Submitted by: Beth Rudnick
Staycationers and weekenders looking for a comfy way to seize the day will love La Porte, Indiana. Home to Stone Lake, Pine Lake, and Clear Lake – with beach and swimming access, miles of walking trails, and awesome eateries – La Porte is a great way to dig some of our local little dunes.
Start with a pleasant walk through Soldiers Memorial Park, located off both Waverly and Pine Lake Avenues. A winding drive takes you into Stone Lake beach area with a playground, family area, picnic area, and lots of cool water. This area is lifeguard monitored and parking is free.
On Waverly you will find Huber’s pontoon boat rental bordering on large Pine Lake. There is also a swimming area here and shaded picnic spots, all with ample, free parking. $135 will get you two hours of pontooning on the usually calm lake. Best to call ahead for reservations at 219-362-2605.
Ready for some shade? Head into town on Pine Lake Ave south to Lincolnway, La Porte’s main drag. The street is dotted with antique stores, including the very large Coachman Antique Mall. Pick up an antiquing map so you can hit Freckle Farm Primitives, The Co-op Shoppes, As Time Goes By, Uptowne R & R, and several others. La Porte also has a weekend farmer’s market on Lincolnway and a splash pad for the kids.
Bare Bones is the newly opened Gastro Pub owned by the guys from Burn ‘Em Brewing.
Finish off the tour with a tasty visit to the newly opened Bare Bones at 518 Lincolnway, a “gastropub” in a restored 119-year-old building serving locally sourced veggies and olive oils, microbrews (many from Burn ‘Em Brewery), bread from Michigan City’s own Arturo’s, and an expansive and creative wine list. This ain’t your ordinary pub-grub. Chef Blake Murray boasts a white wine blueberry spritzer on occasion and an often-changing and very unique menu with vegetarian and vegan options. Appetizers and entrees, Bare Bones is open Wed – Sun for lunch/dinner with a Sunday brunch special beginning at 10:00. Kids are welcome.
Let the drafts warm you up and the lakes cool you down as you dig the diversity in charming La Porte.
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