Just 4 Miles from Songbird Prairie Inn and Spa, the Albanese Candy Factory and Outlet Store in Merrillville, Indiana has enough magic and deliciousness packed inside to rival that of Willy Wonka. This candy factory has been a staple in Indiana for over 30 years. #albanese #songbirdprairie #indianadunes #visitindiana #coolnorth 

Think Spring the Snowdrops are blooming!

Songbird Prairie Inn and Spa BOOK NOW

AIRBNB TRYING TO ATTAIN TO THE LEVELS OF B&BS AND HOTELS HA ;-(((

AIRBNB UNVEILS NEW LODGING CATEGORIES

Beginning just 10 years ago, Airbnb offered travelers 3 short term rental categories: shared space (couch/airbed), private room, or entire home. Ever since, Airbnb has been expanding their lodging portfolio, noting what types of properties received good reviews/ratings, and noting that potential guests were not finding a match to their preferences and leaving the site. Last week, 4 new categories were formally announced: Vacation Homes, Unique Spaces, Bed & Breakfasts, and Boutiques (hotels).

"Airbnb Plus" joins the "SuperHost" category in a quest to meet guests' desire for higher quality accommodations in response to their finding that 73% of Airbnb guests said they'd pay more for a vetted property. In fact, "Airbnb Plus" requires a personal visit by an Airbnb 'inspector' with a 100-point checklist in hand. Only then will the property be verified for quality and comfort (e.g. 'fresh matching towels', 'working appliances'). To start, 2000 homes in 13 cities will be (actually already have been) selected; US cities are Austin TX, Chicago, San Francisco, and Toronto. Presently, 204,000 rooms from B&Bs / Hotels are listed on Airbnb, of the 4.5 million properties on the site.

Despite acknowledging the need - and the public's preference - for vetting and a standard of quality, Airbnb did not reveal any requirements regarding compliance in licensing / registration (as per statues and local regulations), zoning, insurance, taxation, etc. We're disappointed.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) released the following statement from its Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs, Troy Flanagan, in regards to Airbnb's announcement about launching its new Airbnb Plus and Boutique programs.

"Whether it's called Plus or Boutique program, Airbnb's latest scheme is just further proof the company is trying to play in the hoteling space while evading industry regulations," Flanagan said. "If Airbnb wants to enter the hoteling business, then it needs to be regulated, taxed, and subject to the same safety compliances and oversight that law-abiding hotel companies adhere to each and every day."

"The question that cities and neighborhoods should be asking-will these 'Plus' or 'Boutique' listings include commercial operators exploiting Airbnb's platform to run illegal hoteling schemes that have fractured our communities, raised serious safety concerns and increased the price of rent while depleting affordable housing options," Flanagan added.

May 1st is 12 weeks away!  Plan your trip today to stay at Songbird Prairie Inn and Spa & visit the Indiana Dunes!  songbirdprairie.com

Sandhill crane migration and stay at Songbird Prairie Inn and Spa

Explore the Jasper Pulaski Sandhill Preserve where you will see and hear thousands of sandhill cranes. Then return from your adventure to a Whirlpool/Fireplace suite where you can review your pictures and videos and upload to your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Then awaken to your plated deluxe breakfast in the sunroom where you will hear and see songbirds as they entertain and serenade through our outdoor microphones.. Stay two days and visit the nature center at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. songbirdprairie.com

 Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail Now is the time! The first official count for the fall sandhill crane migration from DNR is 5,846! Cranes began arriving in September. They will continue to arrive and build to a peak population in late November of 20,000 or more. http://www.beyondthebeachdiscoverytrail.com/BeyondBeach_searchdetail.asp?SiteNumber=50

Beyond The Beach www.beyondthebeachdiscoverytrail.com

MAPLE SUGAR TIME

SWEET TREAT AND STAY IN ONE OF OUR WHIRLPOOL/FIREPLACE SUITES! Songbirdprairie.com Book now

DETAILS

Dates: March 04 - March 05, 2017 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (CT)

Venue: Chellberg Farm Address: 618 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter, IN 46304

Phone: 219-395-1882 Admission: Free admission

ABOUT

Warm up with an early taste of spring at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore's annual Maple Sugar Time. The historic Chellberg Farm will be bustling with the activities of maple sugaring on the weekends of March 4 & 5 and March 11th & 12th.

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT

DETAILS
Date: February 17-20

Observe birds and report your findings. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a free, fun, and easy way to engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird population.
Stay at Songbird Prairie Inn and Spa “Best in Indiana” after you walk the Indiana Dunes. songbirdprairie.com 

                            Dunes Sand Sculpture 2016

                        is Bicentennial Legacy Project!

The 19th Annual Indiana Dunes Sand Sculpture Contest is approaching fast. Join us for this year’s theme of “Indiana” and carve out your own creation in the sand on Saturday, July 9. The registration table opens at 9 a.m., but teams may begin working as early as 7 a.m.

Sculptures that follow the theme will earn extra points from the judges. Prizes will be awarded in two categories, one for teams of children 15 and younger and another for individuals and families numbering less than eight. Watchers can also vote for their favorite in the "Viewer's Choice Award" between noon and 1 p.m.Come on out and enjoy the fun!