Bridge of Avon, Indiana
Avon’s famous “Haunted Bridge” is situated just 1/2 mile south of U.S. Highway 36, on Avon’s County Road 625. And like most haunted destinations, the haunted bridge has a story or two. One such story dates back to the 1850s, when the bridge was first constructed. An Irish construction crew was mixing cement in large vat, when a platform suddenly collapsed, and a worker fell into the vat. As the story goes, his co-workers were unable to reach him as he sank quickly to the bottom.
As he sank, they could hear him knocking on the sides of the vat. But time ran out, and nothing could be done to save the poor man. The company decided it would not be practical to try to tear down the work that had been done to that point, and so the decision was made to leave his body in the pylon. As work progressed on the construction project, workers claimed they could hear knocks and screams coming from inside the pylon. As the legend goes, a man can be seen trying to flag down trains to this day.
Another story involves a young woman who was walking to her doctor’s house late one night with her sick baby when her foot got unexpectedly caught among the railroad ties. The woman managed to get unstuck from the ties, just as a steaming locomotive was barreling down on her. But she had no time to run across the tracks and was forced to jump off the bridge with her child. She survived but her child did not. She died of a broken heart not long thereafter, and it is claimed she can still be heard screaming for her baby to this day.
Hendricks County YMCA
Located at 301 Satori Pkwy in Avon, the Hendricks County YMCA is among the most popular destinations for fitness-minded individuals on the far west side of Indianapolis. This 100,000 square-foot sports complex offers a safe and positive environment for children, teens and adults, and features a wide array of modern workout equipment, nutrition counseling and services for fitness-minded individuals in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.
A huge, indoor lap pool is among the facility’s many amenities. The pool is open during normal hours and is a great way to stay in shape.
A fully equipped basketball court is available for use by all members. It is part of the YMCA gymnasium.
A variety of exercise machines are available for use. These high-tech machines allow for controlled resistance exercises. They are situated in the 8,000 square-foot Fitness Center.
A towering rock-climbing wall offers a great way to stay in shape and have fun.
Other amenities include a aerobics and dance rooms, a family “Prime Time Center,” a Teen Center, Child Watch Center, Indoor Climbing Wall and Outdoor Education Center (including walking trails).
Monster Miniature Golf
Monster Miniature Golf is located at 7591 US-36, in Avon. This fun, 18-hole miniature golf facility offers a unique, monster-themed golf experience that is fun for the whole family and perfect for special events, like birthday parties.
The glow-in-the-dark props are only part of what makes this such a fun place to visit. Other amenities include an arcade game area, private event rooms and a gift shop.
Prestwick Country Club
Prestwick Country Club is located at 5197 Fairway Dr in Avon. This private country club was designed by Robert Simmons in 1974 and has hosted such prominent tournaments as the Indiana Men’s State Open, Indiana Women’s State Open, Indianapolis Open, Indiana State Amateur, Indiana Match Play Championship, and the Boy’s and Girl’s IHSAA State Championships.
Prestwick Country Club’s features a championship-caliber layout that spans over 240 acres of scenic landscape and features 6,885 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par 72.
The course rating is 73.7 and it has a slope rating of 127. Overall, the course is not overly intimidating for less-advanced students of the game, even though it offers an ample degree of challenge for more advanced players.
The clubhouse is a great space for special events, such as wedding receptions, small bachelor parties and even graduation parties.
Other club amenities include a small fleet of electric golf carts, private gold instruction, a full-stocked pro shop and an indoor practice facility.
Sketch Pad Art Studio
Located at 6748 E US Hwy 36 in Avon, Sketch Pad Art Studio is a fun and stimulating destination for the art-minded individuals. This private gallery is owned and operated by artist Colleen M. Carter, who began teaching art in 1995 when a group of homeschooling families her to teach a drawing class for their kids.
In her own words, Sketch Pad Art Studio offers a “creatively stimulating, non-competitive environment where students come to weekly classes for instruction and inspiration.” The gallery features the work of local artists and students of the studio.
Local Businesses
The steadily growing population in Avon has brought with it a number of small and large shopping and dining establishments. Here are just a few of the smaller-scale businesses that have become popular among the locals.
City BBQ
Technically located at 9116 Rockville Rd in Indianapolis, City BBQ is nevertheless a very popular destination among Avon locals and west-siders in general. Owner Rick Malir grew up on a farm in Kansas, and has a very intimate knowledge of agriculture.
When he started the restaurant 15 years ago in Columbus, Ohio, along with his wife, Bonnie, he described being so strapped for cash that he relied on neighbors to heat trays of baked beans in their individual ovens for catering events. His smokers were even located in his driveway!
Locals swear by this place, and a quick glance at the reviews suggests generally high ratings. They serve favorites like beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey, chicken, salads and desserts. They also offer a special “Under 500 Calories” menu for diet-conscious diners. Catering is also available.
Cutters Brewing Company
Located at 9973 US-36 in Avon, Cutters Brewing Company is a micro-brewery that has earned a reputation among locals as a very unassuming, yet high-quality, brewery.
But just so you know; this is NOT a brewpub. Rather, it’s a first and foremost a working brewery that just happens to also serve growlers of beer, and merchandise sales. In fact, because they don’t serve food, they are unable to sell beer by-the-glass. So, this is not the kind of place where you go to relax and enjoy a few beers with friends. Although you can try samples.
Moody’s Butcher Shop
Located at 235 N. SR 267 in Avon, Moody’s Butcher is that increasingly rare breed of small, independently owned butcher shops that actually know a thing or two about meet and farming.
This family-owned business has a very long history in agriculture, having raised chicken, beef, hogs, lamb, corn, soybeans, oats, rye, hay, wheat, and spelt since 1871. Their products are fresh and come direct from their sustainable farm in Ladoga, Indiana, as well as other local farms.
They also sell a variety of sauces, marinades, dairy, in addition to offering a deli meat and cheese section. This isn’t mass produced meat–a fact that quality-minded shoppers appreciate.
Moodys also sells fresh produce in very limited amounts. It would be fair to say this place embodies the spirit of the old fashioned neighborhood butcher that was once a staple in virtually every small town in America. They currently do business in Avon, Center Grove, Center Grove, Ladoga and Zionsville.
Major Events
Avon Community Heritage Festival
The Avon Community Heritage Festival is an annual celebration that takes place at Washington Township Park in Avon, in late September. The festival includes live music, all kinds of vendors, food, games and fireworks. The day typically starts around 10 a.m. and lasts through dusk. Fun activities like a hot wings-eating contest, a recognition program, and performances by the Avon Marching Band have taken place during past festivals.
Hendricks County Rib-Fest
The Hendricks County Rib-Fest is a hugely popular event that takes place annually in Avon, the Saturday before the Independence Day. Rib-Fest is a long-standing tradition that features all kinds of things to enjoy, like live entertainment, lots of food, fireworks and, of course, ribs-o-plenty! It is also an opportunity for local restaurants to compete for bragging rights for “best ribs” & “best sauce” as judged by the local tasters.
Parks
Avon Perennial Gardens
Located at 6259 County Rd 91 North in Avon, Avon Perennial Gardens (a.k.a. “Avon Gardens”) is one of the most popular parks on the west side of greater Indianapolis.
It is also a very popular destination for weddings and special events, since its natural beauty makes a great backdrop for photographs.
Owned by Karen Robbins, the park sits on over 5 acres of beautiful display gardens, and features an impressive variety of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals. The decorative gardens are not only beautiful, but educational. The gardens is a sanctuary for anyone who loves exquisite, well-designed gardens.
A beautiful, brick-paved walkway cuts through the gardens, and makes for a nice afternoon or evening stroll. In all, there are over 3,000 trees, flowers and shrubs, which combine with a soothing stream to form a retreat-like ambiance.
Avon Town Hall Park
Avon Town Hall Park is located at 6570 E US Hwy 36 in Avon, just behind the Avon Town Hall. The park offers a lake for fishing, walking trails and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Long, paved trails cut through the park, and are great for jogging, biking, walking, inline skating, etc.
The north playground is accessible from the Stratford of Avon subdivision and is appropriate for children ages 2 to 6. It is equipped with toddler swings, slides, and crawling tubes.
Several picnic areas are available, including two grills. There’s nothing quite like a picnic on a nice summer day!
A beautiful, “Angel of Hope” statue can be found in the Avon Town Hall Park. The statue sits atop a sculpted marble base.
The 9-acre fishing lake is located directly behind the Avon Town Hall and offers a scenic overlook on the dam and native wetland plantings along the shoreline.
The Town Hall Park 18-hole disc golf course has challenging wooded holes as well as holes in open spaces. The first hole is located near the old horse barn on the west side of the 9-acre fishing lake.
Avon War Memorial Park
Avon War Memorial Park is located at E County Road 100 South in Avon. This simple, yet beautiful, public space offers a place of remembrance for future generations, to commemorate the personal and professional contributions made by past generations.
The park features a central sculpture of a soldier, standing before a backdrop of flags, one for each branch of the armed services. A flag-raising ceremony is typically held on September, in the early evening.
Washington Township Park in Avon
The “Paw Park” offers a wide-open expanse, perfect for allowing dogs to get some exercise.
What dog doesn’t like to go chasing after a Frisbee on an open field?