A Gentle Trip to Amish Country

We took my parents to Amish Country in Shipshewana, Indiana for our vacation, and it was such a sweet little getaway. Horses and buggies clip‑clopped through town, the food was delicious (the pies especially), and every shopkeeper we met was so friendly. It felt like stepping into a quieter rhythm for a few days.

Once we arrived, we met my aunt, uncle, and our long‑time family friend Clara for dinner at the Blue Gate restaurant. The Mister went classic with ham, mashed potatoes, and green beans, while I chose homemade noodles. Dessert was lemon meringue pie for him and chocolate cake for me — no regrets on either side.

The hotel was a bit of a disappointment for Dad. We didn’t get the larger room we’d reserved because those are all on the second floor, which we didn’t know when we booked. Instead, we ended up in a handicap‑accessible room on the first floor. It was cramped and outdated, but clean, and that mattered most to me.

On our second day, we wandered through the shops along the main street. Most of the items were Amish‑made, and I came home with a coffee‑scented candle, a little cardinal figurine for my future kitchen, and a magnet — The Mister and I always get one when we travel.

A storm rolled in that afternoon, so we spent a cozy few hours at the hotel playing Rook, which is similar to Euchre. We were all ruthless, but Dad and The Mister (teamed up, of course) won. Mom and I came close, though — close enough to make them sweat.

Wednesday evening at seven, we went to the Jimmy Fortune concert. Have you heard of him? Mom has wanted to see him for years. He performed with his group, Brothers of the Heart, and they were incredible. Her favorite moment was their performance of “The Lighthouse.” Bradley Walker sang lead with his rich baritone, and then Jimmy came in with that soaring tenor — it gave us chills.

They played for over two hours, and afterward we stood in line for autographs and photos. Mom had two pictures signed and was absolutely glowing. I don’t think she slept much that night.

The next morning, we met Clara again for breakfast at the Essenhaus in Middlebury. If you’ve never tried Amish peanut butter, you must — it’s heavenly. You can get it from Das Dutchman Essenhaus. And while you’re at it, pick up Dutch Blitz. I grew up playing it and buy a new deck every time we visit. They have Dutch Blitz expansion packs, too.

After breakfast, we started the three‑hour drive home, tired but happy, carrying that soft, contented feeling only a simple family trip can give.

Trips like this remind me that the simplest days often hold the richest stories. The kind that linger like candlelight long after we’re home.

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