Taking the time to vote is one of our most important civic duties, and here in South Bend it's no different. Polls will be open until 6:00pm so head over to your polling place and fill out a ballot. This is your chance to affect the future of South Bend, and I can't think of a better example of this blog's tagline to "Do Something Local Today".
Find your polling place here.
Check out election coverage on the South Bend Tribune here.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
#50: El Dia de los Muertos Festivities
Don't be fooled into thinking that Halloween is the only major holiday this time of year. Mexico's annual El Dia de los Muertoes or The Day of the Dead is increasingly celebrated throughout North and South America on November 2nd to honor the lives of those who have passed away in the past year. It is important to note that this day is indeed a spirited celebration of life rather than a mournful occasion.
In that spirit, Notre Dame's Institute for Latino Studies will be sponsoring festivities a day early, on campus this evening in the Hesburgh Center's Great Hall. The evening will include presentations by anthropologist Dr. Alex Chavez and Juan Rivera of Sones de Mexico with interspersed performances from several Notre Dame student groups including Ballet Folklorico Azul y Oro and Mariachi ND. All of the activities are free and open to the public so take some time tonight to stop by.
Where: Hesburgh Center for International Studies, Great Hall. If you're not familiar with the campus, check out a map here that also includes parking info.
When: 5:30pm-8:00pm
For more information on The Day of the Dead or this evening's events, the website is located here.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
#49: The Niles Haunted House Scream Park
I am well aware that Halloween (officially) ends in approximately two hours. That's not going to stop me from writing about one of the most beloved local Halloween traditions. I'm not talking about carving pumpkins, apple-picking, or even trick-or-treating. No, I'm talking about talking the 20 minute drive up to Niles, Michigan to hit up one of the best Haunted Houses in the country.
Boasting Zach's Zombie Motel, the Legend of Pirate's Cove, and a Field of Screams as well as a proud membership in the International Association of Haunted Attractions, Niles' Scream Park is the place to be. Sadly, the two hours left of Halloween means that the Park will soon be closed for this year. That just means you can mark your calendars a full year ahead for when it opens up in the middle of September 2011.
If you've been to the Niles Haunted House this past year, feel free to let us know about your experience in the comments, and if you're unfamiliar check out their website here. Even though Halloween's not over yet, it's never too early to start planning your costume for next year!
Boasting Zach's Zombie Motel, the Legend of Pirate's Cove, and a Field of Screams as well as a proud membership in the International Association of Haunted Attractions, Niles' Scream Park is the place to be. Sadly, the two hours left of Halloween means that the Park will soon be closed for this year. That just means you can mark your calendars a full year ahead for when it opens up in the middle of September 2011.
If you've been to the Niles Haunted House this past year, feel free to let us know about your experience in the comments, and if you're unfamiliar check out their website here. Even though Halloween's not over yet, it's never too early to start planning your costume for next year!
#48: The Kitchenette
When you're coming back from a roadtrip, I find there are few things more welcoming than a 24-hour diner where you can collapse and recount your adventures, filling your face with greasy food and bad coffee. The Kitchenette can be that place.
It's located on the main drag of Michigan Street, just a bit south of the downtown activity. They serve breakfast all day and all night, as well as sandwiches and burgers. The food is good, but typical diner fare. We had fun flipping through the tabletop jukebox, perusing the country and top-hits offerings. (I had forgotten about Christina Milian. Thanks Now 8!!!) The clientele was eclectic, as it should be, as well as the decor. All in all, the Kitchenette is the paradigmatic diner for South Bend, and I am incredibly grateful for this welcoming spot to go to when you want to feel like you've made it home.
Where: 2221 S Michigan St
When to go: ANY TIME YOU WANT! (that's the glory of this place)
Tip: Check out their five breakfast meals for under $5. Also, late at night, it's cash only and pay first, but there's an ATM right across the street.
It's located on the main drag of Michigan Street, just a bit south of the downtown activity. They serve breakfast all day and all night, as well as sandwiches and burgers. The food is good, but typical diner fare. We had fun flipping through the tabletop jukebox, perusing the country and top-hits offerings. (I had forgotten about Christina Milian. Thanks Now 8!!!) The clientele was eclectic, as it should be, as well as the decor. All in all, the Kitchenette is the paradigmatic diner for South Bend, and I am incredibly grateful for this welcoming spot to go to when you want to feel like you've made it home.
Where: 2221 S Michigan St
When to go: ANY TIME YOU WANT! (that's the glory of this place)
Tip: Check out their five breakfast meals for under $5. Also, late at night, it's cash only and pay first, but there's an ATM right across the street.
#47: The Goshen Theater
Every once in a while, a spontaneous roadtrip is in order. This need to get outta town can be caused by a great weather for the beach/snow, a desire to see someone/get away from someone, or in our case, a favorite band whose closest stop was Goshen, Indiana. Thus, we found ourselves on Route 33, with no tickets in hand, rushing to get to a place we'd never been, while the opening act was likely performing.
However, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to pull off our last minute decision, and I strongly encourage you to test your spontaneity with a roadrip to Goshen, especially for a show at their theater.
The Goshen Theater is a wonderfully restored, century-old theater that seats 442 people (717 if you include the balcony!), so it provides a close setting for an intimate concert. It's not only used for music shows -- there's also theatrical productions and church gatherings that occur frequently. While we attended a benefit concert featuring Over the Rhine last Friday, there are "five-and-dime" shows --concerts that cost $5.10--a gimmick I find utterly charming. Check out the events listing here. A lot of the events are heavy on the folk and bluegrass, but hey, that's alright with me. (There's Generic and the Wander Inn for other musical tastes, but we'll get to those later...) The small venue is just the right size to enjoy the strings and vocals.
Where: 216 S. Main St., Goshen, IN
To get to Goshen, head south through downtown until you hit 33, and take it east to Goshen. The town of Goshen has some fun looking shops and eateries, although most were closed after the show. Come to town a little early to enjoy The Electric Brew, a coffeeshop across the street from the theater.
However, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to pull off our last minute decision, and I strongly encourage you to test your spontaneity with a roadrip to Goshen, especially for a show at their theater.
The Goshen Theater is a wonderfully restored, century-old theater that seats 442 people (717 if you include the balcony!), so it provides a close setting for an intimate concert. It's not only used for music shows -- there's also theatrical productions and church gatherings that occur frequently. While we attended a benefit concert featuring Over the Rhine last Friday, there are "five-and-dime" shows --concerts that cost $5.10--a gimmick I find utterly charming. Check out the events listing here. A lot of the events are heavy on the folk and bluegrass, but hey, that's alright with me. (There's Generic and the Wander Inn for other musical tastes, but we'll get to those later...) The small venue is just the right size to enjoy the strings and vocals.
Where: 216 S. Main St., Goshen, IN
To get to Goshen, head south through downtown until you hit 33, and take it east to Goshen. The town of Goshen has some fun looking shops and eateries, although most were closed after the show. Come to town a little early to enjoy The Electric Brew, a coffeeshop across the street from the theater.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
#46: Animal Farm, The Musical
I read George Orwell's Animal Farm when I was in high school. All I remind about it is its scathing critique of Russian communism through the use of barnyard animals. So when I heard that IUSB was staging a performance of this book, I was intrigued.
Indeed, it is not even a play, but a musical. Famed British director Peter Hall crafted this "communist dream converted into a nightmare" for the stage in 1984. (Don't worry, I wikipedia-ed this.) But IUSB is taking this novella to the next level with a 40-person cast with creepy animal costumes, designed with Tim Burton in mind.
The blurb on the website reads, "See this literary classic come to life as the farm animals sing their way toward a new societal hierarchy." Sure sounds like a suitable activity for a Halloween weekend. It may even inspire a costume idea...
Where: Campus Auditorium, Northside Hall
When to go: 8 pm October 28-30; 2 pm October 31
Cost: $5-$9 (free for IUSB students)
Indeed, it is not even a play, but a musical. Famed British director Peter Hall crafted this "communist dream converted into a nightmare" for the stage in 1984. (Don't worry, I wikipedia-ed this.) But IUSB is taking this novella to the next level with a 40-person cast with creepy animal costumes, designed with Tim Burton in mind.
The blurb on the website reads, "See this literary classic come to life as the farm animals sing their way toward a new societal hierarchy." Sure sounds like a suitable activity for a Halloween weekend. It may even inspire a costume idea...
Where: Campus Auditorium, Northside Hall
When to go: 8 pm October 28-30; 2 pm October 31
Cost: $5-$9 (free for IUSB students)
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
#45: 91.1 The Globe
It's not technically in South Bend, but I think it counts that Goshen College's radio station (based in, you guessed it, Goshen, Indiana) comes in loud and clear here in this part of St. Joseph County. I discovered this gem of a radio station only this summer (thanks to a friend), and it's been set at #1 (in my ancient car) ever since. The Globe has been around for more than 50 years and bills itself as a radio station that "features a fresh and eclectic mix of Americana, alternative acoustic, folk, singer-songwriters and world beat music." I personally can't think of a better line-up.
Some of the shows are imported from NPR while many are DJ'ed by the volunteer student staff of Goshen College or other local DJ's. My favorite NPR import is 'World Cafe', on every day from 5-7 with recent featured artists such as Robert Plant, Ray LaMontagne, MGMT, Local Natives, and Suzanne Vega. Some of the great local shows include 'Could Lead to Dancing' on Sundays from 7-9 and the 'Folk Revival' on Mondays from 7-9.
I can't recommend this radio station enough. Listen in your car or online, but whichever you choose, you should tune in now.
Check out the website (and online player) here.
Check out a program guide here.
Some of the shows are imported from NPR while many are DJ'ed by the volunteer student staff of Goshen College or other local DJ's. My favorite NPR import is 'World Cafe', on every day from 5-7 with recent featured artists such as Robert Plant, Ray LaMontagne, MGMT, Local Natives, and Suzanne Vega. Some of the great local shows include 'Could Lead to Dancing' on Sundays from 7-9 and the 'Folk Revival' on Mondays from 7-9.
I can't recommend this radio station enough. Listen in your car or online, but whichever you choose, you should tune in now.
Check out the website (and online player) here.
Check out a program guide here.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
#44: St. Pat's Park
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| One of the many trails |
As I write this, the area is under a pretty severe weather warning. That notwithstanding, one of my favorite things to do in the previously nice fall weather, has been to take a hike at St. Patrick’s County Park (affectionately called St. Pat’s). It’s one of the many parks in the St. Joseph County Park System, and with its location just off of 933 past Roseland, it’s easily accessible for anyone in the area.
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| An almost tree-house |
The 398 acres of trails, playgrounds, ponds, and river frontage are beautiful in the fall. Plan a picnic or take a spontaneous hike. There’s even a disc-golf course if you’re interested. They also occasionally host concerts (at the Fischgrund Center for the Performing Arts) and events, one of them being the canoe races mentioned on here earlier.
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| The big red barn at the entrance to the park |
Check out the website here.
And a map of the hiking trails here.
Tip: It does cost $3.00 (in-county) or $4.00 (out-of-county) to park.
Fun fact: You might not realize it but you’ll probably cross into Michigan on your hike.
Monday, October 25, 2010
#43: Urban Garden Market
A fortuitous turn while killing time before an airport ticket led me to discover the Urban Garden Market on Bendix Road. I'm driving along, and all of a sudden, open truck beds filled with pumpkins and a few pop-up tents flash by on my right. One u-turn later, and I'm at what looks like a Notre Dame tailgate without the booze, bagpipes and kelly green.
The Urban Garden Market is not a large, extensive market like its big brother on Northside Boulevard. It's not year-round (it's open air); most of the food or products are locally grown. The products were limited since it's the end of the season, but there was still squash & potatoes, honey & jam, fresh cookies & croissants to enjoy, all at affordable prices.
What I love about this market was its focus on the community. When an elderly woman misplaced her keys, everyone, shoppers and sellers both, stopped to assist her in her search. When she found her keys ten minutes later in a bag of corn that she had bought, we all clapped and cheered. Indeed, this market is for the people, by the people, organized to combat the food desert on the west side of South Bend. Some people can't make the twenty minute drive to other farmer's markets, and the closest supermarket is fifteen minutes away.
Hate to say this but this market just closed for the season, but will open in April. Stay tuned for a reminder post!
Where: 1025 N. Bendix
When: Saturday, 9 am - 1 pm
Tip: Be aware of speakers who visit the market, such as Phil and Edie, who gave advice on how to prepare your garden for winter and use in-season vegetables
The Urban Garden Market is not a large, extensive market like its big brother on Northside Boulevard. It's not year-round (it's open air); most of the food or products are locally grown. The products were limited since it's the end of the season, but there was still squash & potatoes, honey & jam, fresh cookies & croissants to enjoy, all at affordable prices.
What I love about this market was its focus on the community. When an elderly woman misplaced her keys, everyone, shoppers and sellers both, stopped to assist her in her search. When she found her keys ten minutes later in a bag of corn that she had bought, we all clapped and cheered. Indeed, this market is for the people, by the people, organized to combat the food desert on the west side of South Bend. Some people can't make the twenty minute drive to other farmer's markets, and the closest supermarket is fifteen minutes away.
 |
| The search for the lost keys.... |
Hate to say this but this market just closed for the season, but will open in April. Stay tuned for a reminder post!
Where: 1025 N. Bendix
When: Saturday, 9 am - 1 pm
Tip: Be aware of speakers who visit the market, such as Phil and Edie, who gave advice on how to prepare your garden for winter and use in-season vegetables
#42: The Futon Factory (that's not a factory)
Aren't futons SO college? What better way to showcase one's ability to nap at any time of the day by this versatile piece of furniture? If you choose to argue for futons for all, come to the Futon Factory, conveniently located near Lula's, The Backer, and of course, Notre Dame.
But this ain't yo bro's futon shop. And 'factory' is probably the most misleading name for this unique store. Yes, they sell high-end furniture....with a socially-conscious twist. We're talking fair trade hardwood frames, local suppliers, and a plethora of additional goods you would not expect. Recycled silk purses, organic tees, bamboo plants. A water cooler to refill that Sigg or Nalgene you've been toting around. A different perspective from the big box stores only a few roads down.
Where: Edison Plaza, at the corner of 23 and Angela
When: Mon-Fri, 10 am - 6pm; Sat 10 am - 5pm; Sun 12 - 5 pm
Tip: Check out their website for ideas about how to tastefully decorate your room
But this ain't yo bro's futon shop. And 'factory' is probably the most misleading name for this unique store. Yes, they sell high-end furniture....with a socially-conscious twist. We're talking fair trade hardwood frames, local suppliers, and a plethora of additional goods you would not expect. Recycled silk purses, organic tees, bamboo plants. A water cooler to refill that Sigg or Nalgene you've been toting around. A different perspective from the big box stores only a few roads down.
Where: Edison Plaza, at the corner of 23 and Angela
When: Mon-Fri, 10 am - 6pm; Sat 10 am - 5pm; Sun 12 - 5 pm
Tip: Check out their website for ideas about how to tastefully decorate your room
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