Chesterton

 

 

Right off the beach is a quaint pocket of Indiana, the picturesque town of Chesterton. A hidden gem, this community is a laid-back space in which residents can be themselves within a beautiful neighborhood.

Located 50 miles southeast of Chicago and minutes away from Lake Michigan, residents have their pick of culture and recreation. Proximity to the sandy beaches helps classify Chesterton as a beach town, and the atmosphere of the community fits the laid-back vibes associated with living on a stunning waterfront.

The pristine residential neighborhoods reflect the quaint charms of the town, with mid-19th Century Revival, late Victorian, and Colonial Revival being the predominant styles. However, some of the historic sites in Chesterton follow the Queen Anne design, making up a thriving historic district that is the pride and joy of the community.

 

In a lazy town abundant with charm, Chesterton attracts many who have visited the neighborhood and fallen in love, leading to the decision to put down roots and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere.

It is also an artists’ haven, with artisans creating colorful murals throughout the downtown area, hosting art classes, and contributing to local markets and festivals. Art galleries are found throughout the city, creating a hub of buyers and thriving economic commerce.
 
With some of the top schools in the district, Chesterton has a great school spirit, especially regarding its sports teams. Town residents have dedicated fans of their high school basketball team, the Chesterton Trojans, making every game a community event and bringing locals out in droves. Their legendary 2022 team played in the 4A Indiana State Championship title game. This lakeshore community has prioritized small businesses to preserve its wholesome charm. Residents have actively resisted big box stores from dominating their quaint little town, preferring to support local boutiques and businesses.

 

Nothing can beat a classic barbeque restaurant, which is what makes Wagner’s Ribs a staple for Chesterton residents. Deemed the best ribs in Indiana, this award-winning restaurant has held the community’s affection for over 30 years. Succulent ribs, fall-off-the-bone brisket, and crisp hushpuppies are the stars of the menu.
 
Lucrezia Café serves upscale Italian cuisine in a refurbished Victorian mansion. Paired with an exquisite wine menu, Tuscan dishes and locally made olivezia Tuscan herb extra virgin olive oil comes with every dining experience.

Tiger Lily Café is single-handedly proving that vegan cuisine can be flavorful, filling, and delicious. A traditional menu is also on offer. However, their vegetarian and vegan dishes are where Tiger Lily Café shines. Cheesy flatbread and the impossible burger are favorites for vegan diners. Make sure you stop at their bakery. Cakes, cookies, pies, and tarts line the pastry case, each enticing and delectable.

For wonderful breakfast food, there is Third Coast Spice Cafe. Praised for their attentive service, this cafe is known for its regulars, with locals adoring the build-your-own specialty omelets and indulging in the raspberry cheesecake French toast.

Hailed for its impeccable service and unique pizzas, AJ’s Pizza Co is the perfect stop before heading to the beach. Known for their specialty pizzas, they also have chicken wings with various sauces that tease the palate and keep residents coming back again and again.

Step into the cozy Octave Grill and enjoy one of the refreshing craft beers on tap. This laid-back restaurant has a menu filled with unique burgers using curated flavors. Crispy tater tots are served with each burger, and the seasonal menu items are always anticipated. Accommodations are also accepted for those who want to tweak their order or mix and match different toppings with a vegan or black bean burger patty. The chill vibe and great food make it a perfect place to have a night out.

 

One of the local gems in Chesterton’s backyard is Indiana Dunes State Park. The 2,182 acres of land actively preserve local wildlife and plants, protecting the ecosystem by helping plant and animal habitats stay clean. Though a sought-after summer destination, the park has events available to the public year-round. Beach discovery walks, craft workshops, sailing, and the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival are hosted across the seasons.

The summer European Market held every Saturday morning is what makes Chesterton so idyllic. Farmers, small businesses, restaurants, and artisans gather to sell their work at the farmers’ market. Residents love strolling among the stalls and finding new artisans and products to adore.

In an annual festival celebrating the movie The Wizard of Oz, the town hosts the Chesterton Wizard of Oz festival in May. Kicking off the two days of celebration is the Red Slipper Gala, a catered event where attendees enjoy live music from the film’s score, a movie viewing, and a live auction of Wizard of Oz Collectables.

The Chesterton Art Fair in August is a highly anticipated event. Multiple mediums of artwork are on display, with dozens of creators given a chance to sell their work and build their portfolios. Hosted by the Chesterton Art Center, each participant is selected with care to ensure the best of the best is showcased.

Chesterton is the perfect neighborhood to enjoy nature. Residents can enjoy the sparkling lake and sandy beaches on one side and the lush greenery in Coffee Creek Preserve. Hike among the 157 acres worth of 400 native plants stretching across a collection of prairies, woodlands, and wetlands open to the public. Birdwatchers flock to the preserve multiple times a year to catch the dozens of species passing through Indiana during migration.

 

Chesterton has great pride in their schools, with the local community rallying around its institutions of learning. Some schools in the district are:

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