Quilt Gardens Tour
4 days/3 night Tour
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Day One
Mid-afternoon arrival in Northern Indiana
2-4 p.m. “Herb Garden Fresh” Cooking Class--$25 pp incl Martin’s Super Markets School of Cooking in Granger proudly welcomes all “green thumbs” to our unique professional-grade cooking classroom. Join locally-known chefs as they teach original recipes and useful tips to bring back the fun in cooking! If you are curious about how to incorporate summer herbs into your cooking, our “Herb Garden Fresh” class is the perfect fit. Join Martin’s own Executive Chef Scott Rossen as he creates an entire meal of sweet and savory recipes. Enjoy everything from Herb Crusted Pork Loin to Chocolate Mint Dessert Ravioli, and rediscover your love for Herb Garden Fresh foods. Each class includes recipes, class instruction and tasting portions
Check-in at your host hotel 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Amish Acres Threshers Dinner & Round Barn Theatre
Enjoy an evening at Amish Acres’ hand-hewn Restaurant Barn. Top off the evening with a theater experience in the Round Barn offering a repertoire of Broadway style musical productions throughout the year.
Day Two
Continental Breakfast at your host hotel 8:15-8:30 a.m. Visit the Quilt Gardens & Murals of Nappanee - 2 brief stops & photo ops, escort notes provided
8:45-Noon Amish
First night dinner/theatre, lunch on their own on second day. The 80-acre restored Amish farmstead, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the focal point of Amish Acres. This heritage resort echoes the simple life of Amish society through historic interpretation, dining, lodging, theatre, countryside tours, baked goods and 10 different shops. A sixteen foot covered farm wagon with padded seats is pulled by an International Harvester H tractor and gives guests an overview of the historic farm as it travels down the gravel lanes, around the pond, past the historic buildings, and through the woods. Prior to departing for the day, enjoy a light lunch on your own served in the Barn Loft Grill. Enjoy the Quilt Garden at Amish Acres during your visit.
12:15-1 p.m. Visit the Quilt Garden in Wakarusa & Shopping at the Wakarusa Dime Store and downtown - photo op, escort notes provide, walking distance between locations
1:30-1:45 p.m. Visit the Quilt Mural in Bristol at the Elkhart County Historical Museum
Trapunto & Appliqué Quilt Mural
1:45-2:30 p.m. Elkhart County Historical Museum--$2 pp
for guided tour Considered to be one of the top ten local history museums in the state of Indiana, the Elkhart County Historical Society owns over 20,000 artifacts found at the Elkhart County Historical Museum which can be seen in the thirteen display areas arranged by both theme and period. Housed in the historic Rush Memorial Center in Bristol and placed on the National Register in 1991, the building originally served as the county's first consolidated school. The historical society is the official repository for government records which are stored in the museum's archives. The museum also contains a working genealogy library.
2:45-3 p.m. Visit the Quilt Garden of Shipshewana at Menno-Hof
3-4:30 p.m. Menno-Hof Amish/Mennonite Interpretive Center, Shipshewana--$5 pp, $2.50 children ages 6-14. Learn the religious beginnings and background of the Amish, Mennonite and Huterite people as they were persecuted in Europe before arriving in America. Several interactive exhibits and displays depict the "real life" experiences.
4:45-5:45 p.m. Lolly’s Fabrics, The Davis Mercantile & Jo Jo’s Pretzels “make-your-own”--$5 pp incl
Visit the newly built Davis Mercantile featuring over 24 shops located on 4 floors easily accessible by elevator. Then, do you know the story of the pretzel? Groups love to hear it – it has lots of twists! And they can add a few twists of their own! At JoJo’s Pretzels in Shipshewana, owners Joanne & Levi King tell the intriguing story of the pretzel and give roups a hands-on lesson. Just a few twists and a few minutes in the oven and soon everyone has a piping hot treat ready to roll in their favorite topping. Delicious!
6-6:15 p.m. Visit the Quilt Garden at Essenhaus - brief stop & photo op, escort notes providedThe Log Cabin Garden
6:15-7 p.m. Family-style Dinner at Das Dutchman Essenhaus--$19.34 pp incl
Dine tonight in Indiana’s largest restaurant on family-favorite recipes and tasty treats handed down thru the generations. Try one of the 29 kinds of fresh-baked pies! Yummy!!
7-9 p.m. Quilting for Dummies & Shopping at the Essenhaus Village Shops--$8.50 pp
Roz at The Quilt shop makes “quilt magic” come to life for all ages. Select and complete your own 6” x 6” quilt block right before your eyes. It’s a quick, easy, and fun way to create your own take-home souvenir from Amish Country without a needle in sight. Ask for the special “Red Hat” quilt block, a snowman or angel for the holidays, or other themed block to fit your groups’ interests. Class takes place at The Quilt Shop on the Essenhaus grounds. Take time before your class to explore the Essenhaus Village shops. (Class begins
at 8 p.m.)
Day Three
Continental Breakfast at your host hotel
8:30-9:30 a.m. Linton’s Enchanted Gardens- no admission, classes & seminars optional at additional fee - see listing—Visit the Quilt Garden at Lintons at your leisure,
the Elk-Heart Explore the many themed gardens of this new, large garden center including the Japanese Tea House, Southwestern garden with Mine Shaft, Victorian House, Dutch Gardens and Grist Mill. Participate in a variety of seminars and classes specially designed for the gardener and quilter.
Options include:
1. The Quilt Patch….$14.99 pp incl
Want to know how a quilt grows out of a field of bare dirt? Follow this fascinating behind-the-scenes presentation by Linton’s Quilt garden designers. Then make your own “paper
patch” of the famous “Elk-Heart” quilt block to take home. Lunch included.
2. Getting the most enjoyment from your garden….$5.99 pp incl
Learn how and when to pinch, deadhead, prune and otherwise groom your flowers and shrubs for maximum enjoyment and longer lasting color. Receive 20% off of pruning shears by participating. Light refreshments served.
3. The wonderful world of herbs…$5.99 pp incl
A discussion on herbs, how to use them for cooking, decorating, growing and holistic uses. Come join us to explore how wonderful herbs can be. Herb teas, cookies,
handouts and samples included.
9:45-10 a.m. Visit the Quilt Garden at Ruthmere,The Beardsley Mariners Compass Garden
10-11 a.m. Ruthmere, Elkhart--$6 pp
"Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, Oh, what a relief it is" is the famous Alka Seltzer advertisement. Mr. Albert Beardsley helped to found the company that created Alka Seltzer in Elkhart, Indiana. His elaborate 1910 beaux-arts style house, Ruthmere, named after his deceased daughter Ruth, is available for your groups guided tour. You'll see a fine art collection including Tiffany leaded glass, Rodin sculptures, velvet window coverings, hand painted walls, and walnut woodwork.
11:15-1:15 p.m. Riverboat cruise and lunch on the Elkhart River Queen, Elkhart--$480 charter PLUS $12 pp for catered lunch
Relax on the Elkhart River Queen, a 65-foot riverboat operating on the Saint Joseph River. A bit of history of the area and the influence the river has on development will be presented. This ride is peaceful, relaxing and scenic as some of the most beautiful homes in Elkhart are located at the river’s edge. Two decks are on board; one air-conditioned and enclosed the other outdoors with covered canopy. Light snacks and beverages are available on board for purchase PLUS a catered lunch is included.
1:30-2 p.m. Visit the Quilt Garden & Quilt Mural of Elkhart - 2 brief stops, photo op, and escort notes provided The Maryland Star Garden at the RiverWalk Commons, downtown Elkhart
And 2:15-3:15 p.m. Norman Rockwell Exhibit at the Midwest Museum of American Art, Elkhart--$5 pp
Bring art to life for the visitors in the “Norman Rockwell: The Making of an American Legend” presentation which gives visitors a chance to explore both the myth and the reality of this American icon while viewing the largest Rockwell print collection in Indiana.
3:45-4:30 p.m. Visit the quilt gardens of Middlebury - 2 stops for garden & mural - and shop in downtown Middlebury The Double Wedding Ring Garden at Krider Gardens
4:45-5:30 p.m. Amish Quilt Heritage “Trunk Show”--$8.50 pp
Known across the nation as a collector of vintage Indiana quilts, Rebecca Haarer will discuss the history of Amish quilting in a format she describes as a "quilt museum on the road”. She will show vintage Amish quilts and discuss how they have been influenced by the Amish culture. Rebecca also points out how changes in society have affected the Amish and their quilts. Presentation prior to dinner at the Amish home.
5:30-7:30 p.m. Dinner with Cooking Class inside an Amish family home, Shipshewana--$25 pp plus tip at table (Optional buggy rides extra $5 pp)
Your adventure continues into Amish Country with a true experience of a lifetime. Meet the Yoder family, including grandma, dad and the kids, while they show you how to make some of the best food around the country. There will be no more lumps in your homemade mashed potatoes after this demonstration! Following the class, sit down to a family-style Amish dinner that is traditional among these peaceful people.
Day Four
Continental Breakfast at your host hotel
8:15-8:45 a.m. Visit the quilt murals & garden in Goshen - 2 stops ending at The Old Bag Factory
9-10:30 a.m. The Art of Quilting and shopping in The Old Bag Factory--$7 pp
Located in a log cabin at The Old Bag Factory, this quilt shop features original and unique contemporary designs that provide for breathtaking quilts. You won't believe the artistry, stitches and techniques used to create these masterpieces all hand stitched by the nation’s top 10 quilters. You’ll meet owners and artisans, Dave & Shirley Shenk, who will explain their philosophy, technique, and showcase their unique, one-of-a-kind trademarked patterns that showcase quilting as an art form. Following your discussion with the Shenks, shop in the artisan complex of The Old Bag Factory complete with pottery, furniture, candles, unique gifts and handiworks.
11-Noon "Herb 101" at Prairie Trail Herb Farm, Goshen--$5 pp
Visit an herb farm and garden where you will listen to a discussion on the most popular herbs as well as a variety of uses for them along with basic information for growing and harvesting your own herbs when you get home. Add on a “make-it-take-it” Herbal Bath Salt demonstration for a hands-on program groups enjoy.
12:30-3:30 p.m. American Countryside Farmers Market, Elkhart- no admission, lunch on their own in the food court, Cooking Show with samples $15 pp incl.
The spectacular American Countryside Farmers Market provides a unique group experience and the excitement of demonstrations, entertainment, and cooking shows. The 51,000 sq. ft, climate-controlled marketplace is sure to be a hit with your gruop. Thursdays through Saturdays year-round, your group can browse row upon row of fresh wholesome foods and Amish crafted products, take in the action of special programs, or sit down to enjoy a variety of tasty options from Amish cooking to Scandinavian cuisine. (Lunch 12:30-1:30, Show 1:30-2:30, Shopping 2:30-3:30). Visit the Quilt Garden at the Farmers Market at your leisure.The Minneapolis Riverboat Garden
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:
Stash Buster--$20 pp incl
This fun and easy project is a perfect way to use up those left over yards of quilting fabric or material you bought never used. Locker Hooking is the latest craze among quilters. The 12in square kit comes complete with your own hook, string, canvas, 2 yards of fabric and directions for future at-home projects. Roz at the Essenhaus Quilt Shop leads you thru this fun and easy way to use scraps and leftovers.
The Craft of Needle Tatting--$20 pp including materials, instruction booklet, needle and threads
Join local expert Jane Beard, as she personally provides you individualized instruction and attention in the craft of needle tatting. You’ll learn the basic stitches and “how to’s” while creating your own beautiful lacy medallion…just the beginning of your own doily’s, snowflakes and more. Although many people use the medallions to learn the tatting process, they may also be used to embellish garments. It all starts with making rings and chains. Inserts, flowers, neck and sleeve edgings can all be formed from the simple stitches, either plain or with beads, from crochet cotton or tatting thread. It’s a fun and unique hands-on program that anyone would enjoy.
Master Gardener Seminars for groups (conducted at a variety of locations throughout the destination): The members of Michiana Master Gardeners Association are eager to share their love of gardening by offering a variety of interesting and useful seminars to tour groups. Programs run 30-60 minutes and can be conducted at various sites throughout the destination such as restaurants, hotels or garden centers to best fit into your itinerary. Seminars are free of charge, but a donation to the Michiana Master Gardeners Association Scholarship Fund is appreciated.
Programs include:
1. Make Your Backyard a Bird and Butterfly Magnet
Make your yard the center of attention for wild birds and butterflies. Learn from the experts the best choices for plants, shrubs, feeders and more. Plus get insider tips on how to discourage those unwanted visitors to your feeders.
2. Planting a Perfect Pot
It’s container gardening 101. Find out what makes the best planter and what’s needed to get started. Plus learn the secrets of using color and structure to add beauty to a patio or yard.
3. Grasses Galore!
Ornamental grasses are great for giving landscapes and gardens that special look. Find out the how, where and whys of choosing and using a variety of these easy-to-care-for plants.
4. Gardening for the Time Starved
Love gardens but don’t have the time to care for them? No more excuses after this seminar. Learn from the best how to choose and plant a low maintenance, drought tolerant garden.
5. Lazy, Shady Gardens
Planting a flourishing shade garden can be easy – it’s all in the knowing. Discover winning secrets and tips to make to make a shady spot “shine”.
6. Make It Summer Indoors
Indoor plants get the winter blahs too. Help them thrive with expert advice on placement, care and feeding to keep it summery indoors when the days grow short and blustery.
