When we take our weekly trips, we typically have one particular place that we want to go and then find other things in the area we'd like to do. So, we had a plan in place in Michigan City, Indiana for the day. When Drew did a Google search for things to do in Michigan City, he found Friendship Botanic Gardens. We headed there first. We've been to several gardens on our adventures this summer so we were excited to visit another one. However, when we got there, we found out it was going to cost $16 for the two of us to go through and see the flowers (the Trip Advisor on a Google search will typically indicate any cost but this one didn't. It appeared to be free). We try hard to make our trips as low-cost as possible and usually just need to pay for gas, a meal and perhaps an entry to our main place. There was no way we were willing to pay $16 to see flowers when we've visited many gardens for nothing. So, we headed off to our next location.
Just around the corner from our main destination for the day is the Lubeznik Center for the Arts. Their current exhibit is called "The Chicago Imagists". They have two floors of art that shows the imagination of many different artists from the past and present. It didn't take much more than 30 minutes to walk through and see the art displays. From the size of the building, I would have thought it would have taken a lot longer. But for the cost of admission (it was free) we certainly couldn't complain. There were many fun and interesting pieces on display. If you're in the area looking for something to do, I recommend you check this place out.
Our next stop was the main destination for the day. We made the short drive from the Center for the Arts to Washington Park Beach. The weather was absolutely perfect so I was surprised to see how empty the parking lot was. But, we found a parking spot, unloaded what we wanted on the beach and headed off. Here's where the title of this blog post comes in. When the conditions are just right, you can "see" Chicago from across the lake. It's an optical illusion caused by the reflection of the city skyline on the lake. We've been to Michigan City several times and know we can't always see it. I get a little too excited when we can. This time, it was the best view we've ever had! We found a spot on the beach where Drew had a nice spot to sit on a concrete ledge and I could lay my towel out. He took lots of photos while I went for a little dip in the lake. After a bit of time in the water, I went back to our little spot and laid in the sun awhile while chatting with my husband. After awhile, I went back in the lake for a bit before changing back into my clothes. I think lighthouses must have some sort of magnet in them as I'm always drawn to them. So, I took a walk down the pier and got some more photos of the Chicago skyline. Now, let me just tell you that there have been quite a few drownings this summer at this particular beach. Let me state this plainly - the Great Lakes are called that for a very good reason. If you respect them, you'll be just fine. If the lake is angry, leave it alone. OK, I'll get off my soapbox now. The bathhouse leaves a bit to be desired but I love the fact that there are so many areas to sit while still giving you a great view of the lake, lighthouse...and Chicago!
After being out in the sun for a length of time, we were ready for lunch...and iced tea! Drew looked to see what restaurants were in town and we settled on a place called Memo's. It's a cute little American-Mexican restaurant wedged in the middle of a little strip mall. We both chose a burger which came with fries and soup. The chicken and dumpling soup had us wanting to lick the bowl. The burgers were delicious as well! Of course, being a restaurant with authentic Mexican food, I had to try out a taco since I'm trying to find the perfect taco. Their tacos quickly became my second favorite, just barely out of being tied for first place. The meat was perfectly cooked, there was a nice layer of chopped onion and a beautiful covering of fresh cilantro. There was just a bit too much filling for the tortilla but a fork took care of that. The salsa seemed more like a spicy tomato sauce rather than a chunky salsa like I prefer, which is what kept it at my second favorite. If you're in Michigan City, we highly recommend you check this place out. Ask for Dani to be your server. She's amazing!With extremely full tummies, we headed off for more adventure. Drew wanted to make a stop to check out a place we had seen many billboards for. So we drove a short distance away to CDO Tobacconist to see if any cigars caught his eye. It didn't take any cigars to draw him in. The large walk-in humidor did the trick. He chose a couple that struck his fancy and we headed off down the road. (Just for the record, I love the smell of his cigars and love the fact that it's such an easy way for him to relax. Besides that, his doctor said that one a day is perfectly fine for him!)
We must have been determined to visit a garden during this trip because we were drawn to Brincka Cross Gardens. We weren't at all disappointed. There were more walking trails than either of us were up to this trip. But this is definitely a spot we'd recommend and will visit again. Next trip to the area, we'll go there first! It's so peaceful and inviting. There are many different species of plants and flowers to enjoy. The trails are well maintained and easy to walk. There are also places to sit and relax along the way.
Following our little walk in the gardens, we headed to Indiana Dunes National Park. When we pulled into the parking lot by the beach, we (probably more I than we) were ecstatic to see that the Chicago skyline view was much more prominent here than it had been in Michigan City! But I had a particular mission in mind when I knew we were going to this particular park - climbing to the top of the dune! According to my doctor, this isn't something I am able to do. Perhaps he needs to learn to change his wording from "can't do" to "shouldn't do" because I'm always going to prove that I CAN do these things even if I really shouldn't. My incredibly patient husband stayed by the beach while I went and proudly climbed to the top of the dune. I'm certain he was shaking his head at me just a bit. When I came back down, I went to stick my feet in the lake and get some more pictures of Chicago. The beach is very well maintained and, even though it was super packed, there was plenty of space to walk and I didn't feel like I was invading anyone's space. The park also has a camping area and many walking trails. It's a beautiful little gem right in our backyard...and only $7 for Indiana residents to get in for the day!
No #wackywednesdaywanderings is complete without ice cream. Drew picked a little spot and got the GPS going. We ended up in Chesterton, Indiana at Dog Days Ice Cream Parlor. First, let me say that downtown Chesterton is just so cute! Lots of old brownstone storefronts and such a quaint feeling when walking down the street. They have two large cases of ice cream to choose from. They'll let you sample anything you'd like before making your choice. We each got a nice big scoop of ice cream in a waffle cone and sat to enjoy our treat. It was a fun little place to visit. It gets two thumbs up from both of us!We drove to nearby Valparaiso so I could see the University as I had never seen it. We also wanted to stop in at Casey's for a quick bathroom break and fresh iced tea for the drive home. We enjoyed a nice country drive on the way home and could literally sing, "Country road, take me home" as we traveled. John Denver would have been so proud.
It's so hard to believe that we only have two more trips left before I go back to teaching. I'm so thankful that, even though these full-day adventures will be put on hold until next summer, there is plenty of adventure in our hearts. If I were to go back to school tomorrow, I have plenty of memories to last until next summer. But I'm so thankful that we have more memories to add. Until next week...
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