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Dine
Dive into Valparaiso’s booming culinary scene at one of the city’s fine downtown restaurants, like Blackbird Café, Don Quijote Restaurant, Main and Lincoln, Meditrina Market Café, Parea, or Roots Organic Juice Café. In the mood for Mexican? Try the best tacos in Indiana Dunes at Woodfire Meat Market & Deli—as voted by Indiana’s Cool North’s Taco Wars. Still more great restaurants await you just outside the downtown center, such as dish Restaurant, Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille, Kelsey’s Steak House, and Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery.
Don’t forget to save room for a creamy scoop of locally made ice cream from Valpo Velvet Ice Cream Shoppe or creation from Designer Desserts. Fancy yourself a salty snack lover? Well, we have just the thing for you. Pop into town during the Popcorn Festival each September and celebrate Valparaiso’s link to popcorn legend, Orville Redenbacher.
Do
Take your itinerary, and throw it away. There’s so much to do and see in Valparaiso, you’re going to need a few extra days. Cut loose and have a bit of family fun at Zao Island on one of two miniature golf courses, or hit the go-karts, laser tag course, game room, and batting cages before refueling with a slice at Colada’s Pizzeria.
Boredom isn’t a concept here. You’ll be entertained no matter your interests. Experience a movie experience straight out of the 1950s at 49er Drive-In Theatre, listen to music at the Memorial Opera House, or enjoy a great production at the Chicago Street Theatre. Wander through seven galleries filled with more than 3,000 pieces of art at Valparaiso University’s Brauer Museum of Art, or find local artists’ work at great places like Air One Aerial Photography and Lifestyles.
Should you need something else during your visit, hit up the city’s one-of-a-kind downtown stores like Piper Children’s Boutiques, Ivy Boutique, Bangles, Sheep’s Clothing Knitting Supply, and Old World Market.
Of course, there’s a ton of natural beauty to take in too. Get your fix of nature and railroad fun at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, which features hiking trails, formal gardens, and a huge, nationally-recognized model railway garden.
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