Looking to get outside this summer in Merrillville? The best hikes in Merrillville and the surrounding areas are here!

Barker Woods

Description: Easy

Distance: 1 mi. Time: 29 min.

Location: 444 Barker Road, Michigan City

     Although this trail is located inside Michigan City, as you reach the finish you will notice the distinctive natural landscape that spans 30 acres and has many photogenic sights. An old-growth forest that has been designated as a nature preserve since 1975 makes up the woodlands. A parking area and trailhead kiosk are located near the Save the Dunes headquarters, where the path begins.

Moraine Nature Preserve

Description: Easy

Distance: 2.5 mi Time: 1hr. 41 min.

Location: East Co. Rd. 750 N. Valparaiso

     Moraine Nature Preserve is a 2.5-mile circular route with little traffic that is close to Valparaiso, Indiana, and has a wonderful woodland environment. The track is suitable for hikers of all experience levels and is frequently used for nature excursions, walks, and bird watching. There are a number of tree roots to navigate. This route is open to dogs, but they must be restrained by a leash. After significant rainfall in the spring and fall, it could be muddy. In both the summer and winter, fine.

Little Calumet River and Mnoke Prairie Trail

Description: Moderate

Distance: 3.9 miles, Time: 1 hour 41 min.

Location: Bailly / Chellberg Parking Lot, 618 Mineral Springs Rd. Indiana Dunes National Park, Chesterton

     The Little Calumet River and Mnoke Prairie Route, a 3.9-mile circular trail with modest traffic and river views close to Chesterton, Indiana, is classified as being of average difficulty. The route is open all year long and is mostly utilized for hiking, walking, nature excursions, and bird watching. This route is open to dogs, but they must be restrained by a leash. The Little Calumet River is followed via the Calumet River Trail before turning onto a meadow and a forest. muddy if there has been rain.

Heron Rookery Trail:

Description: Easy

Distance: 3.2mi. Time: 1hr. 18 min.

Location: Indiana Dunes National Park,  1336 N. Co Rd. 600 E. Michigan City

     A 3.2-mile, moderately trafficked out-and-back route with a river that is suitable for hikers of all abilities may be found close to Michigan City, Indiana. The path is open all year long and provides a variety of exercise possibilities. This route is open to dogs, but they must be leashed at all times. Beautiful springtime blooms. The route has parking areas at both ends. muddy if there has been rain. 

Glenwood Dunes Trail

Description: Moderate

Distance: 6.7mi Time: 2hr. 49 min.

Location: U.S. 20 and School House Rd. Indiana Dunes National Park

    Glenwood Dunes Path, a 10.8-kilometer circular trail with a lake outside Chesterton, Indiana, is classed as moderate and has moderate traffic. The trail is open all year round and is mostly utilized for hiking, walking, snowshoeing, and horses. This route may be used by horses as well. The Furnessville to Highway 20 trailhead is located off of Brummitt Road and Highway 20.

    Because there are too many trail splits and junctions to include here, bring a trail map. Take care when crossing highways as you trek counterclockwise from the trailhead. Take the short detour to avoid the Calumet Dunes Paved Trail near the east end of the circle (Note that it is a short hike to the Calumet Dunes parking lot if restroom or potable water is desired). Following the cutoff, continue on the path west along U.S. Highway 12 before turning south at the trail's westernmost point. The Glenwood dunes Extension Trail shouldn't be used. Instead, return north on the circular route before heading east to the parking area.

Indiana Dunes Trail 9

Description: Moderate

Distance: 3.8 mi Time: 1hr. 41 min.

Location: 1600 N 25 East, Chesterton, $7 fee, Indiana Dunes State Park

   Among the most popular paths Indiana Dunes Route 9 is a 3.8-mile, lightly trafficked circular trail that is suitable for hikers of all levels and is situated close to Chesterton, Indiana. The path is best utilized from April to September and is generally used for hiking, trail running, and wildlife excursions. This trail features multiple blowout places, different heights, and a view from the ridge. Park at the Wilson Shelter or the Nature Center. This route is open to dogs, but they must be leashed at all times.

State and National Park Fees, Click here

The post The Best Hiking in Northwest Indiana appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.

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.

Below you'll find dozens of Easter events all across Northwest Indiana! Check back often, we'll be updating this list daily through Easter.

Under these unique circumstances, please understand that the details in this post are subject to change at any moment and we strongly encourage you to contact the event organizers for the most up to date information prior to attendance.

Hoppy Easter!

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BURNS HARBOR

Spectacular Egg Event and General Egg Hunt
April 16
Ages: 0-12
Click for Details

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CEDAR LAKE

Youth Baseball Easter Egg Hunt
April 16
Click for Details

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CHESTERTON

Easter Bouquet Arranging Class
April 16
Click for Details

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CROWN POINT

Nicole Hanson Group Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Photos
April 9
Ages: 0-10
Click for Details

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DYER

Bunny Bags & Photos with the Easter Bunny
Sign up now, event is April 10-14
Click for Details

Dyer Parks Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: Up to 8
Click for Details

Dyer Parks Flashlight Egg Hunt
April 14
Ages: 9-12
Click for Details

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EAST CHICAGO

East Chicago Drive-Thru Easter Egg Hunt
April 2
Ages: 1-13
*Must register*
Click for Details

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GARY

Free Kids Easter Basket & Family Brunch
April 15
Ages 2-10 for basket, children must be present
*Drive-Thru Only
*Lake County residents only, with valid ID
Click for Details

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HAMMOND

Hop and Shop Easter Event with Egg Hunt & Bunny Photos
April 3
Click for Details

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HIGHLAND

HighlandGriffith Chamber Breakfast with the Bunny
April 2
Click for Details

North Township Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: 1-10
Click for Details

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LAKE STATION

Community Egg Hunt
April 16
Ages: 1-12
Click for Details

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LA PORTE

La Porte First Church of God Easter Egg Hunt
April 16
All ages
Click for Details

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MERRILLVILLE

Easter Bunny Photos at Southlake Mall
April 2-16
Click for Details

Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny
April 4
Click for Details

Chasing Dreams Learning Center Egg Glow Hunt
April 9
Ages: Individuals with special needs, newborn to 25
Click for Details

Easter EGGSTRAVAGANZA Craft, Vendors, Food & Photos with the Easter Bunny
April 9
Click for Details

Sensory Friendly Photos with the Easter Bunny
April 10
Click for Details

Pentecostals of SouthLake
April 16
Ages 2-11
Click for Details

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MICHIGAN CITY

Free Kids Easter Basket & Family Brunch
April 15
Ages 2-10 for basket, children must be present
Click for Details

Bunny Hop at the Botanic Gardens
April 16
Click for Details

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MUNSTER

Westminster Presbyterian Egg Hunt
April 2
Click for Details

Underwater Egg Hunt, Open Swim & Photos with the Bunny
April 3
Ages: 2+
Click for Details

Great Egg Chase Flashlight Egg Hunt
April 8
Ages: 9-13
Click for Details

Community Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: Walking-8
Click for Details

St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: 1 to 2nd grade
Click for Details

CSRI Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: Individuals of all ages who have special needs & abilities.
Click for Details

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PORTAGE

Breakfast with the Bunny & Easter Egg Hunt
April 9
Egg Hunt – Ages: 3-11
Click for Details

Dog Photos with the Easter Bunny
April 9
Click for Details

Easter Fun Fair – Egg Hunt & Bike Giveaway
April 16
Ages: 2-10
Click for Details

Portage United Pentecostal Church Easter Egg Hunt
April 16
Ages: 0-12
Click for Details

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SAINT JOHN

Town of St. John Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: 2-8
Click for Details

Hage Insurance Shred-a-Thon & Easter Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: 12 & under
Click for Details

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SCHERERVILLE

Up Your Alley Breakfast Buffet & Photos
April 9
All ages
Click for Details

Schererville Parks Breakfast with the Bunny & Egg Hunt
April 9 & April 10
All ages
Click for Details

Tri-Town Safety Village Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Craft Show & Food Trucks
April 9
Ages: 2-10
Click for Details

Bunny Photos at Whimsy Do's
April 15-16
Click for Details

Schererville Parks Flashlight Egg Hunt
April 14
Ages: 4-12
Click for Details

Easter Sunday Brunch at Villa Cesare
April 17
Click for Details

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VALPARAISO

Easter Bath Bomb Painting Class
April 2
Click for Details

Portage Township Parks Easter Fest at Haven Hollow Park
April 9
Ages: 12 & under
Click for Details

Immanuel Lutheran Easter Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: 0-5th grade
Click for Details

Porter County Community Egg Hunt
April 16
Ages: 0-12
Click for Details

Valparaiso Baptist Church Easter Event with Egg Hunt & Easter Bunny
April 16
Click for Details

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WHITING

Easter Parade
April 9
Click for Details

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WINFIELD

Community Egg Hunt & Photos with the Bunny
April 16
Ages: 2-10
Click for Details

The post Easter Events and How to Spend the Holiday in Northern Indiana appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.

Make sure to share your four-leaf clover-inspired outfits and mugs of green beer using #SlainteSouthShore!

1. Crown Point's St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Dusk

Put on your favorite Irish-inspired outfits and head to Crown Point's downtown square for an annual tradition, the nighttime parade! Starting at dusk, you can enjoy floats, candy, emergency vehicles all lit up and get to listen to the Band of Brothers Pipes and Drums & the Lake County Pipes and Drums. There will be food vendors on the square, plus the firehouse at 126 N. East St. is hosting their Corned Beef and Cabbage Drive-Thru Dinner from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
 

2. Luck Of The Irish Cookie Decorating Class

Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

Enjoy drinks from Hunter’s Brewing in Chesterton while you learn to decorate six different St. Patrick's Day themed cookies! Get your tickets for this event here.

3. Irish Strings and Wine

Friday, March 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

Lakeside Artists Guild's Irish Strings will be performing at Anderson Winery in Valparaiso! Head out early for dinner and drinks, then stay for Irish-themed melodies. Please get your tickets before they sell out! If you're looking to visit the winery again in the future, Anderson's usually has music every Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
 

4. Hammond's St. Paddy’s Day Event and Leprechaun Run

Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11:30 a.m.

Take part in a one-mile Leprechaun Run before the parade at 11:30 a.m., dressed in your best leprechaun outfit or Irish gear! The run will take place on the parade route down Kennedy Ave. in Hammond. The parade will follow the run, so find a good spot and get ready for some St. Patrick’s Day fun!
 

5. Leprechaun Hike

Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Hike beautiful Stoney Run County Park in Hebron while you hunt for 4-leaf clovers and leprechaun homes in the forest! Make sure to pre-register for this event.

6. Michigan City St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

The Uptown Arts District will be full of the sound of bagpipes for Michigan City’s annual parade! Enjoy the fun down Franklin Street from 11th to 4th Street!

7. Running With the Irish 5k

Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 8:30 a.m.

Whether you want to participate in the 5K run, 1/2 mile Kid’s Fun Run, or the non-competitive Fitness Walk there is active fun for the whole family at Running with the Irish! The course uses paved roads/paths and winds through scenic Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton. Park admission is waived for participants. Sign up and learn more at their website. Packet pick-up starts at 7:00 a.m.

8. Valpo LepreCON

Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

All those 21+ can gear up for this festive bar crawl! This event will take place at three locations in downtown Valparaiso: Lincoln Flats, Stacks Bar & Grill and Aftermath Cidery & Winery! There will be giveaways and raffles where proceeds will benefit S.E.L.F. School PTO of Valparaiso. Learn more about the details on the Eventbrite page.

9. St. Patrick's Day Party

Saturday, March 19, 2022. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Have a fun night out with Dick Diamond and the Dusters at Avenue 912 in Griffith. This retro-inspired cover band will keep you entertained with music from the 60s to the present, along with a boatload o' shenanigans!

10. Seeing Green Hike

Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

Look for signs of spring with Lake County Parks at Gibson Woods Nature Preserve in Hammond. Pre-registration is required for this event. Enjoy some time outdoors and take in even more green after St. Patrick’s Day!

The post Things to Do this Saint Patrick’s Day in Northwest 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.