Tonya’s Patisserie in Chesterton, Indiana

If you’re heading to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, it’s worth your time to look for Tonya’s Patisserie. The shop hides inside a two-story home in a Chesterton neighborhood, and a large tree blocks the little cafe’s sign. (Want help? Across the street, you’ll see a B&B converted from an old train station and a little winery known for its blackberry wine.)

Follow the scent of fresh-baked bread inside, and you’ll find a cozy dining room with a shabby-chic feel. Opened in 2009, the restaurant has a handwritten menu that changes weekly and offers sweet potato ravioli with brown butter apples and fried green tomatoes on ciabatta drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Desserts include sweetly decorated cupcakes and big gooey cinnamon rolls that are worth the calories—and the hunt. (219) 929-1415; Tonya's Patisserie