John Newton held an open house at his Indy Hostel, located at 49th and Winthrop Avenue. Despite the snow, a large crowd turned out and were treated to Broad Ripple Brewpub cheese dip, Nicole-Taylor's pasta, and growlers of Upland Brewing Company beer. Pete and Sara Walthery provided live music on a harp, dulcimer and penny whistle.

John conducted tours of both side-by-side homes that have been converted into the hostel. The house on the corner at 49th and Winthrop has a girl's dorm, a coed dorm, and a private room with a private bath. On the main floor is the kitchen, stocked with food available for purchase by guests, an internet/library with terminals, WiFi, and world maps with pins showing where guests have come from (and a few rogue pins from jokesters), a TV room, and the lounge. Art shows and music concerts are held in the lounge year-round.

The house next door to the north was added to the hostel a few years ago. It has dorm rooms with bunk beds and a private room. Between the two houses is a yard with a stage for music in the warmer months.

John says the times of the year with the most international clientèle is during races at the Speedway. But with the hostel's location between downtown Indianapolis and Broad Ripple Village there are visitors all year long. It is in walking distance in one direction of the College Avenue shops and restaurants and the bus line, and the Monon Trail, and the 54th and Monon Shops in the other direction. It is also just a few blocks from the State Fairgrounds.

Watch the Gazette calendar for upcoming shows at the hostel.