- The Michiana Memo
- Posts
- 2.6.2025
2.6.2025
Happy February, Michiana Memo Members! January literally felt like the longest month EVER.
On to some gangsta’ history in Goshen.
“It’s easy to see why Goshen officials might have been worried. In the early 1930s, John Dillinger and his gang had already raided and robbed their way through much of the surrounding area, plundering police arsenals in nearby Auburn, Peru, and Warsaw for weapons, ammunition, and bulletproof vests, and holding up a bank in South Bend. Goshen officials believed their town’s place along the Lincoln Highway between New York and Chicago –- and their two downtown banks — made the community a target for gangsters.
So the mayor directed construction of the tiny armored post to ensure a round-the-clock police presence in the area. Built by WPA workers, the concrete block booth incorporated bullet-proof glass and ports for guns at the windows. Ironically, the structure was completed in 1939, long after Dillinger died in a Chicago shootout with police in 1934.
Though it never saw any action with marauding gangsters, the booth continued to serve local law enforcement for 30 years as a sort of downtown command center, with an officer on duty there 24 hours a day.
Today the tiny building is a quirky landmark and a popular photo-op backdrop for law-abiding travelers along the Lincoln Highway.” -In The Name of the Law via Indianalandmarks.org
So…welcome to the SIXTH edition of Michiana Memo AND a big thank you for continuing to read!
Appreciate you - and if you like this newsletter, please forward to a buddy and help grow Michiana Memo! If you’re feeling inclined to follow Michiana Memo on Instagram - you can do so HERE!
Weather Forecast: Friday-Friday
Event Calendar: Valentine’s Day Edition
FEBRUARY 6 @ 5 PM | Weekly Trivia Every Thursday in Elkhart, IN at 523 at Bent Oak - Get ready for Bingo Night starting this Thursday! Every Thursday starting at 5:00, we will host several rounds of Bingo for a chance to win some fun prizes. The kitchen will be open, so come on out for some tasty food and fun! Make your reservations today!
FEBRUARY 7 @ 5-8 PM | Sparkly Winter Walk in Elkhart, IN at Wellfield Botanical Gardens (free w/ general admission) - Enjoy an evening walk in Wellfield's Winter Wonderland! Our main promenade will be cleared and lit for families to enjoy time "after hours" in the Gardens.
FEBRUARY 7 @ 5-7 PM | Galentine’s Day Rose Wine Tasting in Elkhart, IN at The L Wine Bar - Love is in the air. Grab your pals and raise a glass to Rosé with us! Celebrate Galentine's a little early and stock up for all your loved ones this season on February 7th. Our next FREE Walk-In Wine Tasting features the best of Rosé from around the world--no RSVP required. Sip and savor with your crew from 5-7pm with FREE tastings hosted by our in-house sommelier. Take home your favorites with purchasing available on-site.
FEBRUARY 7 @ 6:30 PM | Wall Hanging Workshop in Mishawaka, IN at the Arty People ($30/person) - Join us for this super fun, and totally customizable, wall hanging workshop! You'll learn basic Macrame knots which is perfect for beginners and no experience is necsesary. This will be a really fun class and you'll be given guided, step by step, instructions with freedom to customize your color choices and material textures.
❤️FEBRUARY 11 @ 6 PM | Valentine's Wine Tasting & Charcuterie Building Class in Niles, MI at 2nd & Main Coffee ($75/person) - Indulge in a curated selection of fine wines while learning the art of creating the perfect charcuterie board. Our team will guide you through pairing techniques and presentation tips to elevate your culinary skills. The evening will also feature a hands-on workshop where you can craft your own beautiful dried flower bouquets, adding a touch of elegance to your experience.
❤️FEBRUARY 14 @ 6:30 PM | Murder Mystery Dinner in South Bend, IN at Tippecanoe Place ($80/person) - Join us for an evening of fun and adventure where you help unravel a murder. At Murder by Design, you attend our dinners as one of the suspects. You are given a character to play as well as a history of who you are; including tidbits and rumors about your fellow guests. During the dinner, you get to know everyone, share what you know and find out what you can... which you will need to establish a motive... for murder.
❤️FEBRUARY 14 @ 6:00 PM | Valentine’s Day Dinner in Union Pier, MI at Tapa Taco ($50/person)
❤️FEBRUARY 14 @ 6:30 PM | Valentine’s Weekend Dinner in Elkhart, IN at 523 Tap & Grill - special menu HERE, available Friday and Saturday (Feb 14 & 15)
MARCH 15 @ 8 PM | Paranormal Event in Niles, MI at Beeson Haunted Mansion ($35/person) - Beeson Haunted Mansion is known to be very spooky and very haunted - they periodically host haunted tours/ghostbusters tours - and they book up fairly quickly. You can reach out on FB to book.
Foodie Recs
Take a breather this weekend ad and enjoy our top picks. You bring the drinks, we’ve got the links.
Vinyl Tap & Table: Elevated bar food? Flaming cheese appetizers? Karaoke night? Check, check and check. This place has a great casual vibe, but has STELLAR food - good spot for lunch or dinner.
Corndance Tavern: If you haven’t been to Corndance - you’re missing out. You can either eat in their restaurant - OR visit their butcher shop and cook up your own gourmet meal. Make reservations if you plan to go during busy/peak dinner hours - otherwise you might have to wait a bit. We suggest the sabered steak - they serve the meal on a saber sword!
Trailside Coffee Co: Located in Middlebury, right along the Pumpkin Vine bike path, this coffee shop is delicious. They also have fresh gourmet popcorn, Amish-style pretzels and…their large iced coffees are 32 OZ. DELISH.
Dream Of The Week: Barn wedding venue + old stone farmhouse to match? Hidden gem.
Steal Of The Week: Outdated ranch needs a little lovin’
✨Do you have a unique suggestion or event that you would like to have featured on Michiana Memo? Submit your idea HERE. ✨
Never want to hear from us again? Break our hearts and unsubscribe below.