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We asked a few of our favorite Culver people what they would do if they had 8 hours to entertain someone who had never been here before. Here's what they said:  

A Full Day Itinerary

Andrea Canacci, President of Culver Lakefest Committee

This is what I would do with 8 hours in Culver in the Fall/Winter. TIP: Before visiting Culver for a day trip, check out the Art is in the Air Culver Event Calendar to line up your trip with one of our upcoming events!

9:00AM: I start the day with a visit to the Culver Coffee Company (CCC) before I start my walk along the lake upon the Culver trail. I love coming here with my dog, Bernie, and he loves it too. The CCC always has a treat for us both. So many options, the Mexican Hot Chocolate, one of their monthly specials, or perhaps their Matcha Magic latte. Today, I go for my usual, the oat-milk latte with vanilla…and an extra shot of espresso. While my coffee brews, I love to browse the merchandise section of the coffee shop, and smell every candle while I’m at it. Stores in Culver have plenty of options if you are gift shopping, and this is one of them.

9:20AM: Bernie and I continue our day, walking along the trail through the park all the way to Academy Road. If my son were with us I know he would enjoy hearing me read the story featured on the trail this month. TIP: If you’re traveling to Culver with a dog during the week Monday – Thursday and need somewhere for them to play while you shop or dine, TLC to the Max is $10 a day for doggie daycare, and worth every penny. Today is a Friday, so Bernie is going to stick with me for now. But after our walk, I have a hankering for something sinful. I drop off Bernie at my parent’s house.

10:00AM: The Sinful French Toast at Café Max on Main Street is calling me like Blondie in the 80’s –ok sorry for the “Dad jokes”. It’s a cinnamon roll AND French toast, can breakfast get any sweeter? After breakfast and a large glass of water, I head next door to One11 to do some early Christmas shopping – the reason for my trip today.

11:15AM: I love the ambiance and how I always seem to discover something new here at One 11. I found the perfect gift for someone on my list. TIP: At the register of these Culver stores I like to see what local events are being advertised. It’s nice to see small businesses coming together to put on events of their own, and those that will bring in more visitors to our small town. I then head over to Civvies, the scent of the store greets you from the sidewalk. 

I usually walk out with one of their Volcano candles, but today I was browsing the clothes. At the Collective, just next door it’s full of artsy and unique gifts. They also have a new addition these days, Earthwerks, where you can paint ceramics and have them glazed. It makes for a great homemade gift. I will have to come back to do some ceramic painting another time. Down the street is The Garden by Elizabeth, a great place to go for a perfect arrangement for any occasion. By the time I have visited each shop it’s already afternoon and I am hungry again. 

1:30PM: For a quick bite to eat or even as a sit down, I go to Bourbon street for pizza or one of their sandwiches. TIP: Culver is home to different types of cuisine, but pizza might be one of the most popular. You can get pizza from Bourbon Street, Papa’s, the Culver Coffee Company, and Lucrezia. For a fun day out with friends, try to taste pizza from each establishment to find out which one is your favorite! The great thing about Culver is that it’s very walkable, so you can eat pizza and walk it off as you go. For a lighter option for lunch, the Culver Coffee Company has delicious soups and salads, or I would recommend the Lakehouse for their French Onion soup on a cold Fall or Winter day. 

2:30PM: My next stop is to the Culver Union Township Public Library, they have got some of the best programming for family/children activities. But when I am alone, I love getting lost down the aisles and seeing what books are featured month to month. Today I found a cozy corner, and read part of Alexander Hamilton’s graphic biography -it was different than the 2-inch thick novel I read some time ago, but both are interesting and will grab your attention. 

4:00PM: After the Library, I make my way down the street to Lucrezia for a cocktail before dinner. I like to sit at the bar and chat to the bartender, or see who comes in and will strike up a conversation. One thing about Culver that I love is the friendly atmosphere wherever I go. Lucrizia is my favorite place for authentic Italian cuisine, and an aperol spritz makes me feel like I am in Italy enjoying vacation. TIP: Come to Lucrizia’s on a Monday with friends for 50% off a bottle of wine, or on a Wednesday for cocktail specials. 

5:00PM: After a drink or two, I am ready for dinner and a fun night out. My go-to for a Friday night dinner is the Lakehouse because I love their karaoke nights. TIP: On Friday nights at the Lakehouse they have karaoke starting at 10PM. Even if you are not a singer, it makes for a fun night out with friends. I know my 8-hours is coming to an end, but I plan on staying around Culver a little longer to sing a song or two. 

Thanks for hanging with me, and hope to see you in Culver soon too! 

A Full Day Requires an Overnight Stay

Amber Cowell, Culver Park Superintendent

Eight hours in Culver requires an overnight stay since you will be so tired from a full day of activities! Be sure to check out the ‘Stay in Culver’ tab on the findculver.com website for a list of Culver’s lodging options. We have a Bed & Breakfast on Main Street, the Culver Inn on Lakeshore Drive, lakeside condominiums at The Culver Cove, and 90+ Airbnbs/VRBOs. Once you have your lodging booked, get ready to pack your schedule full of Culver activities! I always like to start my mornings off with breakfast - my favorite meal of the day. You can enjoy coffee/breakfast at the Culver Coffee Company on Lakeshore Dr., Frida’s on State Road 10, or Cafe Max on Main Street. After breakfast, a mid-morning walk is essential. I will let you in on a Culver secret, the best place for a light hike - The Bird Sanctuary. The Bird Sanctuary is located on Culver Academies campus, right across the street from their football field. The opening is hidden at the intersection of E Lake Shore Drive and State Road 10. There are a few trail routes marked on trees/rocks, follow the orange ones for my favorite out and back hike. Winter and fall are the best time of year for this hike. This is Culver’s best kept secret!

Once your morning is complete, grab lunch at Cafe Max, Frida’s, The Lakehouse Grille, Lake Max Beach Bar (summertime only), Culver Coffee Company, or The Original Rootbeer Stand (summertime only). I will quickly grab lunch and head to the Culver Park for the Culver Farmer's’ Market at the west pavilion before 1 pm (end time). Of course shopping downtown is a must after the market. A lot of Culver’s shopping options can be found under the findculver.com ‘Things to Do’ then ‘Shopping’ tab.

My favorite evenings in Culver include dinner at Papa’s or Lucrezia with entertainment afterwards at a Culver Park concert or outdoor movie. Of course I have to use this opportunity to highlight park programming! The outdoor amphitheater at the park is a unique and beautiful space with Lake Maxinkuckee as a back drop. A full list of events, including park programs, can be find underneath the ‘Event Schedule’ tab at findculver.com. Everything in Culver is done with partnerships and heart - our events and programs are at the center of this! Small town BIG heart! I can’t wait for you to experience that too :)