Amish Culture & Lifestyle

The Fall Crafters Fair, located inside the Michiana Event Center, is an exhibition and celebration of our talented local artists and craftspeople, as well as the slower-paced culture of Shipshewana and the surrounding countryside. You’ll find artisans, vintage sellers, hand-made items, personalized gifts, and much more! Vendors surround talented musicians and entertainers, while on the […]

The beneficial relationship between humans and Purple Martins, a type of swallow, has existed for hundreds of years in North America. These birds are voracious insect-eaters, particularly fond of mosquitoes, and early Native Americans recognized the advantages of attracting them. Historically, they nested in pre-made spots like abandoned woodpecker holes, but people soon began providing […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]