lifepath

If you come to Lafayette in mid-June, don’t miss the annual Taste of Tippecanoe, organized by the Tippecanoe Arts Federation. Food vendors of all kinds, 7 stages with live bands of various genres, artists selling their work (and even painting your portrait), bounce houses, dunk tanks, giant blow-up slides for kids, lots of fun. The day is capped off with a wonderful display of fireworks. A great all-town celebration not to be missed.

excellent home-cooking and generous portions. very casual atmosphere, diner-style. good prices. popular with locals.

I grew up in Glenview, and this has long been our family’s favorite. You can’t beat the fresh Chinese food – and they even make us special dishes that are not on the menu, when they have special deliveries of fish come in, etc. This is a critically-acclaimed, award-winning restaurant with an awesome chef and an owner that really knows her business—Jeanette is a great hostess. Check it out – a must-visit if you’re on the North Shore.

classic, local cuisine, this restaurant is most well-known for it’s “Hackney Burger,” a thick, juicy, tender burger on dark rye (or you can choose another) bread, with onion, tomato and lettuce on the side. The block of fresh onion rings is also a big favorite. The whole menu is good – featuring Irish and American food, mostly. The Reuben sandwich is also outstanding.

don’t expect to be able to use credit cards in this (or most rural Italian towns). Bring cash.

I’ve lived in many states and a couple other countries, and Lafayette, Indiana is a wonderful place to live for many reasons…. For example, the people are mostly kind and decent, variety is constantly expanding, crime is minimal, property values and taxes are low and schools and libraries are excellent. The town combines a historic downtown, urban area with a college town (mainly West Lafayette, home of HUGE Purdue U but there are several kinds of colleges in town), suburbs and malls on the outskirts (besides the main indoor mall there are three super Walmarts and a Super Target and a Meijers and many dozens of strip malls) surrounded by farms.

The town is brimming with science and engineering and trades people, so one area that is lacking a bit is non-conventional arts and creativity, but this has been improving. Lots of townies are into “crafts” and folk music, bluegrass, etc. as well as rock, country and top 40. Many people who grow up here never move away.

For things peculiar to Lafayette, try the spring “Bug Fest” at Purdue (everything you wanted to know and see and touch related to insects) and the Feast of the Hunter’s Moon with its reenactment of a battle between Indians and local settlers. Taste of Tippecanoe, Civic Theater and various museums and bands that play all over town (free concerts during the summer in Riehle Plaza, downtown) add to the fun. Purdue also draws many famous speakers and performers such as Garrison Kiellor, Spike Lee and political figures. Overall, Lafayette has a lot to offer in flair, interesting things to do, intelligence and friendliness.

a fun, casual, let-loose time with two dance floors and “tiki” island decor, Riehle Brothers Tavern and Athletic Club serves meals all day (good, inexpensive food) and many kinds of drinks. Some specially featured activities include fight club nights (wrestling and boxing), live bands, poker tournaments, volleyball leagues (indoor, sand court), dart and pool leagues and many other offerings.

this “downtown” is the same as “historic downtown” so you may want to click on that section for the details – why duplicate?

I’ve lived in several states and two different countries, and by comparison to all other places, the Tippecanoe Country Public library system is AWESOME -> organized, online access, huge collection, all free check-outs, no late fees (unless someone has requested your item), reserve/holds system and very friendly service. [West Lafayette Library is another story…] Several branches exist and send materials to each other by easy request (even one in West Lafayette and a mobile library for outlying areas). TCPL services is definitely one reason to live in this area. Your tax dollars working hard.

eclectic and retro atmosphere especially for artsy, funloving types but professionals also love hanging here. awesome, unbeatable beverages, especially the freshly-ground coffee of the finest beans – and best Chai anywhere (not a powder!) and hand-made, fresh food. Comfortable couches, tables and bistro areas. Mural on the wall featuring faces of regulars (and the owner). Very friendly, family-run, fun and casual hang-out place. Magazines, journals and games available. Free WiFi and computer online use. Weekend nights often feature live performances.