South Shore Convention and Visitor Authority (SSCVA) unites attractions, restaurants, amenities and a summer-autumn blend of events under the “One Tank Trips” campaign.
The campaign serves as an invitation for Michiana residents to explore Northwest Indiana and Lake County. From August to October, SSCVA presents countless opportunities for families and individuals to explore ample lakeside fun.
“We are trying to target different types of people,” said Heather Becerra, SSCVA chief marketing officer. “We want to put on events that people are interested in. We have a lot of great festivals, events and live music.”
“One Tank Trips” encompasses SSCVA’s partnerships with numerous Northwest Indiana organizations and venues. The focus of “One Tank Trips” is to highlight and incentivize local places that Michiana residents can travel to on one full tank of gas. The campaign also promotes three summer getaways: Family Summer Getaway, Ultimate Guys Trip and Perfect Girls Getaway.
“We are proud to be able to work with all of our different partners,” said Becerra. “Whether you want to travel with your family or have a guy’s or girl’s getaway, there are so many great things to do.”
Family Summer Getaway is geared toward making memories with the whole family. South Shore attractions include beachside visits and water parks like WhoaZone in Whiting and Crown Point’s Deep River Waterpark, as well the sugary, fun-filled tour of the Albanese Confectionery in Merrillville. Paddlers can also enjoy Northwest Indiana’s waterways for a day of kayaking and canoeing. Education can be placed at the forefront of summer by making visits to destinations like Mascot Hall of Fame, Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center, Hesston Steam Museum and Museum at Lassen’s Resort. Farmers’ markets, orchards and U-Picks like Fair Oaks Farms and festivals by the lake will provide shopping and browsing for everyone.
“For the late summer and early fall months, we are looking at focusing on a lot of the different things to do at Indiana Dunes,” said Becerra. “For the getaways, different partners are working to feature different events. Our appeal for the Ultimate Guys Getaway are places like the casinos, breweries, multi-sports simulators and restaurants.”
The Ultimate Guys Getaway entails a variety of activities to partake in, including hiking trails, golf courses, casinos, fishing expeditions and indulging in local breweries and distilleries. The focal points of the getaway are: The Great Outdoors and Nightlife. The former features hiking on Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park, fishing spots and premiere golf courses like Crown Point’s White Hawk Country Club, and the latter includes over twenty breweries, savory restaurants, gaming, cocktails and live music and performances.
“For the Girl’s Getaway, we try to put a focus on the wineries, spas, casinos and the great shopping and restaurant opportunities,” said Becerra.
Lake Michigan’s South Shore is proud to sponsor Girls’ Getaway to help create the ideal local vacation for women who love going to the beach, visiting local wineries, shopping locally and unwinding. Indiana Dunes offers miles of sunny shoreline and hiking opportunities for prospective travelers. Wineries, such as Manic Meadery in Crown Point and Aftermath Cidery and Winery in Valparaiso, offer their parties, tours and tastings. Yoga sessions will be held at numerous locations from spring to fall—including Remington’s Carpenter Creek Cellars and Michigan City’s Friendship Botanic Gardens.
“We have also been doing our South Shore Rocks campaign for a while and, with it, we like to promote all the live music venues and festivals that we have in the area because we do get a lot of big-name entertainment,” said Becerra.
For those wanting to expand their one-day trip into evening, there are many venues highlighted by the SSCVA partnerships that provide unparalleled entertainment. On the nightside, Gary’s Hard Rock Casino, Michigan City’s Blue Chip Casino, and other local casinos offer table game and slot lovers opportunities to plan a complete night out. Multi-sports simulators and evening entertainment like laser tag, arcades, and ax throwing will be available at such locals as Long Shots in Schererville and Net Par in Munster. Local and abroad artists alike will be present for comedy nights and concerts, hosted by the Hobart Art Theater, Hard Rock Casino, Hometown Jams and other venues.
“Just about anything and everything in Northwest Indiana is less than an hour to the Michiana area,” said Becerra.
To help plan your exciting trip, your summer getaway, and access events under the umbrella of “One Tank Trips,” visit: southshorecva.com. For additional information about each getaway, visit the following:
Family Summer Getaway: southshorecva.com/plan-your-visit/trip-ideas/summer-getaway/
The Ultimate Guys Getaway: southshorecva.com/plan-your-visit/trip-ideas/the-ultimate-guys-getaway/
Perfect Girls’ Getaway: southshorecva.com/plan-your-visit/trip-ideas/girls-getaway/
For South Shore Rocks campaign and related music venues and festivals, visit southshorecva.com/events/concerts-live-music/
