Know any unique (and local!) Airbnbs? I do 👀

Good Thursday Morning! This newsletter is for the newbies, the lifers, the townies, and the domers.

In today’s digest:

• $30m grant to build new housing

• A fire station / restaurant / Airbnb combo to check out

• Last call for restaurant week

• Curated events

Note from Alayna: — Keep the Pad Thai recs coming! One reader sent in Taste of Asia in Mishawaka, and I’m set on trying theirs next.

This issue is 1,127 words, a 3.5-minute read.

The Digest

$30M Housing Boost for St. Joseph County 🏠

The Lilly Endowment gave St. Joe County's Community Foundation their largest-ever grant. A huge $30M. Here is where they plan to spend that money:

• Add 200+ new homes in southwest downtown South Bend

• Turn empty lots into housing across Michiana

• Work with Elkhart and Marshall counties on regional housing projects

FYI: The Community Foundation helps fund local projects to improve life in St. Joe County. Work starts this year and runs through 2029.

🏍️ Could your snowmobile hit county roads?

Here’s something cool. St. Joe County Council is looking at letting folks drive snowmobiles and off-road vehicles on county roads - something all SB’s neighboring counties already allow.

The Michiana Trail Riders (a local snowmobile & off-road club) showed how it could work with their recent event in Elkhart County, where 87 vehicles and about 200 people toured local shops and restaurants.

City Council's getting input from police and engineers before deciding. The next meeting talking about this is Feb. 25 at 5:30 pm in the County-City Building.

Local Business

A Local Feature: No. 6

Meet the restaurant with an ever-changing menu and cooler than most history: No. 6 Scratch Kitchen.

• I’d make a rec, but their menu changes every day and can include anything from ostrich to wild boar, even buffalo

That’s not even the coolest part though! Here’s a brief backstory on their name + location👇

Built in 1897, Fire Station No. 6 once housed a fire station, South Bend Civic Theatre, and then absolutely nothing—until 2017, when it was reimagined as No.6 Scratch Kitchen, blending history with a fresh, culinary twist.

And just kidding, there’s something maybe even cooler than their history.

👉️ It’s an Airbnb too (located right above the restaurant). How’s that for a cool retreat?

You can find them at 701 Portage Avenue, open every Tues-Sat from 4:30-9:30 pm.

Last call for Restaurant Week

Restaurant week is genuinely the best time to go out and try cool food offerings around South Bend. Twice a year, nearly 30 locally owned restaurants will pull out special menus paired with usually great prices.

Some are even participating in a cocktail contest, with a $100 prize for voting 🍸️ 

Check out the full list of restaurants and peek at their menus before you go. Ends Feb 9!

The Happenings

Curated picks 📆 

🍱 YP @ 5 @ Woochi

Looking to connect with other young professionals in South Bend? Join the YP @ 5 networking event on February 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Woochi Japanese Fusion & Bar downtown.

It’s the perfect chance to mingle, share ideas, and—let’s be honest—stand around awkwardly pretending any of us knows how to “network” (RSVP here).

So, come for the “networking,” and stay for the food, drinks, and my charming personality! RSVP now and let’s hang!

🔬Science Alive

Get ready for a day of discovery and fun at Science Alive 2025! This free, family-friendly event takes place on Saturday, February 8, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Main Library in downtown South Bend. No registration is needed—just drop in and enjoy!

Science Alive features interactive exhibits, live stage shows, and hands-on activities for all ages. Meet local scientists, explore displays from over 40 organizations like the Potawatomi Zoo and Notre Dame, enjoy live demos, face painting, and more!

Don’t miss this exciting chance to spark curiosity and inspire learning. For full details, visit the St. Joe County Public Library’s website.

More events

A mix of things happening this weekend and into next week!

🏎 Hot Wheelers Collectors Club allows you to connect with others interested in everyone’s favorite mini-racing car! Details

😁 First Fridays: Swing by downtown this first Friday in February for an evening of fun and merriment. Details

🐐 Baby Goats at the Farmers Market this Saturday, so grab some fresh whole foods from your local farmers and meet some adorable baby goats. Details

🛠 Solutions for Success hosted by the South Bend chamber is an opportunity to learn about how to be successful in business - check it out! Details

💞 Sweethearts Mini Social: Pals, if you’re the one planning Valentine’s Day for your S.O., consider this unique event from DSSC Details

🫖 Tea with Neighbors: Grab some tea with the folks at Neighbor to Neighbor this week; meet some new people or connect with others in your community. Details

✨Coming soon✨

If you’re like me and love planning ahead, mark your calendar for these events after February 13th!

🧘 Soul Fire Yoga Date Night offers the opportunity to enjoy a night out with your partner to reconnect through partner yoga poses, aromatherapy, and more! Tickets

🦄 Unicorn World will be a fun-filled day for the whole family with life-sized unicorns, a magical forest, and much more!  Tickets

🪴 Play - Create - Heal at this all-ages event from conscious Michiana. Tickets

🧑‍⚖️ Free Museum Admission for Presidents Day - Check out some local history. Tickets

⛲️Free Market Swap @ The Well - The Well on Mishawaka Avenue is hosting a “donate what you can/take what you need” clothes and other items swap! Details

Rapid Fire Hits

Quick headlines and things to know from all around 🌐

Lounge Away in the Bend at the new lounge in the former Emporium restaurant on the river (Details)

Headlines from 100 years ago: “Chicken Thieves Strike Again”. If you need a little chuckle to launch your weekend, check out this headline from history from the South Bend News-Times 

New Brewery Coming to the Bend just four blocks from Four Winds field, called ‘Ivy Alley’. (Details) 

SBPD Offers Security Upgrades for local businesses and nonprofits (Details)

The new South Shore Train Schedule is coming to town after receiving input from passengers (Details)

The Michiana 40 under 40 is an annual program that honors 40 dynamic professionals under the age of 40 who are making a difference in their workplaces and communities. (Nominate someone here)

Looking for gems around Indiana? Look no further (Get Indiana)

Happy Thursday!

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