Heather and I love taking trips to far off exotic places, but we also enjoy short weekend road trips to go try some new foods and get out of the house for a couple days to help reset ourselves. Shipshewana, Indiana is the perfect place to do that as I discovered during a recent visit while attending the Midwest Travel Network conference there. For couples seeking a charming escape filled with shared experiences and opportunities to deepen their bond, Shipshewana, Indiana, offers a mix of scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and delicious treats. Here’s a roundup of activities that make this Amish country town the perfect destination for a memorable couple's getaway.
Questions
What's Your Preferred Romantic Getaway?
Key Points
- Discover romantic activities in Shipshewana, Indiana, like biking scenic trails, sharing authentic Amish meals, and exploring flea markets together—all designed to create lasting memories and strengthen your bond through shared experiences that bring you closer.
- Bike or hike the scenic Pumpkinvine Trail for beautiful landscapes and quality time outdoors.
- Dine in an Amish home for an intimate, culturally enriching meal that fosters connection.
- Take a cozy buggy ride through the countryside for a classic Amish experience.
- Indulge in Shipshewana’s signature Amish treats together, from pies to ice cream.
Article Index
Now to be fair, I didn't have Heather with me on this trip but I can't wait for her to join me sometime soon. However, as I walked through some shops and talked with folks it became clear - Shipshewana is more than just a place to eat a big hearty Amish meal and attend an auction. There's tons of great stuff that both of us would enjoy doing together!
Things To Consider About Visiting An Amish Community
If you've never visited an Amish community before, you might not be aware that this is a truly different culture. While many of the folks you meet engage with "English" folks on a daily basis, they still maintain their traditions and religious as well as cultural preferences. Remember, you are a guest in their community, so it is essential to respect them and their culture. Afterall, that's why you've traveled to experience this unique place ... right?
With that being said, here in Shipshewana, things are a bit different, and they've done a great job of building out a fantastic tourism experience that blends the best of Amish and English cultures. That's why I thought that sign above at the Blue Gate Garden Inn was so funny. On the surface you think this might be some sleepy boring place to visit but it's got a ton of great stuff to do, taste, and see!
Let's take a look at some basic tips though, to make sure you have an awesome romantic getaway in Shipshewana, Indiana!
Photo Etiquette in Amish Country
The Amish believe that photographs capture their soul and generally avoid being photographed. While you can take pictures of buildings, buggies, and scenery, avoid photographing Amish people directly. If someone turns away from your camera, respect their wishes.
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Timing is Everything
Most Amish businesses are closed on Sundays to observe the Sabbath. Many shops also close earlier than you might expect – often by 5 PM. Additionally, some restaurants and stores only accept cash, so visit the ATM beforehand. The famous Shipshewana Flea Market operates only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from May through September.
Old-School Booking Methods
Many local restaurants and lodging options don't have websites or online booking systems. The best way to make arrangements is often by phone – keep a pen handy to write down directions, as GPS may not be reliable for some Amish-area addresses. Some B&Bs and restaurants still rely on paper reservation books.
Sharing the Road with Buggies
You'll be sharing the roads with horse-drawn buggies, so drive cautiously, especially at dawn, dusk, and on rural roads. Pass buggies slowly and give them plenty of space – the horses can be startled by cars passing too quickly or closely. Watch for the reflective orange triangles that mark buggies and keep your high beams off when approaching them at night.
Bike or Hike Along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail
Explore the lush landscapes of Northern Indiana together by biking or hiking the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. This scenic trail winds through picturesque Amish farmland, offering opportunities for quiet conversation, fresh air, and beautiful views. This 17-mile trail connecting Shipshewana with neighboring towns can be done as one long bike ride or just pick a spot for a leisurely stroll. Bonus points if you go and pack a picnic with home-made cheeses, meats, fresh lemonade, and maybe even a fried pie or some other delicious treat made by local Amish families.
To make this experience more than just another ordinary adventure, bring a snack with you that you haven't tried before. For instance, when you're shopping at one of the local markets like Yoders or E & S, try looking for something special like butterscotch peanut butter or Amish peanut butter spread and talk about what thoughts come to mind as you try something new for the first time.
Dine in an Amish Home
Years ago when I was younger, Amish communities were pretty closed off and mysterious. Here though, you can actually book a dinner hosted by an Amish family in one of their homes. While we love the Blue Gate Restaurant ... this experience can be so much more authentic! Sharing a meal in an Amish home allows you and your partner to enjoy authentic Amish cuisine while learning about the traditions and lifestyle of the local community. While it's easy to look at someone in a buggy as you pass them by on the road and wonder ... now is your chance to ask questions and maybe even learn something new about building a stronger relationship without modern distractions like cell phones and TV.
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If the schedule doesn't allow for the full in-home experience, try something authentic like an Amish Haystack Supper at one of the local restaurants.
Take a Amish Buggy Tour
You've probably hired a horse-drawn carriage ride for a romantic tour through a park or some historic town before but here it's a chance to do something that isn't simply reviving an ancient method of transportation. Instead, you can actually experience how Amish families get back and forth to Church or visit their neighbors. Hopping on a classic Amish buggy ride. A local guide will take you through the scenic streets and countryside, providing a peaceful, slower-paced way to explore Shipshewana.
If a short tour in a traditional Amish Buggy isn't really your style, don't worry. Companies like Buggy Lane Tours offer a more full experience including their "Four Star Tour" that features a 20 min trip to their farm where you can see cows being milked, tour the farm, and learn more about their culture. They also offer a "Five Star Tour" that includes a family-style dinner with an Amish family plus farm tour.
Visit the Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market or Auction
Experience the excitement of the Shipshewana Trading Place, one of the Midwest’s largest flea markets and auction houses. Browse countless booths filled with unique goods, antiques, and handmade crafts that you can bring home as mementos of your trip. Exploring the market together encourages teamwork and makes for fun conversations over which treasures to pick.
While obviously, this is a great opportunity to shop for curios and knickknacks to decorate the house, take advantage of this opportunity to share memories about your childhood while browsing through a display of baseball cards, old movie posters, or classic signs.
Share Some Amish Treats Together
Shipshewana is famous for its delectable Amish treats and sharing them is a sweet way to connect with someone special. From freshly churned ice cream, to warm pretzels right out of the oven, a nearly endless variety of homemade pies, and crunchy popcorn from local vendors ... there's something for everybody here. Sampling these treats together allows you to savor the town’s authentic flavors while enjoying each other’s company.
Don't forget to try some "retro" candies like honey sticks, maple sugar candies, and other confections too!
Attend a Concert at Blue Gate Theater
Finally, it's time to wrap up your day with a live performance at the Blue Gate Theater. This is a surprisingly good venue that offers a variety of concerts, musical theater, and plays in an intimate setting. From Christian music to classic rock and seasonal concerts featuring Christmas music, you and your partner will certainly have a great time dancing, singing, and building memories!
So, if you can't tell already, I CAN'T WAIT to take Heather here and create our own experiences. She grew up in North East Ohio near an Amish community and over the years she has shared tales about friends she knew there and the craftsman and farmers etc. so for us, this will be an even more special opportunity for her to take her memories of childhood and create new experiences together that will be uniquely ours!
