Shipshewana Sampler Tour

Day One

Upon your arrival in Shipshewana let’s take a little time and shop the 100+ unique stores in the downtown area; from crafts to clothes, dolls to donuts you are sure to find something. Visit the Davis Mercantile with 4 floors/24 shops all under one roof; here you will meet Alvin Miller and hear the passion as he tells you the history of the Davis Mercantile. Be sure to stop at JoJo’s Pretzel, located on the main floor of the Davis Mercantile, where the group can experience firsthand the art of pretzel making. Different flavors and different techniques, no matter what this is definitely something worth trying; the best part, you get to eat your creation afterwards. Can you say “Yummy”!

For that unique gift shop Yoder’s Shopping Center, since 1968 shoppers frequent this store with an Old-Fashion Hardware, Department Store and Grocery all under one roof. A wide variety of fabric, clothing, cookware and more can be found.

Tour Shipshewana’s pride; Hostetler’s Hudson Auto Museum with over 50 beautifully restored Hudson Automobiles. Take a step back into time and tour the private collection of Eldon Hostetler with over 48 antique cars shined and placed in their different eras. Listen as Eldon tells you the story of how he grew up Amish and fell in love with these unique motor vehicles.

Before checking in for the night join us for a delicious Amish/Mennonite cooked meal at the beautiful Blue Gate Restaurant You will be greeted by one of our many staff members and lead through an aroma of freshly baked pies and cookies in our Bakery. Your group will dine Family-Style on chicken, roast beef or ham, mashed potatoes w/gravy, noodles, dressing, vegetable, salad, homemade bread w/our famous peanut butter and mouth-watering pies.

After dinner stroll upstairs to the Blue Gate Theater and enjoy the sound of family friendly entertainers such as Chonda Pierce, Mark Lowry, David Pendleton and many Gather performers. Or experience one of our Broadway Style Musicals; “His Life” “The Rock & the Redeemer” or “The Confession.”

Return to your Host Hotel to visit with friends, share stories and have fun before turning in for the night. Check into to your hotel for a good night sleep.

Day Two

Enjoy a continental breakfast at your host hotel before boarding the bus! It’s time to travel on down the road! On our Shipshewana Sampler Tour, you and your group will visit several Amish Cottage Shops located along the beautiful countryside of Shipshewana/LaGrange County. Our first stop takes us to the Dutch Country Market where you will see how those delicious Amish noodles are made. This market is owned and operated by the Lehman family of eight, that’s right from dad and mom to the little one; everyone has a part in creating these fabulous noodles. Shop the quaint little market, which sells homegrown honey, spreads, spices, candles, crafts and more.

Watch award winning cheeses made in the Amish tradition or shop for homemade jams, jellies, dried herbs, fruits (in season), and smoked meats. Also locally handcrafted furniture can be found at this must see stop.

After all that, sample some cinnamon sugar/caramel donut, sausage loaf or the very famous cashew crunch. Listen as the Amish women sing while cooking the wonderful array of breads, pies, cookies, cakes and much more to tempt your pallet.

Many stops take you to a Quilters delight where you will feed your mind as you take in all the different designs of quilts and fabrics. Shop the store and take home a little bit of magic; from clocks to wooden plaques, quilts to crafts.

Don’t worry there will be plenty to eat! For lunch we travel the beautiful countryside to a quiet town known as; Topeka. Here you will enjoy a delicious meal at Tiffany’s hometown cooking, friendly atmosphere, and a great stop for groups.

While in town visit the largest collection of Martin Houses and bird supplies. Take a walk into the gardens and view these magnificent birds in their setting.

For the woodcrafters in the group handmade wooden toys, barns, tractors, trains and much more can be found along the trail!! Further down the road we stop off at a unique little shop where you will find “Popcorn the Way You Remember It" made in the heart of Indiana Amish Country!

Before we go to dinner we will hear the story Amish-Mennonites while touring the Menno-Hof Interpretive Center where history is decidedly hands-on, taking you and your family on a journey through the unique history of the Amish and Mennonite cultures. More than 24 display areas take you on a journey through Amish and Mennonite history.

Is anyone hungry? Experience true Amish cooking at its best; In home Amish Dining where you can visit with the family and relax as we serve you a traditional Threshers Meal this is one of the most popular stops among groups.

Return to host hotel for the evening.

Day Three

Before departing lets continue to discover some of the hidden treasures along the Backroads as you visit Greenfield Mills is one of the few hydro electric flour mills still around. It is Indiana’s oldest commercial water-powered flourmill. Greenfield Mills has been family-owned and operated since 1904.

Still traveling on your adventure will bring you to a different type of tour. You will take a hay-wagon ride into the pastures of the great American Bison in its own habitat at Cooks Bison Ranch. Here you will hand feed these great creatures and afterwards enjoy a delicious Chuck-wagon style meal. This is our “Hidden Treasure” that you won’t find in any other Amish Community.

PRICING AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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