Indiana Dunes Country is among the Best of the Midwest, according to Midwest Living Magazine

Several Porter County businesses and attractions have been selected as being among the “Best of the Midwest.”
The local inns, restaurants and attractions are featured in Midwest Living magazine’s recently-released “Best of the Midwest Travel.”

Songbird Prairie Bed & Breakfast in Valparaiso is featured on page 48 in an article about B&Bs with exceptional breakfasts that incorporate local ingredients. Songbird often serves food from its garden.

Bistro 157 in Valparaiso is featured on page 73. The magazine shows the exterior of the restaurant and describes the food, ending with, “Quite simply, it’s destination dining.”

Finally, under “Quick hits” on pages 80 and 81, the Indiana Dunes is highlighted. Under the Indiana Dunes heading, the writer talks about swimming, hiking, biking and birding at the dunes, as well as dining in nearby Chesterton. Octave Grill in Chesterton is recommended for its creative burgers, and Bartlett’s Gourmet Grill and Tavern in Beverly Shores is touted for its mac ‘n’ cheese. The magazine recommends staying at DunesWalk Inn in Chesterton — a restored 1881 mansion with five guest rooms.

The magazine directs people to Indiana Dunes Tourism, the official tourism bureau of Porter County, for more information.

Lorelei Weimer, Indiana Dunes Tourism executive director, said she is pleased Midwest Living chose to highlight many of the great places in Porter County.  “We invite people to experience the Indiana Dunes and stay for the great dining, shopping, attractions and lodging in our communities,” Weimer said.

Lorelei Weimer, Executive Director of Indiana Dunes Tourism, with the 2012 ROSE Award Winners

Indiana Dunes Tourism, the official tourism bureau of Porter County,  honored 22 businesses, organizations and individuals for their outstanding service.

The R.O.S.E. (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards recognize those who provide excellent service or otherwise go the extra mile to make Porter County a great place for visitors and residents alike to enjoy.

“There are businesses and individuals whose efforts go a long way toward making Indiana Dunes Country a destination to which visitors will return again and again,” said Lorelei Weimer, executive director of Indiana Dunes Tourism. “We like to recognize those who contribute to the success we’ve achieved in promoting Porter County.”

The R.O.S.E. Awards ceremony coincides with National Travel and Tourism Week.

What follows is a list of this year’s Porter County R.O.S.E. Award winners:

Lodging Location of the Year — At Home in the Woods Bed and Breakfast,     Chesterton.
Restaurant of the Year — Industrial Revolution, Valparaiso.
Festival of the Year — Valparaiso University Jazz Fest.
Shining Star — Sophia Molina of Don Quijote Restaurant, Valparaiso.
Shining Star — Patrick Thornton of Memorial Opera House, Valparaiso.
Retailer of the Year — Tony’s Saddle Shop, Valparaiso.
Retailer of the Year — Seasons on the Square, Valparaiso.
Newcomer of the Year — Inspiration Wood, Westville.
Professional of the Year — Dr. John Johnson, Valparaiso.
Attraction of the Year — Taltree Arboretum Railway Garden, Valparaiso.
Recreation Location of the Year — Sunset Hill Farm County Park, Valparaiso.
Hospitality Professional of the Year — Mandy Wiley, Inn at Aberdeen, Valparaiso.
Partner of the Year — Holly Jackson of Holly Jackson Art Studio & Gallery,     Chesterton.
Turning Lemons into Lemonade — 49er Drive-in Theatre, Valparaiso.
Putting Porter County on the Map — Northwest Indiana Paddling Association.
Outstanding Legislators Award — Sen. Karen Tallian.
Outstanding Legislators Award — Sen. Ed Charbonneau.
Outstanding Legislators Award — Rep. Ed Soliday.
Outstanding Legislators Award — Rep. Chuck Moseley.
Outstanding Legislators Award — Rep. Scott Pelath.
Green Award — rTrail Collective Edge, Valparaiso.
Unity Award — South Shore Line.

Valpo Velvet is definitely one of Indiana's Top Ten Ice Cream Shops

Valpo Velvet ice cream shop could soon be named among the “Top 10 Indiana Places for Ice Cream,” and the Indiana Dunes is in the running for a spot among the “Top 10 Indiana Summer Must Do’s.”

The Top 10 lists are being put together by the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD). Both Valpo Velvet and the Indiana Dunes made the list of potential Top 10 places.
Now, it is up to people who visit the state tourism website to pick the Top 10 winners.

Voting closes at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 10. The Top 10 lists will be announced the next day and will be published in the “Best of” section of www.VisitIndiana.com.

Indiana Dunes Tourism, the official tourism bureau of Porter County, is encouraging area residents to support Valpo Velvet and the Indiana Dunes by visiting the state tourism website and casting votes for them.

“We would like Valpo Velvet and the Indiana Dunes to get the recognition they deserve,” said Lorelei Weimer, executive director of Indiana Dunes Tourism. “If Valpo Velvet and the Indiana Dunes make the Top 10 lists, it could also encourage people to visit and spend money in Porter County.”

Valpo Velvet, located at 55-57 W. Monroe St. in Valparaiso, has been making ice cream the exact same way for 65 years, by three generations of Brown family members. Although the five simple ingredients in the basic mix haven’t changed, unique new flavors have been added over the years. Valpo Velvet now makes 65 to 70 different flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and sorbet.

As for the Indiana Dunes, it draws more than 3 million visitors each year. Dunes visitors can enjoy 15 miles of Lake Michigan beaches, towering sand dunes with breathtaking views of the lake and miles of wooded trails.

Great family adventures are waiting in Indiana Dunes Country

Go Wild: An Indiana Dunes Adventure for the Whole Family

By Joe Laing

I believe there are two types of road-trippers: those that push the gas pedal and the speed limits with sights only on the destination, and those that ease on the brakes to take in sights along the way. If you’re of the second school, then the Indiana Dunes region may be just the place for your next family voyage. Nestled in the northwest corner of the state between the larger cities of Chicago and South Bend, this natural wonderland boasts a sparkling freshwater shoreline, lush woodlands and prairies, and an abundance of adventures for you and the kids.

Porter County, Indiana, can be easily accessed from the East and West via I-80/90 (when mapping your trip, note that this is a toll road across the state) and from the South by way of I-65. Once there, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Campground, situated near Lake Michigan, makes an ideal (and inexpensive) hub for your RV stay. While there are showers and restrooms, true to the back-to-nature nature of this spot, the facilities do not include electrical hookups. But you will discover beautiful beaches for fishing and swimming, a 9.1-mile gravel bike trail, and ranger-guided activities for all ages. From this central base, you can set out in a variety of directions to explore the Indiana Dunes landscape. Wherever you choose to head, be sure to brake for the best sites!

Go west along Dunes Highway (Rt. 12):

Just beside the campground, you’ll find Cowles Bog, which boasts a marsh boardwalk perfect for spotting birds and wetland wildlife. Also tucked inside the Indiana Dunes Lakeshore are two historic residences, Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm. Stop off to learn what life was like for 19th-century farmers and fur traders. And to stretch your legs and your sense of adventure, head to Imagination Glen Park, which boasts a BMX racetrack, “The Dark Side” advanced biking trail, and a fabulous playground. Other highlights along the way include Miller Woods, for birding in savanna wetlands, and West Beach, which boasts 250 steps along its Dune Succession Trail.

Go southwest down State Road 49 then west on Rt. 30:

In the summer, dive into the Deep River County Waterpark, which makes a splash with the kiddos with its Rip Tide Wave Pool and collection of tube slides and river rides. Want to skip the wet but still go wild? Cruise over to the Broken Wagon Bison Farm to encounter the Koeppen family’s herd of 70-some buffalo. If you prefer flora to fauna, pay a visit to Taltree Arboretum and see 360 acres of formal plantings, plus the newly opened scale-model Railway Garden.

Go south via State Road 49:

Depending on how far down IN-49 you choose to travel, you can get a taste of each of this area’s three distinct regions (Dunes, Moraine, and Kankakee). At Coffee Creek Park, venture down the boardwalk trail and keep your eyes and ears peeled for songbirds. Your ears can also enjoy outdoor summer concerts at the nearby Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve amphitheater. (For a fun family photo, gather at the octagonal bandstand in the Chesterton Historic Business District and snap a souvenir shot.)

Travel a bit further to find prairie and woodland trails, as well as a demonstration crop garden, at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. And just off the stretch of highway between I-80/90 and U.S. 30, you’ll come across a number of parks perfect for picnicking.

Roughly an hour south within the Kankakee watershed stands the storied Dunn’s Bridge, supposedly built from steel salvaged from the Ferris Wheel at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The bridge, spanning the Kankakee River, is open to pedestrians and definitely worth a walk across. According to the season, you might also drive over to the expansive Jasper Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area to witness flocks of migratory birds.

Go southeast by way of I-80/90:

Use your eagle eyes to spot animal tracks along the easy-to-traverse trails at the Zona Wildlife Sanctuary. And, to get a little more hands-on with nature, trot over to Pleasant Heights Stables. Whether your group includes experienced equestrians or first-time riders, visitors can saddle up their sensible horses for a scenic wooded trail ride.

Go east along Dunes Highway (Rt. 12):

With its 123-foot-high summit, Mount Baldy, the region’s largest living dune, might just be the climax of your trip. The shifting sands of this traveling dune have begun pushing inland over the past few years — annually migrating several feet south. Follow the trails to the top for a breathtaking view of the Chicago skyline and crashing waves on the shoreline below, and watch for endangered Karner Blue butterflies perching on the vivid blooms of the wild lupine growing there.

About the Author

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. You can see more great RV vacation ideas in their Monty’s Musings RV Travel Blog and be sure to check out their RV Camping Pictures.

Indiana Dunes State Park

Check out these great ways to love the Earth this weekend!

Saturday, April 21

Porter County Expo Center – “It Means the World”
Learn more about the planet and your impact on it at the annual Northwest Indiana Earth Day Celebration.This family-friendly, one day event features entertainment, organizations and vendors that will educate and delight attendees who want to learn more about the planet and your impact on it at the annual Northwest Indiana Earth Day Celebration.

Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education - “Healthy Parks,
Healthy Homes, and Healthy People”
From 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., explore Miller Woods with a park ranger; participate in activity booths hosted by local nature and civic organizations; read about nature with the Gary Public Library, explore Green Urbanism, join a seminar on healthy homes by the Gary CARE Partnership, find out more about aquaponic and other urban farming techniques, and enjoy the Borderbends Art Collective’s celebration of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring accompanied by the Chicago Phonography Ensemble. This is a great chance for kids to become Junior National Park Rangers by completing a Green Gary workbook.

Visitor Center/Heron Rookery – “Attacking the Invasives”
Volunteer with others from 9:00 a.m. to noon to remove non-native multi-flora rose plants that are crowding out the beautiful native wildflowers of this region. Meet the ranger at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center and carpool to the work site. Protective gloves and equipment will be provided. Following the work, join the ranger for a leisurely spring wildflower walk on the rookery trail at 1:00 pm.

Westchester Public Library – “Friends of the Library Sale”
Pick up some great recycled books at the annual spring book sale Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. A large selection of hardcover books will be sold for $1 each and paperback books for $.50 each. No electronic scanners will be allowed. On Sunday, all items will be sold for $3 a bag. Prices for newer and special books will be individually marked.

Sunday, April 22

Indiana Dunes State Park
Spring means frogs, toads, and salamanders for the dune swamps and wetlands. Join Becky for an investigative stroll through the dune forests as we log roll our way in search of various amphibians that call the dunes home. Meet at the nature center at 10 a.m.

Families can participate in great local activities during spring break

Want to have a fun spring break without leaving Porter County?

Families can learn about all the great things they can do close to home as the Valparaiso Public Library’s Youth Services Department presents a free program called Porter County Attractions.

The program, which is part of the library’s Spring Break Staycation Series, is being presented by Christine Livingston, assistant director of Indiana Dunes Tourism. Livingston’s presentation will focus on activities that school-aged children and their families can enjoy.

The program is 11 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 26 in the Youth Services Department story room on the second floor of the library, which is located at 103 Jefferson St. in Valparaiso.

The program is free, but participants must register by calling 219-462-0524, ext. 4.
Livingston’s program will touch on some of the interesting museums, attractions, nature sites and more in Porter County. In addition, Livingston will have free guides available that describe dozens of attractions that families would enjoy not only during spring break, but throughout the year. The guides feature attractions like a bison farm that people can tour, a fire museum, model railway gardens and places where kids can make their own ceramics or beaded jewelry.

Retson's art focuses on things that are hidden in plain sight

An artist from the town of Porter is among the more than 100 artisans from across Indiana who will participate in the Indiana Artisan Marketplace, which is March 31 and April 1 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Lynn Retson will join artisans who make everything from fine chocolates, to specialty jewelry to stoneware pottery.

“My work will be drawings in graphite and black pastel,” Retson said.
“They have a photorealistic quality. Many viewers’ first impression is that these works are black and white photos. All of the drawings feature the roadside landscape.”

Retson participated in the Indiana Artisan Marketplace last year and said the quality of the work was outstanding

“It’s a strength of this show that you can find everything from $5 bookmarks to several thousand dollar pieces suitable for homes or offices,” Retson said.
“In addition, visitors get a chance to speak with the artists.  For me, this is the high point of the show.”

The Indiana Artisan Marketplace is a chance to buy one-of-a-kind artwork and artisan food directly from the Hoosiers who make it, said Peg Neal, chair of the 2012 Marketplace and a potter from Indianapolis.

In order to participate in the Indiana Artisan Marketplace, artisans must be accepted into the Indiana Artisan program, which is a juried program that accepts only about 30 percent of those who apply.

Lorelei Weimer, executive director of Indiana Dunes Tourism, said she is excited to have an Indiana Dunes Country artist in the Indiana Artisan Marketplace.
“This event brings additional awareness to the value of the arts in attracting visitors to our state, region and county,” Weimer said.

Weimer encourages people who attend the event to also tour the sites along the Northern Indiana Art & Earth Trail. Indiana Dunes Tourism has worked with six other Northern Indiana counties and the Northern Indiana Tourism Development Commission to create the Art & Earth Trail to promote Northern Indiana’s unique artisans and agricultural attractions. People can visit www.artandearthtrail.com/ or call 877-862-1434 to learn about the Art & Earth Trail.

While the Art & Earth Trail can be visited year round, the Indiana Artisan Marketplace is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT March 31 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT on April 1. Admission is $10 (children 15 and under are free) and parking is $3. Visit http://indianaartisan.org/news_releases.php for more information.

The Indiana Artisan Marketplace will also feature artisans from Kentucky because of a trade agreement between the two states.

The Indiana Artisan program was launched by Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and was a joint venture between the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, and the Indiana Arts Commission. Now as a non-profit corporation, Indiana Artisan, Inc. continues the program’s mission of developing a brand that gives meaning and recognition to Indiana-made goods.

The Valparaiso Crusaders prepare for a matchup

Indiana Dunes Tourism has joined Valparaiso University in welcoming the more than 10,000 visitors expected in Valparaiso for the Horizon League 2012 Men’s Basketball Championship.

The games, which are slated for this Friday and Saturday — and possibly Tuesday, March 6 — at Valparaiso University’s Athletics-Recreation Center, feature the Valparaiso University Crusaders battling their conference foes for an automatic qualifying bid for the NCAA basketball tournament.

Indiana Dunes Tourism and Valparaiso University partnered to build a website landing page — www.indianadunes.com/horizon — specifically designed to assist the visiting teams and their fans.

The webpage has links to the Horizon League and to the Valparaiso University Athletics-Recreation Center. It also features Indiana Dunes Tourism’s dining, lodging, shopping and attractions listings in and around Valparaiso.

The webpage will also allow people to read online Porter County travel guides, map their trip, find coupons and get the latest information via Facebook.

In addition, Indiana Dunes Tourism will have a table set up at the Athletics-Recreation Center during the tournament to answer questions and to distribute brochures detailing Porter County’s businesses and attractions.

Indiana Dunes Tourism Executive Director Lorelei Weimer said she’s excited that Valparaiso University is hosting the tournament and bringing visitors to the area. Weimer said the average overnight visitor — which the teams and many of their fans are expected to be — spends about $93 per day, while the visitor in for the day spends an average of $40.

“Having the Horizon League tournament in Valparaiso will provide a big boost to the local economy,” Weimer said.

“We are excited to welcome more than 10,000 people to Valparaiso and provide them the information they need to find all the great hotels, restaurants, stores and attractions in the area.”

A view from Lakefront Drive in Beverly Shores

A crew filming an IMAX movie about Indiana’s historic roads and the fascinating stories to be told along those roads is featuring two Porter County favorites.

The crew from Preserving the Historic Road will be filming and conducting interviews about scenic U.S. 12 and Lakefront Drive in the Duneland area. The crew will then spend time along Lincolnway in Valparaiso — which is part of the historic Lincoln Highway. They will stay at DunesWalk Inn in Chesterton – a boutique hotel inside a historic mansion.

Indiana Dunes Tourism, the official tourism bureau of Porter County, is hosting the crew. Indiana Dunes Tourism put together a proposal highlighting the beauty and history of Porter County, and Porter County was one of 22 Indiana counties selected for filming.

Indiana Dunes Tourism Executive Director Lorelei Weimer said the movie is one more way to highlight Indiana Dunes Country to potential visitors.

“People from across the nation will get a chance to see what a great destination we have with great places to visit like the Indiana Dunes and downtown Valparaiso,” Weimer said.

The movie will premiere at the Preserving the Historic Road national conference this September in Indianapolis.

Candy Yurcak, chairperson of the movie night committee for Preserving the Historic Road, said the movie will showcase the state of Indiana nationally even after the conference.

“Indiana has an incredible story to tell,” Yurcak said.

Yurcak, who is from Metamora in southern Indiana, will be part of the film crew. She said she is especially looking forward to seeing the Indiana Dunes for the first time.

She expects the movie to be full of stories of neat people and unique places to stop along historic roads, and she expects the movie to be especially popular among people who are interested in scenic roads and history.

The Inn at Aberdeen is a cozy retreat spot

A Time to Be Together – A Time to Renew
By John Johnson

Looking for a relaxing weekend to relax and renew your spirits? Travel by car to Northwest Indiana and Beyond the Beach in Porter County and enter the grounds of the Inn at Aberdeen, Ltd., a bed & breakfast and executive retreat center at the entrance to the Village of Aberdeen in Valparaiso, IN.

Arrive by 3 PM for early check-in to your king suite with Jacuzzi for two, fireplace and relax on the balcony after your journey. Pick up snacks, cold beverages, hot tea or experiment with the Flavia coffee bar and sit in the sunlit Solarium or head out to the gazebo in the Dunrobin Gardens for fresh air and calm. Don’t lose the mood – sink into your warm Jacuzzi with bath salts or bubble bath, shower and dress for dinner. You won’t need the car – walk across the street to Trio Trattoria for dinner, but remember that dessert awaits (or, maybe, your second dessert) at the Inn and the rest of the evening we will leave up to your imagination.

Awaken to the smell of fresh ground and brewing coffee and a full breakfast – take your time, there is no rush. Learn more about the Inn, perhaps, from the staff and then set out to discover downtown Valparaiso only three miles up route 2. Lifestyles, one block east of the square on Lincolnway, has something for everyone in this unique shop. Then stroll west along Lincolnway and around the square for many other unique opportunities to browse – food, art, antiques, pastries, fitness … Remember Don Quijote’s Restaurant – you’ll be back for a festive dinner this evening.

When the day’s prowling is over – return to the Inn to relax and refresh for dinner then head back downtown to Don Quijote’s for a festive and authentic Spanish dinner prepared by our own local transplants, Carlos Rivera and Elena Jambrina. Be sure to mention that you are guests of the Inn – something special will find its way to your table. Weekends often feature entertainment. Relax and make it an evening. Now, definitely enjoy Elena’s homemade desserts – but save a little room for the Inn’s at bedtime and, again, let your imagination dictate the remainder of the evening. Breakfast awaits in the morning – take your time.

This is not merely a destination – it’s an Experience !

This is a guest entry. To submit your Indiana Dunes Country trip ideas, send us an email.