Girls’ Trip: Michigan CityINDIANA

By Barb Sieminski

Make your next trip a nautical one!

Michigan City calls you to celebrate summer on the south shore of Lake Michigan. Visit Indiana Dunes National Park and see the East Pierhead Light Tower, one of the few functioning lighthouses in Indiana and also on the National Register of Historic Places.

Linda G. Simmons, CDME Director of Marketing for the Visit Michigan City LaPorte tourism bureau, waxes eloquent about her city’s attractions.

“Washington Park is a haven allowing visitors to enjoy Lake Michigan by walking the beach, sunbathing or capturing a breath-taking sunset,” Simmons said. “Stroll the beautiful plantings or visit the zoo or the Old Lighthouse Museum. Cap off your day with dinner and drinks on the top deck of Sunset Grille or at Bartlett’s Fish Camp Restaurant.”

Pampering yourself is what a girls’ weekend is all about.

“Spa packages can be booked at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa, outlet shopping at the 100+ stores at Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets or antiquing at the many shops is a wonderful way to spend the day,” said Simmons. “At night, check out our local theatre productions at one of our three playhouses.”

How about a 2-hour cruise by Harbor Country Adventures? Embark on the Emita II and settle back and enjoy the ambience as your guide fascinates you with local scenes and maritime history. Fish off the pier in this Coho Capital of the World, or hire a charter captain for downrigger lake fishing. Build an awesome sand castle. Swim. Beachcomb.

You’ll find a variety of eateries: drool at Duneland Beach Inn’s fork-tender prime rib, Seafood Riced Cauliflower Bowl (shrimp, blue crab and scallops tossed in riced cauliflower, with a hint of jalapeño and maple), and (ooh la la) an exquisite Crème Brûlée for dessert.

Explore Arturo’s Baked Goods & More, Bistro on the Greens, Bubbles Ice Cream Parlor & Pie Shoppe, Gourmet House Chinese Restaurant, and Cabo’s Natural Fruit Ice Cream Shop & Café with added gastronomical and sweet flavors!

Make some noise for the LaPorte Jaycees 4th of July Parade and fireworks. Visit the LaPorte County Fair July 7-13 and various festivals that occur year round. Finally, explore recreational experiences, such as Sherwood Forest Paintball, bowling, biking, skydiving, Stateline Stables barrel racing and trail riding (with Glow in the Dark trails).

Michigan City-LaPorte boasts Brew at the Zoo (June 6/8; craft beer and wine), Municipal Band Concerts (Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. under the constellations), First Friday Art Walk Summer Series (with “pop-up” galleries at local businesses), and the Winery & Brewery Lodge.

Cheer on the Catamaran Racing Championships June 21-23 and marvel at the vibrant Lakeside Lavender & Herbs Annual Lavender Festival June 29-30 with music, lavender (and maybe even lavender ice cream).

For more complete and updated entertainment – theatres, music, art and dance – send for your free E-Newsletter or for your official visitors’ handbook, “Visit Michigan City LaPorte 2019” guide to fun, fun (and did we mention fun?). a

Resources

Michigan City LaPorte CVB, Michigan City, michigancitylaporte.com