Amish Country Blog

Ahh, Halloween is on Saturday.  I have 500 pieces of candy, and I’m still not sure that it’s going to be enough.  Saturday is the big day, and it makes me nervous that there will be twice as many kids out as usual. This year,  I have out a half bale of hay and 4 pumpkins, and that’s the most festive I’ve been for Halloween in years.

Here are a few events that are going on in Amish Country to help get you in the Halloween mood.

Thursday, October 29
The Elkhart Environmental Center annual Monster Hike.  Bring your children out to trick or treat for Halloween with nature’s monsters. They will see live creepy crawlers. Costumes are encouraged. A $3 donation is appreciated. Please call 293-5070 to register.  It starts at 11am.

Friday, October 30
Hall of Heroes, the largest Superhero Museum in the world has been taken over by Doctor Doom and his fellow nefarious colleagues.  Experience this Halloween Extravaganza as seen from the villain’s point of view.  From 7pm to 10pm, admission is $5.

Trick or Treat on Main Street in Goshen.  Starting at Noon, you can visit participating Main Street businesses and do your trick or treating, and shopping all at once.  It’s a good way to get your little ones ready for the big day.

Saturday, October 31
American Countryside Farmers Market will give treats to all kids who dress in costume.  There will be games, clown, balloons, and entertainment.  It will be a fun time for all those who want to celebrate a little earlier in the day.

For more events, check out our events page at AmishCountry.org/events

Mindy, Amish Country Northern Indiana Contributor and Visitor Center Specialist

It’s been awhile since I’ve spent time with my girlfriends. Life has become busy with work and family, and I forget to connect with those people who know me well and can regenerate my spirit.  It’s been even longer since I’ve had a girls’ only weekend. You remember those weekends – way back in high school, when you could spend the whole weekend doing whatever you and friends liked – usually shopping, and then spending the rest of the night talking into the early part of the morning.

That’s why it’s a good thing that the Essenhaus Inn and Conference Center has a Girlfriends Getaway Package.  You get to spend time with those people who know you well, and reconnect, while their professional staff waits on you.  Call the Essenhaus and ask about their Girlfriends Getaway Package, available now through May 1, 2009 at 800.455.9471.  It will be one of the best weekends you and your girlfriends will have.

If you have stayed at the Essenhaus Inn and Conference Center, leave a comment and tell us about it.

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

I’m starting to see people coming back to Amish Country.  The pace is picking up in the Visitor Center and the  Heritage Trail driving tour CD and map are popular.  It’s fun to watch! I have a few things that I need to tell you about Amish Country before you come to help make your trip a little easier.

First is that you need to begin early and stop early.  Amish Country is a farming community at heart, and we get up with the sun, and close down as the sun is starting to set.  If you want to visit shops, or visit businesses, or go to a museum, plan your day for a 9am to 6pm.  You can always start earlier, but just keep that 6pm close time in your mind.  Restaurants do stay open later.

If you want to learn about the Amish, the best place to go is Menno-Hof in Shipshewana.  They are dedicated to telling the Amish and Mennonite story.

Great food is abundant in Amish Country.  Pack a cooler so you can keep all your food purchases fresh. Driving the Heritage Trail is the best way to take in Amish Country, and it takes 3 and a half hours if you follow the audio tour and don’t stop.  It will take most of your day if you want to make stops…and well worth it!  You should plan on making at least a few stops on your way.  And don’t forget to bring your camera.  There are lots of great photo opportunities in Amish Country.

So have fun when you’re out and about in Amish Country, and I hope you enjoy your stay.

Have you driven the Heritage Trail audio tour? Let us know. Leave your comment

Mindy, Amish Country Northern Indiana Contributor

Pick up your copy of the New Heritage Trail Driving Tour!

Newly updated audio tells visitors interesting facts and tidbits about the area while guiding them along the scenic driving route. Featuring some of Amish Country’s newest attractions as well as old favorites the new audio is something you don’t want to miss this year! The Heritage Trail has been featured twice by LIFE Magazine publications as One of America’s Most Scenic Drives and 100 Places to See in Your Lifetime.

Pick up your copy today at area lodging facilities or the Visitors Center located at Elkhart Exit 92. You may also download the audio online Free! Mp3 files can be uploaded to your Mp3 player or burned to a Cd on your home computer. Online you will also find Trail Tips and an interactive driving map at AmishCountry.org.

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