Meet Heather Becerra! Heather Becerra has worked for the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority for 16 years where she currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer. She is a resident of Hobart where she lives with her husband, Tony, and three kids, Nathan, Maverick and Peyton. They love camping and sports, especially cheering on their favorite Chicago teams, the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks and White Sox. Heather loves being able to share with her friends and family all of the wonderful things there are to see and do along the South Shore.
What brought you to the dunes? When I was a kid we visited the dunes often, usually 2-3 times a week throughout the summer. I remember playing on the beach with friends, burying ourselves in the sand and building sandcastles. My husband and I also owned a boat for a few years and we spent many weekends out at the beaches.
How long have you lived here? I was born here and besides living in Florida for 2 years, I have lived in Northwest Indiana my whole life.
What is your favorite thing to do in the area? Anything with my three kids. Whether it is a day at the beach, catching a RailCats game, making a stop at Albanese Candy Factory or taking a stroll by the lakefront in our hometown of Hobart, we are always in for a good time.
Tell us a secret about the dunes. On a beautiful, clear day you will have a perfect view of the Chicago skyline from the dunes.
Give us your top three “hidden treasures” (restaurant, shop, trail, beach, event…really anything!)
a) Serenity Springs in Michigan City – Not too far from the dunes, Serenity Springs is a couple’s getaway that is unlike any other accommodations you will find. They have horse-drawn carriage rides and several different events throughout the year.
b) Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area – It is about 45 minutes to an hour from the dunes, but this park is home of the sandhill crane migration which is some of the greatest birdwatching you will ever see. Thousands of sandhill cranes stop at Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife area during their yearly migration.
c) The Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John – This is truly a unique attraction unlike anything you have probably ever seen. It is a half-mile winding pathway that takes you through the Stations of the Cross and features life-size, detailed bronze sculptures of Jesus’ last moments on earth. The Shrine has attracted people from all faiths and from all parts of the world to see this phenomenal attraction.
What would you like to teach people about the dunes? That we shouldn’t take it for granted. I meet so many people throughout the state of Indiana who don’t even realize we have dunes in Indiana. It is one of the greatest attractions in the country and we are so lucky to have it right in our backyard.
Anything else? The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority is a great resource for locals as well as visitors. We all belong to organizations that host annual meetings or conventions or travel with our kids to baseball, basketball, soccer or volleyball tournaments. We can host those types of events here in the South Shore at the many great facilities we have and in turn, showcase our region and our many wonderful attractions, restaurants and Hoosier hospitality. Be a “Bring it Home” hero and contact the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. Our staff of specialists can assist you with every aspect of bringing your event, meeting or convention to the South Shore. We provide a wealth of resources and tools to help you do everything from booking a meeting room to planning that special outing. Call us at 219.989.7770 or visit www.bringyourmeetingshome.com for more information.
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