story by GLENDA WINDERS
Travelers come to Shipshewana to immerse themselves in Amish culture, especially the Amish-made food which includes their famous scratch-made pies. It’s all based around Amish themes of simplicity, family, culture, and tradition. Visitors are advised to “bring your stretchy pants.”
Pie is such a staple here that the Visitors Center even created the “My My American Pie Trail” devoted to this heavenly dessert. The trail includes several local businesses that feature pie on their menu, giving visitors the opportunity to travel around using the digital trail to check off businesses. Completing them all earns them a prize at the Visitors Center.
One of the stops is the Blue Gate Bakery, known for their huge selection of pies. Throughout the year you’ll find more than 20 choices; among the most popular are Dutch apple, strawberry, lemon meringue, chocolate peanut butter, and old-fashioned sugar cream. It’s a great spot to pick up a full pie, or share slices with friends and family.
Country Lane Bakery 2.0 has fresh pies each day and they sell out quite quickly. It’s Amish owned and run as well.
But there are other amazing homemade Amish dishes here, too. While the Blue Gate is known for their pie, don’t miss their signature buffet offering fried chicken or slow-cooked roast beef along with sides such as mashed potatoes and homemade noodles.
Another possibility for full meals as well as lighter fare is Shawna Rae’s Bakery and Café. The chef raises the vegetables and meat on her own farm, and the menu changes every week. Locally-sourced ingredients are also on the menu at the Corn Crib Café, open for breakfast and lunch.
Just in for a snack? Jo-Jo’s Pretzels is the place you’ll want to go. The hand-rolled pretzels here are made from a secret Amish family recipe, and they come with a variety of sauces for dipping.
Located 15 minutes from Shipshewana is downtown LaGrange, where you can start out with breakfast at the Foltz Bakery. The decades-old family-owned spot is best known for their Diamond Doughnut — a fluffy, pillowy doughnut with caramel frosting and peanuts on top.
Linder’s Tavern on Main is the purveyor of all things smoked: barbecued ribs, pulled pork, and their famous brisket pizza. And at Fireside Craft Burgers and Brew you’ll find gourmet burgers like the Beer Cheesinator, Pickle Burger, and the Peanut Butter Pocolypse.
Enroute to Topeka you’ll pass Lucie’s Vedie Twist, where you’ll enjoy hand-churned ice cream in a variety of flavors.
Tiffany’s in Topeka is an Amish diner that claims to make meals as good as your mom’s. It’s right across the street from the horse auction barn.
Coody Brown’s Lakeside Grill, located in Wolcottville, is a short 30 minutes from Shipshewana but well worth the drive for fresh seafood, shrimp, and more. Sit outside by the lake to enhance the experience.
The Mongo General Store, located in the small town of Mongo 20 minutes from the Heart of Amish Country, caters to the outdoor enthusiasts who come here for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking along Pigeon River.
For more information visit: visitshipshewana.org
