IFWTWA Conference Media Trip
Shipshewana/LaGrange County, Indiana
October 15-17, 2026
Welcome to Shipshewana/LaGrange County, Indiana in the Heart of Amish Country!
Calling all foodies! Put on your stretchy pants, indulge your sweet (and savory) tooth as you check out some tasty local eats that will melt in your mouth. This tour is designed with you in mind as you sample, shop, learn, and enjoy the scrumptious foods of the local culture.
You will visit an Amish country store, shop where the Amish shop, and watch noodles made on-site at this local favorite.
Then ‘twist your morning away’ by making your own hand-rolled soft pretzel and delight in the story of the Amish fried pie and jam maker. Feast on the traditional family-style Thrashers Meal at the famous Blue Gate restaurant and enjoy dining inside an Amish home. Tour dairy farms and lavender farms to taste local grown products.
What Shipshewana Seeks from Media Participants
- At least 4 writers; spouses/guests accepted for an extra fee with the same lodging used
- Airport transfers are provided from South Bend International Airport to Shipshewana
- FAM starts at 10 AM EST in Shipshewana on Thursday, October 15 (You will need to arrive into South Bend International Airport, 1 hour away, in time to get to Shipshewana for the start of the trip; if you need accommodations the night before, Shipshewana can assist with recommendations and arrangements.)
- Writers depart Shipshewana on Saturday, October 17, at 1 PM EST
- Writers can drive on their own, or transportation will be provided to the Potawatomi Casino on Saturday at 1 PM EST
- This FAM is ideal for creators with an engaged audience who specialize in travel, lifestyle, road trips, and/or Midwest storytelling.
- Writers must create and post two articles within 12 months
- Writers must create and post any 3 of the following (in any combination) during or within 30 days of the visit: Facebook reels, TikTok posts, IG stories, YouTube shorts, or other social media platforms on which the writer has a significant presence
- Selection considered and based on platform reach on various social media platforms
- Selection considered and based on outlet and platform reach for articles
- Agreement to allow Visit Shipshewana to use/share/post/tag for 12 months
- Must use required hashtags and tag Visit Shipshewana accounts
Itinerary:
Note: Writers will fly into South Bend International Airport (SBN), South Bend, Indiana
A detailed itinerary will be coming soon.
A Handmade Midwest: Food, Craft & Quiet Traditions FAM Tour Experience s designed for creators who love uncovering places where culture, community, and craftsmanship shape the travel experience. Shipshewana offers a visually rich and story-driven setting rooted in Amish Country traditions, handmade goods, and a slower pace that resonates deeply with Midwest travelers. This experience will highlight Amish Country flavors, family-style dining, bakeries, and the cultural roots behind the food and culture that is so famous here in Northern Indiana.
The final itinerary will inclue:
- Cultural and countryside experiences, including an Amish in-home meal experience
- Pretzel rooling at Ben’s Pretzels…yes, THAT Ben’s Pretzels
- Lavender Bloom & Bites…a NEW hands-on experience
- My American Pie Trail Stop with Amish Kountry Fried Pies
- Behind the Scenes Amish noodle making at E&S Bulk Food Store, the “Amish Costco”
- Blue Gate Restaurant famous all-you-can-enjoy Amish Buffet and musical
- Cultural immersions Off the Path including Silver Star Leather, Teaberry Baskets, farm tours, and more
NOTE: Vegan and special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
FAQs About Amish Country
Do I need to bring cash or does every place take Credit Cards in Amish Country?
Some of the Amish businesses that we will vist on the tours or experiences do NOT take credit cards. Guests should plan to bring cash for those cases and if they want to buy direct from some of the Amish. There are ATMs in the destination at a few places.
What time zone is Shipshewana?
Sinpshewana is in the Eastern Time Zone (like New York) while Milwaukee is in the Central Time Zone (one hour earlier).
Can I visit a WalMart, CVS, or Walgreens in Shipshewana?
Shipshewana is a community of 850 people and does NOT have any commercial national chain businesses. There is a local pharmacy that carries some items and can receive prescriptions if needed. Guests are encouraged to plan ahead and to contact Sonya Nash directly in case of emergency.
