Blog

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

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.

Stoney Run County Park in Leroy, Indiana is a beautiful park to enjoy with your family.

On an unbelievable 80 degree day in October, our family took to the trails. The kids were in charge of choosing the path, so we did get lost a few times. But after about an hour of wandering through the woods with hundreds of beautiful colored trees, we made it back to the playground.

There are a number of trails through the park, including a fitness trail with a few exercise points like a balance beam and bars to climb along the way which the kids enjoyed. There's also cross country ski trails. If you have a canine friend, the park is dog-friendly as long as they are leashed. 

Lots of shaded park benches and picnic tables are laid out near the playground as well as shelters with barbecue grills available for events. There is also a small Vietnam Veterans Memorial which holds services on Memorial Day and the Saturday prior to Veterans Day. 

Come out and enjoy a peaceful walk through this serene park, let the kids wear themselves out in the playground, or relax and enjoy a picnic by the fishing lake. 

Learn more about Stoney Run County Park.
When's your favorite time of year to wander through wooded trails?

Wolf Lake Memorial Park hosts our brand new Pavilion and we have a wonderful schedule of events. Kids Week starts June 20th and culminates with Kids Day on June 25th. Family friendly activities are scheduled and will end with a performance by the Radio Disney crew and a concert by Disney's artists Jasmine Sagginario and Amber Lily.

Many more events are scheduled including concerts, theatre performances, movie events, the Naturalization Ceremony (July 4th) and a 9/11 Memorial Service. Please visit our website at www.hammondmarina.com for additional information.

Also at Wolf Lake, we are constructing the Water Garden Family Aquatic Center, due to open toward the end of the summer. During construction, you can still come out to windsurf or bring the family out for canoeing & kayaking (rentals available). Forsythe Park, located just to the north has a beautiful covered shelter available for rental or you can bring your family to take in a baseball game at the Little League Field.

Please be sure to also visit Lost Marsh Golf Course for 18 - holes of golf on our beautiful championship course, 9-holes on our challenging Executive Course or take some time practicing on our driving range. Remember too, we also offer golfing lessons.

When you're finished, visit the Clubhouse to check out the great clothes and golf gear in our Pro-shop or treat yourself to a meal at the Restaurant at Lost Marsh where you can take in the incredible view on the gorgeous balcony. Call 219-932-GOLF (4653) to schedule a tee time. Visit us at www.lostmarshgolf.com.

For additional information on any of the events or happenings at the Hammond Port Authority, please visit our website at www.hammondmarina.com or call us at 219-659-7678. We hope to see you this summer!

Susan Tabers is the Marketing and Events Coordinator for
Hammond Port Authority , 701 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, IN 46320

This column was featured in the Northwest Indiana Times on June 3, 2011.

The Hammond Marina is a 918 slip marina on beautiful Lake Michigan, excellent for fishing or boating, biking, and walking the bird sanctuary trail. The lakefront beach is staffed by specially trained lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For those who want to further explore Lake Michigan, the Marina offers sailing lessons for adults and children over 12. Reasonably priced, our Sail-A-Way program gives would-be sailors a greater understanding and appreciation of sailing.

Come out on June 11th when we celebrate National Marina Day. Free boat tours of the marina, informational booths and an evening DJ patio party sponsored by the Hammond Yacht Club is scheduled.

July 16th is our Venetian Night all-day celebration. The day will begin with a "Sun, Sand and Spa Day" for the ladies in our Clipper Room. We will host a Chili Cook-off, children's games and treasure hunt on the beach, boat tours, informational booths and vendors, a concert by "Gone to Paradise" on the patio and ending the evening with fireworks. There will also be a beer garden, limbo contest and a prize given for the ugliest Hawaiian shirt.

For additional information on any of the events or happenings at the Hammond Port Authority, please visit our website at www.hammondmarina.com or call us at 219-659-7678. We hope to see you this summer! 

Susan Tabers is the Marketing and Events Coordinator for
Hammond Port Authority
701 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, IN 46320

This column will be featured in the Northwest Indiana Times on June 3, 2011.