Embrace the Magic of the Holidays at Fair Oaks Farms

As winter's chill begins to settle in, Fair Oaks Farms transforms into a festive holiday retreat, welcoming families to celebrate the season in style, make lasting memories, discover the perfect gifts, and enjoy effortless holiday hosting. With seasonal shopping, unique dining experiences, special hotel packages, and much more, here are some of our favorite ways to embrace the holidays at Fair Oaks Farms…

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"A Christmas Story" Comes Home Returns to Indiana Welcome Center

You know it’s the holiday season when it’s time to unwrap the"A Christmas Story” Comes Home exhibit, on display at Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond. If you have never been to this spectacular display, then you don’t yet know what you’re missing! This exhibit is free to view and is open from November 11 - December 30, 2023. This year is extra special as it marks the 40th anniversary of the "A Christmas Story" classic and Ralphie & the Gang are coming home to Hammond! Mark your calendars and meet the cast on Dec. 16 & 17, 2023!  This annual exhibit is centered on the popular movie - I am sure you have seen once, twice, or more than 20 times - “A Christmas Story.” The six Macy’s window displays showcase the fictional town of Hohman which is really, low and behold, the author (and movie narrator) Jean Shepherd’s hometown, Hammond, Indiana…

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8 of our Favorite Sledding and Cross-Country Skiing Spots in Northwest Indiana

The snow is here! Will you be building a snowman, holiday shopping, or curling up on the couch to binge-watch Netflix? If you’re feeling adventurous take a look at these great spots to enjoy sleddingand cross-country skiing this season. These are great activities you can do while on holiday break with the kids, too. Too cold outside? We have some indoor things to do at the end of this blog…

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Lake Michigan Provides “Unnaturally” Good Fishing Every Year

As a lifelong fisherman, I’ve seen lakes cycle from boom to bust or bust to boom many times. Fish populations naturally go through cycles in almost all lakes for many reasons. Among these reasons is the reproductive or spawning success of native fish. A few years after a couple of good spawns, the lakes may team with catchable fish. A few years after a poor spawn, often due to weather issues, the number of fish can decline. It’s nature’s way.... It’s natural. I’ve been fishing for Lake Michigan salmon for most of my adult life and operating a charter fishing business on Lake Michigan for half my adult life. Why is it the fishing on Lake Michigan, season after season, remains consistently good? Is it unnatural…

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View Winter Meteor Showers in Northwest Indiana

It may be cold, but you can enjoy these meteor showers this winter in Northwest Indiana. To best see meteor showers as well as the constellations, you’ll want to head to the darkest sky possible. We recommend heading away from the bright lights of downtowns and city centers and let your eye adjust to the dark sky. While a telescope is recommended, you can also use a pair of binoculars to see comets, meteors and stars…

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