South Shore Blog

Photo copyright Christopher Jordan

While visiting the east coast this past December, my family took an evening drive to a “Winter Wonderland.” For $18, we were able to drive through three miles of outdoor light displays. Holiday tunes played in time to the light display. The displays were made of silver, blue, red, green and gold lights welded to metal frames in the shapes of larger-than-life castles, horse drawn carriages, poinsettias, wreaths, snowmen, St. Nick, the Grinch, pine trees, leaping deer, dinosaurs and exploding volcanoes! 

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. 

Looking for a special way to celebrate New Year's Eve in Northwest Indiana? We've got you covered!

Ice skating is the one outdoor activity that always reminds me of Christmas. This may be because one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies is The Bishop’s Wife. There is a wonderful part in that film where Cary Grant and Loretta Young’s characters go ice skating. It was with that scene in mind that I decided to check out the Ice Skating Plaza at Deep River Waterpark, imagining that I would be as graceful as Cary Grant and Loretta Young were.

Tucked within the northwest quadrant of America’s Hoosier State exists a terrific array of must-see attractions, everything from world-class art to adrenaline-inducing thrill to awe-inspiring natural majesty. From Jasper County to the borders of Lake Michigan, enjoy a portfolio of attractions that deservingly tugs on the heart of every true adventurer. Immerse yourself in authentic midwestern American culture, with an assemblage of location-specific sights and sounds you can only experience in Northwestern Indiana! 

You know it’s the holiday season when  "A Christmas Story” Comes Home is all set up in the 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 completely free and is open from November 10 - December 31, 2018.

This exhibit is centered on the popular movie - I am sure you have seen once, twice, or more than 20 times - “A Christmas Story.” The various 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!

Thanksgiving week is full of activities between cooking, eating and starting your holiday shopping. But if you’re looking for more to do this week – either for grown up fun or just something to keep the kids busy during the long weekend – we got you covered!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored. However, I will always offer my readers an unbiased and honest account of my experiences. Your trust is very appreciated, and never taken for granted. ~Tonya, Dexter and Angel Nutter

Dexter The Dog and his travel companion Levi wrapped up their 2018 dog-friendly vacations with a visit to The South Shore along Lake Michigan. The South Shore along Lake Michigan is a perfect pet-friendly destination to relax and enjoy what the Midwest has to offer dog families.

Candy for the kids and beer for the adults – what could be a better start to a weekend in Northern Indiana, right?

When planning a quick overnight with the whole family, it’s important to look for a variety of activities that everyone will enjoy. Our first night did just that!

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.