Dunes Diversion

If you're looking for a trip to the beach without the hassle of public transportation, finding parking downtown, or if you're just looking to beat the heat, head to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Now, mind you, Indiana really isn't as far away as you think. From my home in New Lenox, it's a one hour drive to Kemil Beach in Chesterton, IN, but there is a long list of beaches at the Dunes. The water this time of year is still a little on the cool side (the water is warmer in late August and early September), but it's still a great way to spend a hot and humid summer afternoon (even Laurie, the self-described Florida girl, found the water to be more refreshing than frigid). The National Lakeshore is connected to the Indiana Dunes State Park. Both places offer hiking, a great information center, and some stellar views of Lake Michigan. The best part? Most of the beaches are free with decent parking (though depending on the beach you choose, be prepared for a hike). If you're up for a challenging hike, I recommend driving a bit farther east and climbing Mt. Baldy. The smallish Indiana towns of Chesterton and Valparaiso (about 15 miles south of the Dunes) have a plethora of restaurants if you want to head to dinner after the beach, or bring a cooler full of snacks if you'd prefer! Just remember that these beaches are protected lands, so please, take only pictures and leave only footprints. The sand, vegetation, marshes, and Lake provide some very picturesque scenery in any season.

Some advice:

On a hot day, be sure to arrive early (before 10 AM) or the lack of parking may prove problematic. Bring a change of clothes. Be prepared for sand (it's EVERYWHERE!). And, last but not least, use your common sense. Take plenty of water, sunscreen, and watch out for those currents! If you're camping, definitely hike up to the beach and watch the sunset over the water. You're on the south shore of Lake Michigan here, so you get some pretty awesome reflections.

Getting there:

Take I-57 (or 355) to I-80 East (or I-80 East/94/294 South depending on where you live) . Take the I-94 breakoff to Exit 26B (North IN-49) and follow the signs for the Dunes. Trust me, it's not as confusing as it sounds.

Costs:

Admission: FREE* (Unless you're camping, then it's $15/night)
Parking: FREE
Gas there AND back: ~$20 (About a half tank on my 98 Jeep Cherokee, 18 MPG HWY, 18 gal. tank, $2.69/gal gas)
Tolls: ~$5, round trip, depending on where you're coming from and what route you take. (I-294, I-355, and I-90 in Indiana are tollways)

*= Some beaches require an admission charge. Consult the websites for more information.

More information:

National Lakeshore: http://www.nps.gov/indu/
State Park: http://www.duneland.com/parks/idsp.htm

Happy beach going!

-Tom

*pictures courtesy of Laurie

Multicultural Mario Party (quite literally!)

Alright, I have a confession to make. Despite my previous criticism of "the couch potato lifestyle," I must admit a small hypocrisy...I am hopelessly and irrevocably in love with a certain Italian plumber. I can't help but admire the persistent joy in his laughter, nor the spring in his step, or even his unfailing energy. Even the red suspenders are kinda cute...(sorry Tom!)

Yes, I am a Mario Party addict. There. I said it. Don't stop reading yet, because when combined with a good rainstorm, four controllers and a corresponding number of friends, a lackadaisical evening can easily become a whimsical event.

For a bit of multicultural flair, order some Chinese food to provide the required sustenance for stomping Bowsers and storming castles. Our restaurant of choice was Mo's Chinese Kitchen, located at 2417 E Joliet Hwy, New Lenox (there are two other locations in Orland Park).

We chose Orange Chicken, which was, to quote Tom, "crisp, orangey and not fatty." I'm not sure quite how they do it, but Mo's lacked the characteristic pan grease often associated with Chinese food. Even the rice was cooked perfectly! And the portion was quite bountiful--we ordered a large order and three hungry people later, there was still some left for lunch the next day!

For added convenience, you can even order Mo's online! Then, just sit back, bop around to the music, and be sure to tip the delivery guy well!

-Laurie

Cost: Chinese food- $6-$8 per person
Mario game- $7-$9

Ciao!

Hello all! Laurie here to say piacere a conocerla! That's Italian for "pleased to meet you," in case you don't know, and no, I'm not Italian in case you're wondering. I do, however, have an affinity for Italian food, Venetian glass and traveling in general. Unfortunately, as a recent college grad in this economy (liberal arts major, to add insult to injury), my budget is a bit low and my patience for the couch potato lifestyle even lower.

Sooo, Tom and I have decided to bring the joys of travel right back here to you and find ways to have fun without leaving the lovely Chicago 'burbs! Whether you're with your sibling, sweetie, best friend or even Facebook friend, we'll help you find the best places to eat, shop, people-watch and explore right where you are!

Buon viaggio! Ciao ciao! :-)

-Laurie

Greetings!

Welcome to Tired of These Towns Again?. This blog is written by two twenty-somethings from the suburbs of Chicago with limited budgets. My girlfriend and co-blogger Laurie and I will be posting our thoughts and pictures from various excursions around the area.

Of course, as a matter of geographic convenience, we'll be covering the south suburbs first (Southern Cook, Will, and a small portion of DuPage Counties, mainly), but as time permits, we'll expand into the City, Western and Northern Suburbs and Northwest Indiana (defined here as Lake and Porter Counties). The cost information will be based on a few factors: our cars' gas mileage, the food bill, and admission costs (where applicable). We'll review restaurants, parks, some bars, free concerts, museums, and whatever else crosses our minds to help those of you searching for alternatives to the video games, mall, or movie theatre.

We truly hope you will use and enjoy this blog to help you cure the boredom blues.

-Tom