College move-in days are quickly approaching across the nation, and that means the days college students have left in "The Region" until the next school break are dwindling as well. Northwest Indiana is a very memorable place to grow up in and leaving your hometown behind is never easy. Whether you are leaving "The Region" for a vacation, college, or for good, there are nine major things you will miss when leaving Duneland:
1. The Indiana Dunes
Like most inhabitants of the area, you probably spent a lot of time at the Indiana Dunes, located on Lake Michigan, this summer. These trips to the beach were not limited to summer only, however walking on shelf ice in below freezing temperatures were always fun as well. Unfortunately, if you are going away to college, you probably won't have the luxury of driving 10-20 minutes to the nearest beach. Even if, they will not compare to those at home.
2. Chicago
From taking a quick and easy day trip to the big city or admiring the skyline from the Lake Michigan shore, Chicago is an asset to the region's entertainment. Although it is obviously not located in NWI, things are made even easier thanks to the South Shore running from South Bend to Chicago. From Lollapalooza to the Taste of Chicago, countless memories have been made here growing up.
3. The 49er Drive-In
Only 366 functioning drive-ins are left across the United States, and we are lucky enough to have one right here in Valparaiso. When your friends and family could not decide on plans, this was always an option on summer nights.
4. Central Time
Northwest and Southwest Indiana are the odd men out in Indiana as they are located in the Central Time Zone. Unfortunately, as soon as you head south or east, you will enter the Eastern time zone, and your internal clock will be messed up until you return.
5. The Local Food
Like Northside Diner in Chesterton, there are dozens of small restaurants across the region that the locals often frequent. Typically having the same meal every time you go, you will definitely miss this when you leave the area.
6. The "Indiana" Weather
At most times, the Indiana weather is very annoying. Lake effect snow is ridiculous at times, but always comes in handy for cancelling school. It is also not uncommon for the temperature to go from 0 to 100, real quick. Northwest Indiana has one of the most beautiful and true four seasons in the states.
7. Construction and Trains
This deadly combination is a valuable excuse for being late to anything. Especially during the summer, your commute is almost always impacted by construction or trains. Although this probably will not be missed much, it always came in handy when you needed to change the song or send a quick text.
8. Walmart Runs
It is always comforting to know you are only twenty minutes away from a Walmart in almost every part of the Region. It basically has everything you need, right? It is also a great pastime to people watch at 2 A.M., considering there isn't much else to do at that time in the area.
9. Friends and Family
It is not easy leaving the friends you have made here and your family member behind, whether it is for a trip or extended period of time. "The Region" lifestyle have allowed you to bond with these special people on a entirely different level than anyone else. Keep your friends and family close, and do not let the distance between you affect your relationships.
