Remember when it would be just you and your girlfriends for an afternoon?
Leave behind Zoom meetings, e-learning and cooking dinner (again) for a few days of bliss with your besties. The energetic vibe of Elkhart County’s classic small towns and urban enclaves will be just what you and your girlfriends need to feel refreshed and relaxed. Soak in our vibrant arts scene, learn from our friendly makers, and take home some memories to last a lifetime.
From scrumptious handmade treats to home-cooked favorites to the perfect cocktail, it’s all well crafted here in Elkhart County.
Ice Cream Treats & Historical Feats at Coppes Commons, Nappanee
Nappanee’s colorful history comes alive when touring Coppes Commons. Originally the factory for Coppes Cabinets that once produced the famous “Hoosier Cabinet,” the 100,000 s.f. renovated factory now houses a variety of small businesses perfect for shopping for locally made, hand crafted and fresh baked.
Take time on this self-guided tour to get a fascinating historical glimpse into Coppes Kitchens, once ordered by Frank Sinatra and President John F. Kennedy. See the numerous historical Hoosier Cabinets on display in this rustic and rambling brick structure. Any group size. (574) 773-0002
Create a “Square in a Square” Wooden Quilt Block at Teaberry Wood Products
Meet LaVern and Rachel, the Amish-Mennonite dynamic duo that has made Teaberry Wood Products one of our most requested stops. Together with their family they produce beautiful wooden baskets, whimsical vertical puzzles, charcuterie boards and charming home décor.
Reserve in advance your personal one-on-one time with this artisan team while creating a quilt block pieced entirely out of exotic and local hardwoods. Leave with a work of art worthy of gifting or keeping as a treasured memory of your travel.
Highly collectible, a new pattern will be offered each season—keeping it fresh and new year after year. This meet & make opportunity is endlessly customizable with two frame choices and optional seasonal or decorative laser engraved center tiles. Call for availability & pricing based on group size. (574) 536-3294
Fruit Hills Winery Wine Tasting
David & Michelle Muir invite you to join their family inside their wine tasting room at Fruit Hills Winery in the scenic fruit hills of Bristol. Featuring several varieties such as Riesling, Cabernet and Traminette (Indiana’s signature wine). Hear the Vintner stories and history on each tone and note of wine they make on site. Any group size. (574) 848-9463
Escape in the Country and have fun on the Das Dutchman Essenhaus campus
Welcome to Das Dutchman Essenhaus, home of Indiana’s largest restaurant and a peaceful escape in the country which offers a unique combination of dining, lodging and shopping opportunities. The attractive Amish style restaurant seats 1,100 and is the largest restaurant in the state of Indiana. Manicured grounds invite a leisurely stroll or perhaps relax on a horse drawn carriage ride around the immaculate grounds, play a round of miniature golf, or go shopping in one of several Village Shops all on the same facility grounds. Shop for quilts, baked goods, home décor, ladies apparel, Vera Bradley, jewelry and more.
Dine on traditional family recipes passed down through generations either ordering off the menu, by enjoying the all-you-can-eat Buffet, order off the menu or the popular famous family-style meal. Any group size. (574) 825-0052
Shopping in downtown Shipshewana at the Davis Mercantile
Visit downtown Shipshewana where the streets are filled with shops & stores filled with crafts, apparel, food, quilts, jewelry, handbags, home décor and art. Wander and explore for your favorite find and “must have” memory to take home. Any group size. (260) 768-7300
Homemade Cinnamon Roll Making Demonstration & Soup/Salad Luncheon at The Carriage House, an Amish family farm
Enjoy a homemade cinnamon roll, just out of the oven, plus coffee or tea as you watch Elaine, the Amish baker, demonstrate how she makes her special delicacy. Take home some of the rolls to share with your family or friends. Cost includes a cinnamon roll, beverage, demonstration and rolls for taking home. While in Elaine’s Carriage House, enjoy her fresh-picked-from-the-garden (seasons vary) homemade soups & salads served to the table with fresh baked bread, homemade apple butter and of course, delicious pie. Call for availability & pricing based on group size. 260-768-8199 ext 2128
Amish Wedding Feast at The Carriage House
It’s a once of a lifetime experience feasting on a traditional Amish wedding dinner in the charming setting of The Carriage House. Elaine and her son Seth explain what an Amish wedding day is like complete with this special meal that would be traditionally served by the Amish to their wedding guests. See an Amish bride’s wedding dress up close and hear the customary German Wedding song sung at an Amish wedding. Call for availability & pricing based on group size. 260-768-8199 ext 2128
Annie Oakley Perfumery Studio
At the Annie Oakley Perfumery Studio, learn the enchanting story of how a fragrance and its brand is born on this fun adventure through this perfumery. Meet perfumer and owner Renee Gabet as you take a walking tour thru the perfumery process including the bench lab where fragrances are created and blended to bottling and distribution. See perfumes being hand-made and have an amazing sensory experience including some rare and vintage essences. Sample more world class fragrances and essences in the gift shop after your tour and perhaps even create your own signature personalized fragrance just for you! Call for availability & pricing based on group size. (260) 894-7219
Casual Fun Food (lunch or dinner) at South Side Soda Shoppe
Dine in a restored diner with dining car & a 1940s soda fountain on classic American eats, shakes & malts. Featured on The Food Network “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” and in Gourmet magazine. In-house bakery, daily specials, fresh seafood, chili, homemade soups, sandwiches & pie. Any group size.
Paint an Amish Quilt Barn Art piece inside the Nappanee Center
Sit down with local artist, Linda Pieri and be shown painting secrets developed throughout the ages. Linda has taught over 1000 people in the art of acrylic painting encouraging them to “not just look at what you are drawing or painting, but to see what is really there.” You will be able to observe a demonstration and follow step-by-step instructions that will help you create your own masterpiece.
This is not a paint by number situation. Linda helps each person discover the creative artist inside of each of them. Everything is provided including: easel, canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, brush basins, palettes, and paint clothes. Acrylic paintings are on 5” x7” canvas board postcards. Everyone leaves with a finished painting that they will be proud of. Call for availability & pricing based on group size. (574) 773-7812
Free Emma Schrock Art Exhibit inside the Nappanee Center
Step inside the Nappanee Center which is a site of an official Quilt Garden PLUS home to numerous historical Nappanee exhibits. Take time to explore and don’t miss the “Grandma Moses of Elkhart County”, Emma Schrock’s handpainted art collection depicting scenes of her Old Order Mennonite life filled with quilts, Amish homes, her gardens and even her dog. Call for availability & pricing based on group size. (574) 773-7812
Haystack dinner at Yoder’s Homestyle Banquets with Amish buggy rides
The Amish often host fund-raisers to help families pay for unexpected hospital bills or other needs. The Haystack Meal originated for this type of event because families could donate vegetables grown in their gardens and beef raised on their farms without having to purchase many ingredients. The goal is to create a haystack shape by layering the ingredients into a hearty blend of flavors and textures. It may not sound like it goes together, but trust us, it's delicious. Your meal this evening is at Yoder’s Homestyle Banquets, the home of Henry & Carolyn Yoder. Call for availability & pricing based on group size. (260) 768-3078
Acupuncture Experience
5 needles inserted per ear following the NADA protocol to simulate a mini “reset” of the central nervous system which induces a sense of wellbeing and relaxation. This protocol is often used to treat PTSD as well as support the body’s natural detoxification processes. Call for availability & pricing based on group size. (574) 534-3790
Aromatherapy Make & Take Experience
Participants will be lead in a unique experience of making their own personalized aromatherapy blend in a roll-on bottle and/or misting spray. They will be educated on basic essential oil safety and be able to experience many essential oils not commonly found on the open market. This experience is both educational and covers a variety of health and wellness goals for the participants and will be lead by a Clinical Aromatherapist. Call for availability & pricing based on group size. (574) 264-2600
Get a Relaxing Massage
Local experts can give you a personal, relaxing massage to increase blood flow, reduce pain and encourage relaxation for the perfect end to your getaway. Call for availability & pricing based on group size. (574) 264-2600
Groups of 10 or more and need help planning? Call 800.262.8161
