Hammond is no longer a sleepy town or a place straining to sketch an identity in the shadow of Chicago.
The city’s official website is called www.gohammond.com. Everything around here feels like an exhortation emphasizing movement, action and activity.
The state’s eighth largest city is on the move and showcases a thriving arts and theater scene, an abundance of choices of physical activity and scenic wonder, and a funky local bar and club network.
Spending a pleasurable and thrill-seeking day here recently underscored the wide variety of entertainment, food and cultural choices.
Morning
If you are looking for a chance to make history, then check out the special interactive art exhibit, “Bead Town: Along the South Shore,” at the Welcome Center (7770 Corinne Dr., 219-989-7979, www.southshorecva.com/south-shore-cva/indiana-welcome-center). Running through the end of September, visitors are part of an epic quest to help establish a new Guinness World Record by piecing together some 15,000,000 recycled beads on a 3,311-square foot mural.
The Challenger Learning Center (2300 173rd St., 219-989-3250, www.clcnwi.com), at the Calumet campus of Purdue University, draws on state of the art technology in providing an immersive, fun and innovative way in deepening understanding in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
The planetarium and laser shows are a true visual sensation, and the exciting, you-are-there perspective is played out in the simulated space missions that transport participants into the privileged and rarefied spaces of a Mission Control room and a space station simulator. It’s not just for kids. Programs are also available for adults.
The Erie Lackawanna Railway ceased operations more than 40 years ago. The city repurposed the abandoned freight route and converted it into the Erie Lackawanna Trail (219-853-6389, indianatrails.com), a 17.7-mile asphalt trail that stretches all the way to Crown Point. The Hammond part begins at the intersection of Sibley Street and Hohman Avenue and runs more than four miles. The space is ideal for biking, roller blading, skateboarding, running, walking and sightseeing. The trail also intersects with the Monon Trail and the Little Calumet River Levee Trail to further open up possibilities, sights and natural wonders.
The Hammond Civic Center (5825 Sohl Ave, 219-853-6378, gohammond.com/departments/parks-and-recreation/civic-center-stadium/) has a vibrant history documenting the city’s greatest athletes through its Hall of Fame, with a multipurpose facility with swimming, basketball, racquetball and a fitness center offering treadmills, free weights and weight machines.
Those in pursuit of a more solitary or direct experience with nature have the pristine wonder and beauty of the Hammond Lakefront Park and Bird Sanctuary (701 Casino Center Drive, 219-827-5109, indianaaudubon.org/places/united-states/indiana/hammond/northwest-1/hammond-lakefront-park/).
The 600-meter strip of lakefront land offers a perfect opportunity to get lost amid the natural and exotic splendor. Most important it offers the best location to see significant and particular species such as the Connecticut and Mourning Warbler or the Clay-colored sparrow. Once known as the “Migrant Trap,” this is a thrilling and direct way to examine migrating passerines.
Afternoon
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Recently the city has become a thriving and vital center for new artists. MergeArts (5920 Hohman Ave., 219-931-4005, mergebuilding.com/arts.html) is a driving force of the nascent movement. The mission of the gallery is to provide exposure to new and emerging regional artists. The arts organization has connected its curatorial initiative to the deeper community needs. It joins each exhibit to a charity that nets 10 percent of art sales.
Downtown Hammond has been undergoing a revitalization. Restaurateur Andres Gonzalez has functioned as both witness and catalyst to that widening popularity as the owner of the Don Andres Restaurant (5318 Hohman Ave., 219-937-0000, facebook.com/Don-Andres-restaurant-648761391848194/).
“We opened here in 2000, and the surrounding area was pretty rough,” Gonzalez said. “Business dropped again during the recession, but it is coming back. It is exciting to be part of something like this. You feel a change.” The Mexican breakfast is a signature dish, with flavorful works such as Eggs Rancheros or the Chilaquiles. The three-egg omelettes are another delight.
The Hammond Marina (701 Casino Center Drive, 219-659-7678, www.hammondmarina.com) provides some of the best local sports and recreational possibilities. With its pristine location atop the Southern Shores of Lake Michigan, the boating season extends through the middle of October. Organized under the auspices of the Hammond Port Authority, the marina hosts special theme events like Venetian Night and special cardboard races. A pedestrian trail offers easy access to other water, gaming and nearby sports activities at Wolf Lake.
Hessville Park (7299 Kennedy Ave., gohammond.com/departments/parks-and-recreation/neighborhood-parkspoolstrails) is spread out over 14 acres and features two baseball fields, a basketball court, swimming pool, picnic shelter and a warming house.
Evening
Jason’s Bar & Grill (3949 Hohman Ave., 219-933-1976, www.jasonsbar.net) is a sought after destination for excellent food and drinks. Breakfast is also a new available option. Owner Sal Verta created the restaurant in 2009 in honor of his son Jason, a decorated marine corporal who died in a car accident on home during his leave. The pizzas and Vesuvio or Philly Beef sandwiches are superb.
The atmosphere is both welcoming and funky, with free pool on Monday and Wednesdays and free darts twice weekly. Tuesday is pasta night, with particular favorites Aglio, shrimp and broccoli and lasagna. They serve food until 11:30 p.m. You can also kick out your own particular jams and private stylings on Thursday night with karaoke.
Another nighttime attraction is the Boulevard Lounge (6825 Indianapolis Blvd., 219-844-0275, facebook.com/BoulevardLoungePage). It plays to a younger crowd, with its lived in feel and tangy mix of live music and special events.
The versatile Anchor Inn Sports & Entertainment Bar (6712 Calumet Ave., 219-933-4677, facebook.com/AnchorInnHammond) fits multiple needs as a dive bar, sports bar and live music venue. The upstairs pool table and a jukebox lend the room some character and flavor. The bartenders are legendary for their conversational ease and grace. It’s also an excellent community and artists platform, with its frequent acoustic jam sessions open to all musicians that offer a bracing jolt of excitement and eclecticism for new and emerging performers.
