Irene Tron

Indiana State Fair - I missed it and I didn't even know it until today! How is that possible?

I learn so much from posts on ActiveRain. Just this morning I found out that the North Carolina State Fair is coming up in a couple of weeks. That got me reminiscing about the Texas State Fair that takes place each October in Dallas. I attended the Texas State Fair many, many times and always looked forward to the fun there and Big Tex greeting me at the entrance. Then there's the Ohio State Fair that I think took place during the summer when we lived in Dayton years ago. Jess and I had lots of fun there also.

As I'm thinking about the carnival atmosphere, smell of funnel cakes, and cotton candy, I realize that I have no clue about the Indiana State Fair. I cannot believe that I have lived here 4 years and have not attended our state fair. Shameful!

In my mind I decide that it must take place in October because that's when Texas and North Carolina have theirs. Yes, I know, October is usually cold in Indiana and can be snowy but I wasn't considering weather. I decided to research the Indiana State Fair. Well, it happened in Indianapolis ...... back in August .......without the Tron's! So sad.

I don't think I can officially call myself a Hoosier until I've attended the Indiana State Fair! My planning is starting today to be there next year! Roasted corn, turkey legs, funnel cakes and carnival rides, here I come. So if you're like me, an inplanted Hoosier who hasn't attended the Indiana State Fair yet, August 6-22, 2010 is going to change that! Indianapolis is only about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Valparaiso, Indiana and the FC Tucker corporate office is also there. Maybe I can combine business and fun! See you there.

This weekend was homecoming for Valparaiso University which meant a busy time for hotels and restaurants trying to accommodate the alumni. As indicated by their sold-out status for the weekend, Fairfield Inn & Suites in Valparaiso, Indiana is a favorite place of many to stay while visiting Valparaiso, Indiana.

Recently, I was treated to a free night stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites and was able to experience for myself the comfort of the Fairfield Inn & Suites. Besides the property being immaculately maintained, the staff is also professional, well-trained, helpful, and friendly.

On the day I arrived, they were expecting a busload of seniors on a tour headed to Niagara Falls. With 50 or so people arriving at the same time, lots of luggage, tired, and expecting snacks, you would have expected a bit of a mess. That didn't happen. Within about 30 minutes of their arrival, you would not have even realized that so many people had shown up at the same time if you had walked into the lobby. Things were again spotless, without a suitcase in sight. That can only be due to the preparation, organization, and training of the management of Fairfield Inn and Suites.

The Fairfield Inn and Suites in Valparaiso, Indiana is one of over 100 hotels owned and operated by White Lodging Services with Bruce White at the top. If you are planning on visiting or moving to Valparaiso, Indiana, make your reservations at Fairfield Inn and Suites 219-465-6225.

The Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets in Michigan City, Indiana is one of my favorite places to shop. I am not a shopaholic but I do enjoy shopping for the lowest price possible on things I need. That is the main reason I love going to the Outlet Mall in Michigan City.

There are some fantastic bargains at the Lighthouse Place. Just yesterday, I bought over $60.00 worth of good smelling stuff (lotions, body spray, etc.) at Bath and Body Works and only spent $21.00. If you are looking for a winter jacket, try the Leather Store. Most of their leather coats and purses are marked down 60 - 75% Now if shoes is what you need, there are many shoe stores to pick from, including Timberland, Sketchers, Crocks, Naturalizer, Reebok, and many more.

Whether it's jeans or a suit, you will find it in Michigan City at a lot less cost than retail. One of my Danger Zones is the Chef's Place which is a Caphalon Cookware clearance center. My temptation is definitely kitchen stuff and this is the first place I stop at when visiting the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets. I highly recommend leaving those credit cards at home.

If you've started thinking about Christmas shopping, stop in at The Lighthouse Place Preium Outlets in Michigan City, Indiana. You'll get more for your money!

After what seemed like 40 days and 40 nights of chilly, rainy weather, it's an absolutely beautiful day in Valparaiso, Indiana. To top things off, it's Saturday! I woke up to 32 degrees and frost on the car windows. Now here it is midday and it's up to almost 50 and a clear blue, sunny sky. My three cats are sleeping in front of the warm sunshine coming in through the windows.

It's a day for being outdoors. I'm sure the Michigan City Outlet Mall must be having some good sales on all those things we need. Maybe I can convince my husband that we should go there to shop for.......him. Yes, I'm quite sure that I can think of something he desperately needs today. So I'm off to do my duty of shopping for my husband and with my husband, on a beautiful day, in the sunshine, maybe go out for lunch.

Yes, you're right. He'll see right through me but he'll go anyway because he is just sweet that way.

A drive from Valparaiso, Indiana to Lake Michigan and Michigan City is only about 20 minutes. On warm days, you can enjoy a walk on the beach or a walk at the outlet mall. After some fun, it's just a short trip back home to Valparaiso, Indiana.

If you'd like to come along, meet us in Michigan City, Indiana at the Outlet Mall. See you there.

Every city in the United States seems to have that favorite hometown restaurant. You know, the one that all the locals recommend. In Valparaiso, Indiana that favorite hometown restaurant would be Strongbow Inn.

When we first moved to Valparaiso, Indiana four years ago, it seemed that everyone told us we had to go eat the turkey dinner at Strongbow Inn. It seemed a little strange, at first, that a restaurant would be known for their turkey dinners. Soon we realized why that was.

Back in the early 1930s, the land that Strongbow Inn is now on was then called the Finney Farm. Dr. Walter Thrun, his family, and Dr. Harry Fuller got together and raised their first crop of 1500 turkeys. In honor of an Indian chief who lived on the land in the early 1800s, they decided to change the name to Strongbow Turkey Farm.

In the early 1040s, the Strongbow Turkey Inn was opened. That first menu consisted of a turkey dinner, turkey sandwiches, and turkey-a-la-king. Turkeys were raised on the farm into the 1950s. Even though turkeys do not roam the land any longer, Strongbow Inn still exists at the same location and is still known for those turkey dinners.

Over the years a bakery was added and now they are also well-known for their delicious desserts. If you are moving to Northwest Indiana or just driving through Valparaiso make sure and stop by. Strongbow Inn is located at 2405 E. US 30 in Valparaiso, Indiana.