Blog

n : a shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies [syn: web log]

With National Travel and Tourism Week starting tomorrow through May 13th, we thought we'd share an infographic on how much the travel and tourism industry is affecting our little corner of the world. Thank you to the thousands of people who serve the hospitality industry every day along the South Shore in hotels, attractions, restaurants and more!

Through May 3rd, an unique exhibit will be on display at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond, all about the City of Whiting. This exhibit truly is the city in a nutshell – a blend of big industry, small town charm and plenty of personality. The exhibit was assembled by a variety of organizations throughout the city and each section has its own style.

As you enter the exhibit hall, you’ll see the front of an all-American house with its screen door, red wooden rocker and the flag hanging out front. Nearby in the park, a maestro leads his orchestra in a song at a Summer with the Symphony concert.

Farther along, get a taste for Whiting’s largest event of the year, Pierogi Fest - complete with life-size cutouts of bushas peeking at you from around the corners and even of Mr. Pierogi himself. Or you can enter the doors of the School City of Whiting and look back in time as you reminisce about your own school years.

The city’s history as a refinery town can be seen with a display from BP which includes an old Standard Oil tank car. Plus be sure to visit the city’s newest addition – the Northwest Indiana Oilmen Baseball Team!

You’ll feel as if you’re really browsing in the store windows of 119th Street as you continue your tour. See how many small businesses have come to call the city home including Bulldog Brewing Co, Full Circle Art, White Oak Café and more. Don’t miss the classic car from the Cruise Nights or get inspired to build your own car run on an alternative power source and “Race for the Future” in August!

Come view this amazing exhibit featuring the history, character and pride of a beautiful Midwest community. Find out more about the city at www.thesouthernshores.com.

Today my family stopped by Zing Pizzeria in Chesterton, Indiana for the first time. Owners Rebecca and Brian Bretzinger have created a unique experience with this bright and inviting pizza and sandwich shop.

Rebecca and Brian were high school sweethearts from Valparaiso, graduating in 1988. Brian is a Gulf War Veteran and a trained pastry chef, attending Johnson and Wales. He did so well, he was later recruited in the restaurant he was working to learn and become an Italian Chef.

Zing Pizzeria specializes in Artisan Pizza, Paninis, Flatbread Sandwiches, Subs, and Italian Beef. Have you tried "Whole Hog" pizza? You'll get sausage, pepperoni, applewood-smoked bacon, and smoked ham. Or the "Duneland" which is very popular - sausage, mushrooms, red onion, green peppers and fresh oregano. I admit most of my family's a little unadventurous, so we stuck with just cheese, but it aimed to please!

If you eat at the restaurant and bring the kids, they'll have a chance to decorate the restaurant. Brian has put up framed chalkboards on one wall to keep the kids occupied (see the photo above). Just ask for chalk! Great way to change up the artwork in a place.

Brian and Rebecca are both very involved in the community and have a number benefits coming up including fundraisers for the Westchester Food Pantry, CHS Baseball, RTduneland.org, Duneland Ed Foundation and a blood drive next week.

Couple of deals for you: Check in on facebook when you're there and receive a free drink with your order. Or on our coupon page, you can get two or more 1-topping pizzas for $10.

Visit them online at www.zingpizzeria.com for the menu and more.

Spring is here -  it's time to get the kids outside and find some fun things to do in the South Shore. Plus, today you can grab a groupon for Zig-E's Funland in St. John and get up to 51% off!

Last fall my kids and I decided to spend an afternoon at Zig-E's Funland and we had a blast! There are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy all afternoon for almost any age.

 The bungee trampoline was my daughter's favorite attraction. You're strapped into a seat attached to bungee cords and jump as high as you can on a trampoline or spin in somersaults. My daughter wasn't quite big enough at five years old to do the somersaults, but the staff helped to give her a little extra bounce.

Though my son is only seven with limited experience with the batting cages, he rates Zig-E's Funland cages as his favorite. They have a good variety of speeds and he found one that pitched at a perfect height for him.

The mini golf course was my favorite. For their first game of mini-golf ever, I gave the kids a little slack with their scores. Zig-E's has a pretty challenging course with colorful structures to try to maneuver your ball around.

We didn't have enough time to do everything. Their arcade has more than 50 video and redemption games and the kids only had a chance to play a handful of them. Next time on our list, we definitely need to ride some go-karts at their Rippin Raceway!

Overall, the landscaping and layout of Zig-E's is very clean and well-kept. They have picnic tables to sit at outside in the sun or shade, and enjoy some food from their snack shop with pizza, hot dogs, nachos, slushies and more to choose from. Zig-E's is a great place to entertain the kids for a few hours plus have a little fun yourself.

With St. Patrick's Day quickly approaching, Crown Brewing has posted a deal on the Northwest Indiana Times' site to get you ready to celebrate!

Today, for $2 you can get a $4 refillable growler from Crown Brewery in Crown Point at http://bit.ly/yG0q8q.

Saturday, March 17th, Crown Brewing will be open before and after the City of Crown Point St. Patrick's Day Nighttime Parade so you can celebrate all day long! Specialties Celtic Pride Oatmeal Stout and Patrick Irish Red Ale will be available along with ten more beers. For an extra Irish treat (if you're feeling adventurous), corned beef and cabbage pizza will be available from Carriage Court Pizza which is at the same location.

Earlier in the week, they are hosting a St. Patrick's Kick Off Beer Dinner, March 13th at 7pm, with Station 21 Restaurant at 201 N. Main St. in Crown Point.  Enjoy salad, beer and sharp cheddar bisque soup, bratwurst nachos with beer cheese, pork chops with rice or battered cod and java chocolate brownie float with chocolate pretzel. The cost is $50 and includes five half pints of beer, five courses and a collectible pint glass. Find out more here.

Two Hoosier favorite pastimes, baseball and basketball, come together when the Gary SouthShore RailCats baseball team hosts a Final Four Fan Fest on Saturday, March 31st. With all the fun activities planned and inexpensive tickets, the RailCats continue their tradition of affordable family fun.

Join the RailCats for giveaways, contests, autograph sessions, baseball clinics, Q & A sessions and more! Previously held off-site, this year’s fest will give fans an opportunity to get a closer look at the U.S. Steel Yard with ballpark and Hall of History tours.

So where does basketball come in to play? After you’ve spent the afternoon (2pm to 5pm) meeting the players, going through the clinics and having a ball with the kids, it’s time to watch Final Four college basketball! The games will be aired at the stadium with chances for fans to win 1 of 20 prizes including a flat screen TV or one of many 4-pack prizes (golf passes, Bulls tickets, Fair Oaks Farms passes, Sox tickets, hats, t-shirts and more). There will also be a chili cook-off open to the first dozen entries, the winner of which will receive $100 Cat Coins, gift basket and a Chili’s Grill and Bar Restaurant gift card.

Don’t miss the other events: Pop-a-Shot contest, game of cat, free throw contest and one-on-one with Rusty and Rascal plus young kids activities including inflatables, a coloring area, Wii games and face painting.

Discounts will be given on tickets purchased prior to the event - $12 for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under. At the door, tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Season ticket holders receive additional discounts.

Click here to purchase Fan Fest tickets or call 219-882-2255.

Have you gone to the Fan Fest before? Comment and tell us your favorite part.

Get updates on who will be making special appearances and activities at www.railcatsbaseball.com.

What sounds like the most fun to your family? Comment and let us know!

Have a little Irish in your blood? Even if you don’t, you can still kick up your heels at the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the City of Crown Point March 17th. The nighttime parade has grown over the years, bringing together more than 10,000 people to celebrate.

Start off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with a meal of corned beef and cabbage at Crown Point's downtown firehouse.

This traditional Irish fare will be served from 1pm to 7pm. Reserve your meal by calling the city's parks department at 219-661-2271.

If you’re really ready to put your heart into it (and your hair), join in to raise some funds for St. Baldrick’s, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money to fund research into childhood cancers. Last year, a lot of heads were shaved and more than $50,000 was raised! Three local mayors (David Uran of Crown Point, Thomas McDermott of Hammond and Keith Soderquist of Lake Station) joined in the effort as well and shaved their locks. Register and get more information on this event at www.stbaldricks.org.

After your stomach is full and your head feels a little breezier, walk over to the square for the nighttime parade. Feel the Irish spirit when the Lake County Pipes and Drums and Band of Brothers Pipe and Drum Band (made up of firefighters from both Indiana and Illinois) march down Main Street.

There are always unique participants in the parade. Last year’s event included a bulldog (the city’s high school mascot) being pulled in a wagon by a man on a bicycle, Molley the Trolley transported a full-load decked out in green lights, and a lovely young man dressed as a princess rode in the back of a truck (hey, anything goes in the St. Patty’s Day parade). I’m sure there will be even more this year to keep us all entertained.

Take in the nightlife of downtown Crown Point while you’re there. The city has quite a few restaurants and bars along the square which will have their doors open for business. 

For more on the events, visit www.crownpoint.in.gov/stpatsparade.

There is another St. Baldrick's event in the Town of St. John March 11th at noon. Click here for more. 

How do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Comment and let us know! 

It's a special night for you and your loved one and you want to pick the perfect place for dinner. Where do you go? We asked our Facebook fans to vote for the Most Romantic Restaurant along the South Shore and here are the results...just in time for Valentine's Day! 

Join us on Facebook to keep up with everything there is to see and do along the South Shore!

#1 - Gamba Ristorante
455 E. 84th Dr., Merrillville, IN
219-736-5000 • www.gambaristorante.com
Owned by Benito and Hilda Gamba, Gamba Ristorante is well-known for its unique architecture with circular design and copper roof, modeled after upscale European restaurants. Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine, steak and seafood in a calming, romantic atmosphere.

#2 - Sage Restaurant
425 Sand Creek Dr., Suite B, Chesterton, IN
219-926-6500 • www.sagerestaurant.net
Though less than 6 months in business, Sage has created quite a stir. Set to target those who enjoy a stylish, chic, modern atmosphere, Sage uses local fresh ingredients, supporting local farmers. The menu is a fusion of American/Italian cuisine that's familiar, but modern.

#3 - 54 Main Bistro
54 Main St., Hobart, IN
219-947-2817 • www.bistro54main.com
Located in a quaint Victorian cottage overlooking Hobart's waterfront, 54 Main Bistro is a local favorite. The menu is ever-changing, depending on the season, giving guests the opportunity to try something new every week. Chef Scot Hinkel selects only the freshest produce and meats from local markets and free-range farms.

#4 - Bistro 157
157 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN
219-462-0992 • www.bistro157.net
Enjoy fine food prepared by Nicole Bissonnette who studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Bistro 157 features dishes prepared with French and Asian influences. Try scrumptious appetizers like crab cakes and sushi. Entrées include game, fresh daily seafood specials and various pasta dishes. Reserve a table for lunch, dinner or just come for dessert!

#5 - Ciao Bella
1514 US 41, Schererville, IN
219-322-6800 • www.ciaobellaonline.com
Give your loved one a little taste of Italy at Ciao Bella. This cozy restaurant, whose name translates to "Hello, Beautiful", offers regional Tuscan cuisine like Rigatoni Boscaiola, Spaghetti Carbonara and Mahi Mahi alla Puttanesca. They also have a full array of Italian-style thin crust pizzas made with the freshest ingredients.

Where are you headed for Valentine's Day? Comment and let us know!  

Need a little getaway time with your special someone? Escape to private cabins tucked away in a country setting at Serenity Springs in Michigan City, Indiana. With the chill of winter in the air, the thought of cuddling up with a loved one, staying toasty with heated floors and a serene fireplace in one of their cozy cabins sounds perfect!

If you love the outdoors, take in the beauty of the area with a ride in their "one horse open sleigh" or a brisk walk through the snow covered wooded trails. Afterwards, you can snuggle up by your private campfire, roast s'mores then relax in your sunken whirlpool tub while anticipating a surprise delivery in their exclusive "butler door."

Every bungalow is architecturally unique ensuring that each escape at Serenity is special. One bungalow is the Swan which boasts a high ceiling with raised windows along each side providing an open feeling. The Keepsake Rose is decorated with pink roses and has lower beams wrapped in sheer pink lace with lights and heart shaped tub.

Each water front bungalow is complete with a king sized bed, sunken whirlpool for two, gas fireplace, surround sound satellite entertainment system with FM/AM and DVD Player, and even a gas campfire on the deck. All full service reservations include a carriage/sleigh ride if available, soda and juice, snack basket, breakfast basket and surprise deliveries!

Take advantage of their winter specials running this month. January 14th is their annual "Wine...Winter...Wonderland" event including an overnight stay, wine tasting, bottle of wine, and dinner provided by Scartozzi's Trattoria at Shady Creek Winery. Their "Winter Warm Up Weekend Special" runs through January 29th for a two night escape. Or try the "Chillin and Grillin in January" special for a carriage ride, two danish and coffee in the morning and grilling on your own private gas grill or pizza service.

New Year's Eve is a time of celebration and the South Shore is a great place to be that special night! Whether you're spending the evening with the little ones or heading out with your fellow "big kids", we have a few events we think you'll enjoy.

FOR THE "BIG KIDS"

Grab your friends and ring in the New Year at Star Plaza's New Year's Eve Bash 2012.  This ultimate party includes dancing, comedy shows, drink specials and live entertainment all in 1 place. The Celebrity Ballroom hosts the Dance Party featuring DJs and confetti canons at midnight. The Atrium Party includes a special performance by the band Together.

TJ Maloney's Authentic Irish Pub is creating a festive atmosphere with popular local bands including New Element and Angelo Cicco and traditional Irish favorites.

You can also laugh the night away with friends at Wisecrackers Comedy Club featuring Floyd J. Phillips and Quasi Rockstar at 7:30 and 10pm. Or enjoy Damon Williams and friends at their Star Plaza Theatre.

Packages are available for all of these Star Plaza events. Click here for more.

Enjoy an evening with your special someone at the Best Western Plus Portage Hotel and Suites. The hotel is having a New Year's Celebration of their own where you can swim and meet some of the players from the Gary Splash basketball team! Overnight packages include tickets to the party, bottle of champagne, breakfast and a late check-out of 2pm. Reservations need to be made 3 days in advance, so hurry! Click here.

Families looking for a fun way to celebrate can skate their way into the new year at Deep River Waterpark. Every year the waterpark hosts a family-friendly New Year's Eve party with an early countdown with sparkling juice toast at 8pm, a DJ with ice skating and an open concession stand. The park will be open from 5pm to 10pm and cost is $5. Find out more here at www.deepriverwaterpark.com.

If you're looking for indoor plans for the family, the City of Crown Point is having a New Year's dance party with pizza, drinks and DJ from 2pm to 5pm at First United Methodist Church in Crown Point. Reservations are required. Click here for more.

For kids under 8, Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center is the place to be! Join in the Bellabration from 2-5pm. Royal dress code is of course required and there will be a big bubble drop and countdown at noon and 4pm. Then find a babysitter and you have the evening to go out yourselves! More at www.mybellaboos.com

Lastly, Town of Highland will have New Year's Eve fireworks at Main Square Park at midnight. Skip the alcohol and bring the hot chocolate. Thanks to www.southshoreparent.com for listing this event on their site for us to find!