Who is the Dunes Diva?

You may have spotted some recent posts from the Dunes Diva. We’ve started sharing her monthly round-up, and we figured you might be wondering… who exactly is behind the keyboard uncovering all the ins and outs of Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan? Well friends, here she is!

Meet Jan Parr.

Jan grew up in St. Louis and spent most of her life in the Chicago area. She's been a reporter for Forbes magazine and has founded several publications, including Online Investor and Chicago Home + Garden. She was a top editor at Chicago magazine for many years, as well as Crain's Chicago Business. Jan has written a couple books for young adults, The Young Vegetarian's Companion and Amelia Earhart: First Lady of Flight, and taught magazine editing at Northwestern University for many years.

We asked Jan a few questions...

When did you move to the Dunes?

We moved to Beverly Shores full time in 2019, two years after buying a home here. I quickly realized we were not second-home people, and I wanted to spend all my time here. 

What’s your favorite thing about the area?

The easy access to nature. In Oak Park, where we lived, going on a bike ride or hike entailed getting in the car and fighting traffic to get somewhere. In Beverly Shores, I go out my door and am walking through the woods. It's a 5-minute walk to the lake. I also love the relaxed pace. People are more spontaneous here ("We're heading to the beach for sunset. Join us!') In the city, it seems like it took dozens of texts over several weeks to plan an outing with friends. Life is easier here. 

Name your top 3 places to go (restaurants, shops, trails)

That's tough. Only three?! OK, I'll comply under duress. I love the Paul Douglas Trail in Miller Woods when the lupine are in full bloom, usually early to mid May. It's magical! 

The rooftop restaurant, The Lookout at the Dunes Pavilion, is amazing in that it's one of the only two restaurants I know of that are right on the beach. You may experience spotty service or find that they've run out of rosé, but remember, you are on the beach! With a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan and sunset! You can't top that. 

Good News Vintage in Michigan City is one of my favorite shops, with a wonderfully friendly owner who creates gorgeous vignettes with her finds. I snagged some vintage Vera napkins here and some great vintage barware.

What sparked you to start Dunes Diva?

As a long-time journalist, it's in my nature to be curious about everything and to want to know what's new and share it. I created and serve as administrator for the Beverly Shores Facebook page, and Dunes Diva was a natural extension of my many posts. Plus, the name is so fun, right? Once I came up with it (OK, I think maybe my husband came up with it), I sorta had to run with it. 

Any fun projects coming up?

Yes! I'm a couple months away from finishing a book I'm working on for Agate Publishing out of Chicago. The working title (we're still messing with it) is Harbor Country in Photos: Scenes from the Indiana-Michigan Dune Coasts. It's a quasi-coffee table book, a visual tour of the area, from Miller Beach to Bridgman, Michigan. I’m attempting to capture the beauty and spirit of the area, from the natural wonders to the architecture, landmarks, businesses and more.  It's set to be published in spring of 2027. 

You can read the Dunes Diva's latest round-up, right here.