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

Linton’s Enchanted Garden is one of my most favorite places in Amish Country. There is so much to look at, and many things to do there. The garden center is packed full of items for the house. There are always unique and lovely things to help make the inside of your house beautiful, especially during this time of the year. They have lots of fall and Christmas decorations. The Garden Center also holds the floral shop, so you can pick up your fresh flowers too.

Outside, are all the plants, trees, shrubs and flowers you could want. At this time of the year, there are also pumpkins, and you can get whole or half bales of hay. I bought 3 small pumpkins, one medium, and a half of bale of hay. I don’t know if we’re going to decorate the pumpkins, but it’s as festive as I’ve gotten in five years.

October 24 and 25 is Spooktacular. You can save on plants and flowers, and the kids get treats too.

So when you need that plant or flower, go to Linton’s. You’ll find the perfect plant, and a few other things to go along with it.

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

You can always find something to do in Amish Country.   September is full of Festivals.  So here is just a listing. For details, please go to our event page at amishcountry.org/events.

Bristol Storytelling Festival September 11-12
Nappanee Apple Festival September 17-20
Borkholder Dutch Village Fall Furniture Festival September 18-19
Middlebury Fall Festival September 18-19
Mennonite Relief Sale September 26
Pumpkin Chase Race September 27

If you’ve been here for one of these festivals, let us know what you enjoyed about it.  I love the Mennonite Relief Sale.  Although I can’t afford any of the auction items, I love the feel of having all those people in one place helping a great cause.  I know many people love the Nappanee Apple Festival’s 7 foot pie.  Whatever your looking for, I’m sure one of our September festivals has something to enhance your trip.

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

If you’re ever interested in what is going on in Amish Country, click on our events tab.  You’ll find all kinds of events, and hopefully one of them will add to your Amish Country experience.  September is full of festivals.

The Quilt Gardens Tour is viewable for one more month.  Make sure you come and enjoy the tour.  There have been some interesting things happening to the gardens this year.  In Wakarusa, a hail storm took out part of the Quilt Garden.  In Goshen, a critter ate a little of the Quilt Garden at the 4-H fair, although the Meadow  Brook Agriquilt would have been more to his liking.

The Elkhart Civic Theatre announced their 2010-11 season.  It looks another great year for Elkhart Civic.  Premier Arts is finishing out their 2009-10 family series. Sauder Concert Hall at Goshen College has another great lineup for their 2010-11 season, I want to go see the Chieftains, and the African Children’s Choir.  The Round Barn Theatre finishes their season with Cats, which I love!  I would also check out the Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewana.
So while you plan your trip to Amish Country, check out our events page.  I bet there is something on that page you don’t want to miss.

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

Gear up for another fun party in downtown Goshen during Goshen’s First Friday Oktoberfest, this Friday, October 3rd from 5pm-9pm.!

This month Downtown Goshen will celebrate fall with an Oktoberfest featuring lots of food and live entertainment. Also, the Downtown merchants have decorated for the fall harvest season and their décor will be judged for the “best of show”.

Outdoor activities will happen on Washington Street between 5^th and Main. On the street, the local Republican and Democrat parties will sell food items. Age 21-and-over visitors can head to the beer garden at Boscos, 123 South 5th Street (5th and Washington streets) for a pint of fresh brew.  more

Summer is coming to an end and if you are feeling a little blue, then the Island of Blues is the place for you. On Saturday, August 23, 2008, Island Park in Elkhart will feature 7 hours of the top blue artists, including Grammy Nominee Randy McAllister from around the United States. Even if you are not blue, this promises to be a great way to spend a Saturday evening. For tickets go to russellproducts.com/islandofblues/index.html.

-Tasha, Amish Country Northern Indiana contributor

On the first Friday of every month, the city of Goshen celebrates by hosting a party for everyone! On August 1, there will be live music, great food, and shopping. This celebration showcases the best-of-the-best in Goshen.  It starts at 5:00 p.m. and goes until 9:00 p.m. For more information go to www.cityonthego.org.

 Within the past year, Elkhart County has updated its firework law, however, that will not hinder your fun on the 4^th of July at all.  This is one of the only days that fireworks are allowed. While there are still state laws you must follow about the types of fireworks you can use, you can feel free to blast away in Elkhart County from June 29-July 9. Just remember to please use extreme caution. Spending the night in the hospital is not fun no matter what day of the year it is.

July 4 – Upper St. Joseph River Flotilla. Theme for decorating boats is anything relating to Elkhart city history. Boats form at Six Span Bridge at 12:30pm., head down to the Johnson Street dam at 1pm and then return to Martin’s Landing for presentation of awards. Best viewing from Martin’s Landing. Bleachers available. Live coverage including music and interviews on 88.5 FM from 1 to 4pm.

Fireworks Sky Concert, beginning about 10:30pm at Central High School’s Rice Field. Gates open at 7pm. Music by the band Route 66. Admission: $2. Parking $1

Click here for a complete listing of Michiana Fireworks provided by WNDU