The first thing my husband and I did when we moved here was to find the public library. The Tippecanoe County Public Library is a wonderful library system with three branches in the county. My favorite things about it: no rental fees on DVDs and other media, no overdue fees, and you can put stuff on hold and pick it up when it comes in. They have programs and story times for kids, book groups, and community lectures and talks -- there is one coming up about freezing fruits and vegetables. Check out their website and get a library card!
Columbian Park
Maybe Columbian Park is my favorite park because it is our neighborhood park but it is a great place. There is a giant playground, a free zoo, and Tropicanoe Cove. Take a ride on the park train, let your kids eat some sand at the playground, then go pet the baby goats in the zoo (they're not quite babies anymore but still awesome).
Lafayette Farmer's Market
The downtown Farmer's Market is one of my favorite things to do on a Saturday, though there are markets on other days of the week and in other locations. My daughter and I love to go downtown, wander through the market a couple of times to see what's being offered, pet as many dogs as possible, buy a bag of kettle corn, and then buy the rest of the vegetables we want that week. It is a great place to people watch, buy great food, and enjoy a Saturday morning.
The downtown Farmer's Market is one of my favorite things to do on a Saturday, though there are markets on other days of the week and in other locations. My daughter and I love to go downtown, wander through the market a couple of times to see what's being offered, pet as many dogs as possible, buy a bag of kettle corn, and then buy the rest of the vegetables we want that week. It is a great place to people watch, buy great food, and enjoy a Saturday morning.
Aldi Grocery Stores
There are two Aldi stores, one on US 52/Sagamore Pkwy between McCarty and Kossuth St in Lafayette. It is next to a car dealership and seems and odd place for a grocery store but there ti is. The other Aldi is in West Lafayette on US 52/Sagamore Pkwy, close to Soldier's Home Road. Aldi is maybe the least expensive place to buy fruits and vegetables and most of their staples are cheaper than other grocery stores. The store only has its own house brand products except for the occasional "special buy" of a national name brand product. Bring a quarter to rent your grocery cart and your own grocery bags -- they don't bag your groceries for you -- and check it out. They don't take credit cards so either bring cash or debit card. (They do take EBT/food stamp cards as well but not WIC.)
Okay, now I want to hear about your favorites!
Okay, now I want to hear about your favorites!
This is a comment from Julina L.:
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm glad you included Aldi - when my mom was RS president, she felt it her duty to introduce the Utah (and other western state) transplants to the joy that is Aldi. Guess you felt the same way :) Seriously, new people (and old people who are holding out), I was raised on Aldi and it's old slogan of "The Stock Up Store" is no joke. And then there's the bonus fun-ness of "special purchases", like their generic version of Nutella. Amazing!
As for other favorites - if you don't have a washing machine, my preferred laundromat is the Levee Tan & Laundry in the Levee shopping area, across from Wabash Landing 9 in West Lafayette. It is staffed 24/7 (well, it's closed on some holidays), has free Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities, and is about the same price as the other laundry facilities I've been to ($1.50 for regular washing machine, 8 min for $0.25 for regular dryer).
And that's all for the moment :) Glad to have you here..."
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And that's no joke about the Aldi Nutella, I've already purchased eight jars -- only two left. Yikes! But it is so so good.
Some of my favorites to add:
ReplyDeleteLafayette Symphony
The Lafayette Symphony has concerts about every month, and plays some great music. They have student discounts, and first-time subscriber discounts. http://www.lafayettesymphony.org/
Lafayette Citizens Band
Over the summer, the Lafayette Citizens Band gives free outdoor concerts every Thursday evening. It's not an auditioned group, but they really do a nice job, and play some of the fun big band tunes. http://www.lafayettecitizensband.org/
Historic 9th Street Hill
This is a place to walk around or drive by. It's fun to see some of the older architecture. Around July 4th, they have flags on display, and in December, they have luminaries all along the street. http://www.ninthstreethill.org/
Riehle Plaza & Pedestrian Bridge
The Pedestrian Bridge crosses the Wabash River, and is just pleasant to walk on. In the middle is a sundial, with a plaque describing the history. There's a fountain at one end, and Riehle Plaza at the other end. Riehle Plaza has a fountain that kids can run through.
Battleground, Indiana
You can read up on the history of the Battle of Tippecanoe (http://www.battleground.in.gov/sites.htm, http://www.tcha.mus.in.us/battlefield.htm) and then visit the site. There's a museum, and the start of a 10 mile trail that goes right back to downtown Lafayette.
Fort Ouiatenon
Fort Ouiatenon was a major site for trading in the 1700s. It had been controlled by the French and the British at various times. On Saturdays, the one building at the site is open with a historian there to answer questions. It's a fun place to visit, and free. http://www.tcha.mus.in.us/ouiatenon.htm
Feast of the Hunter's Moon
In October, the Feast of the Hunter's Moon is a huge reenactment of a trading outpost in the mid-1700s. There are all sorts of shows, people dressed up, booths, food stands with incredible food, cannons being fired, troops marching by . . . it's great! http://www.tcha.mus.in.us/docs/2010brochure.pdf
Gordon Food Service
GFS is a restaurant supply store, and sells stuff in bulk, but you don't have to have a membership. I think some of the best buys they have are shredded cheese, flour, brown rice, almonds, and cookie sheets. Also, if you go on Friday afternoon, they have free samples. http://www.gfs.com/en