The small community of Lowell (pop.11,239) in Lake County is an hour south of Chicago, just into Indiana over the Illinois border. It’s an easy 20-minute drive along Route 41 from llinois, where visitors will find a charming town, platted in 1852, full of deep Midwest character. Lowell came by its name courtesy of the region’s founder, Melvin Halsted, who built a grist mill in the area. According to the town’s website, the milling industry that grew there, courtesy of Mr. Halsted, resembled the grain processing in Lowell, Mass.
Traveling along Commercial Street, Lowell’s central road, the first thing to notice is the postcard-like 19th-century architecture, which seems made for the backdrop of a holiday romance. If it’s still early or you need an afternoon caffeine pick-me-up, the woman-owned Old Dog Coffee Shop is the spot to get out from behind the wheel. It is known for its handcrafted beverages featuring various area roasters and locally baked pastries. Locals often rave about their seasonal specialty drinks, which add a creative twist to traditional favorites such as a Gingermallow Chai Latte, a pickle lemonade or a caramel apple frappe. If you’re a java lover, the shop sells pound bags of beans from various northern Hoosier roasters: Smugglers (Lowell); Dagger Mountain (Valparaiso); Maple City Roasters (Michigan City); Rensselaer’s Coffin Coffee Company; Steamwhistle and Small Town, both from Crown Point; and, lastly, Harbert, Mich.’s, Red Arrow Roasters.
A few doors down, McVey’s Restaurant & Bar has been a dining mainstay since 2006. With a storefront from the 1890s as its welcome, the lunch and dinner menus give a 1950s supper club vibe, with items like spinach and artichoke dip and locally caught freshwater fish alongside steaks, chicken and seafood. They also have a full bar and a special martini menu with fun drinks such as a Melon Ball with watermelon liquor, Mint Meltaway made with vanilla vodka and creme de menthe, and a pineapple upside down with amaretto and, of course, pineapple.
Not to be outdone, the casual George’s Family Restaurant opened in 1984 and serves made-to-order dishes throughout the day. The family-owned diner is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (except Sunday, when it closes at 3 p.m.). Brunch is the best time for popular eats such as housemade cinnamon rolls, farmhouse tacos stuffed with sausage, bacon scrambled eggs, cheese and guacamole, skillets and even gluten-free pancakes and bread. Try a Bloody Mary, made with their house mix and a strip of bacon as a swizzle stick.
Beyond food, Buckley Homestead County Park offers a point of view from 1849 by Irish settlers. Hosts in period dress share the history of the living farm. It’s an enjoyable destination for families, with reenactments and events throughout the year. After a trip to the past, don’t forget to stop at the Calumet Astronomy Center, home to the Northwest Indiana Robotic Telescope, for a glimpse into space.
