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Published Mar/Apr 2006 Left: A backpacker exploring near Buchanan Pass in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Eric Wunrow, Colorado Tourism Office photo |
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Indiana’s passion for basketball is illustrated in this tale of two cities: South Bend and Valparaiso
By Kelby Hartson Carr |
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 ndiana is passionate about basketball. Whether it’s high school, collegiate or pro ball, basketball season is special here. And during NCAA “March Madness,” a tour of basketball-related sites is almost as good as making it to the Sweet 16.There are two cities with rich, diverse college basketball histories situated less than an hour apart. In both cities, the fervor for the local team is intense. Each city features a charming downtown oozing with character and lined with acclaimed restaurants. Each university has a church that is an architectural marvel. Indiana’s Valparaiso and South Bend, about 45 miles apart on Interstate 80/90, provide basketball fans two destinations a short drive apart. Notre Dame, well-known favorite The University of Notre Dame in South Bend has the big name, a beautiful campus and ranks among the top 10 universities with its 27 NCAA appearances. While the university is better known for its football program, its basketball team is no retiring violet. Notre Dame’s team reached the Final Four in 1978. The college is also known for producing some of the NBA’s first-round picks, including John Paxson, who played in the 1980s and early 1990s for the Chicago Bulls. Traveling on I-80/90, one can spot a shed with an enormous mural of the Notre Dame team logo. But South Bend is more than just the Notre Dame campus. The city’s downtown beckons with its reserved charm. While the downtown could use more shopping options, there is plenty to entertain visitors. Sports fans can get an additional fix at the College Football Hall of Fame on South St. Joseph Street. Chocolate lovers can indulge at the main branch of the Chocolate Café (Main Street), serving delicious South Bend Chocolate Company candies, chocolates and coffees. (There is also a smaller version of the café in Valparaiso’s downtown.) South Bend features two children’s museums, as well as the new Studebaker National Museum on South Chapin Streeet. A walk through its downtown reveals several fine dining options, ranging from an Irish pub to Italian restaurants to quaint, upscale bistros. A Cinderella team Valparaiso University, on the other hand, has a team that is commonly described with terms like “black horse in the running” and “Cinderella story.” This scrappy, underrated team has wowed college basketball fans by amassing seven trips to the NCAA just since 1996. The Valparaiso women’s basketball team also has seen tremendous success. This is an especially exciting year for Valparaiso University fans. Fan favorite Bryce Drew returned to Valpo as assistant coach. He is the son of the Crusaders’ current head coach, Homer Drew, and is famous for his buzzer-beating shot in the first round of Valparaiso’s unexpected, underdog run in the 1998 tournament. However, basketball is not the only reason to visit Valparaiso, located about an hour southeast of Chicago. Valparaiso’s downtown, with its inviting courthouse square, boutique shops, bakeries and art galleries, is an ideal destination for a relaxing afternoon stroll. There are also numerous quality restaurants in the downtown neighborhood alone, ranging from French food and a Spanish restaurant to ice cream parlors and family restaurants. Pop into many restaurants in Valparaiso and you will see university team jerseys, pennants and various other paraphernalia. Memorabilia is even posted on the walls inside a local dentist’s office. Equally impressive churches The two university campuses each have one building that is the centerpiece and architectural wonder of the landscape: the house of worship. Each church is beautiful to behold, but both feature utterly different architectural styles. Valparaiso University’s Chapel of the Resurrection dates to 1959 and cost $7.5 million to construct. The nearly 100-foot-tall chancel is topped with a unique star-shaped roof. Its design was inspired in part by the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Visitors should also wander inside to marvel at the stained glass, which encompasses one entire face of the building, and the massive church organ. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame provides a striking contrast to the modern style of Valparaiso’s chapel. Construction of the current building began in 1870. It is a captivating neo-Gothic cathedral topped by a striking gold dome. One entire façade of the cathedral features an elaborate mural of Jesus. Where to stay and eat The Inn at Aberdeen in Valparaiso, situated in a home with its origins dating back to the 1800s, is a pretty and welcoming choice. The AAA three diamond inn is a short drive from the university and downtown areas. A golf course and Artist Place Eatery & Brewpub are a few steps away. Bistro 157 in Valparaiso is an upscale, downtown storefront eatery with wonderful atmosphere and even better cuisine. The French and Asian inspired menu features wonderful meat dishes and delectable desserts. Pastimes in Valparaiso is a relaxed downtown pub with beer on tap and a university atmosphere. Located right on the Notre Dame campus, the Morris Inn is a fine AAA three diamond hotel. Guests can use the university’s two pools and exercise facilities. Another option is the Inn at Saint Mary’s Hotel and Suites in South Bend, which is located close to the university. The rooms are spacious, and the service is superb. Sorin’s Restaurant is located on the Notre Dame campus. Start your day with the Fighting Irish Breakfast. Lunch and dinner menus please many palates, with a diverse mix ranging from filet mignon to roast duck and a vegetarian graham cracker crusted tofu. Getting around Train travel on the South Shore Line provides a pleasant alternative to driving between Valparaiso and South Bend, which is less than an hour east of Valparaiso. With the Dune Park stop just a few minutes north of Valparaiso in Chesterton, riders can travel the hour-long ride to South Bend for about $7 one way. The South Shore Line also serves the South Bend Regional Airport, which is approximately a 15-minute cab ride from the Joyce Center where the Notre Dame basketball team plays. Buying Basketball tickets During the basketball season, you can buy tickets to Valparaiso University’s games for as little as $3 for a senior or child to a women’s basketball game, or $6 for a senior or child to men’s games. Notre Dame tickets run as little as $8 for women’s games or $12 for bleacher seats at a men’s game. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just an occasional onlooker, the games–and these cities–are sure to provide thrills, excitement and a slam-dunk getaway. Kelby Hartson Carr is a new contributor from Kouts, Ind. |
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