Chesterton and Porter Indiana are like charming twin sisters, each with their own unique personalities. It is in this little northwest corner of Indiana that we will spend the day enjoying the sights, sounds, and delightful smells of nature, live jazz, and iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza.
Our first stop is Chesterton’s, European Market. Support over 80 vendors at one of the biggest and best farmer's markets you'll ever find.
It is a real community event with live music, local artisans, and of course shopping for delicious treats, farm fresh foods, and produce.
After exploring the farmers market head to Indiana Dunes National Park for amazing hiking, walks on the beach, or exploring historical sites.
With 13,000 acres along 15 miles of the Lake Michigan coastline, this area is absolutely breathtaking.
After a morning exploring the dunes, stop in for a delightful lunch at the Running Vines Winery. With wine tastings, craft beer, cocktails, and some of the best cider around, it's the perfect way to recharge after a day of hiking.
Enjoy a deliciously fresh Caprese Salad or some of its mouthwatering wood-fired flatbread pizza, or even a Charcuterie board-to-go to enjoy a picnic on the beach.
Another interesting and unexpected surprise at a winery is its Wine Slushie Flights.
These refreshing drinks are a taste of heaven on a hot summer day.
A day trip to Porter wouldn't be complete without taking in some of the fantastic historical sites like the Chellberg Farmhouse.
This late 1800s farm is significant because it represents the strong Swedish-American heritage that Porter and the surrounding communities share. The farmhouse itself was built in 1885 and the barn, located north of the main house, is even older.
Round out your evening with a 1920s vibe at the Speakeasy at the Spa - a piano bar and cocktail lounge that also, strangely enough, is associated with a Pizzeria Uno for iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza.
The Speakeasy at the Spa has an interesting storied history dating back to the prohibition era when the original Spa Restaurant was opened in the late 1920s to early 1930s.
It is rumored that Al Capone himself supplied the restaurant with "refreshments." Today the bar holds on to its old-time past with live music, Prohibition-era cocktails, and its fake barbershop entrance that harkens back to its infamous beginnings.
Keep the adventure going with a visit to Porter Beach for an amazingly scenic experience.
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