South Shore Blog

It's been 20 years since I stepped foot in the Crown Point square. I was three years old, bouncing down the sidewalk toward my first ballet class, tutu and mother in tow. Surely the only thing more exciting than my class was the treat my mom would buy from our friend, affectionately known as the “Hot Dog Lady”. She was a Crown Point legend back in the day.

Looking at the square now having been gone for twenty years, it seems that nothing and everything has changed. The old hometown feeling and soul of the town still exists but the building facades have changed a bit. Being born in Crown Point allowed me to enjoy the downtown area when I was very young, but after moving to Connecticut with my family at age four, walks down memory lane were few and far between when we would take trips back to the region.

This interactive, fuzzy, and colorful experience was more than just something out of a child’s dreams. As I, a 20-something adult, walked through the Mascot Hall of Fame I was in awe at the level of thought that has gone into making the building truly amazing for all ages. Not only is everything calling out to be touched, played with, read, or messed with, but it is educational and easy for younger audiences to figure out. 

Heavy rain was expected Saturday, so we got up early to get as much fun into our day as possible. After enjoying a delicious and relaxing breakfast at our hotel, we loaded up the car and headed a little bit south to Lowell, Indiana. Our first stop was Buckley Homestead. Buckley Homestead is described as a living history farm. It’s spread out over quite a few acres but is very walkable and so interesting that you cover quite a bit of ground without realizing it.

July 14th-21st was Fair Week in Jasper and Newton Counties. My family and I took it as a sign that we should go to both fairs and compare them. We found an interesting contrast in county personalities and left with the impression that both fairs offer different but equally enjoyable experiences.

“The Crossroads of America,” is Indiana’s official motto, and the old adage is ever apparent through most cross streets in Griffith. In fact, Griffith is called, “The Town that Came to the Tracks,” because the town’s location was specifically chosen because of the number of railroads that crossed through its streets. It’s well known nationwide that Indiana’s railways hum with freighters, tankers and electric commuters moving precious cargo, business folk and travelers alike day and night. More than 180 trains roared through Griffith during the town’s peak periods. But what defines Northwest Indiana? In a sense, we’re a region Built by Steel.

I love taking photos - mainly because my smart phone has made it so easy to capture so many moments,

Celebrated on April 22nd each year is Earth Day. Although we should be mindful of our environment

Roll down the windows or turn on your air conditioner because summer is here in Northwest Indiana!

Christmas will be here before we know it. Are you looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle

Make yourself comfortable and get ready to hear a story you'll never believe. This is knot a joke.