Starting May 14, Kosciusko County residents can find new ways to learn about where they live.
That's when "Visit Kosciusko Week" kicks off.
The event, organized by the Kosciusko County Convention & Visitors Bureau, is a way for residents and out-of-towners alike to discover all Kosciusko County has to offer.
"It's a way to educate people who live here as to why people come here," said Mary Kitrell, CVB executive director.
The two biggest events take place on Saturdays to allow more people the chance to take part.May 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will be a sneak peak of the Art & Earth Trail.
The trail, opening in June, is a collaboration between seven counties in Northern Indiana to feature local artisan and businesses that use local agriculture.
The following businesses are featured on Saturday's tour:
- Cerulean Restaurant will hold and open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.
- Blue Heron Artworks
- Winona Woods will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Canal Street Gallery will offer a free turtle with purchase and refreshments from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
-- Sacs & Co. will offer 10 percent off all lotions and candles, excluding clearance items.
- Eagle Creek Farms Market will be grilling out from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pottery Bayou will offer half off studio fees if customers mention "Art & Earth Trail Sneak Peak" from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 10000 Park BAK-AFE will host an open house from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Mount Memorial Art Gallery will serve refreshments from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- The Masterworks Festival will serve refreshments and offer a free promotional DVD from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wagon Wheel Theatre will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Warsaw Biblical Gardens will be open for visitors from dawn to dusk.
- Warsaw Cut Glass will serve refreshments and have free glass-cutting demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointments are necessary.
- Purr-fectly Unique Design Studio & Boutique will offer 20 percent off items excluding consignment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Lakeland Art Association will serve refreshments from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Weckmuller Fine Chocolates will offer free samples and 10 percent off purchases of $12 or more.
- Blue Pearl Art & Antiques will offer 20 percent off selected items from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Future Heirlooms Art Gallery, Custom Framing is taking 20 percent off for May on custom framing only and 10 percent off all items in the store. Refreshments will be served May 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Anchor Inn Bed and Breakfast
- Brook Pointe Inn will hold a grand re-opening from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Creative Fish Art Gallery will serve refreshments from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Country Home Furniture will give 10 percent off to those who show an Art & Earth brochure from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The Teapot and More will serve refreshments and allow patrons to cut off sprigs for their own tea from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Art and Soul, L & K Produce, The Dixie Boat and Turkey Creek Alpacas will not be taking part in the sneak peak but will be involved in the tour when it starts in June.
May 18 and 20 there will be Geocaching classes starting at 6 p.m. Geocaching is a scavenger hunt-like activity where people use GPS devices to find hidden items throughout an area. People can pick up GPS Devices at the visitors bureau.
There will also be a foodie event May 22.
Weckmuller Fine Chocolates will have a dipping demo from 3 to 4 p.m..; Afternoon Tea and Presentation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., and Cerulean's Caleb France will host a cooking demo from 10 to 11 a.m.
WRSW and Willie 103.5 will do live remotes starting May 14 at the visitor center. The live remotes will continue May 17 in Mentone and the stations will also visit Leesburg, North Webster, Syracuse and Pierceton.
For more information, call 574-269-6090 or toll-free at 800-800-6090 or visit www.koscvb.org/visitKosciusko
