Plan the Perfect Girls' Getaway

Relax on the Beach

Get ready for a relaxing day laying out on the beach, feeling the warm sun and listening to the waves crash in. There are miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline in Northwest Indiana including some of the best beaches in the Midwest for soaking up the sun. The Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park offer 15 miles of sandy beaches. 

Take a Hike

Explore scenic hikes and breathtaking views throughout the region. Adventure through sandy terrain, forests, marshes and fields at the Indiana Dunes. Or head to county parks like Stoney Run or Lemon Lake for a quiet hike through shady forests.

Visit the Wineries

There is no shortage of wineries along the south shore! Make it a relaxing day and stop for a few tastings, or enjoy a fun evening on the patio at a winery. For those who like mead, visit Manic Meadery in Crown Point or if you're seeking cider, head to Aftermath Cidery and Winery in Valparaiso.

Place Your Bets

Play the slots or try your luck at the table games at the casinos including Hard Rock Casino in Gary, Horseshoe Casino Hammond, Ameristar Casino East Chicago and Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City. Both Horseshoe Casino and Hard Rock have performance venues featuring well-known acts all year and savory restaurants if you want to plan a complete night out.

Unwind

Take a vacation from your vacation at one of many spa locations across the region. Beauty and the Beach in Crown Point is the perfect place to pamper yourself and get the treatment you deserve. 

How about a yoga session in a quiet garden or at a winery? Different outdoor locations offer sessions from spring until fall, including Gabis Arboretum in Valparaiso. In Michigan City, Friendship Botanic Gardens and Shady Creek Winery both host yoga events, as well as Carpenter Creek Cellars in Remington.

Go Shopping

In many of the downtown areas and neighborhoods, you’ll discover a variety of independently owned shops, many of them carrying products from local vendors, artisans and antique collectors. Cities like Crown Point and Valparaiso have downtowns with unique stores as well as restaurants to try, as does the Miller Beach neighborhood of Gary. Find some shopping ideas here.

There are also great farmers' markets in many towns happening late spring through early fall, and pop-up artisan markets throughout the year. Check our events calendar to see if any are happening while you're here.

Find Fun Festivals and Events

Find live music events and concerts featuring your favorite music at festivals and event venues all year long. Head to Hobart Art Theater, The Venue at Horseshoe Casino or Hard Rock Casino for live concerts from local bands and famous artists or laugh out loud alongside well-known comedians. See what live music is on the schedule during your visit.

Grab a Bite

After all that, you have to be hungry! The local restaurants have some tasty culinary creations you have to try. Try Asian fusion eats at Blockhead Beerworks in Valparaiso or Italian dishes at Fiori in Munster. Listen to some music while enjoying Caribbean fare and cocktails at Montego Bay in Hobart or sip on a white chocolate mocha served with a delicious breakfast panini at Steamwhistle Coffee in Crown Point. Your tastebuds will thank you.

Where to Stay

Whether your girls' trip is a week-long vacation or just a weekend getaway, find the perfect place to make your trip complete. Beachwalk Vacation Rentals offers homes at Beachwalk Resort in Michigan City along with other areas along the lake. Enjoy amenities including tennis courts, beach volleyball, a swimming pool, bike rentals and much more.

Brewery Lodge & Supper Club, also in Michigan City, creates a unique experience, offering a craft beer and a wine bar and a 12-suite boutique hotel. Elevate your girls' trip on this 40-acre wooded tract.

Visit our blog post for more unique places to stay here. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, too!