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Welcome back everybody to NWI Explored for your Monday issue. We’ve been dodging the oppressively cold weather, just the same as all of you, but are looking ahead for the possibility of a break sometime soon. Christmas is only 10 (!!!) days away, so let’s get all of the preamble out of the way and get down to how you can celebrate the holidays properly.
🧭 On Today’s issue of NWI Explored🧭
The Lowdown on NWI News
Every Midweek Event We Think You Should Know About
The Latest from The NWI Explored Instagram
What kind of Content do you hope to see from NWI Explored?
Today in NWI
It has been a brutal weekend in terms of weather! This weekend, NWI saw bitterly cold temperatures with the windchill hitting subzero temps. It seems, for the moment, that we’re on the other side of that, but the unpredictability of NWI weather is one of our many trademarks.
Speaking of NWI weather being unpredictable, we came across this photo that was just too good not to share. Found on Facebook in the Back in Time Indiana group, we give you a firsthand look at the Blizzard of 1978!
Either way, let’s take a look at what the midweek has in store for us in terms of weather.
We’re also going to highlight some of the events that are taking place today, so that you don’t have to read too deep into the newsletter to find out what’s going on around the Region. Today’s spotlighted events are:
The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster (1040 Ridge Rd.) is holding their South Shore Arts Evergreen Artisan Market daily. The market will be open from 10am to 5pm during the week.
The Magical Light Show is still ongoing in Dyer (1315 Capri Lane), open for carloads of viewers every single day from 5-10pm.
The Washington Park Festival of Lights is still dazzling, as Michigan City’s drive-through lights display is open from 4-10pm every night. Load up the car and head out to Washington Park to see a holiday display worth the journey.
Sunset Hill Farm County Park in Valpo (775 Meridian Rd) is open for cars to participate in it’s Winter Lights Drive Through. Every single night, from 4:30-10pm, families and groups can sit back and enjoy the best lights display in Porter County.
Winter Wonderlights in Merrillville (7595 E. Lincoln Highway) is open for business every night as well, from 5:30-9pm. It’s yet another stellar drive-through lights display available to carloads of family and friends across the region.
Journeyman Distillery in Valpo (258 S. Campbell) is holding their weekly Trivia Night tonight. Grab a crafted cocktail, some stellar food, and participate in three rounds of trivia for a chance to win a variety of prizes. This monday’s theme: Marvel Comics and 2000s Alt Rock.
If there’s any events (weekly bar events, sponsored dinners, etc,.) that we missed, let us know in the comments or send us an email @ [email protected]. We want to make sure we’re highlighting everything our readers might find interesting, and your input is an instrumental part of accomplishing that!
🏘The Lowdown 🏘
Every issue of NWI Explored comes with The Lowdown: a roundup of the most important news and happenings around the Region.
Indiana University Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has become the first winner of the Heisman Trophy in university history, topping off the Cinderella story that has been IU Football’s 2025 season.
Amid so much debate surrounding the construction of data centers around the Region, trade unions are voicing their support for the endeavors: citing that Amazon’s claim of $15 billion dedicated to the construction of these monolithic buildings would make for tons of money for the unions.
The variety of perspectives and opinions on the construction of data centers have made it a hot button issue, especially in the Region and it’s surrounding areas. Amid valid and rampant concerns around their energy usage, water usage, and lack of employment opportunities post-construction, the trade unions offer an alternative perspective of consistent, well-paying work. It goes to show that there is always nuance to be had in these controversial discussions surrounding our modern lives.
Here is what local municipalities are meeting this week, as well as the topics they are committing to discuss:
Munster Town Council will be meeting tonight at 6:30pm at Town hall and on Zoom. The topics covered will be: the potential dissolution of the Munster Redevelopment Authority; the purchasing of an antique fire engine originally purchased by the city in 1939; and the purchase of a new ladder truck to replace defunct equipment.
Michigan City Common Council will meet on Tuesday, Dec 16th at 6:30pm, at City Hall or online at the LaPorte County Facebook page. Topics covered will include: 2026 salary negotiations for the Police Department and Fire Department; appointments to the City’s Redevelopment Commission; and other year-end loose ends, as this will be the final meeting for the year.
Hobart City Council is meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17th at 6pm, at Hobart City Hall or via Zoom. Topics on the agenda for this meeting have not been published at the time of writing, but check out Hobart City Council’s website here for information as it becomes available.
In a poll voted on by USA Today readers, Whiting’s annual Pierogi Drop has been named the Best New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in the country.
What’s In, What’s Out?
On occasion, we like to keep Explorers updated on the business that open, or close their doors for good, all across the Region. This is what’s in and what’s out in NWI.
Kumo Japanese has opened it’s doors in Schererville in the Boulevard Shopping Center, at 1080 U.S. 41. The new restaurant will serve up lunch and dinner, offering Japanese classics like hibachi, teriyaki, bento boxes, and soba noodles. Kumo will also offer craft cocktails, a full sushi bar, and a variety of classic Japanese spirits and beers.
In the former Harmony Bar location at 1901 Franklin St., Michigan City, the Cellar Door has opened. The fully functioning Brunswick bar will be offering a rotating menu of cocktails, high-end tequila, and a broad selection of premier wines. Their hope is to bring world-class food and drinks to the downtown of Michigan City, while maintaining and restoring a historic building in the process.
Dynasty Buffet in Valpo may have shuttered it’s doors earlier this year, but a successor has risen to take it’s place. Golden Buffet will be opening soon at 1805 E. Lincolnway, offering a very familiar menu and prospect to VU students and locals.
Hokkaido has reopened in Michigan City at a new location. It will be taking over the former Boathouse location at 701 Washington St. by the Lighthouse Outlet Mall.
Wingstop is opening a new location in LaPorte, at 1333 W. Indiana 2.
American Mattress has closed it’s Schererville location after years of operation.
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What’s Going On in NWI?
Every Monday, we give you the best events and spots to check out during the midweek.
The Brewery Lodge & Supper Club in Michigan City (5727 N 600 W) is holding a Mosaic Magic Flash Class, where participants will design and create their very own mosaic tree (or other holiday shape). No experience required, just the desire to make something uniquely yours. The class will take place from 6-8pm on December 16th.
Johnny V’s weekly live show at Zorn Brew Works (605 E 9th St, Michigan City) is always a show worth checking out. He performs every Tuesday night at 7pm, so grab a brew and some bar food and enjoy the show.
White Rhino in Dyer (101 Joliet St, Dyer) will be holding their weekly Trivia Night on Tuesday once again. The event starts at 8pm and is free to attend, so grab a drink and compete for prizes and, most importantly, bragging rights. Wednesday’s will bring Bingo Wednesday’s to White Rhino as well. Half-priced pizzas, drinks abound, and a classic night out playing a world-known game: all in store from 6:30pm on.
Lighthouse Restaurant in Cedar Lake (7501 Constitution Ave) is holding an exclusive, one-night only dinner in collaboration with the iconoclastic Duckhorn Vineyards. Duckhorn Uncorked is a five-course culinary expedition through the Duckhorn portfolio, as each course is paired with a particular vintage of the most esteemed winery in Napa Valley. The dinner is Wednesday, December 17th from 6-9pm and will be guided by an official representative from Duckhorn Winery itself. Can’t make it out for this exclusive dinner? Stop in on Wednesday for Lighthouse's Wine Wednesdays: 50% off select discounted bottles every single Wednesday. 4-6pm is also Happy hour.
The Barker Mansion in Michigan City (631 Washington St) is holding an enchanting evening expedition, as speaker Grant Fitch holds a festive storytelling night in the historic halls of the mansion. Readings from holiday classics, literary mainstays, and an incomparable atmosphere make this a unique, wintry experience you won’t want to miss. Mansion After Hours: Yuletide Favorites will be on December 17th from 6-8pm at the Barker Mansion
18th Street Brewery in Gary (5725 Miller Ave) will be holding it’s weekly Music Trivia and Karaoke Night this Wednesday. Doors will open at 4pm, with Trivia beginning at 6pm, and Karaoke at 7.
Amazing food, painting, and handmade drinks are what’s in store for Fuzzyline Brewing’s Paint & Drink night this Wednesday, Dec. 17th, from 7-9:30pm. Stop in, grab dinner, and be guided by a professional artist in painting a gingerbread house in this festive, holiday night out. Fuzzyline Brewing is located at 2712 Condit St in Highland.
Wednesday night is Trivia Night at Off-Square Brewing in Crown Point (11000 Delaware Pkwy). Fun facts, general knowledge, team names to write home about, and quips abound: all of this and more is on the docket for Trivia Wednesday at Off Square Brewing - starting at 7pm. If trivia isn’t your bag, they have the next best thing for you on Thursday night. Dec. 18th, at 7pm, will be Off-Square Brewing’s Ugly Sweater Bingo night, a holiday event that is sure to make you laugh and celebrate the holidays.
Hobart Art Theater (230 Main St) will be hosting David Cook (with special guest Daniel Asher) on December 18th, showtime at 7:30pm. Cook is a singer-songwriter, best known for winning American Idol in 2008 and for the platinum-selling hit single “The Time of My Life”
Shady Creek Winery will be hosting a Candle Making Class, led by The Candle Gal herself —Rebecca Sircher. Class will be December 18th, from 5-7pm. This is the perfect midweek activity, as you get to sit back, sip some wine, and get a special handmade gift out of the whole experience.
Love My Chemical Romance and moody, fog covered nights? Running Vines Winery has the perfect night planned for you! Emo Trivia Night will be this Thursday, Dec. 18th, starting at 7pm. Come out to celebrate the moodier, teenage side of you and prove that it wasn’t a phase after all.
That’s it for this Monday’s issue of NWI Explored. We will see you on Thursday with your weekend update to get the Holidays sorted. Thanks for reading, as always.
Happy Exploring,
Eric & Luke
The NWI Explored Team
I used to dream about escaping my ordinary life, but my life was never ordinary. I had simply failed to notice how extraordinary it was. Likewise, I never imagined that home might be something I would miss.
-Ransom Riggs
