Old-fashioned, timeless activities like baking, sewing, knitting, and canning are making a big comeback, and here in Shipshewana, it’s no surprise. These “granny-era” pursuits aren’t just for older adults; they’re for anyone craving a slower pace and a creative escape from the tech-driven world. If getting your hands into kneading sourdough, stitching a quilt, or watching the birds from your porch is on your slower life bucket list, you’ll find Shipshewana is filled with simple hobbies that recharge your mind, spark joy, and connect you to the moment.
And when it comes to finding the things you need to do what Granny did best, Shipshewana, Indiana, is the place to go. From canning jars and sourdough supplies to fabric, garden seeds, and homemade jams, this Indiana Amish Country gem offers unbeatable prices, authentic ingredients, and a community that still treasures the art of doing things by hand.
Here are seven places to get your grandma’s hobbies in Shipshewana, and pick up a few new ones along the way.
Stock Your Pantry at E&S Sales
If canning, baking, or preserving is your passion, trust us, E&S Sales is your dream store. This Amish bulk food market has everything: flour by the bag, shelves of Ball jars, pectin, sugar, yeast, and all the essentials for sourdough starters and homemade jam. It’s the kind of place where every aisle sparks inspiration for your next kitchen project, and their discount section is excellent for stocking your pantry to fuel your new cooking passion.
Granny tip: Pair your canning jars with fresh produce from local farm stands or the Shipshewana Produce Auction.
Get Crafty at The Cotton Corner
The Cotton Corner has you covered for all your sewing learning needs. You’ll find fabrics, sewing machines, and patterns galore, along with friendly experts who are always ready to help. They even offer classes so that you can learn traditional techniques in a fun, community setting. Lolly’s Fabrics inside the Davis Mercantile is a great spot to cut some new ideas, and you can browse the whole mercantile after you gather your sewing items. Still looking for more sewing ideas? Get out on the backroads to shop Country Road Fabrics. If you’re really into piles of fabric, use the quilt and fabric list to explore all of them in Shipshewana.
Granny tip: Ask about sewing workshops, perfect for brushing up on your rusty skills or trying something new.
Cook and Create at
Yoders Hardware is a cook’s paradise, don’t let the name throw you off. You’ll find baking gadgets, cookware, spices, and more, all with that homey, nostalgic touch. It’s the perfect place to pick up a new mixing bowl or a vintage-inspired rolling pin for your next pie-making day. If you have not found everything you wanted, there is more to Shipshewana than you think. Check out Eash Sales and Smokehouse Grill and Supply to expand your cooking abilities.
Granny tip: Grab a locally printed Shipshewana cookbook for authentic Amish recipes that’ll jump-start your new recipe collection.
Find Fresh Inspiration at the Clearspring Produce Auction
If gardening or canning is on your list, don’t miss the Clearspring Produce Auction. Local farmers bring in their best fruits, vegetables, and plants by the crate, and buyers bid on everything from ripe tomatoes to garden seedlings. You’ll find some of the freshest, most affordable produce in northern Indiana, all locally grown and sourced.
Granny tip: Bring cash, a cooler, and a little competitive spirit. Auctions move fast; stay on your toes, because the deals are worth it!
Go Treasure Hunting at Shipshewana Trading Place
A visit to Shipshewana isn’t complete without wandering through its famous flea market and antique auction. This is where you’ll find vintage canning jars, old-fashioned kitchen tools, and maybe even a quilt frame or birdhouse that’s seen a few stories. It’s a goldmine for upcycling, decorating, or just reminiscing.
Granny tip: Plan on this event being Granny’s nod to being a good penny pincher and getting a good deal for your new old-fashioned hobbies.
Birdwatch and Browse at
Just a short drive from Shipshewana, Nature Unlimited is a paradise for bird lovers. They carry feeders, seed blends, and plenty of guides for identifying your feathered friends. After a stop here, head to the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and see how many species you can spot.
Granny tip: Try their special mixes to attract hummingbirds and cardinals, then sit back and enjoy the show in a rocking chair on your porch – maybe even one you picked up from a local Amish maker during your visit to Shipshewana.
Fill Your Freezer at Yoder’s Meat & Cheese Company
Yoder’s is a Shipshewana staple, a place to get all you need to make comfort food for Sunday dinner or prepping for canning season. Their local meats, cheeses, and bulk ingredients make it easy to create hearty, homemade meals. It’s also a great spot to pick up snacks for those long crafting sessions.
Granny tip: Don’t skip the deli counter, sample the smoked cheese, and thank us later.
A Little More Granny Wisdom
Shipshewana makes it easy to bring back the joy of doing things by hand. They give you the tools to start stirring a pot of apple butter, sewing a patchwork pillow, or watching bluebirds in the backyard. These timeless “Granny approved” activities remind us that happiness doesn’t always come watching a screen, a busy life, or being overworking. It comes with a little patience, creativity, and a little of Granny’s wisdom! We can all hear her saying, “Waste not, want not.”
