As yesterday was 10/10/10, we asked our readers what are the top 10 things they love about Valpo. We’ve had some great responses and you can add in yours by emailing contribute@valpolife.com! 
Incredible community spirit and support for each other.
Nicole Bissonnette
Popcorn Fest, Schoops, Greeks Pizza, being close to the Dunes, VU, Rogers Lakewood Park, awesome school system, friendly neighbors, unique shopping, Strongbow's pot pies!
Emily Smriga Blue
Being close to Chicago, the Valparaiso schools, safe community, clean downtown, small town atmosphere but offering the best of a small city, good food available, lots of family events, Popcorn Festival!!! Retail shopping, and close to Lake Michigan!
Buffy Sainer
Best of both worlds (small community, but close to both Chicago AND Lake Michigan beaches), wonderful community schools, a couple of great restaurants (hello Nicole!), growing interest in the arts, lots to do with kids, reasonable cost of living... ok, so I didn't quite make it to ten. When I first moved here I thought "ack! Where am I?" but Valpo has really grown on me and now that it looks like we're here for the long haul, I find that that is not a bad thing at all.
Melissa Washburn
1) A strong sense of community and supporting the local businesses. 2) The generosity of those in the community to help those in need and local fundraisers and charities. 3) 3 great local school corporations and multiple great private schools. 4) We are moving forward, not hanging on to the past...we will prosper instead of die. 5) Awesome parks, and lots of them. 6) Tons of family and community events. 7) Being able to enjoy all 4 seasons. 8) Proximity to the National Lakeshore, dunes, Chicago, and everything that is Michigan. 9) The plethera of locally owned and fabulous dining establishments, shops and churches to choose from. 10) ValpoLife.com (and I said this long before I was part of it!!)
Robyn Pollick Kelsey Walsworth
The beautiful downtown, each unique park, the older homes and buildings that have been restored, close to the Dunes and Chicago, the University, all the pizza choices, the people here who are generous and caring, Central Elementary, all the quirky landmarks we seem to be so attached to (Howie, the Frostop Sign, etc.), people's interest in Valpo history and willingness to share it.
Christa Emerson
1) ValpoLife.com 2) Small town w/many amenities 3) Close to Chicago 4) Great Restaurants 5) Love the downtown area 6) All the new stores on east side area are great 7) Close to Lake Michigan & Dunes 8) Wonderful neighborhoods 9) Good schools 10) Friendly people
Gloria Notaro
1. Farms and cornfields. I’m not sure there is anything more beautiful that farm land. As I drove back home, it happened to be dusk and the sun was setting over a cornfield and my 8 year old daughter looked out the window and said “Mom, look at that sunset over the cornfield, it might be the prettiest one I have ever seen”. I think she was right.
2. Valpo Velvet. Obviously this top 10 is going to include things that make my daughter happy because there is nothing better than a giggling, happy child. Wait, there is nothing better than a giggling, happy child licking an ice cream cone! Which of course leads me to loving Valpo Velvet. I love that they offer lunch, my personal favorite being Mexican Monday but the ice cream is my daughters love. It could be 100 degrees outside or 20 below and she would still jump at the chance to go have some ice cream at Valpo Velvet. My freezer is seldom without a container for her.
3. Washington Street. I grew up on Washington Street and have fond memories of riding my bike with my best friend down to Harvey’s to get a Cherry Coke. I love how the treetops touch, I love the gorgeous, old homes, I love the history. I love that I drive down Washington from Glendale every day when I pick my daughter up from school and I never get tired of the view or the memories.
4. Valparaiso Teachers. Seriously, could they be any better? I have run into several teachers I had when I went to Central, Ben Franklin and VHS. I’m amazed that without hesitation they remembered me. Really? After 20+ years? I was so blessed to have such fine educators, many who went out of their way to make sure I stayed on the right track. I’m amazed to hear stories about such outstanding teachers in our community and I’d personal like to give a special thanks to these who have impacted my life or those close to me: Randy Kerns, Kathy Spears, Erin Forker, Kay Magnetti, Gary Webster and Daniel Darnell.
5. Lake Michigan. I love Lake Michigan, I used to go all the time with my father, it didn’t matter what the weather was. Hiking the trails, sledding down the dunes, walking to the lighthouse, playing on the rocks, making sandcastles, swimming. Every bit of it was perfect and to be able to share that with my Ruthie this year was like doing it all over again.
6. Valpolife.com. What a great site. I’ve read so much about our town, gotten involved in activities I’d never have known about and met some amazing people that I’d never have known had it not been for this positive site.
7. Home Pro. Ok, so you might think that by mentioning my next favorite thing about Valpo that I’m promoting my own company but really, I have to do it! Home Pro of Valparaiso is down right amazing. I’ve never worked with a better group of people. From day one, I could tell this was going to be a great place to work. I am proud to work for a company that truly puts the customer first and goes above and beyond to keep our clients happy. It is so nice to wake up every day and not dread going to work.
8. Downtown. I’m simply in awe of our downtown. I love to walk and see how it has changed over the years. The dining is exceptional and the shopping unique. It has the perfect blend of modern and old town charm.
9. Friends. Since I’ve moved back to Valpo I have connected and reconnected with so many people. It has been so much fun to get to know people on a new level. Our community is so friendly and outgoing, makes me thankful to be a part of such a great town.
10. My family. I’m so thankful I’m close to my family again. I love that I’m able to have dinner with them, babysit my niece, attend birthday parties and spend quality time together. Mom, Jason, Sarah, Tim, Patty, Shelby, Lane and Janie….I love you all!
Camie Marfoe