NORTHWEST INDIANA - Day One: Valparaiso

Surprising Valparaiso...

Each “Reader Who Knits" (or in this case, Crochets) has the opportunity to give a shout out to their favorite local yarn store.  Last November when Anaida Morales cited Sheep’s Clothing in a city not too far from me, I filed it away for future use.  Now, I get the delight of introducing you to this nifty store in a town I confess I’ve driven past countless times and never stopped to visit.  My loss, I tell you, because “Valpo” has a surprising lot to offer!

Fluid Coffeebar

159 W Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-510-1000

projectfluid.com

DestiKNITTers know coffee is always Job One on a yarn adventure.  Forget the franchise java and make your first stop this engaging and funky family-run coffee bar.  Truly good brew here, folks, delivered with tons of character.  They serve Intellegentsia coffee—top notch beans, and the folks who served as my resource when I wrote The Perfect Blend—so you know quality is a priority.  Ask the good baristas behind the counter to tell you the story of this place, right down to the handmade furniture.  Don’t forget to include a visit to the chalkboard-walled washrooms, filled with “entertaining” messages from patrons.

On to the main event: the fiber:

Sheep’s Clothing Knitting Supply

60 West Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN  46383

219-462-1700

www.knitdoctor.com

Owner Paula Strietelmeier started with a small section of yarn in a friend’s quilt shop and never looked back.  Earning its own retail space in 2001 and growing to its present wonderful location in 2008, the store boasts three classroom spaces, perfect lighting, airy high ceilings, and warm textures like wood and brick.  The whole place just feels creative.

“I love good yarn and helping people come up with a project,” says Paula.  Her stock shifts slightly with the seasons and product innovations, and is displayed with a loosely organized style meant to encourage browsing.  

A friendly staff of many long-time employees stands ready to help you.  Paula makes great use of that loyal talent.  “Each of our employees has a specialty,” she says, “Including especially strong beginners classes like "First Time Sweaters.”  As Anaida will attest, crocheters will find a home here, too.  Just want to hang out?  Open knitting is on Wednesday mornings, Thursday evenings, and the first and third Saturdays.  Check out a chock-full monthly newsletter to see all that’s being offered.

The store is packed with enticing samples, and here are a few of my favorites:

Enter Sweater

Norah Gaughn’s versatile design takes on the characteristics of whatever lighter worsted weight yarn you use.  This is one pattern you’ll want to make multiple times!  Perfect for the layering Chicagoland’s tricky weather can demand.  Depending on size, you’ll need approximately 7 skeins.

Big and Cuddly Cable Cowl

And when those Lake Michigan winds blow, you’ll want to knit up this to keep you warm.  Any purchase of chainette yarn such as Classic  Elite’s Chalet, Chateau, or Palace earns you a copy of the exclusive shop pattern.  Vary the length to your taste, and stay warm and stylish this winter.

Yoked Cardigan Baby Sweater

What sweet little one wouldn’t look cuddly in this stylish sweater?  For that matter, what human?  Good thing Hanna Fettig of Knitbot lists this pattern in a variety of sizes so you can indulge everyone.  Go cheery and bright or neutral and elegant—any worsted weight yarn will do.  Make sure to grab a pair of artful buttons for the perfect finishing touch.

Knit A Long: Caterpillar to Butterfly Scarf

Our hands-on project from this store is all about the transformation!  Using two balls of Tahki Filatura Di Crosa Fancy Tempo or Minitempo, this store exclusive pattern works a post-stitching magic I can’t wait to watch.  Lots of “dropped stitch” scarves like this are worked widthwise, but this clever design is worked lengthwise.  I’m excited to see this inventive technique in action.

Yarn in hand, it’s time to indulge in the surprisingly great shopping this little town has to offer.

Ivy Boutique

64 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-299-2442

shopivyboutique.com

Just yards away from Sheep’s Clothing! Little boutiques like this are my favorite place to shop—personalized service, and you never come away looking like everyone else.  If you like Free People clothes, this place is for you.  Accessories, home and bath finds, and gift items round out the inventive stock.

Bangles Clothing Gifts and Accessories

15 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-462-8462

Duck around the corner from Sheep’s Clothing to this small store packed with charm.  I found a great pair of earrings, but Owner Paulette Domke also stocks unique handbags, apparel, and accessories.

Silcott’s City Gear Shoes

18 Washington St

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-462-7178

 Business websitesilcotts.com

Yelp photo

There’s always something nice about a quality independent shoe store that puts the mall and big box outlets to shame.  The variety of the stock is impressive!  Everyone talked about owner Brent’s fabulous customer service.  Any place with this many enthusiastic regulars deserves a look.

Seasons on the Square

1 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-465-0165

seasonsonthesquare.com

Beautiful high quality clothes and Brighton bags make this a great shopping experience. If you’re looking for a statement jacket to let you stand out at work or elsewhere, chances are you’ll find it here.

Ready for lunch?  Head to:

Blackbird Cafe

114 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-548-2811

blackbirdcafevalparaiso.com

Admittedly, this is as good a choice for breakfast as it is for lunch.  The quiche is outstanding, as is the soup and salad selections.  Casual enough for moms and tots but trendy enough to make you feel like you’re someplace special (the cupcakes, and pecan pie help with that, too). 

I’m especially fond of places where eating alone doesn’t feel weird—and I saw many lone diners (I brought a friend to help me “taste” all the goodies that weren’t on my very restrictive diet program).  Valparaiso University is nearby, and this spot has that artsy, casually elegant college-town feel.  Succumb to the “homemade oreos" if you must, but we have other dessert plans so save room!

Designer Desserts Cupcakes

56 Lincoln Way

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-465-0008

designerdessertsbakery.com

I have a thing for cupcake places.  They always have an inventive and whimsical vibe, a place where you don’t have to take life so seriously.  I love to see if someone has come up with a flavor I’ve never heard of before.  This place had large, moist cupcakes with delicious frosting.  Seasonal flavors that sounded intriguing included Watermelon Fizz and Eggnog, but our super-helpful server recommended the Big Texan (seriously chocolate) the Creme Brulee, and the Pink Champagne.  I counted 101 flavors on the menu! I’m coming back when I can have more than a forkful!

Lifestyles Unique Gifts

122 Lincolnway

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-464-9167

This is one of those “little bit of everything” gift stores that I especially love to frequent.  I found a clever Joseph Joseph counting water bottle to help me stay hydrated on my program, as well as some very lovely soaps (I’m a total soap snob, if you haven’t yet figured that out).  There was home decor, jewelry, garden and kitchen goodies, accessories, and even toys—truly a bit of everything.  The sales staff was exceptionally friendly, offering to gift wrap my purchases even though they were just for me.   Don’t miss the upstairs gallery, too.

Old World Market

76 S Washington St

Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-476-0700

oldworldmarketonline.com

I didn’t know quite what to think when Paula suggested we stop here.  Wine and cheese foodie shops aren’t usually my thing, but I adored this place even if my diet kept me off cheese while I was here.  Don’t you dare call this a deli—your grocery store can’t hope to compete with the intriguing collection of meats and cheeses in this oh-so-friendly market.  You can easily walk in here clueless about wine and come away with a purchase sure to make you look clever at next week’s dinner party.  A serious display of local brews rounds out the fare.  My friend and I packed ourselves a lovely little set of snacks for the drive home—you should, too!

I feel bad that I hadn’t given Valparaiso much thought beyond an 1-65 exit before my visit. I couldn’t have been more wrong.  My friend and I left thinking, “My hometown should feel like this—can we move here?”  Valpo has all the spiff of a elegant suburb with all the warmth of a small town.  Perfect!  Next time you drive by, don’t just drive by—stop and enjoy all this town has to offer.

Next up, we travel a little further west to Griffith to sample more Northwest Indiana hidden treasures.

NAPLES, FLORIDA Itinerary

A "Short Row" Weekend in Naples, Florida


Florida means the “House of Mouse” to lots of folks, but I’ve actually spent more time on the west coast of Florida--the Gulf side for those of you directionally impaired--in Naples, to be exact. Dally for a few days from November to May, and you’ll wonder why anyone bothers to live where snow shovels are needed. (August might leave you pining for Michigan, though, so it evens out.) Ordinary people might not think knitting and beaches go together, but those of us with fiber fever know knitting goes with everything. In fact, if I’m sitting on a beach, odds are pretty good I’m knitting. Then again, if I’m sitting anywhere, odds are pretty good I’m knitting. But I digress.

We’ll look a three perfect days--well, two and a half--in pursuit of Florida fiber fabulousness. You can find some more conventional shops with a quick Google search, but I’m delighted to introduce you to a new, charming shop as well as some great local places your average travel magazine may not point out.

FRIDAY
First Stop:
USS Nemo
3745 Tamiami Trail North
Naples, FL 34103
239-261-6366
ussnemorestaurant.com
“Job One” down here--or perhaps for us yarn lovers “job two”--is seafood. It’d be just plain irresponsible to spend more than thirty minutes in this zip code without eating something that used to swim. So check in to your lodgings and plan on an early dinner as you wander your way up Naples’ main North-South thoroughfare, Tamiami Trail. Our first stop is a stylish and sophisticated spot, only you’d never guess it from the unassuming outside (except for maybe the packed parking lot). I admit, I misjudged it as a family-friendly theme-ish restaurant based on the name, and my tween/teens did enjoy their meals (they do actually boast a kids menu), but this is really more of an adult place. The fusion of asian and seafood--along with the theatrical submarine decor--is unique and clever. While their miso broiled fish is their hallmark, I had a fabulous salad and a primo fish taco.

Next Stop:
Alvin’s Island
5295 Tamiami Trail N
Naples, FL 34103
239-262-1648
www.alvinsisland.com
Hate your swimsuit? Forgot your flip-flops? Need a hermit crab in a painted shell to keep you company? Head a little on farther up the road to Alvin’s Island. If you’re traveling north from Naples proper, each of our stops tonight will be a mini-lesson in the challenge of left-hand turns in Florida. They take some planning. And some courage. Persevere, though, because this is the massive hundreds-of-beach-towels-lining-the-walls kind of place you just don’t find inland. If you can’t score a souvenir t-shirt for your nephew here, you’ve got issues. Stock up on anything you need--or just something you’d never dare at home because after all, no one knows you here--and you’re outfitted for your adventures.

Next Stop:
The Bean
8803 Tamiami Trail N
Naples, FL 34108
239-594-0088
Wander up a little more. Tucked inside a strip mall is a cozy coffee joint that hosts live music on Friday nights. How can you not love a coffeebar with a piano in one corner and local artwork on the walls? Grab your drink of choice and perhaps get a few rows done on whatever project you brought for your plane/car ride while you listen to a local artist. It’s the perfect post-travel decompression activity, if you ask me.

Food, coffee, floppy hat, loud shirt, hermit crab, check. Head back to your lodgings, get in a couple of more rows, and then turn in for the night.

SATURDAY
Eat a good breakfast, today is chock full of adventures!

First Stop:
The Best of Everything
28194 S Tamiami Trl,
Bonita Springs, FL
(239) 948-5828
www.bestofeverythingnaples.com
We’re not done yet with our friend Tamiami. The Trail has a few more goodies in store. Our first stop today is the most excessive store you’ll ever see, the Florida phenom known as The Best of Everything. The website lists another location at 3754 Tamiami Trail (just south of USS Nemo), but I’ve only been to this location, so I can’t vouch for the closer shop. You know a store is good when they have to put up a waiting area for men and the parking rivals a city street. I guarantee you’ve never seen more accessories in your life, or more rhinestones outside of Vegas. One local review called it “like a candy store for grown up girls.” The prices vary from “give me one in every color” inexpensive to “what?!?” posh, with everything in between. Everything. Seriously, give yourself at least an hour to wander the aisles with the little black velvet tray they give you when you arrive. I’ve never seen anything like this place, and I visit every single year.

Next Stop--Our Fiber Fix:
Gabriella’s Yarn Shop
14950 Old 41 N
Naples, FL 34110 US
239-325-9251
www.ready2knit.com
Now that you’re accessorized within an inch of your life, shoot west over “Old 41” to the most charming yarn shop in the most unlikely place. I guarantee you’ll drive past this place--maybe even twice--if you’re not looking, but tucked into an industrial-looking block on the south side of Old 41 is Gabriella’s Yarn Shop. Opened just last December, Gabriella has set up a thoughtful shop with an impressive selection of quality yarns. If you like to felt, this store will make your mouth water. You won’t find much in the way of flavor-of-the-month novelty yarns, but this shop features a well-focused selection of outstanding basics. In short, you won’t end up wondering how you walked out of there with orange eyelash--Gabriella’s made sure you can’t go wrong.

I’m of the personal opinion that the very best yarn shops have mascots. Adorable, friendly Casey, a small white dog, is likely to meet you at the door and escort you throughout the shop. If he could, Casey would remind you to get here well before 2pm, when they close on Summer Saturdays.

Owner Gabriella Bittner, whose husband runs boutique wine importers Bittner America Inc., has gone out of her way to make a friendly shop where all kinds of good things await. Here are the projects she recommends when you visit

Guilda Scarf
This kit from yarn faves The Twisted Sisters is one of those great projects that takes a simple idea and turns it into a dramatic showpiece. It’d be hard to pull together more pizzaz for the $55 kit price, and you get everything in one package. The Twisted Sisters call this “the Femme Fatale of scarves,” and the description is right on the money. If your date isn’t impressed by the beading and design of this scarf, he’s not worth another shot.

Peony Scarf
Another great kit--and our Knit-Along from this store, is the Peony Scarf. Dripping in luscious springtime colors, this wispy scarf is soft as a cloud, and the perfect accessory for a city like Chicago, where Easter as often be snowy as it is sunny. $45 buys you a whole lot of glamor and touchability. Patience is a virtue here--the scarf is done on size 4 needles with a single row coming in at over 400 stitches, but there’s a worthy pay-off indeed. Well, so far. You’ll read more about my impatient nature in the forthcoming Knit-Along.

Noni Bags
Gabriella’s has developed somewhat of a specialty in Noni bags, where you pick you own feltable wool and lining materials to create a one-of-a-kind donations. A slam-dunk “gotta have it” anytime I see one (and I don’t even like to felt!), these are w-a-a-a-y cool. The store sells a dizzying collection of snazzy handles to give your bag a finishing touch, and offers many classes to help you along the way. Flowers are what make Noni bags the crave they are, and Gabriella stands ready to help you through the patterns and choices. You’ll be the envy of all your friends, whether they knit or not.


Next Stop:
Lunch at Naples Tomato
4700 Tamiami Trail N
Naples, FL 34110
(239) 598-9800‎
naplestomato.com

Not far away is an amazing restaurant and foodie store, Naples Tomato. Known as a wine restaurant, most people think of Naples Tomato for dinner, but it’s a great--and less busy--choice for lunch as well. You could spend the entire afternoon tasting their impressive selection of wines (and no one would blame you if you did, especially with their cool wine dispensing system), or stock up on a variety of Italian specialties to nosh on the beach in what might constitute the spiffiest picnic ever. If the wine importer recommends the wine restaurant, you know it’s got to be worth a visit! Have a leisurely lunch while you decide which of your projects is best suited to cast on for beach knitting because...

Next Stop:
Head to the beach at Delnor Wiggins Pass State Recreation Area
11100 Gulfshore Drive
Naples, Florida 34108
239.597.6196
http://www.floridastateparks.org/Delnor-wiggins/default.cfm
You’d be foolish not to get in a little shore-leave while here on the Gulf coast. Locals prefer Delnor Wiggins to some of the other beaches, and you’ll get just a touch less of the touristy feel on this quiet but popular beach. May to August constitutes sea turtle season, but you’ll have to stay up late at night to catch that natural wonder. For now, kick back in your beach chair and take up my all-time favorite Naples pass-time, knitting on the beach. If you get antsy, an observation tower, nature center, and a connecting trail of boardwalks provides a bit of a diversion. If you go late in the day now, after lunch, not only will you avoid the Saturday crowds (and a nasty sunburn), but you can nosh on your goodies while you watch the sun go down and the pelicans fly in formation--one of the best shows south of Broadway. If you’re stressed out after this day of bling, yarn, vino, and sand, you’re beyond my help, sister.

SUNDAY
First Stop:
Randy’s Fish Market for Brunch
10395 Tamiami Trail N.
Naples, FL 34108
239-593-5555
http://www.randysfishmarketrestaurant.com
Seafoods spots abound in this neck of the woods, but my personal fave has always been Randy’s Fish Market. If you didn’t even know groupers had cheeks, this is the place to round out your culinary education. Order just about anything--it’s all good here--but make sure you finish your meal with Key Lime Pie. And don’t dwaddle: this place is popular and doesn’t take reservations, so get here at the crack of 11am or you might be waiting a good long time. If you want to do dinner here one of your nights instead, same goes--only be here by 5pm.

Next Stop:
Tin City
U.S. 41 East at Goodlette Rd.
Naples
www.tin-city.com
Okay, I’ve sent you up Tamiami long enough--time to explore Naples proper, especially if you haven’t had the chance to do it already. And for me, first stop is always Tin City. It’s ubiquitous, cheesy, touristy, and I love it anyway. Tin City looks like someone strung tin shacks together in a Lego set, and you find yourself wandering from tiny shop to tiny shop like an explorer in a foreign bazaar. Even if you only come out of there with one of the half-pound chocolate chip cookies from the Serious Cookie Company, you’ll have had a ball looking at clothes, gifts, t-shirts, and collectibles until your eyes glaze over.

Next Stop:
Naples Shopping
If that doesn’t float your retail boat high enough, go upscale and wander down posh 3rd and 5th Avenues, where you’ll get a real “Old Naples” feel. Banyan trees, fountains, benches, outdoor dining, art galleries and jewelry stores give this area a unique costal flavor. Where there are loads to choose from, I always seem to end up eating at Meson Ole Jr. (770 5th Ave), probably because they have a good gelato place practically built in next door. Another favorite stop is 5th Avenue Coffee Co (559 5th Ave). The website explorenaples.com will give you a good overview if you want to do more than just wandering the streets, but why plan when you can wander in the sunshine?

Next Stop:
Naples Pier
12th Avenue on the water

Every good DestiKNITion must have a really cool place to knit in public. Now, be warned; wind may be an issue, but one of the most amazing places to park it and stitch must be the the Fishing Pier in Naples on 12th Avenue. A mid-sized walk from the shopping (but a walk that showcases some really wonderful beach homes), this is coastal in the extreme. The sheer people-watching--or is that fisher-people watching?--on this pier is fascinating. I think I heard six languages and a dozen accents on my last trip alone. Even if you don’t stop to stitch among the fishermen, or even if a breathtaking sunset doesn’t leave you enough light to see your size 2 needles, go anyway. The thing has been rebuilt through a fire and a handful or hurricanes--it deserves a little respect.

And there you have it. A perfect weekend discovering some out of the way joys in Naples Florida. I hope you go home with a good memories, some cool yarn, a few baubles to go along with it, and a decent tan.

As always, I recommend a bed-and-breakfast guest house. More details to come o this one:
A Dream Come True Guest House
4641 5th Avenue N.W.
Naples, Florida 34119
239-352-6887
www.adreamcometruegh.com