If you’re like I am, you can’t get enough of Amish wares and food. And when it comes to Amish things to do in Shipshewana, IN, the list is long. So, where do you start narrowing down the best of? Right here! From authentic Amish buggy rides to plays and, of course, food, here are 10 things to do in Shipshewana right now.
Amish Things to Do in Shipshewana Right Now
I adore the city of Shipshewana. While there’s only around 650 actual residents, hit the city on a bustling day and you’ll think otherwise. It’s got a little bit of everything we love when it comes to homemade Amish goods and the food is absolutely tops.
If you need your Indiana bearings, Shipshewana is about three hours north of Indianapolis if you’re driving. And happily, plenty of that travel is via highway.
Having spent some time in Shipshewana, I learned all about the best of the city and where you should check out when you visit. Here are the things that made my short list.
Eat at An Amish Home
This past April, I had the pleasure of having a traditional meal at an Amish home with Hoosier Banquets. Yeah, you read that right. Still in Shipshewana, IN, it’s only a few minutes away from the city proper.
Honestly, I didn’t even think that was an option, but it’s true. I along with a few writer friends, sat around a table and enjoyed all of the dishes that the Amish are known for including noodles, chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn from the family’s garden, and pie.
Spending a couple of hours dining there was a moment I’ll never forget, nor would I want to. You will need to call to make a reservation – just an FYI.
Where: Hoosier Banquets
Address: 6335 W 200 N, Shipshewana, IN 46565
Phone: 260-336-8533
Ride in An Amish Buggy
I really, really wanted to ride in an Amish buggy during my last visit, but it was still kind of off-season. However, with spring and early summer in full swing, you should have no trouble finding one.
The pricing is very affordable (the one I saw was $6 per ride), and if there’s no one at the stand, you’ll have to call and leave a message.
Check Out Handmade Leather Pieces
Silver Star Leather is one of those shops where you walk in and know exactly what you’re in for. Made by hand using old school methods, I loved watching belt making and embossing.
Of course, belts at Silver Star are hugely popular, but there are plenty more styles to choose from including gorgeous handbags and smaller pieces.
Try Some Popcorn
Yoder Popcorn is, hands down, the most famous of the popcorn for sale in the area. It’s so popular, in fact, it even has its own store dedicated to the brand.
When you step inside, it smells like a movie theater, so get ready to taste test some freshly-popped kernels.
Taste Test Homemade Jam
During my visit, I took a Backroads Tour of the area and met the owner and creator of Mandy’s Harvest. Creating fruit butters and spreads, I adored seeing Red Raspberry Butter being poured into the hot jars and sealed.
Mandy’s Harvest is sold online and in local markets, so keep an eye out for the delicious addition to your homemade rolls.
Eat Your Body Weight at An Amish Buffet
Blue Gate Restaurant has been on the top of my list for favorite restaurants for a few years now. It’s there you can either order off the menu or really dig into all things Amish food at the buffet.
Filled with all of the home cooking you could possibly want, if you still have room there’s a full pie bar to top off dinner. My pick is the Indiana State Pie – Sugar Cream.
Watch an Amish-Themed Play
Blue Gate Theater sits above the famous Blue Gate Restaurant, so it’s an ideal way to spend a couple of hours. The plays and musicals are created for the theater, so you can expect amazing actors and catchy tunes.
I caught “Half-Stitched The Musical” on my last night in town and I wasn’t disappointed. The cast was stunning, the music touching, and the length of the musical just right.
Go to An Amish Market
There are several great country markets in and around Shipshewana, so it’s really easy to pick up some goodies for the trip home. I, personally, visited Dutch Country Market and loved the selection of homemade food and wares.
Listen to the Beautiful Sounds of Wind Chimes
Another stop on my Amish Backroads tour was Lambright Country Chimes. Since 2006, the small, family run company has been hand making wind chimes and I had the privilege of trying my hands at putting a set together.
The chimes come in all sizes and can be customized for your own particular style.
Check Out Handmade Wooden Baskets
In my neck of the woods, Longaberger Baskets were the hotness. In Shipshewana, it’s all about Teaberry. Cut out and pieced together by hand, the baskets are super sturdy and just beautiful.
If you’d like something smaller to take home, the company makes handmade animal puzzles and nativities as well.
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