Stories from the Heart of Amish Country
Bed & Breakfasts
What’s better than waking up to peaceful serenity and the smell of a freshly made breakfast? Whether you’re visiting for a girl’s weekend, a romantic getaway or even quilting retreat, a bed & breakfast will make your stay in Amish country even more memorable. LaGrange County is lucky enough to have several Bed & Breakfasts […]
Kick Off The Holiday Season
The holidays come early in Shipshewana, and we LOVE it!! At the end of October, the elves are out hanging lights and decorating all over town. It’s a nice mix of fall and Christmas décor for a period of time, but once November arrives it’s an all-out Christmas extravaganza here in Shipshe! Just in time […]
About The Amish Culture: Six Social Courtesies
Welcome to LaGrange County – we’re so glad you’re here! This area (known as Amish Country) is home to the third-largest Amish community in the United States. The simple and modest lifestyle of the Amish is both fascinating and endearing and is the reason many people visit our area — to observe and learn about […]
Scenic Fall Drive
Typically when you roll into Shipshewana, you’re greeted by endless farms and open fields. The natural beauty here in Northern Indiana can often be underappreciated: many people aren’t aware of hidden gems like the Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area or our many lakes. Follow this scenic fall drive in Shipshewana & LaGrange County and […]
15 Best Things to Do in Shipshewana, Indiana
Shipshewana brings simple living, Amish hospitality, amazing shopping, and fun activities to Northern Indiana. Take in the area’s best attractions including shopping the Midwest’s Largest Flea Market, catching a musical at the Blue Gate Music Hall, or eating a home-cooked Amish meal (all group-friendly!). You’ll want to spend more than a day exploring this town, […]
10 Ways to Unplug
Many vacation destinations have added technology services to make the trip more convenient and efficient – at the cost of making the experiences less personable and tying you to your phone. Shipshewana is one of the few places that is the exception to that trend, and our way of simple living makes us the perfect […]
5 Family-Friendly Activities
“We are an adventurous family! While only 5 of us travel together these days….we have 8 children, 2 sons-in-law, and 3 grandbabies and of course, Matt and I. We try to go adventuring as often as possible and find new things to be doing and learning. Creating meaningful family time and making memories is what […]
Pet-Friendly Adventures
There’s always one downside for going on vacation, leaving that furry little friend to wonder why you’re not home at 5:42 like a usual day. So, why not just bring them along for the ride? You’d be surprised (and excited about) how pet friendly LaGrange County businesses are! Shipshewana Flea Market Visit on a Tuesday […]
My Weekend in Shipshewana
Shipshewana was excited to host Tanya Shelburne, from Traveling Tanya, along with her family for a weekend of activities. Their time was filled with cultural experiences, shopping, wine tasting, and even a concert. She has shared her experience in the blog below so you can what visiting Shipshewana is like first hand! With full days […]
Shipshewana Flea Market
Make the most of your visit to the Shipshewana Flea Market by reading these tips about hours, vendors, lodging and Amish food. We hope it will help you get the most out of your shopping experience! Flea Market Hours The Shipshewana Flea Market is open 8am to 4pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from May to […]
Do Amish Celebrate Easter?
It’s common curiosity to compare our normal traditions to those of another culture, which is why we get asked this question often: Do Amish celebrate Easter? The short answer is yes, but their activities and traditions may be different than what your family is used to. On Good Friday, you’ll find Amish families taking a […]
Family “Staycation” Ideas
Spring break doesn’t always mean you have to jump on a plane and travel to somewhere tropical. There’s plenty to do within driving distance around the Midwest, like a visit to Shipshewana. With activities both parents and kids can enjoy, these top family vacation / staycation ideas are sure to make everyone happy. Enjoy Hotel […]
Amish Noodles
There’s one thing you’ll find in the kitchen of every Amish home, as a matter of fact, most homes in LaGrange County: Amish noodles. They’re a staple around here since they’re easy to add to any dish. But where do you buy them? What can you make with them? Can you make them yourself? The […]
Shipshewana Group Bus Tour
Eager to start our day full of exploring, we stepped outside the hotel and let the fresh Northern Indiana air wake us up for an exciting Shipshewana Group Bus Tour. Our step-on tour guide, Vickie Estep from Great Life Tours, welcomed us aboard the bus, excited about what she had in store for us. With […]
Do the Amish Celebrate Christmas?
You probably won’t find decorated trees, hanging wreaths, or wrapped presents in an Amish home during the holidays, but you will find the spirit of Christmas alive and well. As I was out and about these last few weeks visiting Shipshewana/LaGrange County retailers, I asked some of the Amish about whether they celebrate Christmas. Everyone […]
Shipshewana Group Bus Tour
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 […]
Memorial Day Weekend Trip to Amish Country
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 […]
9 Things History Buffs Should Do in Shipshewana
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 […]
A Cool History (and The Best Pie!)
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 & […]
A Birthday Party in Amish Country
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 […]
10 Common Amish Questions
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 […]
Fall: Road Trip Season
It’s fall, yes, but it’s not cold yet. 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 is to take a road trip to Shipshewana, so what’s stopping you?! Gas […]
Amish Peanut Butter
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 […]
10 Reasons to Love Hollow Ridge Lodging
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 […]