Shipshewana might be steeped in a long tradition of Amish culture and handmade crafts, but it is always growing and changing, too. This year’s surprises include several new immersive experiences at places you once only went to shop.
Your experience begins outdoors! You might have purchased lavender in soaps, oils, lotions, soothing lip balms and culinary-grade bags at their apothecary in LaGrange, but now Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender also invites you to walk through the lavender fields at their historic renovated schoolhouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, or at their family farm. Take a class to learn all about lavender from owner Miriam Wiggins and make some of the soothing creations you enjoy so much.
Extend your outdoor flower farm experience at Springfield Acres. Walk through their 3 acres of sunflowers and create your own bouquet from the blooms you find there. Then dine on the famous Gunthorp Farms Pulled Pork! End your visit with a stop at the Sunflower She Shed to find jewelry, soaps, décor and hand goods created by women-owned businesses from the local community.
Over at Riverwood Pottery Jesse Woodworth will tell you how he became an accidental potter in college. Then he’ll invite you to gather around the table to create your own Riverwood luminary or clay keepsake.
Teaberry Wood Products began as a pallet shop in 2000 and later became a sawmill. When LaVern Miller cut the ends off lumber, his wife, Rachel, began fashioning them into baskets, cutting boards and unique puzzles they sold at art and craft fairs. Today they make and sell pieces that range from nativity sets and decorative villages to keychains and seam-rippers. And now you can be a part of their creative process. Learn the complete history of this charming family-owned business, and make your own wooden basket under their careful instruction.
Another option is My Amish Indiana, where you can choose to personalize your drive through the countryside with a local guide in your own vehicle, customizing what you want to see and learn. Or explore the cottage businesses, barn quilts and other hidden gems along the “Off the Beaten Path” tour, complete with free audio tour or map, also in the comfort of your own vehicle.
Some experiences will be especially fun for the children you bring along. When Clara Wagler was a little Amish girl, she used to cut up her cereal boxes to make paper dolls. That craft has now become Kids Kreations, which invites you to create your own doll with whatever skin, hair and eye color, facial expression and style of clothing you wish. The dolls are reminiscent of the American Girl brand but in the Amish style that will provide a forever memory of the visit.
For more information visit: visitshipshewana.org
