The Morris Performing Arts Center is a historic and cultural landmark in the heart of downtown South Bend. Originally opened in 1922 as the Palace Theatre, it began as a vaudeville house and has hosted icons like Houdini, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley. Saved from demolition in 1959 by local arts advocate Ella Morris, the venue was later restored and Read more...

Ali on the Boulevard is where artistry, style, and South Bend spirit come together. Founded by local designer Allison “Ali” Oesch Patel, this boutique began as a humble 8×8 booth at the South Bend Farmer’s Market and has blossomed into a beloved storefront in the heart of the city’s art district. Ali has been crafting one-of-a-kind, contemporary jewelry for over Read more...

Housed in the beautifully restored Dainty Maid Co. building, this vibrant culinary hub is breathing new life into downtown South Bend—one plate (and pint) at a time. Start your day with a bold brew from Revenant Coffee, or dig into a next-level brunch at The Breakfast Club, where classics come with a twist. Sticking around for lunch? You’ll find everything Read more...

Meet Christopher Neubauer. Coach Chris has an inspiring story of overcoming a personal challenge. He created a thriving business in downtown South Bend. With a passion for blending generations, Coach has created a one-of-a-kind environment. People of all ages can exercise together with a backdrop of energizing rock music. At Primal, Chris is transforming lives by meeting people at their Read more...

Circa Arts Gallery, a sophisticated yet approachable gallery, represents local artists with an emphasis on Arts & Crafts artisans.  The SBL pop-up shop turned permanent fixture within Circa Arts is where you can buy all your SBL gear.  We both agree it’s a match made in heaven since every piece has a story within the gallery, just like every SBL Read more...

Looking for a perfect place to spend a South Bend winter day? Head on out to Howard Park and experience the winter wonderland that it offers.  Take your children to play and skate as you have your South Bend Chocolate Company hot chocolate sitting by the fire pit to warm up.  Or, consider it the perfect date night as you Read more...

Fatbird is a welcoming restaurant in the heart of Downtown South Bend exploring the experience of the contemporary south. Self-described as a Southern-contemporary-style concept, Fatbird offers options from the Eastern Seaboard and the Deep South, such as jambalaya, grilled vinegar chicken, a Cuban sandwich, and red beans and rice. The bar offers house cocktails highlighting such Southern-aligned spirits as bourbon, Read more...

The Early Bird Eatery is a husband-wife duo who opened their doors downtown South Bend in 2018 with the mission of crafting crave-worthy brunch classics. They promise to turn up the dial with flavor, freshness, and local ingredients, and do they ever deliver!   Try the shrimp and grits if you are in the mood for savory or the blueberry Read more...

Abby Gillan Emmons, owner of The Ragamuffin said her ultimate life dream was to build community. As an actor living and working in New York, deep roots and building community was difficult.  She decided it was time for a fresh start, and with her grandmother’s zany recipes and love for baking instilled in her, she made plans to start her Read more...

Matt Logsdon shares some history of The Indiana Whiskey Co. and how he’s poured himself into South Bend and the craft of making whiskey. Matt jokes, “Once you know how to make a good whiskey, there’s really no reason to do anything else.” After tasting the goods we’d have to agree! You can sense the care, the process, the one-of-a-kind Read more...

What kind of yoga is this? It’s good yoga! Mostly flow-based, but there’s a variety so check the class descriptions. Each instructor teaches to the class’s needs, their own strengths, the time of day, and more. Students of every level are welcome in all classes. Try something new! It’s only an hour. Bend Yoga is located in the lower level Read more...

Barbershops were once a vital part of the community, De Nolf’s Barbershop is too. It’s a place to rewind, rejuvenate, and restore confidence. They’ll give you an old school feel to your fresh new look. Ethan holds a license in Virginia and Indiana as a Master Barber. He combines old techniques with new technology to create a unique experience in Read more...

Back in 1988, my father, Rosario “Ross” Mittiga, a 44-year old immigrant from the hills of Calabria in Southern Italy, bought this bar. The bar was called the Cap-n-Cork Lounge and needless to say, it wasn’t much of a student hangout. The Cap-n-Cork was a local, smoky, blue collar kind of place.  My father wanted to get more student business Read more...

Peg’s passion for the community and the personal relationships with the people she serves has only strengthened over the years. As the downtown corridor emerged into a destination spot, Peg thought it was important to be a part of downtown’s transformation. So, in October of 2017, she took another leap of faith and re-branded a new concept of PEGGS. “We Read more...

At The South Bend Civic Theatre, we believe theatre will enrich your life. In our eyes, it’s precious time spent with family, friends or that special someone. Live theatre brings people together like nothing else can. Sharing laughs, tears and even cheers strengthens bonds in ways staring at a screen simply can’t. So turn off the TV and computer, get Read more...

Steve Kulwicki, owner, and operator of Alex’s Shoe Hospital knows people with 50-year-old shoes! No joke. Steve’s shop regularly services the Notre Dame fencing team’s shoes and has even been known to repair the Fighting Irish football team medicine balls. South Bend has changed a lot since Steve was a kid, but his business, a South Bend staple for over Read more...