THADDEUS C. GALLERY
822 Lincolnway
A big city gallery in a small town! Thaddeus C. Gallery is host to some of the nation's most exciting new artists. Be sure to attend one of their Opening Receptions! This incredible gallery is right next door to the Kessler Lofts!
THE PINK ELEPHANT
510 Lincolnway
Have you ever seen a begoina pink building? The color is as unique as the shoppe, and the owners are even MORE unique than that! You must explore this "savvy resale shop" and meet Kathy and Marc Gleser. Marc is a passionate musician who loves antique musical instruments, which are displayed throughout the store. Kathy is a photographer and her work is also sprinkled throughout the ecclectic offerings in The Pink Elephant. Don't miss this fun place that's far, far more than just an antique store. It's a three block stroll from the Kessler Lofts but there's a lot to see along the way!
TRATTORIA ENZO
601 Michigan Avenue
A busy, well known neighborhood restaurant with a casual ambiance and great Italian food. A cozy bar area overlooks the famous historic Courthouse. Just a block away from the Kessler Lofts--you can see it from the front window!
TEMPLE NEWS AGENCY
816 Jefferson Avenue
So much to say about Temple News--Check
out their kitchy web site. It started years ago being
the central distribution point for magazines and newspapers in town.
Everyone went there! Even today it's a LaPorte
institution, for different reasons: wonderful ice cream at the old
soda fountain, coffees galore, South Bend Chocolates, Paninis, wi-fi,
musicians who congregate there just to "jam," and lots
of other surprises. Mike, the owner, is as colorful a personality
as you'll find anywhere. In the warmer months enjoy an icy coffee
drink or ice cream cone at one of the sidewalk tables and watch everyone
you know walk by! Temple News Agency is directly behind the Kessler
Lofts, just a 90 second walk around the corner!
THE COOKERY TT & CAFE
810 Lincolnway
This wonderful place was once a bank and the beautiful old safes from a bygone era are still there. A must-see. Yvonne, the owner, has ongoing cooking classes for kids and adults (call early because they fill fast!)in addition to her daily menu and yummy baked goods. One of downtown LaPorte's lunch spots, you can also bring in your crock pot and Yvonne will fill it for you. Why bother cooking when you've got Yvonne doing all the work for you? You can even buy some cooking utensils here. Stop by for a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The Cookery TT is just six doors down from the Kessler Lofts!
ANTIQUE STORES GALORE!
Stroll along Lincolnway and pop into any number of wonderful antique shops along the way. Far too many to list here so you'll just have to discover them on your own! The first one you'll come to is just two doors down from the Kessler Lofts!
RUBY SLIPPERS
is now residing in the kitchy & fun "Pink Elephant" shop (see above) at 510 Lincolnway.
http://www.loverubyslippers.com
This wonderful boutique resale venue is one of those "best kept secrets" that you MUST experience. It was previously hidden away on a high third floor and exclusively by invitation only. It's now accessible to everyone after the move to "The Pink Elephant" on east Lincolnway. Simpson has a rapidly growing "A-List" of customers who flock to her monthly "parties" to scoop up the incredible treasures she showcases there. Visit her web site, get on her select list, then fashoinistas, click your Manolo Blahniks together three times and repeat after me: "There's no place like...." Oh, you know the routine!
YOU LUCKY DOG & Cat
602 Lincolnway
Talk about pampering your pet! This beautiful new
store is a boutique for dogs and cats, plus a good place to stock
up on healthy pet foods and treats. From the Kessler Lofts, it's a
six minute walk! Pets welcome (of course!).
DOWNTOWN DAWGS
709 Michigan Ave.
If you like hot dogs this bustling place is for you! They serve up all beef hot dogs, Maxwell Street Polish sausage "Chicago style," brats, corn dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, soup & chili. Grab one of their markers and autograph the wall while you're there! Downtown Dawgs is at the end of the block and around the corner from the Kessler Lofts.
LA PORTE SPORTING GOODS
816 Lincolnway
http://www.laportesportinggoods.com/
Here's a store for everyone! What an array of items, from hunting & fishing gear to archery equipment, firearms, baseball, softball, knives, sportswear, Nikes, Adidas...whew! You name it, they have it. And the biggest array of "Slicer" attire you can imagine. This wonderland for the sports enthusiast is just three doors down from the Kessler Lofts!
B & J's AMERICAN CAFE
607 Lincolnway
Go back in time when you enter the American Cafe as the decor hasn't changed from decades ago. There's a t.v. playing old movies in the corner and thousands of black & white photo proofs available for sale from the 1950s and 1960s that were taken at the old Muralcraft Studio upstairs. If you grew up in LaPorte, you'll probably find YOUR photos among the boxes! Join the coffee club and get a collectible mug with your name imprinted on it that will sit behind the counter.
MUCHO MAS
Fresh Mexican Grill
609 Lincolnway
The newest addition to LaPorte's restaurant offerings. Mucho Mas fresh grills its' menu items instead of frying. Their delicious beans are organic, and tofu is offered along with steak and chicken in the yummy Mexican dishes. The decor is bright and artsy, the prices are affordable, and the food is mucho delicious! Walk over there from the Kessler Lofts, just two short blocks away.
So you're falling in love with LaPorte? You've only just begun! Here's some other links for further information: