Amish Country Northern Indiana
May 13

Fairs and Festivals

It’s Fair and Festival time! Here’s a listing of the Fairs and Festivals happening in our area during June – October. These great family friendly events guaranteed to keep everyone plenty busy this summer. Click on the event to find out all the information.

Rhaspody in Green
Wakarausa Blue Grass Festival
Shipshewana Quilt Festival
WHME Friend Fest
Elkhart County 4-H Fair
EnviroFest
Elkhart ArtWalk
Essenhaus Quilt Festival
Middlebury Summer Festival
Amish Acres Arts and Crafts Festival
Nappanee Apple Festival
Middlebury Fall Festival
Fall Carfters Fair

Please keep checking AmishCountry.org/events for updated information.

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May 7

Andrew Skipper Visits 523 Tap & Grill, Elkhart, IN


One great thing about Amish country is that there are so many options when it comes to dining out. If you find yourself craving Mediterranean inspired cuisine and a stylish atmosphere, 523 Tap & Grill in downtown Elkhart is the place to go.

523 Tap & Grill

It is conveniently located on South Main Street, in the heart of Elkhart’s Arts & Entertainment District, in a beautifully remodeled building, offering a relaxed yet chic vibe. 523 is the perfect place to meet for lunch after touring the Midwest Museum of American Art or have dinner before taking in a show at the Lerner Theatre, both of which are within walking distance. My favorite thing to do is to meet friends in the bar and order a few appetizers to split tapas style. I love their Asian chicken and the mushroom fondue is a must try! Top it off with a cocktail (in my opinion, they make the best dirty martini in town), and enjoy a decadent dessert.

523 Tap & Grill

If the weather is agreeable, enjoy an evening on the gated patio. There’s nothing better than spending a warm summer evening dining al fresco with friends! Occasionally, 523 offers live music which can be a nice treat if you’re looking to get the night started.

Regardless, you can be sure to enjoy a stylish atmosphere and good food. For more information, visit AmishCountry.org and stay tuned as I bring you more fun finds along the Heritage Trail!

523 Tap & Grill

523 Tap & Grill
523 S. Main St.
Elkhart, IN 46514
574.523.1523
523tapandgrill.com
Find on Facebook
Mon-Fri 11:00-10:00pm
Sat 12:00-10:00pm
Closed Sundays

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Apr 29

Spring Marketplace at Wellfield Gardens

On Saturday, May 4th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Spring Marketplace at Wellfield Gardens will kick off the region’s 2013  garden season.

According to the event’s chairperson, Emma Wynn, WBG board and committee members are lining up a range of sponsors and vendors to showcase an array of plants from tiny alpines to easy-care rose bushes, garden products from gloves to natural worm fertilizer, outdoor furniture, grills and garden art, plus eco-friendly products such as native plants and rain barrels.

Seminars and demonstrations led by experts will inspire attendees with creative ideas, address gardening challenges and give helpful outdoor lifestyle tips. There will also be guided tours, including “The Story of the Gardens” and “10 Best Trees for Northern Indiana Gardens.”Andrew Skipper of Andrew Skipper Everyday, Steve McCloskey, horticulturalist, Kelsay Shaw from Possibility Place Nursery and Jeff Burbrink, our local Purdue Extension Educator, are among Marketplace’s presenters.

The children’s activity area will feature fun hands-on, educational activities presented by WBG, the Elkhart Environmental Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Elkhart County and the Elkhart Art League. On site will be ETHOS’ impressive Science 2 Go bus, a mobile science laboratory designed for grades K-8, courtesy of the Elkhart Community Schools and a volunteer group of area RV manufacturers and suppliers.

Talented musicians will offer a variety of musical styles.

Mod Mex, The Weiner Shack and Matterhorn Catering, Honey’s Frozen Yogurt and Dutch Maid Bakery will be providing food.

Spring Marketplace at Wellfield Gardens will present visitors — both members and guests — with a one-stop shopping source for plants, gardening supplies and services, professional recommendations, outdoor lifestyle ideas and inspiration. Plus a chance to mingle with other gardeners, spending a delightful, entertaining day in the Gardens.

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Apr 17

Run/Walks in Elkhart County

Spring is here, and people are itching to get outside. There are some fun and different types of races/rides/walks planned – perfect for anyone waiting for the good weather to get fit, get out and have fun doing it.

Goshen First Fridays: Goshen Bicycle Criterium and Bike Festival - 05/03/201

4th Annual Ribbon of Hope 5K Walk and Competitive Run – 05/18/2013

Two Rivers Meet Walkathon, 5K run/walk, 10K run and 15K run – 05/25/2013

14th Annual Pumpkinvine Bike Ride - 06/15/2013

Ideal Beach Triathlon – 06/15/2013

United Way’s What Floats Your CARDBOARD Boat? Race – 08/23/2013

Maple City Walk – 09/21/2013

 

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Apr 16

Andrew Skipper Visits the Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart, IN


In the heart of downtown Elkhart’s Arts and Entertainment District is a 25,000 square foot neo-classical building which plays host to the Midwest Museum of American Art.  The museum boasts seven galleries including the old vault (the building was previously a bank) which contains part of the museum’s permanent collection featuring American art from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The permanent collection, consisting of approximately 3,100 works with about 850 on display at a time, includes paintings, prints, drawings, watercolors, sculpture, and photographs.  On the second story of the museum, there is quite an impressive collection of Norman Rockwell lithographs which have been hand-signed by the artist.

There are also temporary and traveling exhibits, one being the “Youth Art in Elkhart,” which happened to be on display the day I stopped in.  What a treat to see works of art in various mediums by local young people.  Viewing the talent of these students was inspiring and gave me a glimpse into where the world of art may be headed in the near future.

Being a public foundation, the museum offers tours ($3 for adults, $2 for seniors, and $1 for students up to 15 years old, 5 and under are free), which will lead you through the major American Art movements.  There are also workshops, lectures, and films offered throughout the year.

A museum of this quality is a true treasure for Elkhart.  Since opening in 1979 it has become one of Indiana’s most important art institutions and pillar of culture in our community.  Whether you are a novice or expert in the art world, there is certainly something to be learned at the Midwest Museum of American Art and I hope you will share in the experience that this local gem has to offer!

Midwest Museum of American Art
429 South Main St.
Elkhart, IN 46514]

574.293.6660
Tues-Fri 10:00-4:00
Sat 1:00-4:00
Sun 1:00-4:00 (free)
Closed Mondays
Midwestmuseum.us
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Apr 15

Spring along the Heritage Trail

Two of my favorite things are ready to come out for spring, and that’s asparagus and rhubarb.  I love these first vegetables of the year.   When I was little I loved eating rhubarb straight from my grandma’s garden with salt on the stalk.  Now, I love making rhubarb sour cream snack cake.  And I love a simple warm asparagus salad, or roasted asparagus, or asparagus and pasta.  So many great dishes can be made with these two vegetables. I can’t wait for you to go to Goshen’s Farmer’s Market or The Shipshewana Flea Market, pick up some, and enjoy this first taste of spring in Amish Country.

What foods represent spring for you?

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Apr 5

Andrew Skipper Visits The Lerner in Elkhart, Indiana

The corner of Franklin and Main Street in downtown Elkhart hosts the heart of the Arts and Entertainment District. Here you will find the newly restored and renovated Lerner Theatre. Though this site has been the epicenter of social events in Elkhart County for generations, it has never been more vibrant and alive than it is today. After undergoing its multi-million dollar restoration and reopening in 2011, The Lerner has offered patrons a wide range of entertainment.

Whether you visit The Lerner for a play, musical, concert, or even movies, you are bound to enjoy the cultural experience. The resident production company, Premier Arts, puts on top notch productions throughout the year. Even if you don’t have time to take in a show, treat yourself to a guided tour of this opulent historical landmark. The architecture itself is reason enough to tour the facility, but throughout the building you will also have a chance to view an abundance of artwork created by local artisans.

Just steps from Elkhart’s Riverwalk, The Lerner is surrounded by a wide variety of locally owned restaurants and bars. From Irish fare to Mediterranean cuisine, you can easily satisfy your appetite before the show. Also within walking distance are a local brewery and a specialty martini bar; the perfect place to top the night off after a performance at The Lerner.

If you’re planning a trip to Elkhart, be sure to check out The Lerner Theatre.  Visit their website, thelerner.com, for show information.  Dinner, a show, and drinks?  It’s the perfect way to get a big city feel in the heart of Amish Country!

The Lerner Theatre
410 South Main Street
Elkhart, IN 46514
574.293.4469
TheLerner.com
Facebook
Mon-Fri 9:00-5:00

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Mar 20

5 Best Museums for Learning During Spring Break

Hall of Heroes

Oh I know, the kiddos are out of school, and they don’t want to learn anything else.  They just want to have fun.  They don’t want to make those brains do anymore work. Here are five museums that will make learning over spring break fun.

1)    Elkhart County Historical Museum
2)    Hall of Heroes Superheroes Museum
3)    Ruthmere
4)    New York Central Railroad Museum
5)    Menno Hof

Hope everyone has a great time over Spring Break.  It’s going to be a great week in Amish Country. What are your family’s plans for Spring Break? Leave a comment below.

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Mar 15

Andrew Skipper Visits Rise & Roll Bakery in Middlebury, IN

I have always been a big fan of breakfast. Growing up, we used to start every day with lively conversation at the table and now as an adult, the first thing I do in the morning is get a cup of coffee and something to eat. Being raised in Amish country, I have a special love for freshly baked bread and apple butter; two things that were never in short supply!

Rise and Roll Bakery

Whether you’ll be shopping, sight-seeing, or working, Rise n’ Roll Bakery in Middlebury is the perfect place to start your day. They have their own blend of freshly ground coffee, and here’s the best part: They’ll offer you a free cup just for stopping in!  If that’s not hospitality, I don’t know what is!  They also are famous for their freshly made doughnuts.  Fresh hot coffee and home made doughnuts; who wouldn’t want to start their day like that?!

Rise and Roll Bakery

It’s also fun to sample all the different flavors of jams and jellies they have.  Even with all those options, I still love the traditional apple butter. Don’t worry if you’re not a morning person.  They serve a fantastic lunch, and also offer a nice selection of meats, cheeses, and fresh bread.

Rise and Roll Bakery

In a world of fast food and run-of-the-mill service, it’s refreshing to find locally owned places that still use fresh ingredients and welcome you to their establishment as if they were welcoming you into their own homes. The next time you find yourself in Amish country, stop into Rise n’ Roll; tell them Andrew sent you!

Rise and Roll Bakery

Rise n’ Roll Bakery
1065 N. 1150 W.
Middlebury, IN 46540

Rise and Roll Bakery

574.825.4032
Mon.-Sat. 7:00-5:00
Closed Sundays

risenrollbakery.com
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Feb 25

Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival

I love Amish Country’s first festival of the year.  It’s the announcement that Spring is here, and that I’m going to see a lot of people out and about. There will be lots of maple syrup, food, fun and activities.

Most people can’t wait for the pancake and sausage breakfast served at Northwood Middle School.  The line is always long, but it’s fun to talk to the people around you while you wait.  If you’re from outside the area, it’s a good way to meet new people. Next, walk down Elkhart Road and see all the events and activities.  Don’t forget to stop at the Wakarusa Dime Store for a bag of Jumbo Jelly Beans.  Then walk down to  Wakarusa Hardware, locals love it for it’s old time feel and wonderful customer service.

Finally, don’t forget to take a tour of the sugar maple camp.  Hope you’ll enjoy your time at the Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival. If you attended, let us know what you enjoyed the most. Leave a comment below.

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