No, you’re not too late to enjoy autumn

by KKOSKY 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.

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.

Stay at Songbird Prairie Inn and Spa and enjoy the 37th annual Popcorn Festival  September 12^th 2015 which is right around the corner!  September 12^th 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.

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!

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

Romantic Bluebird Suite

Stay in the romantic Bluebird Suite for your next anniversary, birthday, or any celebration! Order a cheese and cracker tray to await you in your room while you prepare for your couples massage in our spa or in summer in our screened area, then fall into bed to relax or slip into the whirlpool before going to dinner. Or why not order dinner right here at Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast? You may choose your own selections for a custom tasted dinner. Watch a movie from our extensive collection while enjoying complementary popcorn, Orville's of course. Awaken in the morning to fresh coffee brewing and enjoy your breakfast in the sunroom while you enjoy the antics and operas of our feathered friends. To reserve go to the rooms and rates page on the web site songbirdprairie.com or call 877-766-4273 877SONGBRD

Mom's are special! May Special

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL

IS YOUR MOM A "RED HATTER" OR A "TOOL BELT DIVA?"

Whether she's a "Red Hatter" or a "Tool  Belt Diva", Plan a night reminiscing with Mom at Songbird Prairie Bed  and Breakfast. Remember those breakfasts in bed where you served her  burnt toast and cold tea? Let us serve you both our Three Course Hot  Breakfast in our sunroom where songbirds serenade and entertain.
Stay  at Songbird Prairie with your mom  in the Warbler or Purpefinch suite and make her a  bracelet of hand-blown glass beads and silver-plated metal beads which  are topped off with a touch of rhinestone bling. Bracelet is included in  package with beads of your choice up to $50.00 retail value
Starts  @ $249.00. Children 12 and over welcome. Can't make an overnight? Come  just for Breakfast or Afternoon tea (4 person minimum) Call for  reservations. 877-766-4273  219-759-4274

Weekday special not for the birds!

Special BOGO Midweek Stay

Two nights

$25.00 off Dinner@ Bon Femme

One Day Plated Breakfast

½ off Mani Pedi @ Cinnamon Tree

$25.00 off $50.00 at Lifestyles Gifts

$25.00 off Dinner @ don Quijote

One Day Continental Breakfast

Two night Monday-Tuesday or Wednesday-Thursday night stays only. You will be  wise as an owl when you choose this special! Migrate to Songbird Prairie for a  two-night stay for two all just 50 miles southeast of Chicago.

Flutter past the front door and choose among the Robin, Bluebird, Cardinal, and Purplefinch Suites at the property named one of Midwest Living's favorite B&Bs and "one of the 20 perfect summer getaways" by Travel + Leisure.

All rooms have warming gas fireplaces and spa tubs for two with the relaxing and soothing benefits of Chromotherapy. You'll wake up chirping after your first night on plush beds, and then enjoy a breakfast in the sunroom, listening to the sweet songs of the birds through microphones to the outside. Trade in your bird's-eye view of nature for one that's up close and personal when you plan a visit to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, where Karner Blue butterflies flit, swallows nest, and waves crash along the shores. Shop at the nearby Lifestyles before dining on duck à l'orange at Bon Femme Café or tapas and paella at Restaurante don Quijote.

Trust us—this Escape is not just for the birds.

• "The lovely Colonial country home with white-trimmed dormers may attract visitors, but it's the grounds' prairie grass, roses, and many trees that lure the namesake songbirds on their way to and from the Indiana Dunes."

-- Travel + Leisure

see news and specials page on our web site!

Sandhill Cranes migration and stay at Songbird Prairie

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 guestroom where you can review your pictures and videos and upload to your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare! Then awaken to your plated three course hot 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 Dunes National Lakeshore.

 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

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American Goldfinch is a permanent "guest" at Songbird Prairie!

Nicknamed “wild canary”, the American Goldfinch is a prized visitor at Songbird Prairie. This little finch is welcome and common at our feeders, where it eats primarily sunflower and nyjer.   At Songbird Prairie, they also cover the salvia along our walkway to the Inn.  They love to drink and bathe in our shallow birdbaths and are attracted to the watercourse that runs through this Indiana Dunes Bed & Breakfast’s woodlands.  The American Goldfinch is a frequent visitor to our feeders and you would be assured to spot these vibrant yellow birds and hear their twittering call on your visit! 

Diet: 
In nature, the goldfinch feeds primarily during the day on seeds of grasses and trees. They may occasionally feed on insects and berries. They frequently visit backyard feeders – particularly those filled with thistle seed.

Size and Color: 
A small bird, the American Goldfinch is generally between 4″-5″. The male is a vibrant yellow in the summer and an olive color during the winter months. The female is a dull yellow-brown shade which brightens only slightly during the summer. The brightly colored plumage of the male is to impress the female during the breeding season and attract a mate.

Song: 
A long, twittering “per-chic-o-ree” or “po-ta-to chip.” The American Goldfinch is known for singing in flight, which adds to their cheerful, “wave-like” flight pattern.

Behavior:
These are active and acrobatic little finches that cling to weeds and seed socks, and sometimes mill about in large numbers at feeders or on the ground beneath them. Goldfinches fly with a bouncy, undulating pattern and often call in flight, drawing attention to themselves.

Habitat: 
The goldfinch’s main natural habitats are weedy fields and floodplains, where plants such as thistles and asters are common. They’re also found in cultivated areas, roadsides, orchards, and backyards. American Goldfinches can be found at feeders any time of year, but most abundantly during winter

Backyard Tips: 
To encourage goldfinches into your yard, plant native thistles and other composite plants, as well as native milkweed. Almost any kind of bird feeder may attract American Goldfinches, including hopper, platform, and hanging feeders, and these birds don’t mind feeders that sway in the wind. You’ll also find American Goldfinches are happy to feed on the ground below feeders, eating spilled seeds.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged American Goldfinch, bed and breakfasts indiana, BEST IN THE MIDWEST BY BEDANDBREAKFAST.COM, birding, bluebirds, Chicago Romantic Getaway, dunes national lakeshore, Girlfriends Getaway, Goldfinch, iloveinnns.com, IN B&B, Indiana Bed and Breakfast, Indiana Bed and Breakfast.org, Indiana Dunes Hotel, Luxury Bed & Breakfast, Northern Indiana Bed and Breakfast, Northwest Indiana Bed & Breakfast, Romantic Bed & Breakfast Songbird Prairie in Northwest Indiana Online Reservations               877-766-4273         877-766-4273, songbirdprairie.com, Taltree Arboretum, Valparaiso, Valparaiso B&B, What to do In Northwest Indiana, Wild Canary, www.songbirdprairie.com | Leave a Comment »

Stay at Songbird Prairie and visit the Dunes National Lakeshore

Dog Day Greetings

from the Dunes!

Awaken your spirits and fill your lungs with fresh air in the Dunes this month. Enjoy everything from misty morning walks through the back dunes of Trail 2, to picnics on one of over 500 picnic tables in the park, to magnificent evening sunsets over Lake Michigan. Of course, no visit to the park is complete without a trip to the park Nature Center to take in one of many diverse, educational, and fun interpretive programs. Take a beach break this month and join us for any of the great programs being offered.

Here's a quick glimpse at some of the fun and educational programs coming up this month:

·         On Saturday, August 7, join Park Naturalist Jenna for “Campfire Stories on the Beach!”  Meet at the main beach, by the pavilion, for an evening of storytelling. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.  In case of inclement weather, we’ll be at the Campground Shelter.

·         The 4^th Annual Perseid Stargaze is approaching fast. Come Saturday, August 14 to the Tremont Shelter Picnic Area (parking at Duneside Shelter) to watch the annual meteor shower. Special constellation talks and sky storytelling will also take place. Activities begin at 8:30 p.m.

·        Join us Wednesday, August 20 at 7:30 p.m. for “Who Pooped in the Park!”  Meet at the Campground Shelter for 45-minutes of fun as we explore the facts on feces and the data on dung. Test your scat knowledge for prizes!

·        Meet at the Nature Center at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 4, for “Beautiful Blowout” a 1-hour moderate hike to see one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Midwest from atop Beach House Blowout.  We’ll also be exploring the twilight time for our nocturnal animals on the walk back.

Want to stay even more updated on park happenings, park news, and more?  Become a fan of the Indiana Dunes State Park Facebook page. Check out photos and videos from other Dunes visitors, take part in discussions, or just let others know about the dunes. Visit Facebook.com/indunes to join more than 7,100 current fans.  

The complete August Interpretive Schedule can be found at http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-Dunes_August.pdf.

Stay at Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast while you are in the dunes area 877.766.4273

$169-$249 Whirlpools in every room 3 course plated breakfast

 

Stay at Songbird Prairie and visit these gardens and plant sales this summer

Places to Go and Things to Do Summer 2010

Saturday, May 1

 Native Plant Sale, Wild Ones Garden Club – Gibson Woods, 6201 Parish Ave., Hammond, 219-844-3188

 

LaPorte County Master Gardeners Symposium – 8:30 am- 3 pm, Best Western Hotel, 444 Pine Lake Ave., LaPorte, $28 in advance $33 at door, includes lunch 219-324-9407

 

Rise and Shine Seminar,   8:30 am, $5, Gardens on the Prairie   “A Plant Preview for 2010 and Garden Maintenance. 3242 W. 169^th St. Lowell, IN   219-690-0911

 

Friday, May 7

Spring Bird Migration Hike, 8 am, Wild Ones Garden Club, see over 300 species, registration is required, 6201 Parish Ave, Hammond 219-844-3188

 

Saturday, May 8

Lake County Master Gardeners Plant Sale, 8 am – 2 pm Plants are selected to maximize drought tolerance, disease resistance and deer and slug resistance. Master Gardeners will be on hand, pre-orders picked up. Lake County Fairgrounds, Fine Arts Building, closes at 4 pm, Crown Point, 219-755-3251

 

Lowell Garden Club Plant sale, 9 am – 3 pm, Olde Towne Square Park 219-696-8282 or 219-696-6464   www.lowellgardenclub.com

 

Portage Plant sale 9 am – noon, Woodland Park, Willowcreek Road,   Portage   219-762-1732 or 219-762-0861

 

Wednesday, May 12

Rain Gardens, 7 pm, Master Gardener, Dolly Foster, provides information and tips on how to utilize and set up Rain Gardens, Munster Library, 219-836-8450

 

Saturday, May 15

Miller Plant Sale,   9 am – noon, Miller Beach Home and Lumber Center, 875 Lake St. & Rt. 20, also selling garden books, tools, baked goods and knick knacks, 219-938-6880 www.millergardenclub.net

 

Build an Annual Container Workshop, 8:30 am, $30, Garden on the Prairie, 3242 W. 169^th St., Lowell 219-690-0911    www.gardensontheprairie.com

 

International Friendship Gardens, Opening Day and Plant Sale, Mothers in free all weekend, 2055 U.S. Hwy 12, Michigan City, free admission to plant sale, master gardeners on hand. 219-879-3564 or 219-878-9885   www.friendshipgardens.org  

 

 

 

Tuesday, May 18

New Plants to Try, Central Library, 7 pm, 1919 W. 81^st Ave., Merrillville, sponsored by Lake County Library, Master gardener, Zann Wilson. Pre-register

 

Thursday, May 20

Rose Gardening, 6:30 pm, Master Gardener, Wayne Barnes will talk; meet the 3^rd Thursday of every month at the Highland Branch Library, 2841 Jewett St.  Field trips are planned for June-August, call 219-838-2394

 

Friday, May 21

            Munster Plant Sale 8 am-1 pm, 1101 Oriel Dr., Munster   219-923-1255

 

Saturday, May 22

Rise and Shine Seminar, 8:30 am, $5, “DIY Paver Projects to Enhance your Home and Maintenance” at Garden on the Prairie, 3242 W. 169^th St., Lowell 219-69 0-0911, www.gardensontheprairie.com

 

Friday, May 28

Wildflowers Walks – 9am-2pm, Wild Ones Garden Club, see over 300 species, meet at parking lot kiosk, Gibson Woods, 6201 Parish Ave., Hammond,   219-844-3188

 

Saturday, June 5

Rise and Shine Seminar, “Behind the Scenes of garden Design, Planting & Maintenance”, 8:30 am, $5.00, “DIY Paver Projects to Enhance Your Home & Maintenance”, Gardens on the Prairie, 3242 W. 169^th St., Lowell, 219-690-0911

 

Sunday, June 6

Art in the Garden, $5 per person, Art Fair 10 am – 4 pm, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, 450 West 100 North, Valparaiso, 219-462-0025, www.taltree.org/events

Wednesday, June 9

Shade Gardening, 7 pm, Master Gardener Daryl Dorton provides information and tips on how to grow a shade garden.  Munster Library  219-836-8450

 

Friday, June 11

Wildflower Walks, 9 am – 2 pm, Wild Ones Garden Club, see over 300 species, meet at parking lot kiosk, Gibson Woods, 6201 Parish Ave, Hammond, 219-844-3188 

 

Tuesday, June 15

Hydrangeas, 7 pm, Central Library, 1919 W. 81^st Ave., Merrillville, sponsored by Lake County Library in cooperation with Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. Preregister at 219-769-3541 x317  www.lakeco.lib.in.us

 

Thursday, June 17

Lawn Care, 6:30 pm, Master Gardener, Jim Colias will talk about fertilizing, aerating and organic lawns. Highland Branch Library,  2841 Jewette St., meet the 3^rd Thursday of every month. Field trips are planned for June-August so call 219-838-2394.

 

Saturday, June 19

Rise and Shine Seminar, “Reclaiming Water in Landscapes,” 8:30 am, $5, “DIY Paver Projects to  Enhance Your Home and Maintenance”, Gardens on the Prairie, 3242 W. 169^th St., Lowell  219-690-0911

 

Friday & Saturday, June 25, 26

Crown Point Garden Club Garden Walk, Sat – 9am - 4 pm, Sun 12:30 pm – 5 pm, Crown Point, 219-663-0386 or 219 -663-7678

 

Saturday & Sunday, July 10, 11

Lakeside Garden Walk, Saturday, July 10, 11 am – 5 pm. Lakeside, MI, for more info see

 www.thelakesideassociation.org

 

            Lowell garden Walk Sat-9 am – 5 pm and Sun 11 am – 5 pm. Tickets are $8, children under 12 free.  Includes historical museum tour at Homestead Museum.  There are 7 gardens. For more info call 219-696-8282 or 219-696-6464   www.lowellgardenclub.com or  jsmutt@att.net

 

Sunday, Monday & Tuesday, July 11, 12, 13

Day Lily Days, Garden Open, 1:05 pm– 6:35 pm (eastern time), Twin Starz Gardens, 10072 North 650 East, New Carlisle  574-654-9124

Wednesday, July 14

Herb Garden, 7 pm, Master Gardener Karen Hix provides information and tips on how to grow and give herbs as gifts. Munster Library, 219-836-8450

 

Saturday & Sunday, July 17 & 18

Sat., July 17 Porter County Master Gardeners Garden Walk, 9am – 4 pmmaster gardeners will be on hand at each location to explain plantings. For more info www.pcgarden.info  219-465-3555 x26

 

Miller Garden Walk,  Sat & Sun 10 am – 3 pm both days, $8 in advance, $9 at the door, featuring 6 gardens.  Shuttle busses from the Aquatatorium at the National Lakeshore Park.  10 am – 3 pm, box lunches available at Miller Bakery Café, tickets at Ayres Realtors at 646 S. Lake St., combines with Miller Art Fair Miller Beach in Gary, IN  219093806880  www.millergardenclub.net

 

July 18-24

            LaPorte County Fair, LaPorte, IN

 

Heirloom Kitchen Garden, Master Gardeners plant and display a Heirloom Garden at Pioneer Land during the LaPorte County Fair.  219-324-9407

 

Tuesday, July 20

            Attracting Hummingbirds, Central Library, 7 pm, 1919 West 81^st Ave., Merrillville, IN, sponsored by Lake county Library in cooperation with Purdue University Cooperative Extenstion Service. Pre-register at 219-769-3541 x 317,  www.lakeco.lib.in.us

 

July 22 – August 1

            Porter County Fair, Valparaiso, IN

 

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, July 23, 24, 25

Living Watercolours Pond Tour, Fri 8-10pm, Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun noon – 5pm.  Visit 12 ponds and gardens in Northwest Indiana and Illinois Southern Suburbs.  www.illianagardenpond.org or

219-663-2365

 

August 6 – 15

            Lake County Fair, Crown Point, IN

 

 

 

 

Sunday, August 8

August Tea, Classic high tea, classic music. Gardens benefit, $25, International Friendship Gardens, 2055 U.S. Highway 12, Michigan City  219-870-3564 or 219-879-9885  www.friendshipgardens.org         

 

Monday, September 13

Plant Swap, bring your perennials and take perennials, 10 am Lake County Parks Greenhouse, 8305 Randolph St.,  Hobart    219-947-1958 or 219-769-PARK

 

TBA

 

Mid June  Whiting in Bloom, please call for dates 1-4pm, 6 homes, advance tickets $10, day of tour $12.  Tickets available at corner of 119^th & Calumet Ave., sponsored by Arts Alive   219-659-0292

 

Annual Fall Plant Sale, Portage Garden Club, 9 am – noon, Walgreen’s on Central Ave.,  Portage  219-762-1732 or 219-762-0861