Local shops and restaurants will participate in Duneland’s first Progressive Open House this Thursday, Nov. 29, from 5-8 p.m.

Hosted by the Duneland Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature $5 food and drink specials, holiday sales and extended shopping hours.

Local retailers will be offering added holiday shopping hours, remaining open until 8 p.m., and holiday sales or specials.

Participants include Ashley’s Jewelry by Design, Chelle’s, Chesterton Art Center, Contessa’s Bridal & Accessories, Di la Bella Salon, Flower Cart, Good to Go by Lucrezia, House of Berggren, Indian Summer Boutique, Kim’s Specialty Chocolates, Molly Bea’s Ingredients, Nature’s Cupboard, Regal Rabbit, Stephanie Swanson Jewelry Design Fine Art Gallery & Gifts, Sweetville by Flower Cart and Yesterday’s Treasures.

Participants in this self-guided shopping and dining tour include Tonya’s Patisserie, which will be offering $5 “Nutcracker Sweets,” and European Market favorite Ben’s Pretzels, which will offer two-for-$5 freshly baked pretzels in a booth in Thomas Centennial Park.

Additionally, East Wind Acupuncture will be offering free five-minute meditations; Butler Winery will offer free wine tasting; Popolano’s will be providing $5 glasses of wine and $5 appetizers; and Lucrezia, Uncle Joe’s Bar & Grill and Sage Restaurant will all be offering $5 specials.

Food and/or drink specials will be offered between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce, 220 Broadway, Chesterton, will be open from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. during the Progressive Open House.

Those interested in learning more are invited to visit the Chamber for punch, cookies and maps which include a suggested route for the shopping and dining tour.

Local artist Rita Jackson will be hosted at the Chamber, where she will be offering her whimsical, hand-sculpted ceramic sculptures, jewelry and Christmas ornaments.

The first ten guests to visit the Chamber for tour maps will each receive a $5 Chamber Gift Certificate, which may be redeemed for food, drink or products during the course of the evening.

While shopping, guests are encouraged to look for retailers’ and restaurants’ “Shop Local” rack cards, which feature a QR code that may be scanned for a chance to win a $50 Chamber Gift Certificate. Guests may scan codes at each location along the shopping and dining tour, increasing the chances of winning the prize.

“The decision to shop local isn’t just about convenience. It’s about keeping our communities healthy and vibrant. We’re so fortunate here in Duneland to have such unique, high-quality shops, boutiques and restaurants,” said Heather Ennis, Duneland Chamber Executive Director.

“The Progressive Open House shopping and dining tour map will guide guests through some of the most interesting and delicious offerings our town has to offer. People will be able to shop a bit, then grab food and drink samples, and then shop some more before stopping in at the next restaurant. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a night out and explore our community, while also getting plenty of holiday shopping done,” Ennis said.

For more information about the Chamber’s Progressive Open House, please contact the Duneland Chamber of Commerce at (219) 926-5513 or info@chestertonchamber.org

Posted 11/27/2012