Amish Culture & Lifestyle
Amish Communities
Indiana’s Amish Country Shipshewana and the LaGrange County area are known as Amish Country, Indiana, and are home to the third-largest Amish community in the United States. Although the comparative size of Amish Communities remains small compared to the rest of the United States, the Amish are one of our fastest-growing communities. It’s estimated that […]
Purple Martin Nesting Boxes are an Amish Tradition
The beneficial relationship between Purple Martins, a type of sparrow, and humans goes back hundreds of years in North America. Purple Martins are voracious consumers of insects, especially mosquitoes, and early Native Americans figured out that attracting them to their land was beneficial to all the people and animals that lived there. Historically, Purple Martins […]
A Recent Visit to Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park
If either photography or painting is a favorite pastime, LaGrange County needs to be the destination for your next trip. Whether you prefer landscapes, classic architecture, gorgeous farm sunrises, interesting portrait opportunities, or amazingly photogenic animals, there are subjects to be had everywhere you turn. A recent quick stop at Dutch Creek in Shipshewana inspired […]
What are ‘Cottage Shops’?
The term ‘Cottage Shop’ in LaGrange County refers to the many Amish-run businesses that you can find scattered throughout the beautiful backroads surrounding Shipshewana, LaGrange, Middlebury and almost any area where the Amish way of life is prevalent. They are typically small stores next to their homes and workshops, and the products they make and […]
Shipshewana Featured Story Ideas
Need a great story idea? We’re here to help! Choose from the categories and suggestions below and contact us for the info and illustrative pieces you need. Need info on a topic that you don’t see here? Contact us and we’ll assist with whatever you need! Historical: The History of Shipshewana The Story of Davis […]
What is Epiphany? Understanding Amish Christmas.
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is here again, and in the United States, Dec. 25th is both the federal and traditional date of Christmas. Whether religious or secular, the majority of the population are so accustomed to this that calendars and businesses closings are planned around the date. Outside of the single […]
10 Reasons to Visit Shipshewana, Indiana
Whether you like soaking up the summer heat or playing in the snow, there’s something to enjoy every season in Shipshewana & LaGrange County. While events, attractions, and activities dot the calendar year-round, we summed it up with 10 reasons why you should visit us! Live Entertainment Every year the level of entertainment we host […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Take a Memorial Day Trip to Amish Country
Memorial day is always the last Monday in May, and its become the unofficial start of the summer season. The Shipshewana Flea Market is open every week (seasonally) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so it just makes sense to turn it into a 3-day Flea Market for Memorial Day, when many people have the day off […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
A Look Inside Amish Weddings
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. At this house, dozens of buggies were parked in a field, and in the distance near the home, a huge white tent stood with two or […]
What is Amish School Like?
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 […]