🍀 Strawberry Shortcakes Season!

Happy Friday! This newsletter is for the newbies, the lifers, the townies, and the domers.

In today’s digest:

• The Coffee Trail ☕️ Quad Coffee Lab

• Zoo Trivia Night

• Movies at the Morris: Encanto

• Splash Pads Galore

This issue is 1,313 words, a 4-minute read.

The Digest

The Coffee Trail ☕️ Quad Coffee Lab

Quad Coffee Lab is tucked into a little plaza in Ignition Park, but don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you — inside, it’s all clean lines, unique designs, and intentional aesthetics.

With a chemistry-minded vibe, this place is perfect for imagining new ideas, studying, data analysis, or biting into a delicious cinnamon roll (courtesy of Ragamuffin Bakery). Minimalist, modern, and quietly cool.

Their rotating menu of single-origin espresso and pour-overs are curated with care, and the baristas? Total pros who’ll walk you through the tasting notes like you’re at a wine flight, but way more chill. And yes, they’ve got seasonal lattes that are subtle, not syrupy.

It’s laptop-friendly, but not in a “co-working takeover” kind of way — more like a calm pocket where creatives, grad students, and caffeine purists coexist in peaceful productivity. With a little less seating, despite a few extra outlets compared to Cloudwalking, I suggest coming charged up! Or saving Quad for a fun spot for some in-person meetings or an afternoon get-out-of-the-house spot!

Therefore, I give Quad Coffee Lab 3 🔌 🔌 🔌 out of 5.

Think I got it wrong, though? Check out all the places I’ve mentioned so far and make your own ratings list!

The General Deli and Cafe
Revenant at Dainty Maid
Chicory Cafe
Java Cafe
Purely Pressed
Cloudwalking Cafe

Adopt a new friend: Rookie!

Meet Rookie: A 1-year-old sure to be the perfect family addition! With lots of energy, Rookie would be a fantastic companion for families with kids, High school age and up!

Apply to foster or adopt this bundle of joy today!

The Happenings

🌈 Pride Events ❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 

South Bend Pride (a.k.a. Pride in the Park) is happening Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 12 PM–6 PM at Potawatomi Park. It’s a vibrant, family‑friendly celebration hosted by The LGBTQ Center, with:

• Live entertainment and performances

• 100+ local vendors, including food trucks, craft booths, and service organizations

• A lively atmosphere focused on visibility, unity, love, and inclusion

All ages, allies, and community members are welcome. Whether you’re there to celebrate, shop, eat, or connect, it’s a spirited, joyful homage to LGBTQ+ pride in South Bend.

Details

🫐 Mark Your Calendar: U-Pick at The Blueberry Ranch

Blueberry season is almost here, and The Blueberry Ranch in Mishawaka is gearing up for another sweet summer! As one of Northern Indiana’s only USDA-certified organic blueberry farms, it’s a go-to spot for U-Pick fun, and the opening day countdown has officially begun.

Starting in early July, you can stroll through lush berry rows, pick to your heart’s content, and load up on fresh, juicy blueberries — perfect for snacking, baking, or freezing for later. The farm also offers pre-picked and frozen berries, jams, salsas, and even blueberry honey if you’d rather skip the picking, go straight to the good stuff.

With shady relaxing spots, clean restrooms, and easy parking, it’s set up for families, foodies, and anyone craving a summery farm day. Pro tip: bring a cooler and some sunscreen — it gets busy fast once the berries ripen!

Whether it's your first visit or an annual tradition, The Blueberry Ranch is about to open, and it’s the perfect time to plan your trip. Berries wait for no one!

Details

More events

A mix of things happening this weekend and into next week!

 📕 🍷  Books on Tap: Grab a glass of wine and a book and head on over the The Cellar | Wine Bar! Details

🍓 Shortcakes on the Blacktop: Every year the Cathedral of St. James hosts Shortcakes on the Blacktop and  Details

🐕 Zoo Trivia - Painted Dogs: Spend some time at the zoo showing off your knowleged about painted dogs! The winning team will win a fun prize pack. Details

🏃‍♂️Races and Running Store Recs: This person will be racing at Potato Creek this weekend and is looking for some recs! Join the race and Add to the Conversation

🎶 Jubilee Songs and Spirituals: Check out this performance at Debartolo with UZIMA! Details

🌺 Art in the Garden: Head over to the Hospitality Center on Cleveland Road and join a group walking through some incredible gardens! Details

🚲 Basic Bike Maintenance: Partner up with the South Bend Bike Garage and learn all the basics of caring for your bike yourself! Details

💛 Senior Spirit Week: Celebrating seniors and all the spirit and wisdom they bring to our community! Check out all the fun things happening this next week: Details

🧒🤸‍♀️Toddler Olympics: Get ready for fun at the Toddler Olympics at St. Joseph County Public Library—a free, action-packed event where little ones can jump, tumble, and play their way through mini Olympic-style challenges designed to spark joy and boost motor skills in a playful, kid-friendly setting! Register Now

✨Coming soon✨

⚾️ Head out to the Ball Game for Independence Day: Book your tickets for the 4th of July game! Grab some Tickets and check out all the sweet promotions and fireworks opportunities!

🧘‍♀️ Off the Beaten Path - Rooftop Yoga: Make some new connections and get some stretches in on top of the Jackson Rooftop in Elkhart! Register

 🇨🇴 Movies at the Morris: Mark your calendar for Encanto, playing at the Morris. Details

🏕️ Teen Glass Camp at Make South Bend: Does your teen need something constructive and creative to do this summer? Sign them up to make art at Make South Bend! Register

🎧 Afrobeats: Check out these sick beats at Stockroom East! Details

Rapid Fire Hits

Quick headlines and things to know from all around 🌐

South Shore Station Transformation: On June 18, 2025, the South Shore Line celebrated the grand opening of its new 11th Street Station in Michigan City, Indiana. This $650 million project, part of the Double Track Northwest Indiana initiative, aims to enhance commuter rail service between Michigan City and Chicago. The new station features modern tracks, a parking garage, and retail spaces, marking a significant milestone in the region's transportation infrastructure. (Details)

Splash Pad Mania: South Bend and nearby areas offer several free splash pads and water play spots perfect for beating the summer heat. These family-friendly locations provide safe, fun ways for kids to cool off without the cost of a pool or water park. They’re open now and ready for plenty of sunny-day fun.(Visit them all!)

Healthcare Careers of the Future: IU South Bend’s weeklong Summer Healthcare Exploration Program gives South Bend Washington high schoolers a hands-on look at healthcare careers beyond doctors and nurses. Living on campus, students rotate through stations like lab testing, medical imaging, and patient intake to explore the many roles in the healthcare system. (Explore Healthcare)

Trash Pickup Delayed: In observance of Juneteenth, the City of South Bend has adjusted its trash and yard waste pickup schedule. There will be no pickup on Thursday, June 19. Residents whose regular pickup day is Thursday should place their bins out on Friday, June 20, for collection. All other pickup days remain unchanged. (Details)

Happy Friday! See you around the Bend!

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