This weekend the temperatures hit 50 degrees and my mind started wandering towards spring. I was already imagining the sun on my face and the sand between my toes. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves! Winter in the dunes is a special time too and now that the sun is setting later every day (it’s after 5:00 now!), we can take some time to enjoy these winter months, knowing that the warmer weather will be here before we know it.
So…what should we do before winter is over? Here are four of my favorites!
1. Love Creek County Park. There may not be any snow in Indiana, but there is still snow in Michigan! Head over to Love Creek in Berrien Springs for some x-country skiing on groomed trails as well as fat tire biking! They have ski and bike rentals and many different levels of trails. While in the area, you can check out Cultivate Brewing and Lemon Creek Winery.
2. Ice Skating at Central Park Plaza. If you have a child, or you are a child at heart, heading to Valpo to go ice skating is a must! The milder temperatures have made the conditions perfect. When finished, head over to Good to Go for a flight of wine and some flatbread or a delicious charcuterie platter.
3. Hike the trails and walk the beaches before the crowds head in. The one thing I love about winter in the dunes is that I have many of the trails and beaches all to myself. From Miller Woods to the Indiana Dunes State Park to Washington Park beach — I can head to the parking lots and not have to fight any crowds. Many times it’s just me on the trails and it gives me the time to think, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.
4. Hot cocoa or a glass of red wine by the fire. Winter is the perfect time to settle in and not feel guilty about staying inside. Everyone needs some time to relax, so start a fire, pour some hot cocoa or a glass of red wine and enjoy! Now is the perfect time to plan your summer trips, hit google maps for new places to explore or just enjoy the quiet and a good book.
And as the days start passing, you will soon notice the buds on the trees and the grass getting greener and before you know it, spring will be here!
Still dreaming about summer? You can read one of my summer blogs right here!
