About Valparaiso's Downtown-courthouse Square

Central Park Plaza is Even Better! How is it possible to make Central Park better? Well, by having even more activities for the entire family to enjoy. And that is exactly what is being done at Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana.

June 1, 2010 marks the opening of the Central Park Plaza Market. The Valparaiso Downtown Dining Association will feature a different restaurant each week at the market on 2 days each week. Starting June 1 you can taste treats on Tuesday from 8 AM to 5 PM and Saturdays at 8 AM until 2 PM. Many of the restaurants that I've told you so much about already will be there such as Don Quijote Spanish Restaurante, Bistro 157, Old World Market, and many more.

By the way, these are the same days that the Farmer's Market will also be open at Central Park Plaza. Someone sure planned that well! Stop by and pick up the freshest of local fruits and vegetables. You'll also find beautiful plants and herbs to plant in your garden.

Wait, I'm not done yet. Outdoor movies in Central Park Plaza will again be back this summer. You can pick up dinner at one the downtown restaurants and munch out while watching the movie. Come back here often to find updates on the movie schedule.

If you are in or around Valparaiso, Indiana this summer drop by and see why Central Park Plaza is even betterfor yourself! Located on the corner of Lafayette and Indiana streets in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana, Central ParK Plaza is easy to find.

These are just a few of the reasons that Valparaiso, Indiana is such a Great Place to Live.

Eat Up, Wine Down 1st Thursdays in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana!

Downtown Valparaiso, Indiana offers great food from many restaurants up and down Lincolnway and around the Courthouse Square. On the first Thursday of each month, five of Valparaiso's downtown restaurants offer five of their most popular dishes for only $5.00 each. Just think, each week you can try a different menu item at one of these amazing restaurants:

• Pikk's Tavern - Steak and seafood at its best.
• Paparazzi - Italian food from pizza to butternut ravioli
• don Quijote - Authentic Spanish food including paella
• Bon Femme Cafe - Blend of American and European cuisine with a French flair
• Bistro 157 - French and Asian inspired menu

Restaurants in downtown Valparaiso have made it possible to eat up, wine down on the 1st Thursday of each month. Take the entire family out for a gourmet meal that will not break the budget!

April in Paris and you don't even have to travel all the way to Paris, France! Just a stroll down the charming streets of downtown Valparaiso, Indiana willl bring to the annual celebration of Paris in France at Old World Market.

On Saturday, April 24th from 11:00 - 3:00, you can get a taste of Paris. Don't worry about digging up that passport because you won't need it. What will be some of the yummy flavors you may experience at Old World Market? Well, there's:

• Artisan Breads
• Cheeses
• Boutique Wines
• Pates
• Confit
• Olives
• Cured Meats
• Cornichons
• Wine tastings all day!

Located at 76 South Washington, across from the Courthouse Square in Valparaiso, Indiana, Old World Market is about as close as you can get to a French Cafe in Northwest Indiana. Drop by for April in Paris and say hello to Dee and John. They will have answers to any cheese question you have.

Valpo Velvet Ice Cream

How many cities have their very own ice cream - not only homemade but with the city's name?  Well, we do in Valparaiso, Indiana and it's Valpo Velvet Ice Cream.  The company has been around since 1920 and is still going strong. 

It's even easily available at the Valpo Velvet Shoppe in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana at 55 Monroe St.  At the ice cream shoppe, you can even pick up lunch first and then have dessert.  Grocery stores in Northwest Indiana also carry Valpo Velvet Ice Cream for your convenience.

Summer on the Square - May Savings Month

Who doesn't like to save money? Well, DUH! We all feel we work hard for the money we earn and spending less is always a good thing. During the month of May, 27 merchants in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana are rewarding customers for their repeat business.

What does a person have to do to receive their savings? Well, it's simple. All you have to do is bring in a receipt from a merchant on the square and receive special savings at participating restaurants and retailers that display the green "Summer on the Square" sign. This deal is available during the month of May. Some of the participating businesses are: South Bend Chocolate Company, Don Quixote Restaruante, Lifestyles, Valpo Velvet, and many more.