Rally Tips

[Piper Guy's Gal]

Folks,

It's so exciting to read that we have a bunch of people coming to their first rally. I thought it might be nice to share some helpful hints for those new to the area (or for those of us who have been before, but haven't discovered your hidden gem yet. )

For example, it's flat in Shipshewana and the Pumkinvine bike trail is nearby, so bring your bikes.

Also, you will be deep in the heart of Amish country. One thing that means is that if you enjoy having adult beverages, bring your stock with you. The nearest liquor store that we've found is in Middlebury, about 7 miles away.

If you do trek out to Middlebury, stop in Aunt Karen's Cafe for lunch. Yummy.

Speaking of yummy, the Blue Gate restaurant in Shipshewana is a must. It's family-style home cooking that will keep you coming back for more.

Grocery stores: Shipshewana does not have a full service grocery store. There are a couple of Amish stores where you can get fresh meats and cheeses, and such. One store is a bulk store where you can get items such as the marshmallows from Lucky Charms cereal (I kid you not, just the marshmallows!) But you're looking for say that special anchovy paste for your Caesar salad, plan ahead.

For those who have tacked on extra days pre- or post-rally, easy day trips include the RV Museum in Elkhart and South Bend (Home of the Fighting Irish) where you can visit the Studebaker museum and Oliver Mansion at The History Musuem).

Also, if you're arriving on Wednesday, be forewarned: that's auction day and traffic will be a heavy on the main drag. But you'll make it through. (Just remember to bring the cocktail you might need after set up with you.)

Feel free to ask any of us who have been there before for directions or advice on where to find something. There are lots of shops nearby and there is even a large RV Surplus place in, I believe, Sturgis MI, which is only about 10 miles. Will have to ask Cooper for the address.

The campground has a good layout, easy maneuvering with no grading or tree issues. If it's your first Rally, it's truly an awesome sight to see a forest of Redwoods all lined up.

And lastly, a cautionary note for those of you traveling with pets. Last year, E & S Sales presented a Fireworks display next to the campground one night and a dog from another rally took off like a shot. Fortunately the puppy was found the next day, unharmed. But it made for a fretful night. Don't know if the fireworks will be repeated this year, but stay alert and please keep your pets indoors if so. Wouldn't want to see anyone go through the anguish the owners went through that night.

Again - please feel free to add anything to this thread.

See everyone soon!

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by Piper Guy's Gal

Folks,

It's so exciting to read that we have a bunch of people coming to their first rally. I thought it might be nice to share some helpful hints for those new to the area (or for those of us who have been before, but haven't discovered your hidden gem yet. )

For example, it's flat in Shipshewana and the Pumkinvine bike trail is nearby, so bring your bikes.

Also, you will be deep in the heart of Amish country. One thing that means is that if you enjoy having adult beverages, bring your stock with you. The nearest liquor store that we've found is in Middlebury, about 7 miles away.

If you do trek out to Middlebury, stop in Aunt Karen's Cafe for lunch. Yummy.

Speaking of yummy, the Blue Gate restaurant in Shipshewana is a must. It's family-style home cooking that will keep you coming back for more.

Grocery stores: Shipshewana does not have a full service grocery store. There are a couple of Amish stores where you can get fresh meats and cheeses, and such. One store is a bulk store where you can get items such as the marshmallows from Lucky Charms cereal (I kid you not, just the marshmallows!) But you're looking for say that special anchovy paste for your Caesar salad, plan ahead.

For those who have tacked on extra days pre- or post-rally, easy day trips include the RV Museum in Elkhart and South Bend (Home of the Fighting Irish) where you can visit the Studebaker museum and Oliver Mansion at The History Musuem).

Also, if you're arriving on Wednesday, be forewarned: that's auction day and traffic will be a heavy on the main drag. But you'll make it through. (Just remember to bring the cocktail you might need after set up with you.)

Feel free to ask any of us who have been there before for directions or advice on where to find something. There are lots of shops nearby and there is even a large RV Surplus place in, I believe, Sturgis MI, which is only about 10 miles. Will have to ask Cooper for the address.

The campground has a good layout, easy maneuvering with no grading or tree issues. If it's your first Rally, it's truly an awesome sight to see a forest of Redwoods all lined up.

And lastly, a cautionary note for those of you traveling with pets. Last year, E & S Sales presented a Fireworks display next to the campground one night and a dog from another rally took off like a shot. Fortunately the puppy was found the next day, unharmed. But it made for a fretful night. Don't know if the fireworks will be repeated this year, but stay alert and please keep your pets indoors if so. Wouldn't want to see anyone go through the anguish the owners went through that night.

Again - please feel free to add anything to this thread.

See everyone soon!

Great information!

[spindrift]

Very nice write-up. Thanks!

[Rick and Mindy]

Also, for those of you who have considered replacing any of your original furniture there is a Lambright Comfort Chair store not far from the campground. Just beware, if you visit the store you will probably end up with new recliners. That's what happened to us and we love the recliners and we also purchased a cherry end table with drawers. The leather like material is almost an exact match with our sofa and the table is a perfect match. By replacing the original recliners we were able to gain extra room in the dining table slide. The recliners are very comfy.

[LadyEcooper]

I wanted to add a few more places that you might want to visit while in Shipshewana. These are true representations of this Amish area. :-)

Yoder's Meat & Cheese Company - Yoders Meat and Cheese Company | Shipshewana Amish Family Owned | Grain Fed Beef, Organic foods, Hormone free meats A great place to pick up wonderful cuts of meat for grilling, etc. Amish cheeses and fresh jarred goods & spices. A very popular place right north of the campground that you will enjoy.

Rise 'n Roll Bakery - Holy Cow! This one you wont want to miss. Rise'n Roll Bakery | Amish bakery with donuts, nut crunches, baked goods, deli goods, and more…
Have breakfast or lunch then check out all the canned veggies, jams, jellies, breads, etc., etc., you get the picture. Its a fun place to load up on all your favorites.
1065 N 1150 W., Middlebury, IN 46540

Ben's Bakery - Ben's Bakery — Ben's Bakery in Shipshewana, Indiana within walking distance south of the campground. Awesome fried pies and any other baked goods that would want...you will find here. Address: 250 Berkshire Drive, Shipshewana, IN 46540

Guggisberg Cheese Factory - https://www.babyswiss.com/dkh_cheese.htm A very cool place to visit... you can watch the process of cheese making straight from the store area behind big glass windows. Lots & lots of different types of cheeses available, along with summer sausage and Amish bologna!! The prices are incredible! Expect to pay about half of what you would pay in normal grocery stores. Check the directions to their place at their website. Not hard to find.

"B" Honey & Candles - (no website) 2260N 1000W, Shipshewana, ID - 2 miles east on Shipshe-Middlebury Road, at the corner of 250N & 1000W go south approx. 1/4 mile. This is on the property of the Amish family Perry & Rossetta Bontrager. They have honey in all sizes, along with beeswax candles that they personally make. Rosetta also has some homemade bags and other kitchen items for sale. Perry does a tour of the bees making process and charges $1 per person for the 20 min. tour.

Millers Buggy Line Tours - Buggy Line Tours, Shipshewana, Indiana, Amish Meal, Amish Buggy Rides Tour Amish & Mennonite country backroads. Can include a meal in a unique Amish home. Lots of tour options that are affordable. These tours are only on Mon., Tues., & Wednesday. It would be awesome to do something like this as a group if there is an interest. Right across the street from Yoder's Meat & Cheese Shoppe is where you will find the main Tour office.

The Professor & I are already in the area and as we find fun places to go... I will add them. We are looking forward to seeing everyone real soon.

Lady E Cooper

[r time soon]

Since we live in Elkhart, I know that some might want to visit Factory RV Surplus at 1631 West Bristol St Elkhart IN 46514. Factory RV Surplus

Their summer store hours are: M - F 9am to 5 pm
Sat 9am to Noon

Not sure when everyone is arriving but LOTS of everything there. Small parts, bulbs, screws, hitches, chains, pinboxes, just about everything.
From the RW rally at the Shipshewana South campground it is 28.1 miles and about 40 minutes. Using Highway 20 and then SR 19.

Also, from Factory Rv Surplus you can travel about 4.5 miles and 10 minutes driving to get to RV parts Nation. Welcome to RV Parts Nation your #1 source for all RV Parts and RV Accessories.
3267 Northview DR Elkhart, IN 46514
Hours are: M-F 9am to 6pm
Sat 9am to 1pm
Pretty good selection there too, big place but smaller selection of stuff.

Hope this helps a few of the out of town people.

Chris

[superduty glampers]

Thanks for the info Chris.

[Dave&Ginny]

Thanks Chris....good info

[RW Cal]

Thanks for the info! We'll be there for our first rally, and are really looking forward to it. One question: Are there any doggie friendly restaurants nearby? We don't like to leave our 2 Papillons unattended.
Best to all...Cal and Gloria

[RomanyLife]

How exciting! So jealous we cannot attend.

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by RW Cal

Thanks for the info! We'll be there for our first rally, and are really looking forward to it. One question: Are there any doggie friendly restaurants nearby? We don't like to leave our 2 Papillons unattended.
Best to all...Cal and Gloria

Not that I would eat at!

[r time soon]

I googled for Pet friendly restaurants in Elkhart County, only one is coming up and near Simonton lake on SR 19 North, north of the I80-90 tollroad. But they only allow behaved leashed pets on their outside patio.

Pete's Simonton Lake Tavern

Pete's Simonton Lake Tavern
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
51426 H 19
Elkhart,
Indiana 46514
574-264-9033


Get Map or Directions

Offering at this restaurant and bar for lunch and dinner include daily specials, steaks, fresh fish, Italian items, in-house made dressings, broasted chicken, chicken wings, carry out, and patio dining. Leashed, friendly dogs are allowed at their outside dining area.


Haven't really looked for a pet friendly restaurant as we don't have pets. I see dogs in Petsmart, and Big R ( which is like a TSC or Rural King ). Hope that helps. Quite a drive from Shipshewana to eat outside, but your choice.


Chris

[travelin' texans]

Agree with Brad, not where I eat or buy groceries!! Sorry don't want to sound like a grump, but there are places that animals shouldn't be allowed, restaurants, grocery stores, or any place that sells food!!

[Rosey]

Originally Posted by travelin' texans

Agree with Brad, not where I eat or buy groceries!! Sorry don't want to sound like a grump, but there are places that animals shouldn't be allowed, restaurants, grocery stores, or any place that sells food!!

Danny....... no offense, but the same could be said for young kids & babies....

[S&K]

Originally Posted by RW Cal

Thanks for the info! We'll be there for our first rally, and are really looking forward to it. One question: Are there any doggie friendly restaurants nearby? We don't like to leave our 2 Papillons unattended.
Best to all...Cal and Gloria

Maybe you could get a ROG member to 'dog sit' for you if you wanted to leave for a while?? Just a suggestion.

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by S&K

Maybe you could get a ROG member to 'dog sit' for you if you wanted to leave for a while?? Just a suggestion.

Volunteering?

[S&K]

Originally Posted by atom ant

Volunteering?

I wish!
Dog lover that can't have pets in the RW.... so I love them when I see them.