Meet Frank Kurland! Frank and his husband John Maggiore were introduced to the area by his business partner, Morris McKnight 30-some years ago. Frank and Morris run a successful brand and marketing agency in Chicago—McKnight Kurland. Frank and John (both Chicagoland natives) are celebrating 34 years together this December, and their black lab mix rescue, Oreo, keeps them entertained and active. Frank spends his down time painting, and John has recently reconnected with his inner pianist. They love entertaining in their home—dinner parties and holiday-themed extravaganzas—gathering friends and family and filling their lives with laughter is the best life ever.
What brought you to the dunes? We rented a lease-back in Porter in January and February of 1987 – we figured if we loved it in winter, we’d really love it the rest of the year. And we do!
How long have you lived here? Since Summer of 1987. We bought an old farmhouse on a cherry orchard between LaPorte and Three Oaks. Rehabbed and sold it, to develop Heron Lake Hills—a beautiful 67 acre enclave of 8 homesites. We built our dream home there three years ago.
What is your favorite thing to do in the area? Be outside with nature. Whether walking through the ravines and woods on our property, watching sunset from Beverly Shores beach, or just hanging with friends on their deck, outside always wins.
Tell us a secret about the dunes. The bio-diversity that abounds: the rare kettle lake at Spicer Lake preserve, the national natural landmark that is Warren Woods, the birds, turkey, deer and fox that roam freely, and so much more to to experience throughout the region.
Give us your top three “hidden treasures” (restaurant, shop, trail, beach, event…really anything!)
a) TroyBuilt Fitness — Troy ensures that I am fit to live my best life
b) First Fridays in Michigan City — so much fun, so many friends
c) Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks — what can I say, I like dark liquors!
What would you like to teach people about the dunes? Get out of your usual pattern and explore the whole area. Sunset over fields of golden soybeans while picking pumpkins is remarkable.
Anything else? I say take time and explore the country side of life in Dunes/Harbor Country. If you find yourself in the Three Oaks area, visit Heron Lake Hills and imagine life in the country, surrounded by nature and enveloped in quiet.
Frank and his friends!
You can see Frank’s artwork at the Dig the Dunes/Troybuilt Fitness Art Exhibit on October 9!
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Think ahead! Pre-order your Dig the Dunes calendar for just $15!
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