Livenwi We're a group of passionate Midwesterners with a mission to highlight all that is beautiful about America's Heart.

The best Midwest eats, events, cocktails, shopping and more.

06/03/2026

Found the viral Rainbow Sliders. 🌈🍔

Did you know Jewel-Osco stores across Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa are among the first places carrying the iconic The Sugar Factory Rainbow Sliders?

We were told they were sold out, but thankfully we kept looking because we found a few boxes left 👀

Each box comes with a collectible rubber duck, including the ultra-rare Mike Tyson duck.

Sugar Factory Rainbow Sliders feature 5 colorful buns (blue, red, yellow, green, and purple) and come in both Beef and Cheese varieties.

Perfect for summer get-togethers, family nights, and anyone who loves a fun food find.

Available now at Jewel-Osco in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa, and coming nationwide soon! 🌈🍔

06/03/2026

Because the couch will still be there on Monday 😉

Who we’re saving a spot for:

🎺 Thursday in Fair Oaks, IN: Music on the Porch at Fair Oaks
🎉 Thursday through Sunday in Hobart, IN: Hobart Lakefront Festival
🍻 Friday in Crown Point, IN: Beer, Bourbon, BBQ Fest
🧸 Saturday in Hammond, IN: Teddy Bear Clinic
🏝️ Saturday in Whiting, IN: WhoaZone - Floating Waterpark Opening
🍓 Saturday & Sunday in Hobart, IN: Strawberry Festival Weekend at Johnson's
🌸 Ongoing in NWI, IN: Farmers Markets

Save this before the weekend sneaks up on you!

✨ Grab the full list at https://www.livenwi.com/best/things-to-do-in-northwest-indiana

06/01/2026

Not all walks need a destination… but ours ended with a drink at Rosebud Steakhouse in , so we’re calling that a win. 🌸

We started with a blank cardboard vase, took a walk along the Pennsy Greenway, and filled it with little flowers we found along the way.

We love this viral idea for a cute free summer activity (especially with kids) & your reminder that the best plans don’t always have to cost money.

Send this to someone who needs a floral detour and a post-walk drink!

05/30/2026

First stop in our Summer Day Series: Valparaiso, Indiana… ☀️

She’s a perfect mix of downtown charm, local food, shopping & outdoor spots.

Here’s our itinerary:

🌸 Start downtown with a coffee & stroll: grab a coffee at FLUID, The Coffee Press or Blackbird Cafe, walk around Central Park Plaza, and see where the day takes you.

Pro tip: Go on a Tuesday or Saturday & catch the Valparaiso Market from 9am - 1pm!

🌸 Hit the local boutiques (window shopping counts too!): Treat yourself to something nice at Six Cypress, Edie or IVY Boutique- no matter how small.

🌸 Grab a bite at Stacks Bar & Grill, Waiting Room or Main + Lincoln. Or, if you’re feeling a sweet treat- try Valpo Velvet’s ice cream!

🌸 End the day with a peaceful walk through Rogers Lakewood Park: trails, lake views, kayaking, and a little fresh air reset to top it all off.

Where should we go next?

05/28/2026

This store in Dyer, Indiana is for people who love a good random find… 👀

B&D Snack Shack is a salvage grocery store whose inventory changes alllll the time, so every visit feels different!

Plus, nothing beats the dopamine rush of finding UNREAL deals.

📍 B&D Snack Shack
169 Matteson St,
Dyer, IN 46311

B&D Snack Shack

Tag someone who could spend hours here 😂

05/27/2026

18 things to do this weekend in …

Your weekend plans just made themselves. Thank us later 😉

Some of our faves:

🎶 Thursday in Fair Oaks, IN: Music on the Porch at Fair Oaks

🌽 Friday & Saturday in Crown Point, IN: Crossroads Chamber Corn Roast

🌕 Saturday in Chesterton, IN: Dunes Full Moon Hike

👢 Saturday in Valpo, IN: Dirty Boots Line Dancing

👻 Saturday in Merrillville, IN: Halfway to Halloween at Haunted Hills

🐶 Sunday in Highland, IN: Pups & Pints at Fuzzyline

🦋 Sunday in Valpo, IN: The Sunday Vibe Market

Which are we heading to first?!

✨ Grab the full list at liveNWI.com ✨

05/25/2026

Happy Northwest Indiana…

Here’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a glass today (not that one is ever needed) 💋

Looking for somewhere to celebrate? Start here:

🍷 Carpenter Creek Cellars (Re*****on)
🍷 Shady Creek Winery (Michigan City)
🍷 Running Vines Winery (Chesterton)
🍷 Four Corners Winery (Valpo)
🍷 Anderson’s Winery and Vineyard (Valpo)
🍷 Manic Meadery (Crown Point)

Send this to someone you want to split a bottle with ❤️

05/23/2026

POV: the weather hits 70° and suddenly every table outside is full ☀️

It’s officially patio season in … and we’re not wasting a second of it.

From rooftop views to hidden gems, cozy brunch spots, and lakeside hangs… these are some of the patios we’ll be spending way too much time at this season (PT 1):

⛱️ Lighthouse Restaurant (Cedar Lake)
⛱️ El Salto (Munster, Valpo, Merrillville, Cedar Lake, Schererville)
⛱️ Rocco's Tavern (Michigan City)
⛱️ Theo's Steaks & Seafood (Highland)
⛱️ Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant (Schererville)
⛱️ Culinary Misfits (Crown Point)
⛱️ Gamba Ristorante (Merrillville)
⛱️ Fuzzyline Brewing Co. (Highland)
⛱️ The Goblin Duneside Bar & Eatery (Beverly Shores)
⛱️ Tiny's Restaurant & Bar (Gary)
⛱️ NISI Greek Taverna (Schererville)
⛱️ Shady Creek Winery (Michigan City)
⛱️ The Lookout (Chesterton)

*Some patios may not be open yet, or only on specified dates- make sure to contact the businesses to confirm before arriving.

What spots are we missing? Drop your faves below so we can add them to PT 2 👀

05/22/2026

A Memorial Day is as good as it gets… 🇺🇸

This long weekend, make sure to get outside, toast to the sunset & prepare for an amazing summer ahead!

Wishing everyone a happy and safe weekend. Now, let’s enjoy ourselves while honoring those who sacrificed for our freedom. 🌊

Need help planning your MDW itinerary? Comment EVENTS + we’ll send our curated list of things happening this weekend straight to your DMs!

Or, go to livenwi.com.

05/21/2026

We’ll handle the plans- all you have to worry about is having fun!

Our top picks:

🎭 Thursday in Hammond, IN: Byway Comedy Night

🎶 Thursday in Portage, IN: Live Music Thursdays

🍵 Friday in Valpo, IN: 4th Friday Tasting

🌊 Friday through Monday in Crown Point, IN: Deep River Waterpark Opening Weekend

🌻 Saturday in Chesterton, IN: Wildflower Wander at Indiana Dunes State Park

🌭 Saturday & Sunday in Michigan City, IN: Michigan City Food + Music Fest

🛍️ Sunday in St John, IN: St. John Farmers' Market

Save this list so you don’t forget!

✨ Grab the full list at liveNWI.com ✨

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