Summer is almost over, but if you’re planning on enjoying the fall weekends with your family or friends, consider the joys of staying at home. Many Michiana residents are steering the mini-van away from the highway and choosing to enjoy local alternatives instead. Luckily, we live in an area that is full of things to do requiring little gas and less travel expense than the usual vacation.

Casinos offer 3-in-1 Vacations at a Fraction of the Cost

Cruise vacations offer dancing, great food, spas, relaxation and even occasional gambling. Well, there are places right here in Indiana and Michigan that offer the same services but at one tenth of the cost.

Both the Four Winds Casino and the Blue Chips Casino are chock full of activities. They offer spas, fine dining, night clubs, luxury suites and yes, the good old games of chance. For many Michiana residents, these amenities are a stone’s throw away, but for those as far away as South Bend, Indiana; the trip is less than an hour.

Auto Dealers can give you a Luxury Ride into the Michiana Countryside

For less than $100 (before deposit) you can live it up for a day by renting a luxury car. Take it for a spin out in the countryside. See some of Michiana’s great sights. For the price of the rental and a tank of gas, you can turn a casual Sunday drive into a luxury cruise on Indiana and Michigan’s scenic highways.

Try out a convertible on Lakeshore Drive that run through Porter and LaPorte counties in Indiana. The sights of beautiful Lake Michigan on one side are matched by the picturesque Indiana Dunes National Park on the other. You might even be lucky enough to spot a deer crossing. Oh, and make sure to leave a little room for cyclists.

Tee on Local Fairways for Relaxation and Sport

Pebble Beach and the fairways on the tropical Hawaiian Isles would make an ideal vacation. However, they come with less than ideal price tags. Fortunately, there are many beautiful courses in our area that offer you a very relaxing golf game that doesn’t break the bank.

Five of Michiana’s golf courses received high ratings by Golf Digest Magazine. The beauty and quality of these courses was found to be excellent. However, very few residents know of their local resources like the many golf courses in the area. Today’s economic conditions warrant a visit to the local rather than Augusta.

Take a Walk through Local History this Year

Many residents in years past have opted for a historical vacation to Colonial Williamsburg or Washington DC, when our area has a rich history of its own. There are a number of local museums for all ages. The admission is usually a couple of dollars for a few hours of entertainment. Look at the local community calendars, such as the one provided by WSBT TV for details on festivals as some museums put on skits, carnivals and more to commemorate special occasions.

Take a Hike…through Michiana

Last is the cheapest of all activities, hiking. Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana are filled with natural pathways and trails. Most are free to the public, but even those that charge cost only a few dollars. The many gardens, National Parks, sand dunes and forests offer the family an invigorating activity without draining the bank account.