From the Editors

At the southern tip of Lake Michigan, in the crook between Chicagoland and southwestern Michigan, lies Northwest Indiana, a region of natural diversity, colorful history, abundant recreational opportunities, small town activities, and urban diversions. Whether you're a life-long resident, new to the area, or just passing through, let native Mark Skertic be your personal tour guide of the best the region has to offer: <P> <b>History:</b> Visit areas where Native Americans lived and where pioneers settled; learn about the area's role in the birth of aviation and what may have happened to the world's first Ferris wheel; see communities created by the oil and steel industries; and meet characters like writer Jean Shepard, "crazy man" Octave Chanute, the mysterious Diana of the Dunes, and newsboy Billy Rugh... <P> <b>Nature:</b> Take in the massive, awesome dunes and distinctive prairies; marshes and bogs; rookeries and wildlife refuges... <P> <b>Wining & Dining:</b> Relish culinary pleasures in historic buildings and lakeside roadhouses; feast on local seafood and ethnic specialties; visit wineries, breweries, soda fountains, and drive-ins... <P> <b>Outdoor Fun:</b> Spend a day hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, skiing, sledding, or golfing... <P> <b>Spectating Fun:</b> Come for everything from summertime concerts on the lake to major acts at giant venues; for antiquing, stock car racing, and minor league baseball and basketball... <P> <b>Special Events:</b> Join in small town festivals devoted to corn roasting, ice carving, kite flying, and the pierogi; and large-scale events like the Gary Air Show and the Wizard of Oz Fest... <P> <b>Architecture & Sights:</b> Tour an old lighthouse, Carnegie libraries, and a company town; museums devoted to rare autos, steam power, and John Dillinger; homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and Thomas Edison... <P> Plan a family outing to Valparaiso to take in the Hoosier Bat Company, Valpo Velvet ice cream, and the Popcorn Fest. How about a day of canoeing or outlet store shopping in Hobart, topped off by watching the Deep River Grinders play 19th-century-style baseball? Full of places, stories, and facts that sometimes even locals don't know about. Skertic's guide will help you create your own memorable excursions into Northwest Indiana.
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Customer Response

Damn! Good news about northwest Indiana
If you live in 'the Region' you need to have this book. Because people in the Region are always putting down the area, and talking bad about the place and saying how they want to move to Chicago or Denver or someplace else. Well-this book tells you that there is some stuff to be proud of in northwest Indiana. I know some stuff he left out, but he's got some stuff in there I never heard of.

The definitive guide to Northwest Indiana!
I was born in Hammond IN, and grew up living in many cities in "The Region." I thought I knew the area! Even this born and raised Hoosier learned of new places to go and things to do upon reading this book. I even learned a lot of the local history that I had never known about. I was pleased to see many of my favorite restaurants and haunts mentioned, but now I have countless new places to check out next time I visit as well. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is visiting Northwest Indiana and to those who currently live there. Trust me, you'll have more than one "Right in my own backyard? I had no idea!" moment while reading this book.

Terrific Intro to North West Indiana
FINALLY! A book that actually points out some of the many good things about an overlooked corner of Indiana. My only complaint is I can think of some good restaurants that aren't mentioned in this book. But he does cover many very good ones. The guide to the Lakeshore appears very comprehensive. And I especially enjoyed the histories of each community. A great job! I'm buying an extra copy to send to my brother in Chicago so he can't say there's never a good reason to visit!

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