A Winter-Time Groups Itinerary Full of Small Town Charm
Group Itineraries – Three day/two night
Give your group the experience and memories of a lifetime by immersing them into the simple,
peaceful, picturesque splendor and quiet tranquility of the Amish countryside as you take them Off
the Beaten Path where they can unplug, unwind, and embrace a slower pace.
DAY ONE:
11:00 am Arrive Shipshewana
11:00 – 12:15 pm Menno-Hof Amish Mennonite Interpretive Center
The Menno-Hof is an important first stop before taking in the rich landscape and gentle charm of the
Shipshewana area. Menno-Hof offers visitors accurate information through multimedia presentations and
hands-on displays about the faith and life of the Amish and Mennonites-part of the 500-year religious
tradition. The gift shop features handcrafted items made by local crafters.
12:30 – 4:00 pm Lunch on their own
Discover The Downtown District – & Shipshe Scavenger Hunt* (New)
The historic, two-block, totally walkable area known as The Downtown District is just waiting to be
discovered with its plethora of delightful sights, sounds, unique boutique shops and plenty of other savory
sensory sensations
The Downtown District Discovery is a leisurely, self-guided, self-paced encounter where guests have many
options to choose from – each person uniquely choosing according to their own energy, interests, and
pace. Here are a few of the Options…and who knows? Your guests may unwrap and discover delightful
NEW treasures and fun.
• Millie’s Market Rooftop Café, Shawna Rae’s Black Sheep Deli, JoJo’s Pretzels
• Country Kitchen Coffee Shop
• Davis Mercantile – four-story, 21 specialty shops and eateries
• The Carousel – 106-year-old fully restored Denzel carousel
• The Boardwalk – Buggy Rides, Kettle Korn, Ice Cream, Boardwalk Cafe, Hawaiian shaved Ice, Oil
Painting Artist
• WALLDOG MURALS – and beautiful muraled, brick Alleyway Patio niches, benches, tables, gardens
• Harrison Street Boutique Stores – 18 beautiful boutiques in historic houses, including Kid’s Kreations,
a store where you can design and make an Amish doll
• Morton Street – Artisans, Antiques, Quilts, Picker’s store, fresh Amish-made jams, jellies, salsas,
butters shop
• Salt Wellness Therapy Spa
*NEW – Shipshe Scavenger Hunt
Who doesn’t love a Scavenger Hunt? As long as you are Discovering the Downtown District, why not add a
huge dash of delight to your day. Shipshewana’s colorful, rich history comes alive when touring the
downtown area where guests will discover the origins of the town captured in 16 building-sized hand-painted
art murals called the Shipshe Walldogs. Discover and uncover the meaningful clues that make Shipshewana’s
fascinating history come to life as the mural art tells the stories of the people and businesses that have made
Shipshewana what it is today. This FUNTASTIC Scavenger Hunt is designed to make the historical
meandering ‘tons of fun’ and will bring lots of smiles and laughter to guests as they discover the UNTOLD
stories of this town, starting back with Chief Shipshewana! That’s not all! A great prize is given to every
guest completing this amazing tour.
4:15 pm Check in to your hotel
5:00 – 8:30 pm Blue Gate Buffet Dinner & Theater Musical
Return to your hotel
DAY TWO: Off the Beaten Path & Barn Quilt Tour
8:30 am Meet your guide in your hotel lobby
Your local Step-On Guide is a valuable asset for the optimal success of your trip. Step-On Guides are not
only great storytellers (and authentic entertainers), but they also provide invaluable cultural insight, tips,
access, and information generally unknown and unavailable to those outside this unique culture. Hiring a
Step-On Guide greatly enhances the trip experience by turning a typical boring drive-through bus ride into
curating an immersive, engaging, hands-on gift—experiences and memories for a lifetime!
Hear the story of Shipshewana and the surrounding county and the culture that makes it a popular visitor
destination. While we are together, we will discuss what you see that is unique to the area including the
Amish farmsteads, schools, household gardens, businesses, as well as opportunities for top-flight
entertainment, shows, events, shopping and delicious eats and treats.
We cherish our fabulous local Barn Quilt Art Pieces scattered throughout the countryside at farm-andhomesteads Off the Beaten Path. Your Step-On Guide will point those out along the way! Can you spot
them before he does? Typical Cost: ~$250 per day for guide
8:45 – 10:00 am Make a wooden Heart ‘from the Heart of Amish Country’ at Teaberry Wood
Products Typical Cost for Wood Heart supplies” ~$15
10:15 – 10:45 am Visit an Amish Toy Maker
11:00 – 11:30 am Learn how buggies are made by hand at an Amish Buggy Shop
11:45 – 12:15 pm Watch Amish Rug Weavers at work at their looms
12:30 – 2:15 pm Enjoy a famous Haystack Lunch Meal; & Make Your Own Amish Peanut Butter
at an Amish farmstead called the Carriage House. Typical Cost for Meal ~$23;
plus $5 for Amish peanut butter.
2:30 – 3:15 pm Learn about “A Day in the Life of a one-room Amish School”
3:30 – 4:45 pm See exotic leather hides become fashionable and functional products at Silver
Star Leather, am Amish cottage industry shop
5:00 – 7:30 pm BBQ Chuckwagon Dinner and Bison Ranch Tour
DAY THREE:
6:45 – 8:00 am Breakfast at Hotel
8:00 – 8:45 am Check out of Hotel – Depart Hotel
9:00 – 9:30 am Shop in an Amish country store – Lehman’s General Store
9:45 – 10:15 am Roll your own pretzel at Ben’s Pretzels
10:45 – 12:00 pm Milk a Cow and Tour Stutzman Dairy Farm
12:15 – 1:30 pm Arrive Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking – Thresher’s Meal –
Say goodbye to Shipshewana, taking home a lifetime of experiences and treasured items with you.
