Indiana Insider Blog

Just before the pandemic arrived, my husband and I took a weekend getaway to Valparaiso where we walked around the square and did a little shopping, explored the city’s vibrant restaurant scene and relaxed at a beautifully restored historic home... Read more

As indoor movie theaters remained closed for months amid the pandemic, outdoor theatres have seen a steady stream of customers eager to indulge in that ritual of going out to a movie and inhaling a bucket of buttery popcorn. Northwest... Read more

On a recent trip to Valparaiso, I made a stop at the nearby Gabis Arboretum and Gardens (formerly Taltree) in Porter County, just south of Louise Lake. Gabis preserves 330 acres of prairie, forest, and wetlands, along with the largest collection... Read more

For couples or friends who want to get away for the weekend without breaking the bank, downtown Valparaiso is an excellent choice and one that I highly recommend. The exciting nightlife, great food, entertainment, and even a boutique hotel makes... Read more

The World’s Largest Ball of Paint? A giant peach? Bizarre and fascinating, Indiana’s roadside attractions provide the ultimate spot for selfies and group photos. We have a great list of Indiana roadside attractions for you to seek and find around... Read more

Don’t let the cold keep you cooped up inside this winter! These five spots Along the South Shore of Lake Michigan are the perfect cure for your winter blues. Shelf Ice The Indiana Dunes are marvelous year-round. Shelf ice is... Read more

One of the best things about summer in the South Shore? Festivals! Plenty of food – from BBQ and gyros to funnel cakes and cotton candy and don’t forget about kids activities like parades, face painting and carnival rides. It... Read more

Grab your gear and get ready to explore the canals, rivers, streams and lakes in the South Shore. The South Shore has hundreds of miles of water trails and each route offers different opportunities from challenging and scenic to historic... Read more

As my children get older and are now 11 and 14, I find that it’s harder to find family outings that get them really excited. That is until we headed north to the Valparaiso/Merrillville area on a pilgrimage for candy.... Read more