Amish Country Blog

Going Green is important in today’s Earth-focused world. It helps save the environment and encourages new products and innovation to occur. Elkhart County and Amish Country is not going to be left behind in this trend. We already have a leg up on many other states; a large portion of our population uses horses to get around! On the other hand, our county is one of the most production driven counties in the state of Indiana, and that is where our focus must lie. While our communities may be easy to walk around in, many places are spread out around the county. One way to go green on your vacation would be to come as a group and carpool. You can even get a cultural experience and rent a buggy to get you where you need to go!

Elkhart County is home to one of the largest 4-H fairs in the nation! Extending from July 18- July 26, this nine-day fair is home to multiple buildings of 4-H animals, projects, and exhibits, concerts, tractor-pulls, races, rodeos, food, games, rides, and more! There is so much going on, that it is impossible to describe! For more information on the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, go to 4HFair.org

It might be chilly out right now, but Spring Break is just around the corner! And Spring Break time is the perfect time to visit Amish Country Northern Indiana. Spring flowers are in bloom, the weather is warm and Amish Country is blooming with fun things to do. If you’ve never been to the area, one of the easiest ways to experience it is by driving the Award winning Heritage Trail audio driving tour.

You just pop the free CD in your car and let it guide you on a winding loop along rural highways, quiet country lanes, through friendly cities and along small-town main streets. It’s especially nice if you like tours, but you want the flexibility of starting and stopping at your own pace. You can stop and eat or shop, and you can take the tour over several days if you like. There’s no tour guide, you can take your time and enjoy all the must-sees in the area. Experience our interactive Heritage Trail and get a taste of what’s on the tour here

Leave the Cooking, Cleaning and Daily Routine Behind!

Plan a Girlfriends Getaway in Amish Country. This is the perfect time of year for the girls getaway! Shop till you drop, scrapbook, catch up on all the gossip! Share rooms, laughs and memories.

Shops around the area are packed full of great gift ideas. Most stay open later on weekend nights throughout the Christmas shopping season, offering special holiday open houses and sales. Come experience Christmas shopping in a laid back atmosphere. Its is a wonderful way to experience all the sights and sounds of the season.

Das Dutchman Essenhaus has The Girlfriends Getaway Packages available October 21, 2007 through the New Year. Chat with your friends, pick a date, and call the Reservations Coordinator at 800-455-9471 (x550) for additional details or information OR to book your reservation. Ask about special add ons such as massages and pedicures.

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

Quilters Find Treasures In Amish Country

The history of quilting dates back to the early 19th century. Many Amish quilters have embraced this as a social activity and an art medium. Amish women began quilting around 1870 but within just 15 short years Amish Quilts became quite common.Today’s Amish and Mennonite women in northern Indiana still enjoy quilting. Quilt supply shops, quilt stores and annual benefit auctions make this area a fantastic place to visit if you have an interest in quilting. Enjoy shopping at places such as Yoder’s Department Store, The Quilt Shop and Lolly’s Fabrics. Stocked with thousands of fabric bolts and quilting supplies, hard to find items are often located here. Take time to admire the work of local women and purchase an Amish quilt at Little Helpers Quilt Shop or Martins Quilt Shop.

Are you searching for the perfect color pattern or a special design to match your decor? Custom quilt designs and one of kind treasures made to order can be found in Goshen at Quilt Designs.

Annual quilt auctions are just around the corner. Plan a visit during the Michiana Mennonite Relief sale September 22 or the Goldenrod Benefit Auction September 7, both events feature quilt auctions for a worthy cause and great locally made foods.

 Amish Country is Inspiring Green Thumb Quilters

This exciting trip through Amish Country mixes the legacy of Quilting and Gardening into one inspiring journey. A delicious home style breakfast at one of the area restaurants will get your day off right. You’ll find Amish pastries are extremely yummy when paired with a fresh cup of hot coffee.

Begin in Shipshewana located along SR 5 you will find ample parking in the downtown area. Take a stroll around the quaint streets visiting many fun shops including D’vine Galleries where you will find treasures for your home and garden. Be sure to stop by Yoder’s Department store just south downtown where quilters delight in looking through thousands of fabric bolts, and gardeners are inspired with a wide selection of tools and supplies.

As you leave Shipshewana head south on SR 5 to US 20 take a right turn to head west a few miles where you will find Little Helper’s Quilt Shop. The Amish owned shop is filled with beautiful handmade quilts sold on consignment. You’ll see hundreds of quilts ranging in size and design, the urge to purchase one will be very hard to resist.

Jump back in the car and continue East on US 20 to the town of Middlebury and the Das Dutchman Essenhaus. Here you can dine on Amish Country favorites such noodles, chicken, mashed potatoes, and delicious pies for a very hearty lunch. The Essenhaus is home to Amish Country’s first Quilt Garden spanning 2400 square feet, this one of a kind garden is sure to inspire your own creations. Stop by the shops before leaving the grounds including The Quilt Shop featuring hands on demonstrations and Quilt Magic Kits.

If it’s more inspiration you crave head north on Wayne Street to Krider Gardens. The gardens were originally designed by Krider Nurseries for display at the 1933/34 Chicago World’s Fair. Closely resembling the original design, these gardens have been restored for future generations to enjoy.

To visit the last stop of the day head north of town on SR 13 to SR 120. Take a left to go west on 120 to the town of Bristol where you will find Hilbish Nursery. Located just north of town on CR 25. A great place to shop and explore featuring a wide selection at fantastic prices.

If you would like to plan an overnight stay, Amish Country offers many outstanding lodging options from quaint Bed and Breakfast to comfortable Country Inns. Please check out AmishCountry.org to learn more about planning your stay.

What is American Countryside?
Fresh from the Farm FUN on a Grand Scale!

Abundance on an almost unimaginable scale awaits you at Elkhart County’s newest attraction. The extraordinary dream that started over 15 years ago is now a reality! American Countryside Farmers Market is open for Business, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00am-3:30pm. Centrally located and easy to find just off of SR 19 between Elkhart and Wakarusa, visit AmishCountry.org for area maps.Over 400+ Vendor spots are filled with quality products including fresh foods, locally made crafts, specialty products and healthy living items. The market will feature vendors from all over the county showcasing the rich Amish heritage of farming and wood crafting. An international food court will offer a variety of yummy treats and the culinary director will offer fun interactive demonstrations of seasonal recipes in their exquisite test kitchen.

Be part of the fun! Visit our Website for travel information, local events and nearby lodging. Have you been to this amazing attraction? Post a comment below to share your story.

Looking to getaway in your own backyard this spring break?

Here are some cool things kids will enjoy in Amish Country.

Journey into the countryside on an Amish
horse and buggy ride

Stop in for a tasty treat and an ice cold fountain
coke at JoJos Pretzel

Get up close and personal with the buffalo at
Cook’s Bison Ranch

Camp under a starry sky…don’t forget the
s’mores!

Explore the nature trails, meadows and
riverbanks of Bonneyville County Park

Lions, Tigers and bears, oh my! South Bend’s
Potawatomi Zoo

Put a quarter in the jukebox and dig into a
burger and shake at Alley Oops Diner

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