Just noticed the first posting did not work.
My daughters roommate is from Spain. Her mother is coming next week (spring break).
Her mother really wants to see an Amish community.
Could anyone give me some tips. I don't know if the flea market will be open or it could be too cold for that. I think she wants to see the rural aspect and also would like to have a meal with an Amish family.
This is her first visit to the USA and I would like to help it be special.
ps. They will be spending most of the week in Chicago near UIC.
Thanks in advance to anyone with ideas.
Visitors from Spain want to go to Shipshewana Indiana
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Sandy - Try this website - I'm sure you'll find lots of info about the area and Shipshewana itself - http://www.shipshewana.com. I went there this past summer and at that time it was open only Tuesday - Saturday, so it may be only weekends now. Have you been to that area before? There are Amish communities leading up to it. Not sure how you would go about having a meal with a family. There are several restaurants in the area that deal with that "type" of food, dining experience, etc. It will take a good 3-4 hour drive from the IL/IN border. Traffic on Interstate 80 is a nightmare most of the time (I grew up in Gary). I hope your visitor has an enjoyable time. There are REAL bargains at the flea market and a lot of it is nice stuff - not junk. The sweatshirts are especially nice. Wear comfy shoes, as A LOT of walking is involved.
Sandy, I believe that the flea market is only open on Tuesday and Wednesday from May-October. The flea market is mostly new goods, lots of beanie babies, sweatshirts, Avon products, dried flowers, etc. There is an auction held every Wednesday year round that is entertaining to watch and participate in. There are a lot of quaint shops in Shipshewana, selling quilts, craft items, etc. I think they've also opened a couple of antique marts across from the flea market site.
I don't know how you'd eat with an Amish family. A good alternative might be a family style restaurant. There's a good one in nearby Middlebury called Essenhaus. Go to www.Essenhaus.com for more details.
There's another Amish community in Nappanee, IN. There's another family style restaurant called Amish Acres there. Personally I prefer Essenhaus, which is closer to Shipshewana.
If they are staying near UIC, they will be near Greek town and also Rosebud, a good Italian restaurant (on Taylor Street).
By the way, traffic on 80/90 isn't too bad on weekdays unless its construction season. We live in Hammond, I think it takes us about 2 or 2 1/2 hours to get to Shipshewana.
If you're not shopped out from your trip to Shipshewana, you can also stop by the Michigan City outlet stores on your way home(used to be Lighthouse Place, now its Prime Outlets).
There is also a very pretty Amish rural area in Illinois in the Arthur-Arcola area. There is a very nice Illinois state park in the area, but I am having a senior moment on the name!