Tuesday, October 13, 2015

No, you’re not too late to enjoy autumn

by  on Oct 13, 2015

 It seems the fall colors are a little delayed this year in Indiana Dunes Country, with the brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow just now starting their breakout.

Dunes fall
The fall colors are bursting.






But the good news is that the colors should last through October and into November.
This past weekend I enjoyed the perfect autumn weather with a hike at Indiana Dunes State Park. My favorite trail is trail 9, which starts in the woods before making its way to beautiful views of Lake Michigan.



For those who want to take it a little easier, there are two fall drives to enjoy in Indiana Dunes Country, including the Dunes and Lake loop, which takes you through tree-lined roads and along the lake; and theDowntowns and Country Roads Loop, which features peaceful country roads and which passes through Chesterton and Valparaiso for those who want to enjoy some great dining and shopping.
Next on my agenda is hiking some of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore trails, like the Cowles Bog trail and the Tolleston Dunes trail. Looking for a weekend getaway?
 Indiana Dunes Country lodging features great chain hotels as well as ready-to-pamper-you B&Bs like Songbird Prairie Inn and Spa, which, as the name suggests, features a sitting area where you can see and hear birds, as well as a spa to make your stay even more enjoyable.
I’m glad the fall colors are going to be around for weeks to come. Click here for more information about fall in Indiana Dunes Country.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

October 16-17 Fall Festival in Valparaiso

'FALL' INTO FUN AT THE FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL:

Fall is here! The leaves are turning, the air is a little cooler, the scenery is a little more colorful, and of course, the Fall Harvest Festival is almost here! Coming October 16-17, our annual celebration brings together some of our favorite traditions for two days of fun! What will you see? Here's a look:

Friday, October 16: Join us from 4:00-6:00 p.m. for trick-or-treating! Dress up in your spookiest or silliest costume and get treats from some of our local retailers, restaurants and businesses. 

Visit Central Park Plaza for more fun, including free hay rides provided by the Valparaiso Parks Department. 

Saturday, October 17: Your day starts with with the Valparaiso Parks Department's 3rd annual Monster Dash 1K. Don your favorite costume and have a blast as you run through this spooky and festive course. 

From 9:00-12:30 p.m., enjoy activities such as free face painting by the Valparaiso High School Art Club, pumpkin painting, taffy apple station by Wildflour, Valparaiso Market vendors, live music by Leonardo and the Makin' Waves Band, and more!

For more information on the Fall Harvest Festival, click here

                                       

                                   Cranberry Raspberry glazed pear at Songbird Prairie

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Monday, August 31, 2015

 Breakfast with the birds
Our made to order omelet is moist and sprinkled with cheese, and served with crispy bacon and home baked biscuit.


 Garnishes very from day lilies to crab apples to all the fresh herbs picked fresh from our garden.
Enjoy breakfast with the birds as you try to name them all
from the tiniest hummingbird to the largest owl or hawk!
Well the turkey vulture is probably the largest but they certainly don't come to the feeders!

Friday, August 28, 2015

Stay at Songbird Prairie Inn and Spa and enjoy the 37th annual Popcorn Festival  September 12th 2015 which is right around the corner!  September 12th 2015 Can you believe we're less than 3 weeks away from the biggest celebration of the year? Of course, the fun isn't just limited to one day. We'll have plenty of excitement going on starting the week leading up to the festivities. From lunch and dinner specials each night, to live entertainment, and more, Downtown Valparaiso is the place to be this September! 
MEALS A-POPPIN':

There's more than just popcorn in Northwest Indiana. Beginning Tuesday, September 8 as part of the pre-week festivities, come enjoy daily lunch and dinner specials from some of your favorite local restaurants and non-profit organizations at the Chicagoland Popcorn Area located under the brand new William E. Urschel Pavilion at Central Park Plaza. All meals are available for carry out.

Here's what you can enjoy:

LUNCH: September 8-11 from 11:30-1:00 p.m. Click here for menu.

Tuesday: Semento's Napoli Café
Wednesday: Pesto's Italian Restaurant
Thursday: Strongbow Inn
Friday: Kelsey's Steak House

DINNER*: September 8-11. Times vary. Click here for menu

Tuesday: Don Quijote
Wednesday: Valparaiso Band Parent Association
Thursday: Valparaiso Kiwanis Club
Friday: NWI School Nutrition Association

*Dinner tickets can be purchased at the Valparaiso Events office or at the door.


Thursday, August 20, 2015

Dinner For two

4 courses










Walk downstairs from your guestroom to the sunroom to enjoy dinner with the antics of the birds and hear the evening serenade of crickets and tree frogs.








puff pastry

Beef Tenderloin


Chocolate souffle
Bring  your own bottle of white wine and drink in the beauty of the two of you in your private room enjoying nature and each other.

Monday, August 17, 2015


Songbird Prairie's Fall Facial
A beautiful medley of fall scents such as fresh apples, nutmeg and cinnamon are present in our new aromatic enzyme and mask.  This facial delivers a comforting, warming effect on the skin, skin which is perfect for those seasonal autumn months.  You are sure to love this warm, autumn spiced facial and the beautiful glow that it gives the skin. Wild Wednesdays! 10% off of your skin care products after your facial! 219-759-4274

Friday, August 14, 2015

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SUMMER GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 15: 8am-2pm
Join us for this FREE event!

It's been a long time coming, and come August 15, the newest addition to the Downtown area will be complete, and we want you there to celebrate this occasion! Join Valparaiso Events, the City of Valparaiso, and the Valparaiso Parks Department as we welcome the new expansion to Central Park Plaza with a day full of friends, family, food, and FUN. 

The Valparaiso Market moves to its new home underneath the brand new William E. Urschel Pavilion. In addition, you can also catch live entertainment by three local musicians, free face painting and caricatures, food tasting and a live cooking demonstration by Chef Joe from Sage, a ribbon cutting, and more!


Thursday, August 13, 2015


Saw a Pileated Woodpecker at Songbird Prairie today. The woodpecker is one of the biggest, most striking forest birds on the continent!  It’s nearly the size of a crow, black with bold white stripes down the neck and a flaming-red crest. Woody Woodpecker in real life! Look (and listen) for Pileated Woodpeckers whacking at dead trees and fallen logs in search of their main prey, carpenter ants, leaving unique rectangular holes in the wood. The nest holes these birds make offer crucial shelter to many species including swifts, owls, ducks, bats, and pine martens. See if you can find them on your walk in the woods here at Songbird Prairie. Make you reservation today 219-759-4274

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Stay at Songbird Prairie and the Quilt Gardens

 Make your reservation now for your suite and plan your trip to visit the quilt gardens. 18 super-sized quilt inspired gardens from May 30 to Oct 1. Songbird Prairie is just a short 45 minute day trip away to Amish country.
 Take along a picnic lunch to enjoy as you stroll the gardens.
The quilt gardens tour is a free, self-guided tour that takes visitors to 16 locations throughout Elkhart County. Gardens range in size from about 80 by 80′ and can include more than 80,000 blooms.
 Along the way you will find 16 large-format murals painted in patch-work quilt designs on the sides of buildings and such. Get more information on the quilt Gardens Tour, including directions and maps at quiltgardenstour.com

When you return back to the Inn, you may relax in a whirlpool with chromotherapy after your adventure to the quilt gardens or enjoy a couples massage or facials in our spa. This northern Indiana getaway will charm you with their gardens and native prairie also.  songbirdprairie.com 
219-759-4274