Eye-popping fun from last year’s convention
Sparkle Time
Who doesn’t love a supersize pyrotechnic display? To take in one of the most intricately choreographed fireworks shows in the country, consider LaPorte, Indiana this weekend. On Friday, August 17 (Saturday rain date), the Pyrotechnics Guild International will close out its annual convention with “2012 Apocalypse,” a massive display of light, color, and noise; there’s no set time for the show, but organizers recommend arriving early. Gates at the LaPorte County Fair grounds open at 6 p.m.; tickets are $20.
GO Fire in the Sky, August 11 to 17 at the LaPorte County Fair grounds, 2581 West State Road 2. For more information, call 877-223-3552 or go to pgi.org.
While you’re in the area: The annual Lake Front Art Festival gets underway from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, August 18 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 19 in Michigan City. More than 100 artisans from across the country will set up along the shore of Lake Michigan in Washington Park (115 Lakeshore Dr.). In addition to the sculptors, fiber artists, painters, and jewelry makers selling their wares, the fest will also feature artist demonstrations throughout the weekend. If parking around the park gets tight, look for the free shuttle service from off-site locations. For more information, call 219-874-4900 or click here.
Where to stay: The Reverie Spa Retreat (3634 N. 700 W., 219-861-0814, spareverie.com) offers a full-service spa—body wraps, massages, facials, Chakra balancing—and four luxuriously appointed guest rooms; rates range from $150 to $225 a night. The Tryon Farm Guest House (1400 Tryon Farm Rd., Michigan City; 219-879-3618, tryonfarmguesthouse.com) has four guest rooms in a refurbished farmhouse nestled on 170 acres of woods, wetlands and ponds; nightly rates range from $108 to $148.
Where to eat: B & J’s American Cafe (607 Lincolnway, 219-362-3474, bjsamericancafe.com), a restaurant since 1922, features an old-fashioned soda fountain and a menu full of from-scratch soups, breads, and desserts served in a vintage atmosphere. The Shoreline Brewery and Restaurant (208 Wabash St., Michigan City, 219-879-4677, shorelinebrewery.com) has a substantial list of micro-brews and hearty food.
Photograph: Courtesy of the Pyrotechnics Guild International Inc.