Getting Creative at Art Barn's Art Blitz

Art Blitz for 2023 is set for September 16, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. My teenage daughter, Jules and I both enjoy entertaining our artistic sides every once in a while, though she draws a lot more than I do at this point in my life. So this past September weekend we decided to visit Art Barn School of Art in Valparaiso for their annual Art Blitz - a day full of live art demos and creative activities for all ages. It was the first time I’ve had a chance to visit the school and I’m so glad we went…

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FALLing in Love with the South Shore - Outdoors, Apples, Events and More!

Nothing feels more like fall than walking outside on a cool, crisp morning to find hints of orange and yellow leaves scattered throughout the green trees. No matter how cold it will be soon, I still love every bit of fall and everything that comes with it. Bring on the fresh apples and pumpkins, apple-cinnamon donuts, corn mazes,Oktoberfests, pumpkin beer, colorful trails, wildlife viewing and more…

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Big Groups, Big Fish, Big Fun on Lake Michigan

Going fishing is many things to many people. That’s one of the allures of the sport. For some, the solitude of the game is what’s important. It’s man against the fish. The angler chooses when, where and how to fish and success is a quiet joy. For others, fishing is quality time with family. It could be father and son, brother and sister or generational, with Grandpa, parents and children involved. Catching a fish is a sidelight to just being together and enjoying the outdoors together.  But occasionally, fishing can be the star of the party and become the party. It could be a corporate outing designed as a team-building event or a reward for a job well done. It could be a family reunion, involving brothers, uncles, sisters and nieces. How about bachelor parties, graduations – you name it and with a little work and planning – a summer fishing outing on Lake Michigan can be a memory maker! …

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Tasty Mocktails to Try in Northwest Indiana

Not everyone can – or wants to – drink alcohol at a celebration. Once upon a time, non-alcoholic cocktails had a boring reputation. Club soda with lime, maybe a Shirley Temple—dull. Now, we're living in a heyday for alcohol-free options that are just as fun, sophisticated, and delicious as their boozy counterparts. Among the plethora of non-alcoholic wine, champagne, beer, and even ABV-free spirits, nowadays it’s easier than ever to avoid drinking without feeling left out. And whether it's for you or not, it's always a good idea to add a fun and refreshing mocktail into the mix! So here are a few places along the South Shore to try some truly tasty mocktails…

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