Blog

Many people skip right over the motor coach tour option when planning a vacation, and you’re thinking, “so what? Can’t I see the same things on my own?” Which may be partially true, but it’s not nearly the same experience as a Shipshewana Group Bus Tour. For the first time, I was able to join […]

Whether you’re a selfie taker or prefer a more professional shot, here are the top spots for awesome photo-ops in Shipshewana. (And don’t forget to tag us #shipshewana when you post!) NEW!! Davis Mercantile “Wings” The newest selfie spot in Shipshewana was created in 2020 in the Davis Mercantile. The mural represents all the great […]

Everyone knows Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summertime, so welcome the season with a bang! Shipshewana and LaGrange County have plenty going on all weekend long to make it a memorable holiday for you and your companions. Start Your Trip With A Haystack If you roll into town Saturday morning, of course […]

You know you’re a history buff when you love to know the story behind each destination you travel to. Shipshewana, Indiana has a rich Amish and Mennonite heritage that is fun to learn about. History buffs can bring Shipshewana’s past to life by visiting the following events and attractions. Menno-Hof Amish/Mennonite Museum One of the […]

It’s Foodie Friday for us at the Visitor’s Center. Every Friday we decide on a local eatery for lunch. Don’t ask me why its on Fridays… somehow it’s become a “Foodie Friday” that is highly anticipated! This week we decided on Carey’s Cakery & Bake Shop in LaGrange. This place is a hidden gem! She […]

All around town in the Amish businesses, I’ve been seeing signs that read: “Closed for Ascension Day.” I finally asked Chris, an Amish businessman, what the significance of the holiday is and how the Amish observe it. Chris said the holiday represents the day Jesus ascended into Heaven after He was resurrected. He also said […]

It’s Foodie Friday for us at the Visitors Center. Every Friday we decide on a local eatery for lunch. Don’t ask me why its on Fridays… somehow it’s become a “Foodie Friday” that is highly anticipated! This Friday we decided on El Zorrito 2! That’s right MEXICAN food in Shipshewana! I ordered the chicken burrito […]

It’s rare to find a restaurant with such a history (and such amazing pie!) The Shipshewana Auction Restaurant, located at Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market, is a charming sit-down eatery that serves the buyers, sellers and visitors to the auction and flea market. Customers love to fill up on Amish & Mennonite favorites including chicken & […]

Shipshewana rolled out the red carpet for these young ladies for a birthday party in Amish Country! I recently had the pleasure to attend a beautiful young lady’s Birthday Party, hosted at Kids Kreations in downtown Shipshewana on Harrison Street. When we arrived balloons, cookies, and all the fixings to make a doll were appropriately […]

Many Shipshewana & LaGrange County visitors are fascinated by the Amish culture in our area, and are often curious about the reasons behind the Amish lifestyle and traditions. Here are answers to 10 common Amish questions: In this blog, Loren Beachy, a resident of Goshen, Indiana and member of the Old Order Amish Church, seeks […]

Summer is almost over… that’s right, I said it. I’m not happy about it either. But the keyword here is “almost.” That means you still have time to get those last minute summer plans in that you didn’t have time to do before. I know somewhere on that list of things you want to do […]

I’ve lived here most of my adult life and there is one thing I never get tired of: Amish Peanut Butter!  It’s crazy to think that this little condiment can literally be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!  If you are unfamiliar with this gooey smooth rich yummy treat, let me tell you a little […]

Petunias are sure to reward you with a bounty of colorful blooms all summer, that is, if you take care of them properly. Watering and fertilizing is critical for petunias in hanging baskets.  Keep in mind that a basket is limited to how much soil and roots it can hold and this soil is where […]

Have you always wanted to attend an auction, but weren’t really sure what to do or how it works? These nine helpful auction tips will have you bidding like a pro in no time.

Of all the articles I have written on lodging in Shipshewana & LaGrange County, almost all the places featured provide access to the local culture. Hollow Ridge Lodging is the most unique for numerous reasons, and one of the 10 reasons listed below might just be why you choose to stay there. The Cabins are owned […]

Der Ruhe Blatz Motel is noted on Trip Advisor as a fine place to rest. That’s a very good thing, because the name literally means “The Rest Place” and for the millions of visitors that come to Shipshewana each year it is a great option to stay right in the center of it all! Der […]

“Our campers here are just good down-home folk,” explains Missy, the office manager at Atwood Lake Campground in rural Wolcottville. “We watch everybody’s children, everybody watches your children. The families eat dinners together. It’s a down-home, low-key campground.” “We’re not just Atwood campers, we’re Atwood family,” she said.Atwood Lake Campground is surrounded on three sides by Amish […]

Owners Paul and Margie Gieseking work very hard at keeping Indian Lakes Campground looking nice. They’re very nice people. And Paul tells me the people who camp here are nice – and he wants to keep it that way on both counts. The sweat equity he’s put into this campground shows. Everything about it is nice. From the […]

During the first part of June, I happened to be driving past an Amish home on a dirt county road, on my way to visit my Amish friend Mahlon (who sometimes contributes to our blogs). At this house, dozens of buggies were parked in a field, and in the distance near the home, a huge […]

Franchise Super 8 Motels consistently offer clean, inexpensive, comfortable rooms, with free Internet, a “super-star” breakfast, and guest laundry facilities. The Shipshewana Super 8 offers these amenities plus more, all with a local “vibe.” In other words, this Super 8 reflects the local culture: friendly, down-to-earth, and hospitable. The hotel also has splashes of decor reflecting […]

A friend who recently visited wondered out loud, “I wonder what it would be like to go to an Amish school?” I thought her question was a great one, with now being the end of the school year and students graduating. And so, with pen in hand and “detective” hat on head, I set out […]

Three words describe Amish Log Cabin Lodging located within North Park Campground at the corner of SR 5 & SR 120 in Shipshewana, Indiana. Word #1: Serene 14 cabins with full shower and television line the far back hillside of the property, while six “rustic” cabins glide to the west. These latter cabins are “rustic” […]

The guys will love Bright Morning Star Bed & Breakfast because of its location out on the rural countryside. They can stretch their legs, pet the cows, or talk to the birds – they’ll listen! The ladies will love this bed and breakfast because of the aesthetics. From fresh flowers that match the hand-sewn quilts, […]

A blog reader recently posted the question, “Why do Amish women wear aprons?” I responded that I would post the answer when I found it. Since I didn’t grow up in an area surrounded by the Amish community, I often have to go to the sources themselves to find the answer. To find answers to […]