Forested Inn Recalls English Country Manor
Though only about 60 miles from Chicago's hectic traffic and towering skyscrapers, the countryside surrounding Creekwood Inn is such a complete change of scenery that visitors might feel like they've been transported to another time and place. Hidden amid oak, walnut, and pine trees, the inn's brick walls, gabled roof, and wooden shutters recall the charm and elegance of an English country manor. A short drive away from idyllic lighthouses and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, the inn and its fine-dining restaurant make for an easy romantic getaway for those looking to escape the city's frenetic pace.
Inside, 13 furnished guest rooms each come decorated in a distinctive style. Fireplaces flicker inside some rooms, and others feature french doors and private terraces overlooking the surrounding forest. At the onsite Kelly’s Table restaurant, you can sip a pomegranate daiquiri or housemade pear-violet soda before sampling classic French food crafted by Chef Patricia Kelly Molden. The outdoor patio is particularly inviting on a warm summer night, and the fireplace in the dining room with keeps guests warm on chilly evenings. The restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday–Saturday.
Michigan City, Indiana: Lighthouses and Sand Dunes on Lake Michigan’s Southeastern Shore
Three lighthouses stand on the shoreline of Michigan City; each used to be instrumental in guiding ships across Lake Michigan. At the Old Lighthouse Museum, you can climb to the tower of the 1858 Michigan City Lighthouse and visit the lantern room. The seasonal museum also showcases a collection of model ships and exhibits chronicling shipwrecks and other historical events.
Nearby, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore covers 15 miles of undulating coastline and 70 miles of walkable trails. The dunes attract visitors year-round for fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The latter pastime is especially popular, given that 350 migratory species pass through the area. Intrepid travelers can make the steep trek up the 126-foot Mount Baldy—the biggest dune in the park and the newest Rogaine spokesperson.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.