The Oliver Inn
Prize: $200 Gift Certificate
Location: 630 W Washington St
Online: http://www.oliverinn.com/

An oasis away from the rushed lives we lead, Oliver Inn is adorned with beautiful decorations, historical images, and the owners are warm and welcoming.

Be it a gift for your parents, married children, or newlywed friends – The Oliver Inn is a romantic escape every couple will enjoy. Located in the heart of Downtown, the Inn is minutes away from a variety of local venues.

Staycations are popular here for those who may not have time to get away for the holidays. Many couples enjoy becoming tourists in their own town. Gift Certificates are available for purchase as well as ornaments, mugs, and other items.

Tippecanoe Place
Prize: $100 Gift Certificate (Dining)
Location: 620 W Washington St
Online: http://tippe.com/

Elegant and historical, Tippecanoe Place offers a classy fine dining experience for a variety of occasions.

“Tippecanoe Place provides an unforgettable moment and the chance to take a step back into history while experiencing elegance the way that it was meant to be,” says Assistant Manager, Aaron Smith. Every dining room is decorated beautifully with trees, flowers, and matching trimmings. The many windows let in warm natural lighting, and the view of South Bend is nothing short of spectacular.

For the month of December, the restaurant is offering a great deal on gift cards. For every $50 spent, a $10 bonus is given in return. Also, a Brunch with Santa event takes place every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Carmella’s Restaurant and Macri’s Bakery
Prize: $40 Gift Certificate to the Trattoria
Location: 214 N Niles Ave
Online: http://www.macrisbakery.com/

An Italian bistro, a classic Italian Bakery and a Trattoria; between the three, you are bound to find something delightful for those couples near to your heart.

Macri’s offers fresh pasta, cheeses, holiday pastries, cookies, muffins and more. The Trattoria, the new lunch area, features pizza, sandwiches and much more. It is a fabulous place to escape the bustle of the outside world.

Carmela’s offers delicious classic Italian meals, from chicken marsala to lighter fare such as soups and sandwiches. The restaurant looks and feels like you are sitting on a patio in Italy. Romantic and tasteful, this place will capture the hearts of lovers.

The businesses are also offering a Gift for Them and a Gift for You special where individuals who spend $100 in Gift Cards receive two $10 Gift Certificates to the new Trattoria in return!

The Dot Shop
Prize: A Family Membership to the South Bend Museum of Art
Location: 120 S St Joseph St
Online: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dot-Shop/382596981894937

Regional artists exhibit and sell a variety of unique gifts at The Dot Shop. Your purchases here will help to support these local artists.

From paintings to watercolor, oil, prints, pastels, and more – The Dot Shop offers beautiful art that couples will be excited to display in their homes. Ceramics, tiles, and woodwork are also available alongside many men’s and women’s accessories.

Membership includes free admission to the museum, free tickets to events, 20% off any classes offered, and 10% off any merchandise in the shop. Check their website for their holiday hours!

Chicory Café
Prize: $20 Gift Card and a bag of Almond Amaretto Coffee Grounds
Location: 105 E Jefferson Blvd
Online: http://chicorycafe.net/

Cozy and fun, the Chicory Café offers live music, great food, delicious coffee and an array of teas and specialty drinks.

The atmosphere in Chicory Café is very distinctive. From serious events such as political and social speakers to live artists performing jazz, blues, and other music – the entertainment is wonderful. Beignets, muffulettas, jambalaya and po’boy sandwiches are a few of the delicious New Orleans foods the Café offers.

For the holidays, and to aid in their expansion, the Cafe is offering many gift certificate specials. The list is long, so stop in to see what you can get in return for the dollars you spend.

Café Navarre
Prize: $25 Gift Certificate
Location 101 N Michigan St
Online: www.cafenavarre.com

Previously the American Trust Bank, the building has been restored to its original condition. Romanesque windows, soaring ceilings and classy lighting all combine to create a beautiful atmosphere. The color scheme ranges from shades of blue, white and gray, and, in the evening, the lighting changes periodically between light pinks, reds and more.

Café Navarre offers a full service bar, main floor dining, balcony seating, and three distinct private rooms. The menu is an array of classic French, Spanish and Italian inspired dishes.

Private dining, intimate tables and even catering are all accommodated at Café Navarre. Reservations are recommended and gift cards are available online.

Indiana Rug Co. & Textile Fabrication, Inc
Prize: A Hand-Crafted Ottoman of your choice from the store
Location: 214 S Michigan St
Online: http://www.indianarugco.com/

Most couples love to decorate together and Indiana Rug Company is filled with an incredible variety of beautiful items that they can customize to fit their needs.

Offering rugs, furniture, binding, textile art and more, Indiana Rug Company’s items are nearly all locally-made and hand-crafted. Couples can find a range of unique and quality items to decorate their house with.

Up until Christmas, the store will be running daily flash sales which are usually 50% off a particular product. Gift certificates are available as well. In partnership with the Kroc Center, Indiana Rug Co. will be donating eight Christmas trees, decorated by local businesses, to families in the area!

South Bend Civic Theatre
Location: 215 W Madison St
Online: www.sbct.org

Live theatre is an experience unlike anything else – it is fun and exciting, and time spent with your loved one is the greatest gift you can give.

The theatre draws on the talents of the community, featuring one of a kind performances put on by individuals who volunteer their time for love of the performing arts.

“We are a gift to the community and part of the cultural infrastructure of South Bend,” says Scot Shepley, Marketing Director and Actor at SBCT.

The theatre is offering subscriptions for 2015 that include discounts on tickets to shows and reserved spaces. You’ll never have to hear the words “Sold Out” again! Gift certificates are also available.

About The Author

Kelsie Ferguson is the enFocus Ambassador of Buzz for Downtown South Bend. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Art History. She developed her talents as the Staff Writer and then Managing Editor at the IUSB campus paper, The Preface.

Competition Details and Rules

The Facebook promotion being run in parallel with this Gift Guide article is administered by enFocus Inc., a non-profit business-consulting firm located in South Bend, Indiana. It is open to residents of the South Bend region over the age of 18 years. The deadline for entries is 9:00 AM on December 23rd, 2014. There is a limit of one entry per person. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, OMG Photography or DTSB.