Romantic Road Trip Ideas

A Weekend Made for Two 

From boutique lodging and art-filled museums to scenic trails and countryside charm, Elkhart County offers couples an easygoing, memorable weekend escape. It’s a place to slow down, explore together, and enjoy time well spent. 

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, shops, and evening cocktails. 

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 a great way to uncover hidden gems and customize your weekend. 

Morning 

Start your day with breakfast at Relish Café inside Hotel Elkhart.

Choose a cultural stop that fits your mood: 

• Tour Ruthmere Mansion or the Havilah Beardsley House for a glimpse into Elkhart’s elegant past 

• 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. 

Before leaving town, take time to wander through Wellfield Botanic Gardens, a peaceful space filled with water features, sculptures, and shaded paths that encourage lingering. 

Midday 

Head to Middlebury for time outdoors on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Walk or bike along the paved trail, starting at Krider Garden, where statuaries from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair create a unique and tranquil setting. This is a great spot for a picnic or a quiet moment together. 

Afternoon 

Continue on to Goshen, a city that blends historic charm with a creative, modern vibe. Explore the Old Bag Factory, home to 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. 

Dinner 

Enjoy dinner at Venturi, known for its authentic Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizza made with house-made mozzarella. In the summer months, finish the evening with ice cream at The Chief Ice Cream, a longtime favorite often ranked among Indiana’s best. 

Additional dining options 

Middlebury: 

• Das Dutchman Essenhaus 

• Village Inn Restaurant 

• Vic’s Home-Made Ice Cream at Danny’s Diner 

Goshen: 

• Tipsy Biscuit 

• Goshen Brewing Company (GBCo) 

• The Fold 

• South Side Soda Shop, featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 

• Olympia Candy Kitchen 

DAY 2 

Nappanee 

Morning 

After breakfast, head to Nappanee and enjoy a leisurely drive along the surrounding backroads. Then explore the Countryside Shops, a collection of Amish-owned and family-run businesses that feel authentic, peaceful, and unhurried. 

Midday

Return to town and spend time at Coppes Commons, a former furniture factory turned rustic shopping and dining destination. Enjoy lunch at the Nappanee Bakery & Treat Shoppe, where the Amish Haystack and classic Reuben are local favorites. For dessert, share a whoopie pie or stop at Rocket Science Ice Cream to watch your custom flavors made with liquid nitrogen. 

Afternoon 

Take a relaxed walk through downtown Nappanee, where historic advertisements appear as murals and public art line the sidewalks. Stop into Veni’s Sweet Shop for hand-crafted chocolate truffles, then wrap up your visit viewing the Evelyn Lehman Culp Heritage Collection at the Nappanee Center where you can learn about Nappanee's fascinating history. Stay and play in the Lee Weaver Exhibit, enjoy paintings by Emma Schrock in the Doug Grant Family Gallery, learn the story behind the Hoosier Cabinets, and more! Need a pick me up before heading home? Stop in for a brew at Main Street Roasters for an elevated coffee experience. 

Additional dining options 

Nappanee: 

• RUHE 152 Italian Bistro 

• Culinary Mill 

• Main Street Roasters 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the most romantic things to do in  Elkhart County?

Couples can spend the morning wandering the peaceful paths at Wellfield Botanic Gardens, explore historic mansions like Ruthmere, or browse inspiring collections at the Midwest Museum of American Art. Outdoor-loving duos can walk or bike the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail before heading into Goshen for boutique shopping and artisan finds. End the day with a cozy dinner at Venturi or another locally owned favorite, followed by a sweet treat from The Chief Ice Cream or Veni’s Sweet Shop.

Is Elkhart county a good place for a couple's weekend getaway?

From boutique lodging and art-filled museums to scenic trails and countryside charm, Elkhart County offers couples an easygoing, memorable weekend escape. It’s a place to slow down, explore together, and enjoy time well spent. 

What's a simple weekend itinerary for Elkhart County?

The Romantic Road Trip Idea itinerary is a simple, customizable two day suggested itinerary.