Tippecanoe County piled high with cold-weather fun: Winter Break

BY CINDY GERLACH

What do the mayors of Lafayette and West Lafayette do when it gets cold outside? They enjoy the outdoors.

West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis hits the hiking trails that surround the city.

“I’m kind of an outdoorsy fellah and really enjoy running the trails up and down the 231 corridor that connects State Street and Sagamore Parkway,” Dennis says. “I also really enjoy walking around the trails here in West Lafayette around Happy Hollow Park, and for a road trip we take our grandson to Prophetstown and walk around the trails and paths there. Well, he does the best he can, then he gets a ride on my shoulders when he tires out.”

For Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski, being outdoors evokes fond memories of his teenage years, when he enjoyed ice skaing at Columbian Park or playing hockey on frozen ponds. These days, like Dennis, he enjoys long outdoor walks.

“As I’ve grown older, I really enjoy taking walks in the woods during the winter when all the leaves are off the trees and you can see the topography of the ground easier, and you can see things about the woods that you can’t see with all the leaves and the other brush that’s growing so heavily,” he says. “I also enjoy looking at the various tracks made by different animals. I find it very relaxing.”

So, when the weather outside gets frightful, never fear. There is plenty of activity to keep you busy here in Tippecanoe County! Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor pastimes, we’ve got a bevy of ideas to keep you busy until the weather warms up.

HIKING

Mayor Dennis is one of many hiking enthusiasts in the area who have discovered the numerous trails available to traverse. Whether it’s 17 degrees or 70, there are plenty of places to hike. Happy Hollow Park, the former Lafayette City Golf Course and Prophetstown are just a few of the hiking options around town. Clegg Memorial Gardens, the Celery Bog and Armstrong and Munger parks all offer various walking trails, and all at various levels of rigor — whether you’re a novice or a pro, you’ll find a place to walk or hike.

SLEDDING

If you’re a fan of sledding, you might try either the hill at Murdock Park or the hill behind the old Happy Hollow Elementary School. When covered with snow, both hills offer a thrilling sledding experience.

SKATING

The Riverside Skating rink at Tapawingo Park offers a full outdoor ice skating experience. Skates are available to rent, or you can bring your own. Go to westlafayette. in.gov for more information.

TAKE A CLASS

Winter might be just the opportunity to expand your horizons and broaden your mind. Classes abound — choose a topic and learn something new!

Enroll at Ivy Tech or Purdue University and learn a foreign language, how to sharpen your computer skills, or study music appreciation. Classes are available in person or online.

The Tippecanoe County Public Library offers book discussions, films and programs for readers and enthusiasts of every level. Teen Dungeons and Dragons night offers a chance to play the popular role-playing game; adult discussions cover a variety of books and topics each week.

For those over 50, Wabash Area Lifetime Learning Association (WALLA) offers activities, classes, movies and excursions. The topics vary — check out wallaonline.org.

If you’re interested in exercising the creative part of your brain, check out the offerings at the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette. It offers classes in water colors, stained glass and pottery — each at varying levels, from novices to more experienced artisans.

The West Lafayette Parks Department also offers classes in drawing and painting for all ages, as well as classes in basket weaving.

SING!

Wouldn’t it be great to have a place where, once a week, you can go and immerse yourself in the arts, leaving all stress and trouble by the wayside? Well, this is what singing choral music can do, says Jacob Stensberg, assistant director of Purdue Musical Organizations and director of the All Campus and Community Chorale.

“There is plenty of evidence to support that singing choral music is a mood lifter,” Stensberg says. “It’s what we call collective effervescence. It’s great to use music and art as escapism.”

There are plenty of opportunities for singing choral music. For children and teens, the Lafayette Children’s Choir takes singers ages 7 through high school. The group rehearses Monday evenings and is open to all singers, regardless of ability. The choir will perform a concert in April.

For adults, again, there are opportunities regardless of skill level. For the experienced musician who prefers classical repertoire, the Lafayette Master Chorale offers a serious, challenging singing experience. The group, which dates back to 1964 and was formerly known as the Bach Chorale Singers, sings serious classical, baroque and more modern fare, with an emphasis on musicianship, and does require singers to audition.

“I think someone would find the Lafayette Master Chorale beneficial because it allows folks of all professional backgrounds to come together and perform high-quality classical and pop music,” says Artistic Director Michael Bennett. “The chorale’s performance standards are very high, which creates recurring goals and musical challenges.” This winter, the chorale will rehearse under guest conductor Eric Van Cleave, performing a celebration of 100 years of the Long Center for the Performing Arts on April 30.

For amateur singers, Blue Moon Rising offers an opportunity for singers of all abilities — even those who have never sung before — to sing with the group. Rehearsals are held at Tippecanoe Arts Federation on Wednesday evenings.

Founder and director Denise Wilson says the singers are so happy to be back together, singing in person.

“Blue Moon Rising is a singing community where every voice is welcome, new friendships are made, and people feel seen as well as heard,” Wilson says. “Many singers

consider the Wednesday practice to be the high point of their week. They can count on laughing and having a lot of fun, but also feeling a deep sense of peace as they sing songs of healing, compassion, justice and goodwill. Prior to the interruptions of COVID, members enjoyed opportunities to share their voices with community organizations and events such as the LUM Thanksgiving dinner, farmers markets, Joyful Journey Adult Day Care, and public gatherings promoting justice.” (tippecanoearts.org/project/bmr)

The All-Campus and Community Chorale (AC3) also is open to singers of all skill levels. It’s a diverse group says Stensberg, with an intergenerational mix of students, faculty, staff and members of the community. With only one rehearsal each week and one performance — a spring show at the Long Center — it’s not too hefty a commitment. No experience or audition is required. Plus, it’s fun.

“It’s really a positive environment,” Stensberg says. “We laugh in every rehearsal.”

VISIT A GALLERY

Local art galleries offer a chance to see artwork in all media by various local and regional artists. Check out exhibits at the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, Purdue Galleries, Artists Own or the Haan Museum of Indiana Art.

CATCH A SHOW

The performing arts season will be in full swing throughout the winter. You might catch a show at Civic Theatre, which will feature “Little Women,” “La Cage Aux Folles,” “Flanagan’s Wake” and “The Mountaintop.” Or catch a performance of the Tippecanoe Chamber Music Society, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this winter. Purdue Convocations will showcase multiple performances, from chamber music, jazz and Broadway shows, including “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and “Jersey Boys.” Purdue Theatre will stage a production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” And the Long Center for the Performing Arts has a full lineup, including “MJ Live,” The Oak Ridge Boys, Zach Williams, The Church Basement Ladies and “My Name is NOT Mom.”

DINE IN STYLE

Lafayette and West Lafayette are full of flavor with their local restaurant offerings. Try dining downtown at La Scala, Bistro 501, East End Grill, Ripple & Company, Red Seven, Revolution Barbeque, Lafayette Brewing Co., or grab a drink at Ritual, the Knickerbocker or Digby’s. Venture out further and try the Bryant, Walt’s Other Pub, Teays River or Whittaker Inn. Or try the newest dining sensation on the Purdue campus, 8Eleven Bistro, with the Boiler Up Bar.