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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.

What could be more important to a ball player than the baseball bat? Choice of bats vary between ball players according to what feels right to them. Hoosier Bat Company located in Valparaiso, Indiana, is quickly becoming the bat of choice for teams such as the White Sox, Mariners, and Brewers.

Created by a former New York Yankees scout, Hoosier Bats are custom-made to fit the player's needs. Tours of the Hoosier Bat Company are available by appointment. For even more information on their patented 3-piece wood bat, click on this link.

Hoosier Bat Company, just another treasure in Valparaiso, Indiana at 4511 E. Evans Ave.

It's starting to feel like fall in Valparaiso, Indiana. Before long, snow will be on the ground. Do you know what that means? It must mean that with snow on the ground, it's your chance to try cross country skiing in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Where in Valparaiso, Indiana would cross-country skiing take place? Well, none other than Sunset Hill Farm County Park located Highway 6 and Meridian Road. With 235 acres, there are plenty of easy-to-moderate continuous marked trails throughout the park.

At one time, Sunset Hill Farm County Park was a working dairy farm. By 1970, 400 gallons a day were being produced. After the owner's death in 1978, the farm was left to Purdue and then ownership was relinquished to Porter County. The farm now offers outdoor entertainment, picnic areas, hiking trails, and fun throughout the year.

Sunset Hill Farm County Park is just one more place to visit either with the entire family or to enjoy some time on your own in Valparaiso, Indiana.