Windows To The Past: Indiana's Amish Country
RV Travel in Indiana's Amish Country
Article Date: December, 2011
Article and Photography by Mark Quasius
Places To Stay
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There are plenty of lodging accommodations for traditional travelers. Motels and bed and breakfasts are
scattered throughout the area. There's a good selection of campgrounds and RV parks.
In addition to the typical private campgrounds in Shipshewana and Middlebury, the Elkhart County fairground
in Goshen also has a large RV park area. Shipshewana has campgrounds within the city as well as to the north. There is a campground
located immediately next to the flea market, which is very convenient to those RVers attending the flea market.
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Shipshewana's Flea Market is considered to be the largest in the Midwest. Everything from produce to hardware, to artwork, to
useless trinkets can be found scattered amongst the many booths.
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When To Go
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Naturally, you'll encounter more crowds during summer. But it's also the time when everything is open. If
you want to attend the flea market or take in a dinner show at the Blue Gate during spring, you won't want to go too early in the
season because much of that doesn't begin until May.
Autumn can be another nice time to go. The kids are back in school, and the crowds have thinned out. If
you time it right, you can still view fall colors before everything closes up.
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Quilting is another Amish pastime. The intricate designs and patterns are displayed in many of the area shops.
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Winter in the Midwest is not the most favorable time to travel. By November most RV parks are closed, but if
you are feeling adventurous between Thanksgiving and Christmas, you'll see a great display of Christmas lights and decorations.
Final Tips
There are plenty of tours available at the many RV manufacturers in the area. Most have scheduled hours, but
if you contact one that doesn't, chances are good that they will accommodate you on a personal tour. The list of RV tours is too
extensive to place in this article, but most are listed at www.amishcountry.org.
The Amish are a unique culture. The scenic countryside and laid-back atmosphere here are a nice break from normal
hectic life. Just take it slow and enjoy. Be sure to respect the beliefs of the Amish, refrain from taking photos of them, and yield
way when encountering horse-drawn buggies during your drives. Sit down and enjoy some good old-fashioned cooking. And above all, save
room for pie.
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Great bakery is easy to find in the area. This selection of mouthwatering pies at Das Dutchmen Essenhaus can make it very
tempting to ditch any diet plans.
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The third floor of the Davis Mercantile includes a carousel that is popular with the future RVers in your family.
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The Rise 'n Roll Bakery and Deli is located just west of Shipshewana on US-20.
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The Blue Gate Restaurant is a popular place. An evening dinner theatre is put on during the summer months.
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Amish craftsmanship is legendary and nowhere is it better showcased than in the furniture. Handmade furniture that is
designed to last many lifetimes is available in many locations throughout the area.
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Goshen's South Side Soda Shop and Diner was featured on TV's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and is a throwback to the
old soda shop days.
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Source
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