Anyone located in or around northern Indiana?

I'm going to be moving to Elkhart from south Florida in mid June and I don't know much of anyone. Let alone any snake keepers. In fact, the closest reptile shops are nearly an hour away in any direction, it seems.

I have an aunt and uncle who live just outside of Elkhart. My uncle is an editor for one of the newspapers there. Unfornatly neither of them are reptile people. I really like it there, not sure if I would leave Florida for it but definatly nice.

Why on gods eartth would you move to Elkhart Indiana. I just moved here 6 months ago from Colorado Springs. I hate it here! The only good thing for Reptile people is that the NARBC in Tinley is only about 2 hours away. I would stay in Florida.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

I have an aunt and uncle who live just outside of Elkhart. My uncle is an editor for one of the newspapers there. Unfornatly neither of them are reptile people. I really like it there, not sure if I would leave Florida for it but definatly nice.

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It certainly is pretty. I grew up in the northeast, and it's reminds me of the area. I'm going to miss Florida though. Especially the four nice reptile stores in close range.

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Originally Posted by mykole99

Why on gods eartth would you move to Elkhart Indiana. I just moved here 6 months ago from Colorado Springs. I hate it here! The only good thing for Reptile people is that the NARBC in Tinley is only about 2 hours away. I would stay in Florida.

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It's a bit of a family situation... Well, my partner's, at least. I'm pretty happy so long as I'm working with horses, but it's going to be an interesting switch. At least I'll have seasons again.

Well if you ever feel like you need to leave this place and don't know how, I can always put you in the Army to get you out of here. lol

Paha I will keep that in mind, just in case Elkhart starts driving me nuts.

I live outside of Indianapolis and unfortunately, Elkhart is kind of a hole, so to speak. Not to burst your bubble or make a bad situation worse, but it's seen it's better days, to be polite. As far as reptile shops/people up that way, I don't know of any off the top of my head. Michigan has some pretty good shows within driving distance and of course Tinley. There are monthly shows in Noblesville and the Midwest Reptile Show in Indianapolis; they both have web-sites if you want to try and network with people or otherwise meet fellow herpers. If you can get outside of the city limits of Elkhart, the country up that way is pretty and there are some pretty cool areas within driving distance...trying to polish that turd that's Elkhart as best I can, lol! It's not all that bad if you have an end in sight to when you can leave but as far as staying there for good, wellllll...to each their own, I guess. Best of luck to you guys on your move and take care!

At least its not Gary...? XD

You're pretty close to Michigan though, and I'm sure you'll still find things to like about the town. Like everyone's said, there's always Tinley twice a year, and if you're into haunted houses the last two years there's been a pretty fantastic one out in Valparaiso (that I may or may not have friends working at, and thus be obliged to promote it lol).

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Originally Posted by LotusCorvus

At least its not Gary...? XD

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Hahahahaha! So true, that statement! When I worked for the Gaming Commission, in the casinos/racinos and rotated through there for training...wow...no words, lol! Needless to say, I quit Gaming when they told me I was going to be posted there; be one thing if it was just me but my wife and family?! Not a chance!

I'm up in Valpo.

Yoube - Thank you for some highlights. When I show up at your door in severe shock from snake-friend deprivation, know you put this upon yourself. :P

Lotus - Truth! I can't wait for Tinley, and I do love a good haunted house... I know there's a few around Niles.

Andrew - That is a good deal closer than anyone else I know in the area. Also, we can talk Boas! After meeting a few in one of the local reptile stores I'm pretty close to purchasing my first BRB or Red Tail and, though I'm researching like crazy, I've never owned a boa before.

I'm down in Lafayette, so closer than Indy, but not by a whole lot, still an hour or so away.

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Originally Posted by Ohlacey

Yoube - Thank you for some highlights. When I show up at your door in severe shock from snake-friend deprivation, know you put this upon yourself. :P

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You're more than welcome, anytime! Don't mind the dog, the rats, the snakes or the demon-possessed rabbit that thinks himself a ninja, lol! Otherwise, my wife is a great cook and we've got plenty of room to spare if you're ever down our way for a show or just a visit. :gj:

What's Lafayette like? I've only been around it... And not too far, considering! ;)

Well goodness, thank you Yoube :D I'll keep my eyes out for evil ninja rabbit. I'll definitely have to say hello to you all when I start visiting down that way. :D I imagine my trips won't be too infrequent. I'll need to re-immerse myself into humanity from time to time, after all. Hehe.

Hey I live only a few minutes from Elkhart, in Mishawaka. :) Another user, Coils, lives right around where I do too. This area is definitely lacking in reptile-friendliness. I think the only non-chain pet stores around here are at the University Park Mall, and one out closer to Elkhart that is just... awful. Both have sad dying reptiles all the time.

Lafayette has a show once a month not very big but its something but if house bill 1288 passes all our snakes are gone anyway im looking to leave Indiana before I need fifty permits