About Valparaiso's Downtown-courthouse Square

It's time for Mardi Gras at Old World Marketin Valparaiso, Indiana. Whether it Bananas Foster, Jambalaya, Gumbo, or Muffalettas that you want, Old World Market will have it on Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 11 am to 3 pm. Not only that, they will have featured tastings all day long. So you can try that Andouille Sausage or Cafe du Monde first.

Old World Market is located at 76 South Washington in Valparaiso, Indiana, across from the Courthouse Square. While you're downtown, don't forget to look at the Ice Sculptures in front of Old World Market and at Central Park Plaza.

Last Friday was our Winter Fest in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana. As part of the festivities, there was ice sculpting in Central Park Plaza. If you've never seen artists carving ice into beautiful masterpieces, you've missed out on some fun. Here's a majestic eagle on ice shining in the sunlight.

Today, February 5, is your chance to watch ice carvers at work! Doesn't that sound just perfect for a cold winter day? And it all starts at noon in Central Park. Ice Carvings in Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana!

And you probably thought all the fun happened in NYC! Not true. Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso, Indianais located at the corner of Indiana and LaFayette, just one block down from the Courthouse Square.

The fun doesn't stop here. Ice skating will be open each weekday evening at Central Park and all day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from now through February 15. If you have not visited Valparaiso, Indiana, you are missing out on fun times for the entire family!

Below is a picture of Central Park in Valparaiso, Indiana in the middle of summer. Soon we will have the Farmers Market to look forward to each week. Gotta love Valparaiso, Indiana!

Having lived in Valparaiso, Indiana for 4 years, I have tried to learn as much as I can about our beautiful city and the area around it. One of my favorite things to do is to walk around downtown, visit the shops stroll through the Courthouse Square, and have a meal at one of the cafes. I have recently realized that I am also experiencing Valparaiso, Indiana through Active Rain and others who have lived here.

Take Pam Hockensmith, for instance, an agent in Peoria, Arizona who grew up in Valparaiso, Indiana. I have learned so much about what Valparaiso, Indiana used to be like from her. Just yesterday, I found out through one of her comments that Valparaiso, Indiana used to have a theatre downtown called the Premier Theatre! I didn't know that. It makes so much sense that Valpo would have a theatre in the center of town. Now I just have to find out exactly where it used to be. That is my mission for today. Wouldn't it be great to have pictures of then and now?

Who would have thought that I would enjoy living in Valparaiso, Indiana as much as I do? Not me! Just goes to show that you should always be ready for a change and the results may surprise you!

Are you looking for that perfect wine to compliment your holiday dinner or gourmet cheeses for the cheese tray? Look no further! Old World Market - Fine Wine and Cheese is the place in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Owners Dee and John are full of knowledge to help you with a selection of wine, cheese, meats, hard to find spices, or just about anything needed for that special meal. Old World Market is a fun place to go to look around because you just never know what you may find there.

During Christmas, Dee puts together some amazing Christmas baskets. You can either pick up one that has been pre-packaged or you can go in an pick out your own assortment at any price range. Dee will be glad to put the items together in a pretty decorated basket for you.

Old World Market is located right across from the courthouse at 76 Washington in Valparaiso, Indiana.