First of all, hello and welcome! My name is Haley! This is my very first blog so if you’re reading this you are either one of my friends or part of my family and I forced you to read it 🙂 OR you’re someone that is interested in learning more about my little town.
Today’s post is mostly just going to be a “get to know you.” As time goes on, I’ll be posting about local businesses and events happening in Shipshewana.
First, about me. I was born and raised about 10 minutes from the main 4 way stop in town. I come from an Amish background, but I myself have never been Amish. My dad and both sets of grandparents were raised Amish which means my family is pretty huge! My dad is #4 of 9 kids, and I am the oldest of 27 grandkids on that side, which makes a total of 47 people! (Imagine Christmas!!) My dad’s mom’s dad lived to be 102 (almost 103) years old! I was lucky enough to have 4 generations at my wedding last year!
My family is very well known in Lagrange County! Most people know who I am and who I belong to! That was part of the driving force behind me starting this blog. While there are a lot of people that have heard of my town or even visited, there are a lot more that have never heard the word Shipshewana. Even as a local, there are some shops and businesses that I have never been to. The goal of my writing is to bring some of those small businesses into the spotlight. My hope is that you read this and something sparks your interest to either come back to Shipshewana or maybe even visit it for the very first time. Who knew there could be so much to see and do in a town with a population of approximately 700 people!
Now! More about the destination!
Shipshewana is the third largest Amish and Mennonite community in the United States. It is nestled just a few miles from the Michigan state line, east of more well known South Bend. Our town was named after a Potawatomi Indian named Chief Shipshewana. To read more about the history of Lagrange County and how my town started head over to Shipshewana.org and click on Town History.
It may not look like much on the map, but Shipshewana is a bustling town that sees more than 1 million tourists each year. Many people are fascinated by the primitive way Amish locals live and want to learn more about it. Shipshewana is perhaps most known for its Amish handcrafted goods, whether that is homestyle cooking, wood furniture, or beautiful hand stitched quilts.
I love this town, and through words and pictures I hope you will decide to make Shipshewana your next destination!!
Thanks for stopping by!
-Haley
Destination Shipshewana 