Amish Country Blog

Last Sunday, I went to the Community Showcase of Arts Choir and Ensemble Recital at Goshen College Sauder Hall.

First, let me say that I forget how wonderfully intimate Sauder Hall is. It seats about 300 people, and you  feel very close to the stage and the performers.  This modern facility is a great asset to Goshen College, and a wonderful resource for the community.

The first group that played was the Ensemble groups.   They all did great, and the music was done well.  I loved seeing the New Horizon Orchestra play together.  Ages ranged from 8 to 80, and what a treat it was listening to the musicians.   They played a rendition of Autumn from the 4 Seasons, and a piece from Tchaikovsky.

The Shout to Joy and Rejoice choirs both sang.  The Rejoice Choir (grades 6-8) and Shout to Joy Choir (grades 3-5)  did a terrific job on “This Little Light of Mine.”

There are is a lot of talent in Goshen, and I am looking forward to the Spring Recital.  You can check out the Community Showcase of Arts events on the Goshen College website www.gcmusiccenter.org, along with all the events happening at Sauder Hall.

- Mindy, Amish Country Northern Indiana Contributor and Visitor Center Specialist

The ECCVB has long recognized the importance of cultural and heritage travel and developed the Heritage Trail to increase visitor volume, diversity, spending and economic impact for the entire destination. It’s the cornerstone for many programs. The nationally recognized route, along with a self-guiding audio tour, takes visitors into the downtowns of our cities and towns and along country roads introducing them to the area’s history, heritage, and people while directing them to must-see attractions. It’s dynamic; it’s popular; and it’s free. In 2009 alone, we’ve distributed over 3,200 Heritage Trail CDs. Add to that over 3,000 audio downloads from our website. When you consider our average visitor spends $52 per day and stays 2.8 days, then multiply that by an average 2.5 persons per vehicle, the economic impact of heritage travel is significant

-Diana Lawson, FCDME, ECCVB Executive Director

Have you driven the Heritage Trail Audio Driving Tour? Leave a comment and tell us about your experience.

It was a drizzling, wet day on Saturday, and I almost didn’t want to go out, but Arts in Bloom and Taste of the Garden was happening at Wellfield Botanical Gardens, and so I went.  I figured since it was raining, I would quickly look at art, and then go home. I love art shows.

The event started at 11am, and at 11am, parking was already getting full.  Some of the artist were getting out their rain gear, but they were happy to see everyone still showing up despite the rain.  I looked at most of the booths.  Dismas House of South Bend had bracelets and key chains that residents made, and I now have a new keychain.

Then after the art booths, I took walk around the pond at Wellfield.  It is a lovely place, with the creek running on the backside. A lot of work has gone on the east side of the pond to make it a beautiful resting place. With waterfalls, walk paths, and a flower garden, it is an ideal spot to spend time outside.

I did not eat, but by noon, most of the table seating under the tent for the Taste of the Garden was full.  I know the food was great, but I was a more soaked than I wanted, so I decided to go home.  It was a great event, and I can’t wait for it to happen again next year.

I was at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair this Sunday with my husband Mike, and my two year old Mina. It was wonderful. The first Sunday of the fair is free admission. Sunday after church the grounds are usually packed. My first advice for those going to the fair on this day is come early. We show up around 9am. Of course rides and the commercial buildings don’t open till Noon, but it’s better than waiting 30 minutes to an hour trying to get into the fair after church lets out—and the traffic stays that way for the rest of the day.

First, we ate breakfast at the Elkhart County Noon Exchange building. We ate pancakes and sausage. The pancakes are all you can eat, and with drink it was $5.50, a great deal for breakfast. Then we go and see all the animals. With my two year old, certain animals are easier than other. She loved the ducks and geese, but they were in the same building as the roosters, and the roosters were too loud. Cows were too big, and pigs were too noisy. The bunnies, goats and llamas were OK.

We then went to Young McDonald’s Farm. Here is a donkey, miniature horses, chicks, a huge sow, and turtles. It’s a great area for little ones. By this time it was 11:45am and the rides and commercial buildings were almost open.

We choose instead of doing the commercial buildings to eat an elephant ear. The best elephant ears are at the small red barn by the grandstand. My two year old had cinnamon in her hair and shirt, but her smile was while eating it was worth the mess.

We left at noon. It was great way to spend a morning. As we were leaving the fair, the line into the fair was already a mile and a half backed up on SR 4, and we were very glad we went early.

The Elkhart County 4-H Fair runs this week until Saturday.

I love our fair. Let me know what you like about the Elkhart County 4-H fair, or if you love another 4-H fair, I’d like to hear about it.

-Mindy, Amish Country Northern Indiana Contributor and Visitor Center Travel Specialist

First, thank you ALL for your kind comments left on our blog! We appreciate the feedback and we’re thrilled that so many of you have such great things to say about Amish Country Northern Indiana!

And the winner of the $25 American Countryside Farmers Market Gift Card is: Kathleen Renno

Congratulations Kathleen! We’ll get your $25 American Countryside Farmers Market Gift Card right out to you. Be sure to visit back soon, we have another fun giveaway planned!

-Jessica, Amish Country Northern Indiana Technology Marketing Manager

This contest is over. Check back soon for our next giveaway!

A $25 Gift Certificate to the American Countryside Farmers Market Could Be Yours!

Each month this summer we’re giving away a special prize to someone who posts a comment on this blog post. This month’s prize is a $25 gift certificate to the American Countryside Farmers Market located in Elkhart, IN.

Beneath the beams of this 51,000-square-foot Amish built barn, you find farm fresh produce, hormone free meats, Amish baked goods, melt in your mouth cheeses, spices, flavored oils and more. The second floor features artisan shops, gift vendors and a state-of-the-art test kitchen.

Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 9am – 5pm
State Road 19 & County Road 26 / Elkhart
AmericanCountryside.us/877.782.7386

Update! Thank you all for the wonderful comments! Today is the last day to enter so tell your friends and family. Multiple entries do not increase your odds of winning.

I went to the Shipshewana Flea Market for the first time in a few years. I didn’t realize that the entrance was only on SR 5. That was a little strange. And then they have signs to show you which way parking is, but no exit signs. I realize that most people don’t want to exit the Flea Market, but they should have an exit path.

I don’t mind going to the Flea Market, but finding the bargains isn’t my idea of fun.

However, I did stumble on the flowers and the fresh produce of the market. I didn’t realize that the Flea Market had flowers and fresh produce. I bought red, yellow and orange peppers for a dollar. I found grapes the size of golf balls. There was fresh rhubarb, although a little late in the season, and Michigan asparagus. I was impressed with the quality and quantity of the fresh produce.

I also loved the plants. There were lots of hanging plants, and I loved seeing all the geranium and pansies in the baskets. Earlier in the season, I was looking for a hanging plant, but I couldn’t find any. But I found four different baskets I liked, but couldn’t decide what one would work best. I’m going to go back soon and actually buy one.

So when you visit the Flea Market, take some time to find the produce and the plants. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Mindy, Amish Country Northern Indiana Contributor and Visitor Center Specialist

There are definite signs people are traveling shorter distances, so Amish Acres has adjusted its services and offerings to appeal to a more local audience. For example, it’s expanded its restaurant menu beyond the Threshers Dinner introducing fresh ideas such as the new Sunday Buffet, German Sausage Wednesdays, and Half-Price Thursdays with a ½ price rib dinner, ½ price theatre tickets (non-reserved seating) and ½ price hotel suites – encouraging people to start their weekend getaway early. And it seems to be working.

Amish Acres has also taken a totally different marketing approach and forged cooperative partnerships with CVS in over 400 of its Midwest stores and all Kroger, Owens, and Scotts stores in most of Indiana.

Richard Pletcher, Founder and CEO, Amish Acres Historic Farm & Heritage Resort, Nappanee, IN

How far do you plan to travel for your summer vacation? Let us know.

We spend SO much time outside in the summer sunshine that our patio becomes a safe haven.  Shouldn’t the entrances to our homes and our flower gardens be welcoming, entertaining, visually stimulating, and functional?

We will find out how at the Das Dutchman Essenhaus Home, Garden & Fashion Show, April 29 – 30th

Outdoor solar powered art to light walkways, water features to enhance tranquility, sun hats and a unique line of garden tools, as well as birdhouses, wind chimes and personal care items created to soothe gardeners damaged hands will be featured in the show.

You’ll pick up the latest trips and trends in apparel, accents and inspirations for your home and self for spring. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal with your group of friends before you begin shopping.

Since this is close to Administrative Assistant’s Day and Mother’s Day, do you have a mother, daughter, sister, co-worker, or an especially close girlfriend? Consider this unique outing to say thank you for all they are and do! Purchase a pair of tickets and enjoy the event together…

Non-refundable tickets will soon be available! Be sure to mark your calendar!

What is your big outdoor project this summer? Leave a Comment and let us know

-Jessica Miller
Amish Country Northern Indiana Contributor

There seems to be a lot more people using coupons, savings cards and discount programs in light of the current economic climate. And I was so happy to see the new program that Amish Acres, Nappanee is offering to their visitors and CVS cardholders.

According to their site, all you have to do is present your CVS/pharmacy Extra Care Card or register receipt or your Plus Shopper’s Card and you will  receive $5 off the Amish Acres House & Farm Tour. You will also receive $50 in valuable shopping coupons! There are additional offers related to this as well and you can find the details on their site Amish Acres.com.

This is a great oppportunity for you to enjoy the Amish Acres House and Farm Tour!
If you’ve taken the tour, let us know your favorite part. Leave Your Comment

- Jessica Miller,  Amish Country Northern Indiana Contributor