Ramada offers three Romance Packages

The Ramada in Angola is offering three new Romance Packages...just in time for Valentine's Day!

The One Night Massage and Dinner Package includes one night at the Ramada (king bed), hot continental breakfast, a $20 gift card to Caruso's Italian American Restaurant, a couple's massage at Aurora Day Spa and a box of chocolates for $190 plus tax.

The One Night Dinner Package includes one night at the Ramada (king bed), hot continental breakfast, a $20 gift card to Caruso's Italian American Restuarant and a box of chocolates for $95 plus tax.

The final offering is the Two Night Massage and Dinner Package. Included are two nights at the Ramada (king bed), hot continental breakfast, a $20 gift card to Caruso's and a $20 gift card to Applebee's, a couple's massage, pedicure, haircut and shampoo at Aurora Day Spa and a box of chocolates for $399 plus tax.

All these packages are based on availibility and advanced reservations are required. The salon spa times are also based on availability. Call the Ramada at (260) 665-9471 for reservations.

Take the plunge!

If you're in the mood for a swim, there are two 'Polar Bear Plunges' this week in Northern Indiana Lakes Country.

The 18th Annual Polar Bear Dip begins at 2 p.m. at the public beach on Hamilton Lake Friday, Dec. 31. It's sponsored by the Hamilton Lions Club and helps finance charitable works in the community.

On New Year's Day, take a plunge into the icy waters of Snow Lake at Dave's Lake Shack. The dip begins at 2 p.m. A free taco bar will be available following the plunge.

It's toboggan time!

The toboggan at Pokagon State Park is offering extended hours during Christmas break.

Monday, Dec. 26-Thursday, Dec. 30, the 1,780-foot dual-lane toboggan will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are considered holidays, so it will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's closed on Christmas.

Following the new year, take advantage of the Friday Night Special: rent two toboggans, get one free! Toboggans rent for $10 per hour and hold up to four people. Children must be old enough to understand and abide by the rules.

The normal park admission of $5 per Indiana vehicle and $7 per out-of-state vehicle is charged daily.

Looking for that perfect tree?

If you need a freshly-cut locally-grown Christmas tree, look no further than Booth's Tree Farm in Orland.

Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 23, Booth's offers a great selection of trees. They expect to sell approximately 2,500 trees this season!

Booth's is located at 5555 N. State Road 327, just south of the four-way stop in Orland. As a bonus, they offer free horse-drawn wagon rides on Saturday and Sunday.

Call (260) 829-6226 for information.

Round-up of Halloween events

Various Halloween celebrations will be held throughout Northern Indiana Lakes Country.

On Friday, Oct. 22, the Fremont Pumpkin Trail features storytelling, a shadow puppet theater, games, a pumpkin display and candy! Meet at the Fremont Public Library between 5 and 7 p.m.

The next evening, the fun moves to the Selman Timberframe in Commons Park in Angola. Between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., take a hayride, play some games, eat some candy and enjoy a campfire. On Monday, Oct. 25, the YMCA of Steuben County hosts a free Halloween Howl. Children up to age 12 are invited to attend this safe trick-or-treating event between 6:30 and 8 p.m. Costumes are encouraged.

Angola's trick-or-treating hours are between 6 and 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29. Go Angola hosts a special event downtown, with the Halloween Spooktacular between 5:30 and 7 p.m. A DJ will spin tunes at the courthouse between 7 and 8 p.m. and vintage horror movies will be shown.

On Saturday, Oct. 30, the town of Orland hosts trick-or-treaters between 5 and 6:30 p.m. A free carnival will be held at the American Legion from 6 to 8 p.m., with costume judging at 7:30 p.m. Hamilton's Annual Fall Festival offers fun all day long, including a chili cookoff, corn hole tournament and dance. Trick-or-treating is between 5 and 7 p.m.

Finally, Pokagon State Park hosts Ghost Tales and Other Stories of the Season at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. Parents with younger children are encouraged to attend the earlier session. The cost is $1 per person. Refreshments will be served. The normal gate fee of $5 per Indiana car and $7 per out-of-state car will be charged.

Corporate Toboggan Speed Challenge set

The Angola Area Chamber of Commerce presents the first Corporate Toboggan Speed Challenge on Thursday, Dec. 2.

Registration includes two launches (with rides back up to the top of the hill) plus dinner for four, catered by the Potawatomi Inn. There are various sponsorship opportunities for your team. For more information, contact the Chamber at (260) 665-3512.

The launching begins at 5 p.m., followed by food and beverages in the warming center. Awards will be handed out at 7:30 p.m. Each team will have a maximum of four riders.

Wild Winds hosts Fall Rendezvous

Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve in Fremont is hosting its popular Fall Rendezvous through Sunday afternoon.

This pre-1800's living history re-enactment is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wild Winds, 6975 N. Ray Rd. Tours of the preserve, via an open-air vehicle, are also offered at this time for $8 per adult. Approximately 200 buffalo make their home on this 400-acre preserve. Visit www.wildwindsbuffalo.com for more information.