Shopping in LaPorte

Since 1947, Mid-City Supply Co.’s friendly staffers have helped avid home improvers to outfit their digs in premium products. Nowadays, the experienced showroom staff displays much smarter fixtures, from faucets that turn on with the tap of a hand to eco-friendly water heaters powered by domesticated dragons. Though technology has changed, the company keeps quality high, stocking name brands such as Delta, American Standard, Toto, Gerber, Brizo, and Elkay. Customers can check out items in person at one of six showrooms in two states. To give back to the communities that helped them to grow, the company regularly donates to United Way.

For more than two decades, American Mattress has promoted peaceful slumber in bedchambers throughout the Midwest with their vast selection of mattresses, headboards, and linens. The sleep experts strive to stay abreast of the latest bedding technology: their Serta mattresses are made with gel foam that supports curves, and Tempur-Pedic mattresses repel allergens, mites, and poltergeists looking to spoon. This devotion to a good night’s sleep has helped them earn the title of Best Mattress Store from suburban Chicago’s Daily Herald five years in a row. Additionally, American Mattress doubles down on each of its beds with a 30-day comfort guarantee and a 60-day best-price guarantee.

Wedding parties. Families. Graduating seniors. These are just a few of the subjects that attract the lenses of Classic Image Photography's resident artists. After free consultations, photographer Nicole Waldron and videographer Mike Trentacosti capture still and moving images with a combination of photojournalistic, traditional, and artistic styles. They then edit video and transform images into everything from custom storybook albums to metal prints.

When not at the studio, Ms. Waldron and Mr. Trentacosti hone their skills by snapping photos all over the country. In fact, customers can purchase some of Ms. Waldron's favorite images from her travels, such as the back roads of Utah or the spaghetti mountains of Colorado.

The floor-to-ceiling windows that frame Sentiments Bridal & Special Occasion display fashionable formal attire for men and women. Owner Marie Brown stays abreast of the trends, updating the displays regularly so the colors, textiles, and styles suit the season. Brown coordinates dresses for bridal parties, rents tuxes to groomsmen, and designs custom fashions for mothers. Accessories, including hats, shoes, and jewels, complete outfits. Brown's shop also outfits children with miniature garments for special occasions, such as christenings or space-camp graduations.

For only $30, you get a $60 Groupon to Running Away Multisport, which can be used on all its awesome running shoes. With summer almost here, it's a great time to get a fresh pair for outdoors or as a Father's Day gift that says, "You're out of shape."

Biking strengthens, tones, burns off calories, and relieves stress. It also reduces your carbon footprint by conserving precious fuels that are better spent building new bicycle factories (whose products will lead to even more fuel conservation, and so on). And biking costs you precisely $0 per gallon, saving you buckets of cash. Although today's Groupon for the Marin Kentfield FS is not $0, it's close enough—and pretty much a steal, given the quality of Marin bikes. The Kentfield FS is especially perfect for commuters, but will also serve you well on a rigorous workout sesh or a leisurely Sunday ride. A lightweight aluminum model, it only weighs 27.5 pounds, so even those who are flabby of bicep can lift it with minimal effort or strain. While its 700 x 35 tires translate into smoother rides, its powerful brakes will help you stop safely. Finally, its Shimano shifters and derailleurs will provide the control and flexibility you seek as you shift between its 21 gears.