We’re gearing up for our annual visit to Shipshewana, Indiana. We begin at the flea market where there’s plenty of parking for $3. This is a flea market on steroids! There are the typical tube socks, hats and Angry Birds tee shirts, but you’ll also find produce, plants and unusual bits and pieces as well. This gigantic (about 100 acres), shopper’s paradise has plenty of seating so you can catch your breath. Once we do stop, we enjoy a sandwich prepared by Amish women followed by a fried pie.
If antiques are your thing, don’t miss the Antique Auction every Wednesday until October 5, 2016 at 9:00 am. You can preview auction listings and photos of items each week on AuctionZip.com.
After the flea market, we make our way to Yoder’s Meat Shoppe, open Monday-Friday 8am to 5:30 pm; Saturday 8am to 5pm. If you want fresh, hormone and steroid free, all natural. locally raised meat, this is the place for you. We also stock up on Amish roll butter and cheeses, selected after some serious sampling. I look forward to buying cookie and cake decorating supplies as well. Every type of edible décor is right here, including sanding sugar, jimmies, glitter and silver, gold and multi-colored dragées.
Next stop: E & S Sales. Open Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and 7:30 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday. This is the grocery where the Amish shop to find bargains galore! There are plenty of bulk foods such as spices, nuts, dried fruit and dry mixes. Found in the first aisle are constantly changing closeouts and seriously discounted items. You can also purchase homemade noodles, jams, baked goods and, wait for it…Whoopie Pies! Just remember to bring cash or checks as credit and debit cards are not accepted. Bonus: When your shopping trip is complete, a young man takes your purchases right to your car (or buggy).
We end our day at Das Dutchman Essenhaus located in nearby Middlebury, Indiana. Family Style dinners are offered, but we love the buffet! It includes are broasted chicken, roast beef and turkey, over 10 hot sides including their famous noodles, a full soup and salad bar and desserts (Pies. Repeat after me. Pies). If you can walk after that huge meal, take a dessert home from the bakery which also features a Whoopie Pie of the month.
We’re planning on making our next trip an overnighter, but haven’t yet decided where we’ll stay.
Will it be a cabin?
A Bed and Breakfast?
A hotel?
An inn?
Or even a name brand motel?
There’s so much more to see and do. Check out the official Shipshewana Visitor’s Guide before you visit.