story by GLENDA WINDERS
When spring and summer arrive, Elkhart County bursts into bloom — literally. From May 30 through Sept. 15, the annual one-of-a-kind Quilt Gardens blossom throughout Elkhart, Goshen, Nappanee, Middlebury, Bristol, Wakarusa and Shipshewana. Recognized by the American Bus Association as the “Best of the Best,” the event is free and includes possibilities along the way for other adventures, too.
Drivers along the Heritage Trail route also get to enjoy the vibrant, colorful quilt murals created by Nappanee artist Jeff Stillson. And some of the gardens are within the confines of historically significant sites they might also choose to explore — Ruthmere in Elkhart, Krider World’s Fair Gardens and Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury, and the historic Elkhart County Courthouse in Goshen.
July kicks off with fireworks and a celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary. This will be the peak season for the gardens, and a whole lot more is happening, too. Wellfield Botanic Gardens is once again the venue for “Groovin’ in the Gardens,” sunset concerts where visitors can stroll through the property or just relax on the patio as they enjoy eclectic musical selections from a variety of performers.
Enjoy weekly movies in the park, shows at The Lerner and much more. Between July 24 and Aug. 1, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, said to be the largest and possibly best county fair in the state, will be in full tilt with animals, exhibits, rides and games. For a complete listing of all there is to do in July and beyond, check out ElkhartCountyEvents.com.
Some exciting news is that in late summer Visit Elkhart County, Visit Shipshewana and Visit South Bend Mishawaka will unveil new immersive experiences. Unlike passive, walk-through attractions, these are hands-on workshops, behind-the-scenes heritage encounters, storytelling-driven museum programs and small-group experiences that invite guests to participate rather than simply observe.
Produced by the Elkhart County Historical Museum and Bonneyville Mill, for example, will be “Streams of Power: The History of Water in Elkhart County.” Evelyn Lehman Culp of the Heritage Collection will lead “Taste of Nappanee”; Wellfield Botanic Gardens, “The Herbal Hour”; Havilah Beardsley House, part of Ruthmere Campus, “The Curator’s World – A Hands-On Museum Adventure”; and the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum, “The Marvel Time Machine: 85 Years of Heroes Come to Life!”
Immersive experiences will also be on tap in LaGrange County at Riverwood Pottery, Springfield Acres and Gunthrop Farms, and the Bloomfield Lavendar Schoolhouse. In St. Joseph County check out similar new experiences at the Indiana Dinosaur Museum and the Studebaker Museum.
For more information visit: www.visitelkhartcounty.com
