Remember when it was just you and your best friends heading out for an afternoon of shopping, laughing too loud at brunch, and turning a simple trip into a story you’ll tell for years? That’s exactly the energy waiting for you in Elkhart County.
The lively mix of walkable downtowns, creative spaces, local flavors, and scenic escapes makes it the perfect place to reconnect, recharge, and treat yourselves to a well-deserved girls getaway.
A Weekend for the Girls
From boutique hotel stays and art-filled galleries to garden strolls, local shopping, and sweet indulgences, Elkhart County is made for memory-making with your favorite people. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s just the right mix of relaxing and adventure.
DAY 1
Elkhart, Middlebury, Goshen
Where to Stay
Make Hotel Elkhart your home base for the weekend. This beautifully restored boutique hotel blends historic character with modern style and sits right in the heart of downtown Elkhart, making it easy to walk to breakfast, boutiques, and evening drinks.
Getting Started Tip
Before heading out, stop at the Elkhart County Visitor Center to pick up maps, brochures, and insider recommendations you won’t find online. It’s the perfect way to discover hidden gems and plan your must-see stops.
Morning
Start your day with breakfast at Relish Café inside Hotel Elkhart, then head out to explore downtown Elkhart.
Browse the stylish finds at Stephenson’s of Elkhart, a longtime favorite for fashion and accessories. Wander the surrounding shops and soak in the charm of the downtown streets before diving into Elkhart’s arts scene.
Visit the Midwest Museum of American Art, home to more than 6,800 works, including pieces by Grant Wood, Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, and the largest public collection of signed and numbered Norman Rockwell lithographs in the U.S.
Then slow things down with a stroll through Wellfield Botanic Gardens, where water features, sculptures, and peaceful pathways create the perfect backdrop for catching up and snapping a few group photos.
Lunch
Gather around the table at The Vine for a relaxed, delicious lunch in a warm, inviting setting that’s ideal for lingering conversation.
Midday
Head to Bonneyville Mill County Park in Bristol for a breath of fresh air. Explore the scenic grounds, visit the historic working mill, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of one of the county’s most picturesque parks.
Afternoon
Continue on to Goshen, a city that blends historic charm with a creative, modern vibe. Explore the Old Bag Factory, home to Goertzen Pottery, artisan galleries and specialty shops featuring pottery, jewelry, and handcrafted art. Then head downtown to browse unique local shops like Found, Fables Books, and Ignition Music, where you’ll find everything from gifts and books to vinyl and instruments.
Walk part of the Millrace Canal Trail for a scenic reset before heading downtown to explore more unique shops and creative spaces.
Dinner and Drinks
Settle in at Goshen Brewing Company for craft brews, great food, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
After dinner, treat yourselves at Olympia Candy Kitchen, a nostalgic soda fountain known for handmade chocolates and classic sweets.
Additional dining options
Middlebury:
• Das Dutchman Essenhaus
• Village Inn Restaurant
• Vic’s Home-Made Ice Cream at Danny’s Diner
Goshen:
• Goshen Brewing Company (GBCo)
• Tipsy Biscuit
• The Fold
• South Side Soda Shop
• Olympia Candy Kitchen
DAY 2
Middlebury and Nappanee
Morning
After breakfast, head to Middlebury to explore Das Dutchman Essenhaus and the Essenhaus Village Shops. Browse locally owned boutiques filled with home décor, gifts, baked goods, and specialty foods. It’s an easy, fun place to shop, snack, and wander together.
Midday
Enjoy lunch at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, known for hearty Amish-style favorites and legendary pies. Save room for dessert.
Afternoon
Make your way to Nappanee for a relaxed downtown stroll. Explore local shops, discover public art along the sidewalks, and pop into Veni’s Sweet Shop for hand-crafted chocolates.
Before wrapping up the weekend, stop in at Main Street Roasters for an elevated coffee experience and one last chance to sit, sip, and recap your favorite moments.
Additional dining options
Nappanee:
• RUHE 152 Italian Bistro
• Culinary Mill
• Main Street Roasters
A Weekend Worth Repeating
Whether you’re shopping downtown, walking garden paths, sampling local flavors, or laughing over coffee, Elkhart County makes it easy to turn a simple weekend into something special. Pack the bags, text the group chat, and start planning your next girls getaway.