Amish Country Northern Indiana
Jun 17

Elkhart Jazz Festival

Downtown Elkhart is the place to be this week during the Elkhart Jazz Festival, June 20-23. Wynton Marsalis is the headliner! He plays on Saturday, June 23, at the Lerner Theatre.

Other stand-out performers for this year’s Jazz Festival include John Pizzarelli, Davina and the Vagabonds, Dave Bennett, Bria Skonberg, Greg Abate, Bill Allred’s Classic Jazz Band, Carl Sonny Leyland Trio, Chuck Redd Quartet with Ken Peplowski, Frank Tate and Graham Dechter, Joan Collaso Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers, The Faux Frenchmen, Gull Lake Jazz Orchestra, Kris Brownlee, Nia Quintet, Bucky Pizzarelli and Ed Laub, Ariel Pocock, Tom Rigney and Flambeau,Truth in Jazz, VibeNation, The Whistle Pigs Dance Band and John Hasse.

Be part of the fun. This year’s Elkhart Jazz Festival is a don’t miss event!

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Jun 14

Andrew Skipper Visits the Ruthmere Museum in Elkhart, IN


Ruthmere Museum is a Beaux Arts mansion originally built for the Beardsley family in 1910 in Elkhart, IN. The 12,000 square foot mansion has been open to the public since the 1970′s. The industry and careful stewardship of the Beardsleys led to an endowment for the community that we enjoy in many ways today. Ruthmere and its outstanding collections, including works that rival those held in much larger museums found in our nation’s major cities, are easily accessible to visitors.

Ruthmere Museum

Ruthmere holds many cultural opportunities for residents and visitors of Elkhart. These include significant history, elegant architecture, a world-class fine arts collection, and programs that bring stories of our communitiy’s past to life in meaningful ways. Throughout the year, Ruthmere plays host to lectures, concerts, social gatherings, and special guided tours. The Ruthmere campus is also a stop on the Quilt Garden Tour.

Ruthmere Museum

I’ve had the privilege of decorating this mansion for the holidays and have been able to get an in depth look at the many treasures inside the historic landmark. The attention to detail in this mansion is astonishing. It’s definitely worth making a special trip to take a tour of Ruthmere.

Ruthmere Mansion

With a convenient location just north east of Main Street, Ruthmere is steps away from Elkhart’s Riverwalk Culture Trail. Take a tour (about one hour) and head to lunch downtown or spend some leisure time enjoying Ruthmere’s garden. If you enjoy historic homes, walk down to the Havilah Beardsley House just one block away and discover even more history about the Beardsley family and the city of Elkhart. One thing is for sure- there is much to be discovered along the Heritage Trail!

Ruthmere Museum
302 East Beardsley Avenue
Elkhart, IN 46514
574.264.0330
Ruthmere.org
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Open to the Public April 2-December 29
Tues-Sat Tours on the hour from 10:00-3:00 (Eastern Time)
Sunday Tours on the hour form 1:00-3:00 (Eastern Time)
Tours Prices:
Adult $10
Student $4
Children under 5 admitted free with adult
Senior discount on Wednesdays $7

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May 27

Andrew Skipper Everyday Visits the Wellfield Botanic Gardens, Elkhart, IN

Some of the great perks of living in Elkhart, IN are its many cultural opportunities.  From world class art collections and museums to the beautiful Lerner Theatre, there is an abundance of activity in this Midwestern city.  A fairly new addition to the amenities is the Wellfield Botanic Gardens, located just 6 blocks north of down town Elkhart, on Main Street.

Situated on 36 acres, this beautiful landscape combines woodlands, man made gardens, water, and art, creating an inspiring oasis just steps from the heart of the city.  With an emphasis on connecting the human spirit with nature, the gardens are a perfect place for a few moments of repose among native plants, animals, and water.  The name “Wellfield” was chosen because the gardens are located on the site of the North Main Street well field, a source of hydraulic energy and drinking water for the city of Elkhart since the mid 1800′s.

The gardens are also a wonderful source of inspiration and education.  Throughout the year Wellfield plays host to events, concerts, and seminars which bring people together and encourage a healthy relationship between humans and nature.  I’ve had the privilege of speaking at the Spring Marketplace event for the past two years, and I can say that it is wonderful to see people of all ages coming to the gardens to enjoy the scenery and connect with nature.

Come for a morning of solitude or spend an afternoon with family and friends strolling through the gardens.  At Wellfield, one thing is for sure; inspiration is everywhere.  I hope you enjoy this special stop on the Heritage Trail!

Wellfield Botanic Gardens
1011 North Main Street
Elkhart, IN 46514
574.266.2006
wellfieldgardens.org
Mon-Sat 9:00-7:00
Sun 11:00-5:00
Admission $5 per person, children 12 and under free.  Memberships available-see website.  Elkhart City residents free on Tuesdays

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May 20

National Hamburger Month Favorites!

May is National Hamburger Month!

It’s the perfect time for me to talk about a few of my favorite burger joints here in Amish Country. Just about any place can put a piece of beef between bread. I’m talking about places that offer a little more to make a lot better burger.

McCarthy’s in Elkhart is a great burger joint & pub!  If you’re looking for the kind of hamburger like Mom used to make, this is the place. And not only do the burgers taste great, they go perfectly with any one of McCarthy’s sides & drinks. When the weather is nice you can enjoy their outdoor seating near Elkhart’s Riverwalk.

Prepare yourself for larger than normal patties at Chicago’s Downtown Eatery in Bristol! The price is right and the flavor is HUGE. Locals rave about Chicago’s pizza, but don’t forget about these tasty unsung heroes at this eatery.

A lot of people enjoy Elkhart’s Cracker Barrel restaurant’s legendary homemade breakfasts and lunch items. If you didn’t already know, let me be the first to recommend their hamburgers too. Their burgers are done right. And with all the side dish options Cracker Barrel offers, if you leave hungry it’s by your own choice. I really enjoy their baked beans as my side choice. It may sound a little different, but it works!

So do you have a favorite place to celebrate National Hamburger Month?

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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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