By: Ashley Bishop, KEDCO Intern
This story is part of a summer blog series focused on experiences in Kosciusko County through the lens of KEDCO Communications Intern, Ashley Bishop. As a K-County native and senior at Butler University, Ashley shares her inside scoop on things to do and places to see, as a 20-something living life fully in Kosciusko County.
Kosciusko County summers offer amazing opportunities for staycations. With numerous lakes, parks, great restaurants, and plenty of summer festivities, it’s hard to go wrong. I’ve found myself in love with summertime in K County.
Here are some personal suggestions of what to do for a fun (local) weekend:
For the kids, a week at Camp Crosley YMCA in North Webster is an ideal getaway without going far away. Camp Crosley also offers day camps for anxious, young campers! I worked at Camp Crosley for a year and it truly is a great place to not only work, but also for kids to let loose and find a home away from home. Not to mention, it’s also on the beautiful James Lake (or Little Tippy). Kids can go rock wall climbing, swimming, play sports, practice their archery skills, ride horses, go tubing, canoeing, and kayaking, and take the plunge down the Wet Willie!
When I worked at camp, there were a few fun spots to eat in the area. A personal favorite is Kiyomi Japanese Cuisine up in Syracuse. I love their sushi rolls… like, a lot! I suggest trying the Godzilla and Black Dragon rolls along with some miso soup! Another favorite spot is Joe’s Ice Cream Supreme down the road. They have loads of unique ice cream flavors. So many flavors that I have to try a new one every time I go! On breaks, I’d make a quick trip to The River Coffee House in North Webster where they have good coffee, pastries, and some lunch items.
For outdoor family fun, there are multiple campsites, trails, and lakes spread across the county. throughout the county. One place I frequented as a kid was Jellystone Park in Pierceton. I made good use of the pools (obviously) and made all the s’mores a kid could want.
Close by, there’s the Taproot Brewhouse and Company in downtown Pierceton. They have domestic and craft beers, appetizers, salads, and pizzas.
Not feeling outdoorsy? Enjoy some art! In downtown Warsaw, Atelier just opened which is a modern art exhibit. Before your visit, eat some of the delicious food offered downtown in restaurants such as Biryani Kitchen, Oku Roji, La Troje, and more!
You can also visit Pottery Bayou in the Village at Winona where you can paint pottery! This was definitely a favorite activity of mine as a kid. Art is also featured along the Heritage Trail in Winona Lake to make a scenic walk.
Lastly, if you’re seeking some live entertainment, head to the well-known Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts. This summer you can see The Little Mermaid, Escape to Margaritaville, Kiss Me Kate, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more. This is a special experience as it’s a theater in the round, making all seats in the house good seats!
Check out more local amenities and event happenings:
