Handcrafted & Historic
From BUGGIES and RV’S to ART and the AMISH, celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of today and yesterday.
See and learn how Mae West and an RV impacted the 1930’s movie industry.
See the works of some of the Midwest’s greatest artists including Indiana’s largest Norman Rockwell collection. Revel in the majesty of a Beaux-Arts mansion that “Alka-Seltzer built” while admiring Tiffany’s and Rodin’s. Take a walk and hear about the legendary creations of Hoosier Cabinets then see the quilt art of our very own version of “Grandma Moses”. Meet Amish handcrafters in their workshops. Watch, learn, and make amazing creations from wooden quilts to fresh baked scones.
YOU’LL BE AMAZED AT THE STORIES, ADMIRE THE BEAUTY, AND LEARN HOW ELKHART COUNTY’S HISTORY HAS IMPACTED OUR NATION.
Day One
3:00 p.m. Arrival Elkhart, Indiana
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Ruthmere Mansion Tour
Who remembers the famous Alka Seltzer advertisement, “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, Oh, what a relief it is”? Elkhart, Indiana was the home to entrepreneur Mr. Albert Beardsley who helped found the company that created Alka Seltzer. His elaborate 1910 Beaux-Arts style house, Ruthmere, is available for guided tours. You’ll see a fine art collection including Tiffany leaded glass, Rodin sculptures, velvet window coverings, hand painted walls, and walnut woodwork.
4:00 p.m. Check-in at your host hotel
5:45 p.m. Depart hotel for evening dinner experience
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Dinner at Chubby Trout, Elkhart
Enjoy a delicious meal at the Chubby Trout. Cam Snyder’s signature restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring everything from sushi to seafood and prime rib to sandwiches and salads. The laid‑back yet vibrant atmosphere is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy an evening meal together.
Return to your host hotel following your evening experience
Day Two
6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast at your host hotel
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. RV/MH Hall of Fame Museum, Elkhart
This shrine to the RV in the “RV Capital” traces the history of RVing from early 1913 travel-trailers to today’s state-of-the-art motor homes. The 80,000 sq. ft. museum showcase a fascinating collection of one-of-a-kind camping cars, house trailers, and house cars including a gem custom built for Hollywood screen siren Mae West and the touring RV for Charles Lindbergh. Follow the time trail of vintage RVs arrayed among murals of scenic America. A knowledgeable guide shares RV folklore and the industry’s remarkable stories with groups.
Day Two
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Indiana’s Largest Norman Rockwell Collection exhibit at the Midwest Museum of American Art
This neo-classical style bank building, in the heart of downtown Elkhart, houses 19th and 20th century art from American Primitives to Pop art and includes original works by Grandma Moses and Norman Rockwell. The Main Gallery provides a unique setting for corporate/private parties, weddings and receptions. Groups can choose from two excellent presentations. “Learning to Look” is a presentation that highlights stories, places and people that bring art to life for the visitor. “Norman Rockwell: The Making of an American Legend” gives the visitor a chance to explore both the myth and the reality of this American icon while viewing the largest Rockwell print collection in Indiana.
11:30 a.m. Depart Downtown Elkhart for Downtown Goshen
Noon - 1:30 p.m. Lunch at the South Side Soda Shop
Dine in a restored diner with an old-fashioned dining car and 1940s soda fountain. Enjoy classic American eats, shakes, and pie. Featured two times on The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” and Gourmet magazine.
1:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Olympia Candy Kitchen Shopping for Chocolates served to Presidents
The Olympia Candy Kitchen has been welcoming visitors for almost a century in its unchanged location in downtown Goshen, Indiana remaining a family run business, passed through 4 generations over 100 years. All their candies are handmade from scratch including the famous Turtles, which are made with their own home- made caramel, plus the famous Chocolate-Covered Cherries, which were so popular that they were served at the Inaugural Balls of both President Reagan and President George H.W. Bush. They also offer a wide variety of the highest quality hand-dipped sweets, such as creams and chocolate covered peanuts plus a great selection of gummy candies, jellybeans, licorice, and other non-chocolate treats.
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Popcorn Olympics at Shirley’s Popcorn Classic Flavor Game
Compete against your teammates/group friends and family members in this fun, interactive game by Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn in Goshen. Race the clock, test your skills, and munch on freshly popped Original Movie Theatre flavored popcorn kernels as you have fun. Some games are independent, some in teams of 2 or more. All are led by the Shirley’s Popcorn staff and coaches complete with supplies and instructions. Choose Three games for your group Olympics.
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Shopping in Downtown Goshen
Shop and relax in downtown Goshen. Explore the local shops of downtown Goshen or sit and relax with a coffee from the Electric Brew.
5:00 p.m. Depart Downtown Goshen for Middlebury
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Dinner, shopping and evening on your own on the Das Dutchman Essenhaus campus
Das Dutchman Essenhaus offers a unique combination of dining, lodging and shopping opportunities. The attractive Amish style restaurant seats 1,100. Manicured grounds invite a leisurely stroll or perhaps a carriage ride through a quaint covered bridge. Today dine on the famous family-style dinner complete with homemade pies fresh from their bakery OR the tasty and tempting buffet. Enjoy the Quilt Garden & Quilt Mural during your visit and shopping in The Village Shops for gift items, ladies apparel, home décor and baked goods.
Return to your host hotel following your evening experience
Day Three
6:30 – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast at your host hotel
8:15 a.m. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Great Life Tours Heritage Trail Handcrafted Backroads Tour
Travel the nationally recognized by Time LIFE Magazine on the scenic Heritage Trail thru the nation’s third largest Amish area. Your local step-on guide will share the stories, history, and details of the hardworking local Amish craftsmen. You’ll meet them in their shops, in their homes and enjoy the opportunity to get to know them too. Your tour options include (pick as many as interest, budget and time allow):
Bonneyville Mill & the Dahlia Garden
One of the most photographed spots in Elkhart County, this handsomely restored mill is the oldest continuously operating gristmill in Indiana. It’s been producing flour for over 150 years. Hear the rumbling of huge millstones grinding grain into flour as the friendly miller tells all about the process. Flour and cornmeal are for sale, so be sure to take home a bag. The beautiful county park surrounding the mill offers the perfect opportunity for a scenic fall walk and photo. Make sure and ask for the corn breadrecipe. Yummy!
Meet LaVern and Rachel, the Amish-Mennonite dynamic duo that has made Teaberry Wood Products one of Great Life Tour’s most requested stops. This experience appeals to men and women with a something-for-everyone flair! Groups enjoy one-on-one time with this artisan team creating a wall quilt pieced entirely with beautiful exotic hardwoods. The experience will include a woodshop tour, “weaving” demo, hands-on wood quilt kit with choice of materials and shopping time. Participants leave with an 8”x8” quilt block complete with engraved center tile and hanger. It is a work of art worthy of gifting or kept as a treasured memory of their travels. Highly collectible, a new pattern each season—keeping it fresh and new year after year. This is endlessly customizable with two frames, optional holiday and decorative laserengraved tiles available to choose from.
Enjoy Historic Krider “World’s Fair” Garden
Take time to stroll through the “World’s Fair” garden that blends a wide variety of plants, shrubs, trees, and waterfalls with area history. The gardens were originally designed by Krider Nurseries for display at the 1933/34 Chicago World’s Fair. The community restored those original garden elements for future generations to enjoy.
Authentic Visit at an Amish Toy Maker
Step inside an Amish toymaker’s workshop where an internet connection is not required to keep the kids entertained. Meet Owen a self-taught toy maker who crafts fine wooden toys and games for children of all ages. This experience includes a workshop tour, Q&A discussion, and shopping time.
Authentic Meet an Amish Harness Maker
Horses and buggies are part of the Old Order Amish identity requiring specialized equipment and craftsmanship to provide their transportation needs. A skilled saddle and harness maker could earn an excellent living in colonial America but how does this work for a 21st century Amishman? Meet Owen and see how he makes harnesses and horseshoes to meet the needs of his community without power from the grid. This experience includes a workshop tour and ample time for Q&A.
Amish rug weaving demo & Cookie break
Leo & Lorene Miller welcome you to their Old Order Amish home where Leo has been handweaving rag rugs for years. Taught by his family, Leo will demonstrate how he weaves and creates his beautiful and functional rugs. Meanwhile Lorene, his wife, will serve you her fresh from the oven cookies and cold lemonade as both the Miller’s welcome your group and answer questions about their personal Amish lifestyle.
5:00 p.m. Say good-bye to your guide & depart for Topeka
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Dinner at The Carriage House
Elaine Jones invites you to join her and her family for a hearty Amish meal with all your home cooked comfort food favorites served family-style. From juicy chicken to tender roast beef with mashed potatoes, vegetables and all the fixins. And be sure to save room for a piece of pie!
Return to your host hotel following your evening entertainment
Day Four
6:30 – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast at your host hotel
Check out & depart for home
