My little town

There is more than corn in Indiana, no really!!!

There are lakes!! Lots and lots of lakes, and I am lucky enough to get the chance to live near one.

I am from a small northern Indiana town named Syracuse. Where small town farmland mingles with lake life, and summer guests. Life us slow and Fast food is out of a cooler on the deck of a boat, if you’re lucky!!

When you google Syracuse, even specifically noting INDIANA, New York pops up. I mean, of course it does...

Where in the world IS Syracuse Indiana?!

A few hours north of Indianapolis and a few hours south of Chicago and Detroit smack dab in the middle of a tiny towns secret paradise.

Seemingly stolen off the pages of a fairytale, Syracuse has 2 main lakes; one self named, Syracuse lake and the other Wawasee.

Wawasee is one of Indianas largest natural lakes and is home to some of the most beautiful sights.

Sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking and people come from several states around to enjoy life on its shores for generations.

Life at the lake is relaxation at its finest

Springtime at the lake is calm and quiet. So is the town

The water is fresh and just awakened from it’s frozen slumber. Besides an occasional fisherman, it is still and peaceful. As the trees begin to bud the wildlife is active and unafraid of movement on land.

Most boaters on the water now are locals who have called Syracuse home for years and the lake seems endlessly huge.

This is the time to experience pure tranquility. True reflection and perspective.

In Town local businesses are preparing for the slew of guests that will arrive just before Memorial Day

And our small town more than triples in size for a few months.

Every 4th of July the homeowners put on a spectacular display of lights and fireworks that could rival any other!!

If you’re able to watch the fireworks over the water, I guarantee it will not be something you will soon forget.

It’s like watching them in stereo, with the sound on 10!!

Days at the lake consist of a few things

1. Being social. Weekends aren’t complete without friends and family and the town bustles with “lakers”.

2. Water fun. Whether it’s tubing or skiing or just soaking up the sun. Any one and everyone is at the sand bar. Just don’t forget the sunscreen and cooler!!

3. Staying hydrated and enjoying some good food is an absolute must, and we have just what you need to satisfy almost any taste

After a long day on the water, it’s always fun to grab dogs and fries and an ice cold mug at the drive in root-beer stand.

If you choose, don’t leave your boat at all and dock it to enjoy burgers and spirits at the Frog or a swamp water the Channel Marker!! Mmmm, feels like home

If you are feeling adventurous you can take part in the sailboat races or sit on the shore (or tube) and watch the decorated boats in the floatilla.

There are so many ways to enjoy the lake and the hometown atmosphere will have you feeling nostalgic for the good ol’ days.

Make memories walking around the lake and through the cattails on the catwalk. Bring along your camera and catch all the beauty and wildlife the lake supports.

The smell of the air and fresh water stirs the senses and rejuvenates the soul

Syracuse is a small town with some big connections to the past.

Years ago the Spinks was said to be privy to patrons such as Al Capone and other colorful personalities from Ch-town and visited by celebrities such as Rob Lowe and Oprah Winfrey.

Eli Lilly and a handful of well known

Business men also call Syracuse their summer home.

But you don’t have to be famous or even like water activities to enjoy what my hometown offers.

Fall leaves over a still bay or channel can mesmerize and make you feel time has stopped and you will wish it would.

Listening to the frogs and crickets as the wind stirs the leaves , lose all sense of time soaking up the sun or gazing at the moon.

In the winter as the water freezes, enjoy ice fishing or be a part of the snowmobile races across the lake. Put on your skates and take a loop or two and feel the brisk air nip your nose. Or strip down and polar bear with the neighborhoods bravest.

Drive through the country side and enjoy the other features displayed too:

Turn time off for a moment and listen. Listen to the water ripple or crash against the sea wall.

Listen to the frogs calling and crickets chirping. Maybe catch a swan dancing for its mate or ducks swimming their babies home.

At night, watch the moon shimmer and dance on the water. Let yourself be hypnotized by the lights of passing boats as they make their way across the now calm, still mirror like water. Peaceful. Renewed.

No matter the season, no matter the reason. Pack your bags and get ready for as little, or as many memories you can fit into your visit.

Syracuse holds it all. And don't worry, we have adopted a certain "big city's" catch phrase, with a "laker" twist: "What happens at the lake, stays at the lake!"

So hurry up and get ready to slow down, soak it up and take it all in!!

These are just a few of the highlights my home town has to offer.

Whatever you decide to do, you will not be disappointed. You will leave refreshed and energized, no doubt taking a little piece of paradise back with you in your memories.

Somedays I miss it’s allure and charm due to life and its worries, but when I pause and look I am reminded to slow down and breathe.

This small hometown never fails to remind me why I love to call this place home

- [x] ◦