Experience the Culture of the South Shore

The South Shore of Lake Michigan is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, where diverse traditions come together through food, shopping and community celebrations. From globally inspired fine dining to unique cultural festivals and specialty shops, the region offers a rich blend of flavors, heritage and experiences that reflect the spirit of its people.  

Whether you're savoring international cuisine or celebrating with the community at lively events, there's always something to discover in the dynamic and welcoming corner of Indiana.
 

Experience Dining 
 

Featuring a blend of Thai, Vietnamese, American and French cuisines in an elegant setting, Asparagus Restaurant in Merrillville provides a unique dining experience. Each dish on the menu can be perfectly paired with a specially selected wine or one of their many signature cocktails, like their Green Tea Martini.
 

Montego Bay Grille in Hobart is a Caribbean fusion restaurant with signature dishes, cocktails and live entertainment. Their relaxed atmosphere and lakeside dining further enhance the island vibe. Try their jerk-style chicken, salmon or pork, sides of red beans, rice and veggies, all followed up with a pineapple upside-down cake for dessert.
 

Providing a fine dining experience, Provecho in Crown Point features. a unique blend of exquisite Latin American and Spanish cuisine, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails. Their Empanada & Sorbet Workshop focuses on a blend of education and fun, as participants learn about the history of these foods while getting hands-on experience in the kitchen.

Experience Shopping  

Nordikreations in Crown Point offers handcrafted and imported Scandinavian products from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. Find a variety of Nordic merchandise, including Viking-themed jewelry, sweaters made with wool from Finland, Norwegian Sea Salt blends, Swedish dishcloths, Nordic fairy tales and cookbooks.
 

More Polish Pottery in Crown Point offers the largest selection of Polish pottery in Indiana and specializes in authentic Polish products, including pottery and wooden Pisanki eggs, all sourced directly from Poland. The Polish bakeware is functional art, designed for everyday use, yet crafted to make entertaining and mealtimes more memorable.

 
Experience Festivals 
 

The Town of DeMotte's Touch of Dutch features a parade, car show, food booths, Dutch food, craft booths, kids' activities, beer garden and free live entertainment.
 

Pierogi Fest® in Whiting, featured on the Food Network and Travel Channel, is a celebration of Polish heritage featuring babushka-clad grandmothers, a lawnmower brigade, food and craft vendors, pierogi and events like the Mr. Pierogi Songfest, Pierogi Toss and Pierogi Eating Contest.
 

Festival de la Monarca in East Chicago honors the migration of the monarch butterfly through Northwest Indiana and celebrates Mexican culture with music, food and dance.
 

Festa Italiana in Schererville celebrates the Italian spirit and culture with a variety of Italian cuisine, live entertainment, bocce ball, pasta-making classes, kids' activities and grape stomping.

The nighttime St. Patrick's Day Parade in Crown Point celebrates Irish culture and features illuminated floats, horses and vehicles along with the sounds of Pipes and Drums bagpipe players. There’s also a seating and vendor area, known as Shamrock Lane, that provides a space to enjoy local cuisine before the parade, which kicks off at dusk.