How are you celebrating Mother's Day this year?

2022 Brunches

Fair Oaks Farms

Brunch or Dinner

Make your reservation for a Mother’s Day getaway at Fair Oaks! Enjoy the day with or without the kiddos with a stay at the Fairfield by Marriott® and an amazing brunch or dinner at the Farmhouse Restaurant.

754 N 600 E, Fair Oaks

Call 219-394-3663

Center for Visual and Performing Arts

Champagne Brunch Buffet

There are two seatings for the Center for Visual and Performing Arts' annual brunch available. Bring the whole family to this family-friendly event complete with an amazing buffet.

1040 Ridge Road, Munster

219-836-1930

Speakeasy at The Spa

Brunch

Treat your mom to a wonderful Mother’s Day Brunch at The Spa Special Event Center.

333 N Mineral Springs Rd., Porter

(219) 934-7677

Signature Banquets

Champagne Brunch

Get your tickets before Signature Banquets' event sells out! You can enjoy an amazing brunch with both breakfast and lunch options, paired with champagne.

1908 E. Commercial Ave., Lowell

219-696-7696

Gamba Ristorante

Brunch Buffet

Celebrate and indulge with your mom at Gamba's brunch buffet. Don’t forget a reservation!

455 E 84th Dr., Merrillville

(219) 736-5000

2022 Mother's Day Events

Music in the Tea Room

Enjoy a proper Mother's Day tea at the Merrillville Florist & Tea Room with live piano music and amazing food. Call to reserve your table ahead of time.

Merrillville Florist and Tea Room

7005 Madison Ave., Merrillville

Bluebirds Jr. Canvas Paint

Children ages 5-10 can paint their very own piece of art for mothers at this painting event. This work of art will feature bluebirds.

Lincoln Center

2450 Lincoln St., Highland

Mother's Day Bonanza

Shop local vendors, enjoy live music and celebrate all the moms in your life! This event is completely free and will take place from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Dean and Barbara White Community Center

6600 Broadway, Merrillville

Tea Party and Yoga

Treat your mom, step-mom or mother-figure to a much-needed evening of pampering and relaxation during a Salt Cave Yoga session followed by a reception with tea and finger foods!

The Salt Cave and Wellness Spa

8241 Wicker Ave., St. John

Mother's Day Gifts

At Albanese Candy locations you can find all kinds of treats for mom – from chocolates and nuts to factory-fresh gummis and retro candies.

The post Mother’s Day Brunch and Activities in Northern Indiana appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.

Bulldog Brewing Co.’s First Friday Karaoke

Reoccurring every first Friday of the month at 9 p.m.

Every first Friday of the month at 9 p.m., karaoke night comes to Bulldog Brewing Co., in Whiting. 

D.J. Roni is your host and they boast a wide selection of your favorite songs waiting to be sung by you.

Pick your favorite tune, put your name on the list, grab an 11 Mile Lager and hit the stage. An amazing and musical night out is guaranteed for all. 

Need songs to sing? Open with anything by the Beastie Boys for energy, and close your night out with “Sweet Caroline,” by Neil Diamond – it’s bound to be sung at least once, so it might as well be sung by you (the audience will love it)!

1409 – 119th St.
Whiting, Ind.
Phone: 219-655-5284
bulldogbrewingco.com 
 

Aftermath Cidery and Winery’s Karaoke

Reoccurring every other Friday from 7-10 p.m.

Karaoke night is live at Aftermath Cidery and Winery from 7-10 p.m. every other Friday through the summer. Be sure to visit their monthly calendar to see which Friday night event occurs, because the cidery rotates between karaoke and live music. Let your song selection be bold, like Aftermath’s Avalanche cider – a semi-dry cider that would make a Granny Smith smile. 

15 Washington St.
Valparaiso, Ind.
Phone: 219-299-8463
aftermathcidery.com
 

White Rhino Bar & Grill’s Karaoke Nights

Reoccurring every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9 p.m.

Pick your favorite songs to cover two nights a week at White Rhino Bar & Grill. Karaoke plays live on Wednesday nights at 9:30 p.m. and Sunday nights at 9 p.m. in Dyer, and if you’d rather only listen to tunes, Rhino offers a live DJ spinning every Friday and Saturday. 

This is a good bet for any group looking to get out and get musical. 

101 E Joliet St.
Dyer, Ind.
Phone: 219-864-9200 
whiterhinoonline.com
 

Burn ‘Em Brewing’s Vinyl Night

Reoccurring every Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Local musician Robert Rolfe is known for an extensive and elaborate vinyl collection, and he spins his wares every Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Burn ‘Em Brewing. After exploring some classics and his favorites, Rolfe will crack open a brand new vinyl each week, so you’re always offered a new tune for your ears. 

Feel free to use the vinyl to inspire you to sample a new creation from Burn ‘Em Brewing while you’re there. Nearly 10 beers are always on tap, with new flavors rotating in and out every season. We recommend The Hop Parade – it’s a five hop variety IPA, dry hopped with Citra and Nugget hops. 

When Burn ‘Em is not spinning vinyl on Tuesdays, you can catch some of the best acoustic acts in the region. You won’t know until you show up!     

718 Freyer Rd.
Michigan City, Ind.
Phone: 219-210-3784
burnembrewing.com

D Performance Comedy Theatre’s Open Mic

Reoccurring every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Anything can happen every Wednesday night at D PerforMANCE Comedy Theater in Gary – music, improv, sketch and stand-up welcomed. The show is free and the list and doors open at 8 p.m.  

500 Lake St.
Gary, Ind.
Phone: 773-796-1327

One Trick Pony Brewery’s Open Mic

Reoccurring every Wednesday from 7-11 p.m. 

Laid back, lacking pretense, but full of support – head to One Trick Pony Brewery every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. and sign yourself up to perform your music. Not looking to perform? Everyone would love an extra audience member. Enjoy fantastic beer and One Trick Pony pizza while you watch the show. Under 21s allowed to perform. 

17851 Chappel Ave.
Lansing, Ill.
Phone: 708-889-6683

Evil Horse Brewing’s Open Mic

Reoccurring every Thursday from 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Enjoy live, local music and bring the tools of your trade to get up and play. Musicians that attend the open mic also have the potential to book some gigs with the brewery on their visits. Just ask the host after your set! 

For those feeling bold, try out their brand new Russian Imperial Stout, Eyjafjallajökull – rich with licorice, molasses, vanilla, oak, coffee, dark chocolate, dark dried fruit flavors and honey. Yum. 

1338 Main St.
Crete, Ill.
Phone: 708-304-2907
evilhorsebrewing.com 

Just Joe’s Acoustic Jams

Reoccurring every Thursday from 9 p.m.- 1 a.m.

Live acoustic music, karaoke and anything you’d like to hear on request. JUST JOE’s in Griffith invites you to their reoccurring mic/jam to help you practice your chops.  

602 E. Main St.
Griffith, Ind.
Phone: 219-513-8055
Find them on facebook

Paul Henry’s Art Gallery’s Acoustic Jam and Open Table Potluck

Reoccurring every Thursday at 7 p.m.

Write a song, make a dish and bring them both to Paul Henry’s Art Gallery in Hammond for their weekly jam. The music community is vibrant in Hammond and the potluck is packed with audience members and performers alike. There’s a $5 cover charge, but if you play or bring your own dish, you’ll receive $2 off your entry. At Paul Henry’s, everyone is a part of the show…  

416 Sibley St.
Hammond, Ind.
paulhenrysartgallery.com

One Best Life at Tinker’s Attic’s Open Mics

Reoccurring every Monday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

One Best Life at Tinker’s Attic in Highland hosts two reoccurring open mics every week – electric on Saturdays, and acoustic on Mondays. Bring your poetry, music, sketch, stand up, improv or just your voice. Check in with Susan at 219-228-0105 for more information between the Saturday and Monday mics. 

2513 Highway Ave.
Highland, Ind.
Phone: 219-301-5096
 

The post Where to Find Open Mics and Fun Nights on Indiana’s South Shore appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.

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  Slow Cooker Vegetable Stew

   

  This mostly hands-off slow cooker vegetable stew includes beans for protein and creamy butternut squash. Cook up a big batch and enjoy the warming dish for lunch or dinner all week.

   

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  Easy Greek-Style Barley Salad

   

  Barley, a nutty, chewy, and heart-healthy grain, turns a salad into a meal. With tomato, bell pepper, red onion, feta, and herbs, you can assemble this Greek-style salad up to a few days ahead of time. To keep the textures fresh, toss with dressing just before serving.

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  Crock Pot Chicken and Quinoa Burrito Bowl

  Chicken thighs, diced tomatoes, beans, and quinoa make a complete high-protein meal. Topped with melty cheese, the slow cooker burrito bowl reheats well, too. Leave off the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative if desired.

   

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  Buddha Bowl

  A colorful Buddha bowl, full of different textures and flavors, makes for a delightful healthy lunch. You can cook the quinoa and tofu ahead of time, as well as prep the veggies and make the dressing. All you have to do at mealtime is toss it all together.

   

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  Whole Wheat Vegan Pumpkin Muffins

   

  Whole wheat and vegan, these pumpkin muffins are a great way to start the day. They will keep in an airtight container on the counter for a few days and can also be frozen for longer storage. Just let them defrost and enjoy.

   

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  Cannellini White Bean Soup With Swiss Chard

   

  Incredibly easy to make, cannellini white bean soup is vegetarian and well balanced. The pasta and beans will keep you full throughout the day. The soup will keep for at least a few days in the fridge and reheats nicely.

   

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  Perfect Turkey Salad Sandwich

  Turkey salad is a lean and delicious lunch, especially when served on whole wheat or gluten-free bread. Store in the fridge and enjoy a scoop whenever hunger strikes. It also makes a tasty topping for a green salad.

  Chicken Stew With Vegetables

• Hearty and full of lean poultry and veggies, chicken stew with vegetables is a cinch to make in the oven and tastes great the next day. Reheat any leftover stew in the microwave or on the stovetop, and it'll taste just as good, if not better, than the day you made it.

   

• Low-Fat Vegetarian White Bean Chili

  This recipe makes a big pot of white bean chili, full of flavorful spice and healthy protein. It's vegan and gluten free and keeps for four or five days in the fridge. Pack it up for lunch or serve it with cornbread and salad for dinner.

• Low-Carb Chicken and Cauliflower Casserole

  Casseroles are always great make-ahead meals. You can even assemble this chicken and cauliflower casserole minus the cheese, wrap it tightly, and freeze it. Bake the frozen casserole for twice the recommended cook time, adding the cheese halfway through.

The post Food Prep: How to Make Healthy Meals Ahead of Time appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.

We wanted to highlight these farmers and crafters and inform our residents at Whitcomb Terrace about farmers markets happening right here around Merrillville. From fruits and veggies to craft goods, honey, and baked goods, these are the best local markets to enjoy!

Miller Beach Farmers Market

667 S. Lake Street, just south of Route 12 in Gary, Indiana

219-238-6758, or by emailing [email protected]

May – September, Sundays, 11 am – 1 pm

Just 20 minutes north of Whitcomb Terrace, and within walking distance of Marquette Park Beach, Miller Beach Farmers Market is one of the best. This is a great way to get out on a weekend and see both a fantastic market and get out on the water!

This market features a vast range of local foods and craft goods, including farm-fresh produce, baked goods, ethnic foods, honey, plants, fresh-cut flowers, handmade soaps and body butter, cheese, jewelry, and art. Outreach and education are important, which is why we also sponsor local nonprofits and feature them in the market.

This not-for-profit market relies on vendors and fundraising. Volunteers are a huge part of our organization, an extension of the Miller Beach Arts & Creative District. 

Come enjoy the sunshine!

2021 Hobart Summer Market on the Lake  

Festival Park 

111 E Old Ridge Rd, Hobart, IN 46342

219-942-CITY

Thursdays, May 27 – August 26, 4 pm to 9 pm

The Summer Market on the Lake is a great place to enjoy outdoor marketplaces featuring local, fresh produce, baked items, unique foods, crafts, jewelry, local beer, and live music!

The Festival Park Bandshell begins at 6 pm the same evening, with bands scheduled into August.

8/12 – Gerry Hundt

8/26 – Dirt Born

We love getting out and enjoying the community and all our local vendors have to offer. We hope you’ll join us this summer/fall!

Know of any other great markets? Support your local community and let us know in the comments below!

The post Support the Local Community with the Best Farmers Markets Near Merrillville, IN appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.