Art Galleries

CLOCKWISE: Kids enjoy the Popcorn Festival’s Ultimate Poppin’ Play Zone. Central Park Plaza’s Ice Rink is open through early March. Unique gifts and home décor at Indie Indie Bang Bang Friends enjoy wine at LambStone Cellars Winery. Historic downtown Valparaiso Spectators enjoy live music at the Valpo Parks 4th of July Celebration.

(background pic)

to a VALPARAISO Staycation

story by KATIE ABEL

Nestled in the heart of Northwest Indiana and just 14 miles south of the Indiana Dunes National Park, Valparaiso is the perfect destination for a weekend stay. With something to do for everyone, the entire family will delight in an Indiana winter staycation in the “vale of paradise.”

First up on your weekend itinerary, bundle up and hit the ice for a Friday evening Rock’n Skate at Central Park Plaza’s ice rink in downtown Valpo. Take a break from the ice to fuel up with a sweet treat from nearby Designer Desserts and Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop. Designer Desserts features huge, mouthwatering cupcakes and cookies, and Rocket Fizz will satiate your sweet tooth with old-fashioned, nostalgiainducing candy and sodas. Those 21 and older can warm up with libations from Misbeehavin’ Meads (be sure to try their locally made still meads, sparkling meads, and ciders) and Aftermath Cidery & Winery (enjoy a flight of ciders while munching on their delicious flatbreads and small plates).

With more than 700 acres of parkland throughout the city, spend an active Saturday morning enjoying the outdoors. Valpo boasts 23 miles of pathways for the cyclists and runners in the family, 14 children’s playgrounds, 27 athletic fields, and two golf courses. And should a nice layer of snow blanket the ground, grab a sled and hit the hills at Rogers Lakewood or Forest Park.

After a delicious lunch at Peddler’s Pizza Pub (try one of their signature pizzas) or

CLOCKWISE: Families enjoy sledding at Rogers Lakewood. Valparaiso University’s Chapel of the Resurrection. Designer Dessert’s cupcake. PHOTO: Amy Sheree One-of-a-kind artwork at Lifestyles upstairs gallery.

Smoketown Blues (you’re sure to enjoy their southern style BBQ), spend the afternoon shopping at more than 25 unique and eclectic shops throughout historic downtown Valpo. Find one-of-a-kind artwork, home décor, and gifts at Lifestyles and Indie Indie Bang Bang. Indulge your inner artist with supplies from Sheep’s Clothing Knitting Supply, and stop for a treat or ten at Bao’s Pastry, an authentic French pastry boutique.

Before taking in a Saturday evening play, musical, or concert at Chicago Street Theatre or the historic Memorial Opera House, savor fine food and drink at Pikk’s Tavern or Lincoln Flats. Resembling a 1940s Chicagothemed steakhouse, Pikk’s Tavern boasts excellent steak and an extensive wine menu. Lincoln Flats features innovative cuisine and a top-notch beer, wine, and spirits menu. To end the night, be sure to enjoy a nightcap a LambStone Cellars Winery, a family owned and operated urban boutique winery.

And lastly, wrap up your weekend with a Sunday morning visit to Valparaiso University’s Chapel of the Resurrection. Recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, the Chapel of the Resurrection is the largest collegiate chapel in the U.S. and was named one of the most beautiful collegiate chapels in the world by Best College Reviews. Visit valparaisoevents.com for full retail and restaurant lists to plan your Valpo staycation and look for fun festivals and events while you’re in town. Visit valpoparks.org for more information on the city’s parks and recreational activities.

ABOVE: Ice fishing at Rogers Lakewood. LEFT: Cyclists enjoy snow trails at Creekside.