Amish Country Blog

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.

Going to the Blue Gate Restaurant is a must do in Amish Country. They have wonderful food, and good service. I was there on a Flea Market Day, and we had to wait for our check, but that is my only complaint. I loved my beef and noodles, and since it was lunch time, I could have a smaller portion of it. It’s nice not to have to gorge yourself sometimes, and I like that the Blue Gate offers the smaller portion. I did not order dessert, and that is always a mistake in Amish Country. The only excuse I have is that I can travel back to the Blue Gate at anytime. The rest of you wouldn’t want to forgo the wonderful desserts that they have. So when you’re tired of shopping at the Flea Market, and need someone to wait on you, travel to the Blue Gate for a great meal.

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

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

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

In Amish Country, we do a lot of celebrating the holidays.  We like decorations, and trees and lights, and anything festive that warms up the winter weather.  I think people in the south don’t appreciate Christmas decorations as much as northerners do, because they have sunshine – and we – well we have snow, dark and cold.  The darkest day of the year is coming up too.  During the winter solstice, we’ll have exactly 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of nighttime. 

So I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but I haven’t decorated for Christmas yet.  Well, OK, I’ll admit that we hardly ever decorate for Christmas.  I love other peoples light, and love going over to my friends and families houses to see how great their trees are, but me, I don’t like to put in the effort.  It’s too much work for such a small amount of time.  And now that we have a toddler, it seems everyone wants me to feel bad for not decorating for her. (I don’t feel bad!)

So, it’s a great thing that there are a lot of places to see winter lights and trees in Amish Country of Northern Indiana.  The American Countryside Farmers Market has trees decorated for charity.  Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Amish Acres and the Blue Gate Restaurant and Theatre are all decorated for Christmas.  Linton’s Enchanted Gardens is very festive, and when you visit, puts you in the holiday mood.  Our downtowns are decked out in lights and ornaments.  So while you’re out Christmas shopping, enjoy the effort others have made to make this area festive for the holidays.

In Amish Country we get into the Holiday spirit early!

Shipshewana is busy putting the fishing touches thier holiday decorations in anticipation of the Christmas shopping season.

Visit this weekend November 3 for their first annual Christmas Light Parade! Over 1000 handmade luminaries will line the streets of the small town Saturday Evening. The parade starts at 6:45 pm, followed by Christmas carols by the Chuckwagon Gang and lighting of the Christmas tree in front of the Blue Gate Restaurant.

Visit any weekend between now and Christmas for Holiday fun! Some upcoming events include:

Nov. 9 Evening at the Gallery

Nov. 10 Carousel Day

Nov. 17 Chocolate Day

Dec. 1 Gingerbread Houses on Display 11am-3pm
Cookies, Candy & Cocoa Day

Dec. 7 5-8pm Christmas Carolers throughout Town6-8pm Live Nativity

Dec. 8 7am-3pm Holiday Bazaar at Town Center 6-8pm Live Nativity

Dec. 14 5-8pm Christmas Carolers throughout Town

Dec. 15 10am Christmas Holiday Parade
10:45am-3pm Visit Santa at the Courtyard of Arts (Goody Bags/Gift Drawing)

Dec. 21 5-8pm Christmas Carolers throughout Town

Dec. 25 Merry Christmas! Shops closed in celebration of the Holiday