If you drive through Gary, it can be an intimidating place to the naked eye. But I see a resilient city, beset by economic downturn, declining population and blighted infrastructure, which relies on its character and tradition.
I was born and raised in Gary, which ironically made it tougher deciding how to spend one fine day in my hometown. There were some attractions that were no-brainers, but I wanted to provide non-natives some insight into places that are unique to Gary.
For Gary locals, homey pop-up eateries affectionately called hole-in-the-walls are far more popular than chain restaurants.
Morning
There probably isn’t a place in Gary livelier than Charlie’s Coney Island (2490 Broadway, 219-883-2117, facebook.com/pages/Charlies-Coney-Island/117344351616547) on the corner of 25th and Broadway at 6 in the morning. You’ll walk in to the aroma of your grandmother’s kitchen on a Sunday morning.
Whether it’s the pork searing in pans, the scent of a fresh pot of coffee brewing, or the joy of the customers excited about a homemade breakfast, there’s a unique ambiance that gives this place character.
You can order the traditional pancake breakfast, salmon croquettes or a range of breakfast sandwiches that’ll remind you of something that you would make in your kitchen.
The food is cheap and tasty. The restaurant hours are 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. There is a lunch menu, but they serve breakfast all day.
After grabbing some breakfast, there’s only one logical place to visit next. Take a ride down the street and in two minutes you’ll arrive at the childhood home of one of music’s most iconic legends.
When I travel across the country and tell people I’m from Gary, there’s one response I get overwhelmingly: “Isn’t that where Michael Jackson’s from?”
I always smile and reply: “yes, and the rest of the Jacksons.” Oh, how easily they’re forgotten.
At 2300 Jackson St. is without question Gary’s biggest attraction. It’s where the patriarch of the family — Joe Jackson — cultivated his children’s talents and where the legend of the Jackson 5 was born.
The prim white paint and neatly trimmed bushes makes this home look like the ideal 1960s middle-class American home.
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There are affectionate comments about Michael Jackson written in marker, White Out and pen on the black metal fence surrounding the property. In the front yard there’s a black granite monument with a silhouette of Michael Jackson on his tiptoes with an image of the moon in the backdrop. Engraved around the moon are the phrases “Home Town of Michael Jackson — Gary, IN.” and “Never can say goodbye.”
You can visit the Jackson’s house morning, noon or night and I assure you someone will be there within minutes eager to get a peek at Michael Jackson’s childhood home.
After a pit stop at Michael Jackson’s home it’s time best to enjoy the weather and some time outdoors.
Lake Etta (4801 W. 29th Ave., 219-944-7461, lakecountyparks.com/parks/lake_etta.html) is 98 acres of land situated on the north side of the Little Calumet, offering a variety of recreational opportunities. Its features include a stocked fishing lake, swimming, and canoe access to the Little Calumet River, picnic shelters, open barbecue grills and hiking trails.
Afternoon
If you haven’t realized by now the range of food options in Gary can sometimes be overwhelming. So let me put you on game.
You can swing by SteelCity Cheesesteaks (3101 W. 5th Ave., 219-977-9621, facebook.com/steelcitycheesesteaks/) where they boast about having the best cheesesteaks in the Midwest — an argument many people who have eaten there would support. To get anything other than a cheesesteak would be head-scratching.
Then there’s Kelly’s Soul Kitchen (5025 W. 5th Ave., 219-951-0662, facebook.com/theKellys13/) where they serve soul food unlike any other place in the region. Their expansive menu includes jerk chicken, turkey chops, candied yams, collard greens, fried chicken, macaroni, corn bread and an impressive selection of desserts guaranteed to satisfy the sweetest tooth. Or if you want some good barbecue visit Big Daddy’s BBQ (4213 Cleveland St., 219-888-9592, eatbigdaddys.com), where it’s best to call your order in ahead of time.
On this afternoon, I’m headed to Vee and E Original Jamaican Jerk Chicken (3712 Grant St., 219-512-2446, facebook.com/pages/Vee-E-Original-Jamaican-Jerk-Chicken/218187718206485). I defy anyone to find a more delectable meal in the city (I’ll wait). I always order the jerk chicken wing dinner that comes with cabbage and red beans and rice. They don’t switch out the sides so don’t ask. They only accept cash so leave your VISA at home.
Evening
After grabbing a bite to eat it’s time to venture off to the most scenic place in Gary — Marquette Park (1 N. Grand Blvd., 219-938-7362, marquetteparkgary.org/). Located in the Miller Beach community of Gary, Marquette Park’s 241 acres of walking trails, high sand dunes and nearly 1.5 miles of public beachfront offers a unique experience to anyone fortunate enough to be visiting.
As you stand on the beachfront overlooking Lake Michigan, the picturesque view of Chicago’s skyline is breathtaking. You can go for a walk along the shoreline, lie out in the sun for a tan or go for a dip in Lake Michigan (be mindful of the turbulent waters).
After a few hours at the beach or exploring Marquette Park, it’s time to finish your day with a tasty meal.
Just a short drive from the beach is Flamingo (8341 Locust Ave, 219-938-0323, facebook.com/Flamingo-Pizza-Of-Miller-379366835954/), a staple of the Miller community. With a laid-back atmosphere, this restaurant offers a good selection of stone baked pizza and booze. If you’re looking for something from the sea, they have lake perch or shrimp.
After spending a day in Gary full of activities and food, I hope you get a genuine glimpse of what it has to offer. There’s culture and character not only in the food and people, but also the makeup of the city.
Twitter @JavonteA