Best Downtown: Crown Point

May 21, 2010 12:00 am

Crown Point's downtown is a quaint throwback to yesteryear, with pleasant shops surrounding the historic courthouse.

Jennifer Young, director of special events for Crown Point, says, "The downtown in Crown Point is a perfect setting for all of our special events, because it brings visitors back to a time in the past, and gives them a chance to make new memories.

"We have our car cruise on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., our Farmers' Market starts in June on Saturdays, and we have parades, festivals, and people just enjoy the downtown. Plus, we have the best scenic view of the courthouse, and it's really awe-inspiring."

Crown Point Mayor David Uran says, "We do a lot of family-oriented activities downtown. We've added a St. Patrick's Day parade in the evening so people have something to do downtown in the winter season, we do a National Day of Prayer, we have our Fourth of July parade, and last year the National Softball Association Girls World Series held their opening ceremonies downtown and 8,000 people came out for that from five or six area states.

"So these are events we constantly do to promote our family atmosphere here in Crown Point. We couldn't do it without the help of the different businesses that participate, which puts people in front of their stores, so we cross-promote what they're doing and what we're doing for the city. We keep our downtown very clean and updated and it's a great destination point."

-- Heather Augustyn

First: Crown Point

Crown Point Chamber of Commerce

Old Courthouse Square, Room 206

(219) 663-1800

http://www.crownpointguide.com

Second: Valparaiso

Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce

162 W Lincolnway

(219) 462-1105

http://www.valparaisochamber.org

Third: Chicago, Ill.