story by KATIE ABEL
Nestled in the heart of Northwest Indiana and just 14 miles south of the Indiana Dunes National Park, Valparaiso (nicknamed Valpo) is the perfect destination for a weekend stay or day trip. With something to do for everyone, the entire family will delight in an Indiana winter visit to the “vale of paradise.”
Valpo’s thriving, Hallmark-movie-worthy historic downtown is home to Central Park Plaza and the best ice-skating rink in the region. Families can enjoy fun on the ice through the beginning of March and skate to a live DJ on Friday evenings.
From smoked ribs to sushi and wood- fired pizza to handcrafted burgers, there
is a restaurant in downtown to satisfy any tastebud after an afternoon on the ice. Both fine diners and casual connoisseurs have abundant options with over 30 food and beverage establishments. And the dessert choices are mouthwatering, with everything from authentic French pastries to gourmet cupcakes to locally made ice cream.
Complementing the locally owned restaurants in downtown are more than
25 unique retailers. Shoppers can spend the day discovering one-of-a-kind artwork, home décor, gifts, clothing, and accessories. These charming locally owned stores create a vibrant and unique shopping experience where one can find a diverse array of items, from handcrafted trinkets and artisanal goods to vintage treasures and stylish garments.
And featuring two successful theaters – the Memorial Opera House and Chicago Street Theater – and live music at many of the restaurants and coffee shops, there are plenty of entertainment options after a day packed full of ice-skating, eating, and retail therapy.
Visit valparaisoevents.com for a full retail and restaurant list, including dining options outside of downtown, and use the calendar feature to discover a fun festival or event to attend while you’re visiting.
For more information visit: valparaisoevents.com
