Learn about Nappanee, Indiana’s colorful history at Coppes Commons. Explore this countryside filled with horse-drawn buggies, tidy farm homes and white-washed barns on a “Grab Bag Backroads Tour.” Stop at Teaberry Wood Products to make your own “Square in a Square” Wooden Quilt Block and Fruit Hills Winery for a tasting of their wine and accompanied by cheese, cracker and meat appetizer trays.
Day
1 Arrive in Amish Indiana
Learn about Nappanee, Indiana’s colorful history at Coppes Commons. Once the site of Coppes Cabinets whose customers includes Frank Sinatra and President John F. Kennedy, it now houses businesses which feature hand-crafted items and fresh-baked goods. Enjoy an “out of this world” delicious ice cream that is flash frozen right before your eyes. At Nappanee Center, sit down with a local artist and create your own Amish Quilt Barn piece of art under their direction. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy a delicious Amish buffet dinner followed by a live show at the Blue Gate Restaurant and Music Hall, which is sure to keep you entertained and laughing.
Meal: D
Day
2 The Backroads of Amish Country
Today, a local guide conducts a “Grab Bag Backroads Tour” to explore this countryside filled with horse-drawn buggies, tidy farm homes and white-washed barns. You’ll stop at a variety of country stores and quaint shops to receive your grab bag goodies including an Amish bakery, Amish toy maker, Amish sugar free jelly maker and a popcorn shop. Then stop for a cookie break and rug weaving demonstration at the Old Order Amish home of Leo and Lorene Miller. In the afternoon you stop at Teaberry Wood Products to make your own “Square in a Square” Wooden Quilt Block under the watchful eyes of LaVern and Rachel. Then stop at Fruit Hills Winery for a tasting of their wine and accompanied by cheese, cracker and meat appetizer trays. Tonight, sit down at Yoder’s Homestyle Banquets for a delicious “Haystack Meal” served family-style. After dinner, enjoy a horse-drawn buggy ride in the pleasant Midwestern air.
Meals: B, D
Day
3 More Touring and Home
Begin today with a visit to an Old Order Mennonite buggy maker to learn what sets their buggies and Amish buggies apart. At an Amish Dairy Farm and Apple Orchard, tour the barn and learn how the family still milks their cows without electricity. Then, visit the cider room to learn how they make their cider as well as their sweet jams and jellies.
Later, enjoy a homemade cinnamon roll, just out of the oven plus coffee or tea as you watch the Amish baker create her special delicacy. Save room for the soup and salad luncheon at the Carriage House featuring fresh homemade soup, salad, bread, apple butter and of course, pie! One last stop is made at Annie Oakley Perfumery Studio for a tour to learn how fragrances are created and blended.
Meals: B, L