Crown Point, IN

Crown Point, the county seat of Lake County, Indiana, has kept its country charm amid a housing boom, as evidenced by the antique and home-decor shops inside and around the historic downtown courthouse. The courthouse, affectionately referred to as the "Grand Old Lady," shows off Romanesque and Georgian architectural styles and has been a landmark since its initial construction in 1878.

The Courthouse Shops of Crown Point

Indiana routes 231 and 55http://crownpoint.net/courthouse shops.htm

The courthouse mall houses several quaint shops and restaurants, ranging from infants' and children's clothing retailers to an antique shop, a clock-repair shop and an ice-cream parlor.

The retail shops and most restaurants in the downtown square will kick off the holiday season on Nov. 19 by staying open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and every Sunday thereafter from noon to 5 p.m. until Christmas.

Non-holiday hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Some store hours vary.

Several restaurants occupy restored buildings in the courthouse square.

Circle Restaurant and Bar

110 S. Main(219) 661-0101

The menu includes hearty dishes such as steak medallions, "Almost World Famous" ribs, ravioli, lasagna and pizza. Desserts include ice cream, cheesecake and bourbon pecan pie.

Hours: 5-10 p.m. Monday (only soup and appetizers); 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

What's the Scoop

204 S. Main (in the former Horst Hardware building)(219) 663-4252

This quick-service eatery offers homemade soup, Vienna beef hot-dogs, sandwiches, brownies and ice cream.

Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; closed Sunday.

Lucrezia's Italian Ristorante

302 S. Main(in the historic William Barringer Brown Mansion, built in 1887)(219) 661-5829www.lucreziacafe.com

This casual restaurant offers authentic Northern Italian cuisine for lunch or dinner, such as veal Limone ($19.95), roasted lamb shank ($15.95), and Rigatoni with smoked chicken ($11.25). A full selection of wines and a martini bar are available.

Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Naughty Grapes Bistro

513 N. Main(219) 661-9002

This eclectic restaurant offers private dining areas and a variety of chef-prepared dishes ranging from hummus to gourmet pizzas to shrimp scampi on a skewer. Most menu items cost less than $15; tenderloin steaks go for around $20.

Hours: 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Friday; 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. Dinner is served until 9 p.m. weekdays and until 10 p.m. on weekends.

Old Lake County Sheriff's Home

and Jail232 S. Main

Crown Point's most embarrassing claim to fame is the old Sheriff's house and jail, one block south of the old courthouse. John Dillinger (right) escaped from the jail in 1939 while he was awaiting trial for the alleged murder of an East Chicago policeman. It's nice to look at, but it's only open during certain periods while it's undergoing renovations. It is expected to have a couple rooms open from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 19, when the downtown launches its holiday season.

Old Homestead

214 S. Court

Another landmark is the Old Homestead, the first clapboard house in the county, built in 1847. It is across the street from the Crown Point Library A self-guided tour is available from the Chamber of Commerce at the historic Court House.

Lake County Fairgrounds

880 S. Court

One and a half miles from the old courthouse, the Lake County Fairgrounds feature walking paths, historic buildings and a covered bridge dating from 1878. The 2007 fair will be held Aug. 3-12. The Lake County Fairgrounds office can be reached at (219) 661-3071.