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By Jennifer Hanson, Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.

Circle Centre, simply stated, is much more than a mall. In 1995, a major milestone in Downtown Indianapolis occurred when the $319.5 million Circle Centre opened. This world-renowned shopping and entertainment complex offers a unique variety of activities for all ages and interests.

Reminiscent of a European street market, its unique exterior showcases the original historic storefronts preserved from the neighborhood's early days. Within Circle Centre, two full-city blocks offer four levels of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Shopping at its best is right Downtown
Starting with the obvious, Circle Centre provides shoppers with numerous options from department stores and children's fashions to shoe stores and specialty shops. Powerhouse anchors Parisian and Nordstrom (the only one in the state) are visitor favorites. Local flavors include Brickyard Authentics, Colts Pro Shop, Indianapolis-based Hat World, Pacers Home Court II, Tarkington's and more.

"Circle Centre is by far my favorite destination for shopping and more," said Alison McConnell, Indianapolis resident. "I know that I can find everything I need, have a great meal and usually enjoy something fun in the Artsgarden."

Grab a bite before the second round
Circle Centre offers guests several dining options. Full-service restaurants include Alcatraz Brewing Company, featuring eight micro brews made on the premises including a full menu; Bertolini's Authentic Trattoria, a total Italian experience with homemade cuisine; Brewski's Sport & Wing Shack, serving wings and more surrounded by two big screens and 15 monitors; Cafe Nordstrom, known for its American dishes in a relaxed third-floor setting; Champps, providing 100 menu selections and too many TV screens to count; Johnny Rockets, 1940s-style dining at its best; Nordstrom Grill, serving fresh regional favorites; P.F. Chang's China Bistro, offering tradition Chinese cuisine in a fun atmosphere; Palomino Restaurant, featuring European food for any mood; and Ruth's Chris Steak House, voted Indy's Best Steak.

More than 10 other options are available in the food court including Frullati Cafe, Chick-fil-A and Le Petit Bistro. Specialties are found throughout Circle Centre such as Godiva Chocolatier and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Shop.

Artsgarden offers visitors unique opportunities
The Indianapolis Artsgarden, attached to Circle Centre, is an attraction in itself. Owned and operated by the Arts Council of Indianapolis, this unique $12 million glass-domed structure rises seven stories above street level and offers a spectacular view of the city.

More than 350 free performances and exhibits are programmed each year at the Artsgarden including bands, dancers and other artists set to entertain guests. It houses the city's only centralized arts ticketing and information service, TicketCentral. Fun is just upstairs
Visitors can find shopping, dining and entertainment in one stop. Circle Centre's fourth floor offers something for everyone. The latest releases can be seen on nine screens at the United Artists Theatres.

A unique attraction from Steven Spielberg is GameWorks Studio. One of only 14 in the United States, this nonstop action zone offers games and simulators every day of the week.

Another exclusive feature to Circle Centre is its World Mardi Gras Entertainment Complex. Four distinct nightclubs await guests 21 years of age and older, all indoors and protected from the elements. Brewski's offers bar games including darts and billiards, while Flashbaxx takes visitors back to the 70s and 80s - complete with hip tunes and a disco ball. Gator's has a high-energy tiki theme and plays the latest dance hits. World Mardi Gras features live local, regional and national bands.

In addition to all that Circle Centre offers, enclosed skywalks to parking garages and seven Downtown hotels make getting around a breeze.

"I love coming to Downtown Indianapolis for a visit and I always head to Circle Centre," said Debbie Parisi, a South Bend resident. "I can count on finding something different for myself and entertaining my family at the same time."