Where to Go in Middlebury, Indiana

Middlebury, Indiana - located in the northernmost part of Indiana - is known for its large population of Amish and Mennonites. It's got a lot to offer, too! From small, homey shops to authentic Amish cooking to expansive fields flooded with horse and buggies. If you're stopping by the area even for a brief moment, I suggest stopping to look around this unique and interesting place. I grew up there and loved every minute of it. Here are 5 things you've got to do:

1. Essenhaus

240 US 20; 1-800-455-9471

Monday - Thursday 6AM - 8PM

Friday - Saturday 6AM - 9PM (closed Sundays)

Eessenhaus is about as authentically Amish as you can get without eating inside of an Amish home! It's set up like a campus and offers Amish cuisine (family style), unique shops, carriage rides, a covered bridge and comfortable lodging. According to the website, "Our family-style dining is what we've become best known for with Amish and Mennonite home-style cooking. Featuring entrees like broasted chicken, tender roast beef, juicy baked steak, real mashed potatoes with rich homemade gravy, made-from-scratch noodles, and more."

Check out the bakery for inexpensive, home-made goods including 29 different pies! And when you're finished eating you can browse the 7 different stores on campus and meander along the rivers edge!

2. Cinnamon Stick

102 S. Main St.; (574) 825-7725

Monday-Friday: 9AM - 5:30PM

Saturday: 9AM - 4PM (closed Sundays)

The Cinnamon Stick is one of the cutest shops you'll ever venture into. You'll find it nestled on Main Street of downtown Middlebury. Don't be surprised if you hear clip-clopping of horse hooves as you make your way into the store! It was built in 1989 and houses lots of little treasures! As a young girl I spent hours here with my sister without a dime to either of our names. We simply had a blast looking at all the trinkets! While you're in the area, stop by the Calico Frog (next door) and get some coffee and Muffins n' More just 2 blocks south!

3. Deutsch Kase Haus (Dutch Cheese House)

CR 250; (574) 825-9511

Deutsch Kase Haus (or as most of us call it, "The Cheese Factory") is a great Middlebury classic. Come here to learn about all things cheese-related! You can watch skilled Amish cheese makers and try samples of various kinds of cheeses made in shop. You can purchase cheese after the tour (try to cheese curds!) and other souvenir's, too! Kase Haus is located about three miles east of downtown Middlebury.

4. Menno-Hof

510 S Van Buren Street; Shipshewana IN 46565

(260) 768-4117

Menno-Hof is a non-profit organization that loves to tell the Amish and Mennonite Story. It's technically located in Shipshewana but literally minutes from Middlebury.

(Hours vary depending on the time of year. Click here for hours)

Menno-Hof is a non-profit information center that teaches visitors about the faith and life of Amish and Mennonites. According to the Menno-Hof website, "Menno-Hof's multi-image presentations, historical environments, and colorful displays take you on a fascinating journey inside the unique world of the Mennonites and Amish. See where the Anabaptists had their beginning in a Swiss courtyard and how they were persecuted for their faith in the dungeon. Travel with the Anabaptists down the cobblestone streets of Holland and board a 17th century sailing boat on a journey to America and freedom."

5. Drive down the roads in the country!

This is probably not a typical item on your "to-see" list when you're traveling. But when it comes to Amish Country life, it's a must. Along the dusty roads you'll see many Amish houses with linens drying in the sun, Amish tending to their expansive gardens, vast fields of corn, many horse and buggies and an occasional "stand" selling farm-fresh produce. Go east US 20 for as long as your heart desires. You'll end up in Shipshewana (about 10 minutes) where there is also lots to see. Or drive east on CR. 16 and do the same. You'll also end up in Shipshewana.

Have fun!