Gary, IN
 

Is it true that Gary, IN is the murder capital of the world? What areas of IN along Lake Michigan would be safe, worth seeing?

Yes Gary is scary. And to top things off, it smells. The Indiana Dunes beach is nice, but I don't know about this time of year. I'd go into Chicago or the Saugatuck (sp?) Michigan area.

True now - per captia, Gary ranks as the top spot for murder. When I was growing up (35 + years ago) it was a bit dicey; now it's gone to pot. There isn't anything that you would want/need to see there, anyway. <BR><BR>Michigan City is a nice place to visit. Several shopping outlets/malls, a lighthouse visitor area, etc. What specifically are you wanting that's "worth seeing?" Nature? There isn't much in the way of cultural things to do; head into Chicago for that.<BR><BR>This site may be of assistance:<BR><BR>http://www.219.com (based on the area code for Gary and surrounding cities).

The police and ambulance crews won't even respond in a timely manner when things go sour in Gary....and it's legeal for them not to. They wait till the smaoke clears then go in and clean up.

Yikes! We're just a family from the West Coast interested in visiting the birthplace of the great-grandparents, Gary and south Bend. Doesn't sound like such a great idea, after all!

Hi,<BR><BR>

If you are going to Gary make sure to visit Miller and Marquette Park. Take in the view of the Chicago Skyline. Don't miss lunch or dinner at the Miller Bakery Cafe on Lake Street. You will love it. This is the best part of Gary. You might want to take a 15 minute side trip down route 12 or 20 to Chesterton, IN. Go to Lucretia restaurant and visit several Antique shops. Make sure you look past the Indian Boundary and 49 intersection and actually get to downtown Chesterton. If you want to stay in Chesterton try the Gray Goose INN or the Indian Oak INN. They are both located on a little lake. At first you will be disappointed because they are behind alot of development, but once you get back there you will be surprised. You might also want to stay at the Spring House INN-very cute and in a wooded setting, but not as close to the antique shops. For less fancy food try Wagner's ribs in Porter- Porter is adjacent to Chesterton 92 minutes) everyone knows this restaurant. Also Santiagos is cute. Try mama's soup. From Chesterton you are only 40 minutes from New Buffalo, MI- Definitely worth seeing if you have time. Try Hannah's. Also there is a huge outlet mall near the lake in Michigan City on route 12. Lots of good shopping. Nautica, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Crate & Barrel etc.<BR><BR>Have Fun,<BR>Melissa

Its me again, I made a typo. Porter is 2 minutes TWO. From Chesterton. Sorry

I stopped in Gary on my way to Chicago to get some gas and it only took about a minute for some bum to ask me for money! I told him, "sorry, I can't help you." I Then looked around the neighborhood and felt like I was in the inner city of Detroit!<BR><BR>YES, GARY IS SCARY!!!!!

St. Joseph, Michigan is very pleasant and an easy drive from South Bend

You didn't say how far north into Michigan you wanted to go, but the further north you go the prettier it gets. It becomes hillier. The west coast is really nice. Charlevoix, Petoskey, Harbor Springs,Cross Village, up to Mackinaw City. These are all very pretty. Really nice places to visit/live.

Strongly agree with Melissa's suggestions for a visit to this area. You can base yourself in the area she suggests (Porter County) and safely drive into Gary to find your family sites with no problem. The Miller area of Gary is very nice and you really shouldn't miss the Miller Bakery Cafe (despite its name its for dinner). Unless you are into Trumps Casino, I can't think of a place you would really want to stay in Gary but as Melissa said there are plenty of great places nearby in Portage, Chesterton, and Valparaiso so check those out. I'm heading off for vacation in Washinton DC and it doesn't get many points for safety either but with a little common sense it doesn't worry me.