Linger Longer

story by GLENDA WINDERS

It’s funny how sometimes the thing you went to see at a destination doesn’t turn out to be the best memory of the trip after all. Maybe you went to the Indiana Dunes for the beaches and discovered the Whoa Zone in Whiting, or to Parke County for the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival when you happened upon the area’s other offerings. It turns out that just about every city in Indiana that has a main attraction also has lots more that you’ll want to stick around to enjoy.

A lot of people visit Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties because of the beaches on Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes National Park, but Heather Becerra, chief marketing officer for the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, says they need to save an extra couple of days to see what else is in the area.

“There are so many other great things to see and do here,” she said. “We have shopping, dining and water parks. At the WhoaZone in Whiting they can play on a floating obstacle course, and at Cedar Lake they can take rides in an authentic 1915 steamboat.”

And those are just a few of the things on her list. In Merrillville there’s Deep River Waterpark. And the downtown areas in Hobart, Valparaiso, Whiting, Chesterton, and Crown Point all have shopping plazas and unique locally owned boutiques. The European Market in Chesterton offers everything from artisan breads and cheese to rare books, clothing and spices. Any shopping trip, Becerra said, should include a stop at the Albanese Confectionery in Merrillville, which claims to make the world’s best gummies to sell along with chocolates, nuts, and more.

The City of LaPorte has drawn visitors to its beaches and lakes for years, but once you’ve dried off, spend some time in their historic downtown area with beautiful architecture, shopping, and entertainment. Their blossoming food scene is becoming a huge draw for foodies. And be sure and check out the Hesston Steam Museum.

Nearby Newton County has as its centerpiece Fair Oaks Farms‐worth a trip by itself but also a great place to stay while you explore the South Shore. Besides this working farm with interactive exhibits, restaurants, and hotel, the area also has Sandy Oak Ranch, a wildlife adventure and zoo offering unique animal encounters, and lots of outdoor choices like Kankakee Sands where you can see bison roaming the prairie, Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife area, and LaSalle Fish and Wildlife area.

Over in Elkhart County, the summertime draw is the Quilt Gardens driving tour, but once you’re there you’ll also want to take part in lots of other activities. Wellfield Botanic Gardens are also here, beautiful to stroll through any time, but their summer concert series on Thursday nights is magical. Also outdoors is the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, an incredible 17‐mile linear park that connects Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana and combines rural scenery with restaurants and coffee shops, shopping and parks.

Indoor fun can be had at the Midwest Museum of American Art, Ruthmere Museum‐a house museum that captures downtown Elkhart’s growth‐and the Elkhart County Historical Museum, which tells the story of this region from Indigenous peoples to the present day. Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum accesses the inner child.

You’re in Amish country now, an excellent opportunity to browse artisan shops and meet the makers behind the heirloom‐quality woodworking, quilts, and food. Further enjoy your experience by dining alfresco at the Goshen Brewing Company’s lawn and beer hall, the High Note at Hotel Elkhart, and Jackson Rooftop. Then head to the Lerner Theatre, a beautifully restored vaudeville‐era venue that is perfect for a concert or show.

Amish businesses and restaurants are also the main draw in LaGrange County, where once again there is so much else to do. Several trails invite visitors to get “Off the Beaten Path.” Pick up a map at the Shipshewana Visitors Center and then head off on the “Art in the Heart” driving tour that will take you past colorful murals recalling the region’s history. The “Barn Quilt” tour will lead you to wooden quilts that adorn local barns.

As long as you’re in quilt mode, head into town for shopping at the Yoder Department Store, Lolly’s Fabrics, the Cotton Corner, and Leanna’s Quilts. Also here are the Blue Gate Theatre, the Dutch Creek Animal Farm, Buggy Lane Tours, and much more‐‐along with plenty of good eats whether it’s Amish food you’re looking for or just an old‐fashioned pizza.

Most folks make the trip to Starke County for Bass Lake, but they stay on for a trip down memory lane. The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson offers artifacts and memorabilia to peruse as well as 45-minute rides behind a steam or diesel locomotive. Catching a double-feature at the Melody Drive-in Theatre furthers the illusion of going back in time.

People come to White County to play on Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman, too, but what a hidden gem they find when they get here. The lakes are surrounded by hotels and boat rentals, but in town are shops that purvey antiques, clothing, flowers, and gifts. Restaurants are good, too, with tacos, pizza, subs, and fine dining.

Chances are if you’re in Lafayette you’ve come to check out Purdue University or visit a student, but there’s lots more for you to do here, much of which you’ve probably never done before. Try visiting the Owl and Vulture Aviary at Columbian Park, viewing the prairie flowers at Prophetstown State Park, howling with the wolves at Wolf Park, checking out more than 115 pieces of public art, and kayaking the Bicentennial Nature Area.

Plenty of places to satisfy your taste buds will also make your stay here more memorable. Start your morning with a beignet at the Red Bird Café or a hot beverage from Greyhouse Coffee. Later have a picnic lunch while you sip your favorite vintage at Wildcat Creek Winery. Enjoy international fare for dinner; Lafayette is home to a wide variety of ethnic restaurants.

Muncie is another Indiana college town, and beyond Ball State University you’ll find a thriving downtown with historical storefronts that house locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, and more. Check out HeidiJHale Designs for accessories and beautiful jewelry, including their popular handwritten collection. There are numerous arts venues and museums, including the Muncie Civic Theatre—a Prohibition-era Vaudeville theater, and Minnetrista, a 40-acre museum and gardens venue that’s also home to the Bob Ross Experience.

Think Parke County, and the next words out of your mouth will probably be “covered bridges.” Yes—there are those, and so much more. For starters, there is Turkey Run State Park for hiking, horseback-riding and picnicking.

If antiquing is what you’d rather do, however, you won’t be disappointed by Bloomin’ Barn Antiques, Aunt Patty’s on the Square, Neva’s Antiques and Collectibles, or Antiques on York. More sightseeing, you say? Landmarks here include the Montezuma Railroad Bridge, the Mecca One-Room Schoolhouse, the Mansfield Roller Mill and the Marshall Arch. Thrift stores, garden centers, wine shops, art galleries, camping, fishing, and more all await you here once you’ve seen the bridges.

The big events in Jefferson County each summer are the world-renowned Madison Regatta and Roostertail Music Festival, along with Madison Ribberfest BBQ & Blues. The food and fun go on for two-plus days each, and you’ll enjoy fast hydroplane boat racing, live music, food, and fun. But when the last note has sounded, stay on for Madison’s exceptional shops and dining. Make plans to take part in the free Music in the Park, the second Friday and Saturday in July, August, and September. On those Saturday mornings, grab your paddle and enjoy “Board and Brunch,” where you’ll take a 90-minute paddleboard excursion with an experienced instructor, before digging into a delectable meal at the Attic. Linger a bit longer for a women’s hike at Clifty Falls State Park on those same Saturdays.

The Harrison County Popcorn Festival is what brings people to that part of the state, but history might keep them for a few days more. Corydon was Indiana’s first capital, so the capitol building is a must-see, and so are the Constitutional Elm where the constitution was drafted, the site of the only Civil War battle fought in Indiana and the Leora Brown School, one of the oldest schools for African Americans still standing. Beyond that are also the Possibility Playground (the state’s largest accessible playground), caving, zip-lining, hiking and kayaking. When day is done, fine meals await at Gordon Ramsay’s Steakhouse and the 1816 Modern Kitchen and Drinks.

Schweizer Fest gathers people from all over to Perry County to partake of rides, food, beer, wine, live music, athletic events, and a talent show. But some 60,000 acres of the Hoosier National Forest lie nearby for hiking, biking and camping, and the Ohio River Scenic Byway is good for an afternoon drive to take in the sights. Several wineries and brew pubs are in Tell City, and so are restaurants and hotels where you can lay your head should you decide to stay on for still another day.