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Honoring the Past.
Celebrating Today.
Building Tomorrow.
Shoals Spotlight
The Historic Shoals River District is dedicated to preserving our heritage while working to build a vibrant and thriving community.
Through our Shoals Spotlight, we celebrate the people, businesses, and stories that make our town unique.
Business Spotlight
Jug Rox Star of the Quarter
Some businesses are more than a place to shop or grab a bite to eat—they become part of the fabric of a community. For more than four decades, Velma’s Diner has been just that for Shoals.
That is why we are proud to recognize Velma’s Diner as our newest Jug Rox Star of the Quarter!
A fixture on Main Street, Velma’s represents so much of what makes small-town life special. It’s the kind of place where familiar faces gather over a cup of coffee and a meal, neighbors catch up across the table, and visitors quickly discover the friendly hospitality that makes Shoals feel like home.
Of course, you can’t talk about Velma’s without talking about the food. From hearty breakfasts and biscuits and gravy to tenderloins, catfish, roast beef Manhattans and good old-fashioned comfort food, Velma’s has built a reputation for serving satisfying meals at prices that keep people coming back. But ask those who know the diner well, and you’ll quickly realize that the food is only part of its story.
It’s the hometown atmosphere.
It’s walking through the door and seeing someone you know. It’s friendly service, familiar conversations and a place where locals and travelers alike can pull up a chair and feel welcome.
In an age when so much has become bigger, faster and less personal, places like Velma’s remind us just how valuable our hometown businesses really are.
For more than 40 years, Velma’s Diner has remained part of the rhythm of everyday life in Shoals—serving meals, welcoming neighbors and helping preserve the kind of small-town gathering place that communities like ours are built around.
Our Jug Rox Star of the Quarter recognizes businesses that contribute something special to Shoals and help make our community a better place to live, visit and call home. Velma’s Diner is a wonderful example.
Congratulations to Velma’s Diner, our Jug Rox Star of the Quarter! Thank you for the many years of good food, friendly faces and hometown hospitality—and for continuing to be part of what makes Shoals special.
Be sure to stop in, grab a meal and help us congratulate our newest Rox Star!
Celebrating Shoals & Martin County
A New Look Along Main Street:
If you've traveled along US 50 through Shoals recently, you may have noticed something new along Main Street—a once-simple building wall has been transformed into a colorful celebration of the history, beauty and character of Shoals and Martin County.
The new display, located at 325 Main Street, was funded by the Historic Shoals River District as part of our continued effort to beautify our community, celebrate our heritage and create a downtown that residents can be proud to call home.
The building, owned by Emily Stoner of SC Draperies, also recently received a facelift through the Facade Grant Program. With its prominent location along US 50, the HSRD saw another opportunity: to turn a highly visible space into something that tells a little of our community's story.
The result is a series of large-scale images highlighting the places, history and natural beauty that make our corner of Indiana special—from historic Main Street and the iconic Jug Rock to the scenic landscapes and landmarks found throughout Martin County.
For Shoals, US 50 is more than another road through town. It is one of the major routes carrying residents, visitors and travelers through this part of southern Indiana. Every person who passes through gets a glimpse of our community, and we believe that glimpse should reflect the pride we have in the place we call home.
Community improvement doesn't always require a major development. Sometimes it happens one storefront, one flower bed, one facade—or one wall—at a time. Each improvement builds upon the next, creating a town that feels cared for and inviting while preserving the character that makes Shoals unique.
The project was brought to life by Johnny's Signs of Bedford, whose team produced and installed the large-scale images. We appreciate their work in helping turn our vision for the space into something that can now be enjoyed by everyone traveling through Shoals.
We are also grateful to Emily Stoner for allowing HSRD to use her building as the canvas for this project and for her continued investment in downtown Shoals.
Most importantly, this project is about community pride. It is a reminder of where we've been, an appreciation for the beauty surrounding us today, and a small investment in how we present our hometown for the future.
The next time you travel US 50 through Shoals, take a look as you pass Main Street. We hope these images encourage visitors to discover a little more of Martin County—and remind those of us who live here that there is a great deal worth celebrating right here at home.
Honoring the Past. Celebrating Today. Building Tomorrow.
Small Towns in the Spotlight
Why Small Towns Matter
Across America, more people are rediscovering the value of small-town living. They're seeking places where neighbors know each other, local businesses are the heart of downtown, and community traditions still matter. Here in Shoals, we don't just preserve our history—we're building a future that celebrates it.
HSRD Monthly Committee Meeting
We welcome anyone who is interested in getting involved, whether by joining a committee, volunteering their time, or simply supporting our efforts. Community participation is at the heart of what we do, and every contribution helps make a difference.
We also encourage local business owners to take part in our initiatives, events, and programs as we continue working together to strengthen and grow Shoals.
Thursday, August 20th
6:15 pm
📍Allbright House
103 High Street, Shoals IN
Hindostan Days
Saturday, October 4th
10:00am - 5:00 pm
Join the HSRD at Hindostan Days, where history comes alive!
Celebrate the legacy of one of Indiana's earliest settlements with local vendors, live music, great food, and fun for the whole family.
Location: Hindostan Falls, State Road 550, between Shoals and Loogootee, Indiana.
HSRD Annual
Harvest Fest
Harvest Fest is more than a festival—it's a celebration of community. From hayrides and live music to local vendors, great food, and family fun, this annual event brings neighbors together to celebrate the season and showcase the pride, hospitality, and hometown spirit that make Shoals shine.
Saturday, October 10th