Sydney and I had a great time in Shipshewana, Indiana on a social distancing road trip. We have found it to be quite a wonderful surprise how much we are enjoying outdoor adventures and a slower pace of life on a vacation. We have typically done the “tourist” type of vacations and road trips prior to COVID-19 and have been so amazed at all we have been missing out on by not getting off the beaten paths. There is so much more to see and do when we step away from our “normal” type of trips.

One thing that we most definitely have been enjoying is bike riding! It is such a fun way to see new areas. Whether you locate a bike path, ride in the city, or take an old-fashioned country bike ride there is just so much to see. Our old go-to was that we always visited a new zoo when we traveled. We now have a new go-to and that is bike riding in new areas! It is just so much fun! On a side note, many places offer bike rentals so make sure and check with the local visitors bureaus and see what is available.

Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail connects into two other trails, the MapleHeart Trail and the Wilden Avenue Trail. These three trails total 25 miles and run through Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana, Indiana. All of the 25 miles is asphalt except for 1.75 miles. We had such a great day riding some of these trails.

This post was written in partnership with Visit Shipshewana. Thoughts, opinions and photographs are all our own.

Driving the Heritage Trail

If you love back country roads and the Amish community we highly recommend driving the Heritage Trail. This was a first for us and so neat! The official starting point is in Elkhart, IN at the visitors center. You are given a free audio cd to play as you drive along and a back roads map. It is almost like going on a treasure hunt. The cd gives you information about the different areas you are diving through and stopping points along the way of things to do and see. It is a fun way to spend the day, especially during these times of social distancing. You travel around the Elkhart, Bristol, Middlebury, Shipshewana, Goshen, Nappanee, and Wakarusa areas.

Dutch Country Market & Heritage Ridge Creamery

We had so much fun attending a noodle-making demonstration at Dutch Country Market and a cheese-making demonstration at Heritage Ridge Creamery. These both really spoke to our foodie hearts! They do require face masks and the 6 feet rule applies during these demonstrations. The cheese making demonstration didn’t allow photography, but let us assure you it is really cool to watch! And of course, you know us, we couldn’t leave without purchasing some delicious goodies!

Shipshewana Flea Market

Another fun activity to do is attend the Shipshewana Flea Market. The flea market runs from May through September on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (with a few additional dates thrown in). There are a ton of vendors set up selling everything from clothing and antiques to furniture and yard decor. It is just a fun and unique place to explore.

Blue Gate Theatre

We attended a musical show at the Blue Gate Theatre. They had assured us that they went to great lengths to prioritize the health and safety of the visitors. Face masks were required. They also only seated people in every other row with 2 empty seats between couples or groups.

Sydney and I felt very comfortable as we were more than six feet from any other guests and we all had on masks. The show was so much fun and we had a great time! They have different shows scheduled, so make sure and check out the future lineup of great shows!

Shipshewana Shopping

If shopping is your thing then a visit to Shipshewana, Indiana is a must. There are so many different stores here. You can find almost anything that your heart would ever desire. Masks are required in almost all of the stores so make sure and bring one with you. You can seriously spend a couple of days hitting all of the different stores in the Shipshewana area. Happy shopping!

Menno-Hof Cultural Center

The Menno-Hof Cultural Center in Shipshewana is a great place to go and learn the heritage and culture of the Amish community. It is so informative and gives you a great understanding of the Amish traditions and beliefs. Once again, masks are required to enter the center at this time.

Highfield Manor Bed & Breakfast

Let’s talk a little bit about where we stayed. Oh my goodness! It was absolutely perfect! Sydney and I fell in love with the Highfield Manor Bed & Breakfast. It is out in the country outside of Shipshewana located at 2265 W 175 N, LaGrange, IN.

It is absolutely gorgeous here. You can just look at these pictures and visualize yourself relaxing on one of the porches with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening. When we tell you that it is so quiet and peaceful here that is exactly what we mean. It is truly heaven on earth!

The breakfasts here are way beyond amazing! We enjoyed two mornings of delicious and relaxing breakfasts here at the Highfield Manor B&B. So very yummy!

We are being completely serious when we say that this place gets a 10 out of 10 in the cleanliness department. It was beyond spotless! Check out the third story alcove with its own private balcony. It is absolutely stunning!

There are no words to describe the hospitality of the owner and the lengths she goes to so that her customers have an amazing stay! Sydney and I will most definitely be coming back with our husbands or maybe for a girls getaway weekend. We can’t recommend staying here enough!

Food Time!

We haven’t forgotten about the food. As we are sure you can imagine, there is no lack of deliciousness to be found here. They have everything from the traditional Amish cooking and baking to gourmet pretzels and coffee drinks. There is so much here to eat and drink!

Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery

The Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery is a must stop if you love traditional Amish cooking like we do. We opted for the family-style dining. So many different foods to taste!

We highly recommend the chicken and roast beef! So tender and flavorful.

JoJo’s Pretzels

JoJo’s Pretzels was a huge hit! We are not ashamed to admit that we had these delicious, gigantic pretzels for lunch two different times! They have different dipping sauces to choose from. I fell in love with the sweet mustard sauce. So yummy!

Red Bud Gourmet Coffee & Tea

A fun and delicious place to visit is Red Bud Gourmet Coffee & Tea. Whether you are in the mood for soup and salads or sandwiches and desserts they have you covered. Sydney and I thought initially we would go the soup and salad route, but when we got a look at their apple dumpling we had to give it a try. Let’s just say it was so incredible there are no words to describe it. We also went with a cold peach tea and coffee drink. So very good! While you wait for your food to be prepared, you can browse their cute gift shop.

We had such a fun time on our road trip to Shipshewana, Indiana. If you are looking for a great road trip to take we would encourage you to check out Shipshewana. There is just so much variety in what you will find to do here.

We would like to give a huge shoutout to Jordan Mazzoni of the LaGrange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. He did an amazing job of putting together this fun and relaxing trip for us! If you are considering a trip to this beautiful part of the country, please contact Jordan to help you put your trip together.

Looking for more trip ideas? Check these out:

• Richmond, Indiana Road Trip
• Louisville, Kentucky Family Activities
• Holmes County, Ohio Road Trip