08.15.2024

Today’s Forecast

4 must-do fall activities in Amish Country

An autumn adventure awaits you in the heart of Amish Country

Presented by an INDYtoday partner

a gif featuring images of fall activities in LaGrange County and Elkhart County

As you wander through quaint towns, explore historic sites, and savor local delicacies, you’ll discover why Amish Country is a hidden gem worth exploring — especially when adorned in the brilliant hues of autumn. | Photos courtesy of Visit Shipshewana CVB and Visit Elkhart County; GIF by INDYtoday

Picture this: Windows down, seat heater on, PSL in hand, and autumn leaves in view. That’s right, we’re hitting the road to Northern Indiana.

Consider changing things up this fall by planning a road trip to Shipshewana and Elkhart County, where celebrations, harvest vibes, and coziness await.

🍎 For those looking to explore the charming countryside

One of the highlights of heading north is experiencing the picturesque countryside firsthand. Use the Heritage Trail audio driving tour to visit historic towns like Goshen, Middlebury + Nappanee, or the newly-expanded Off the Beaten Path Trail audio driving tour to visit 120 Amish cottage shops and 80+ barn quilts throughout Shipshewana.

For handmade crafts, freshly-baked goods, and traditional quilts that reflect centuries-old craftsmanship, stop by local Amish-owned businesses, like:

Dutch Country Market
Teaberry Wood Products
The Quilt Shop at Das Dutchman Essenhaus
Silver Star Leather
Menno-Hof
Davis Mercantile

🍂 For the nature enthusiasts

What do hiking, biking, birdwatching, and apple picking have in common? They’re all fall activities you can experience in the county’s parks, nature preserves + the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. The fall foliage provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities, offering photographers and nature lovers endless opportunities to capture the beauty of the season.

Pro tip: Don’t miss apple picking at Kercher’s Sunrise Orchard in Goshen. This family-owned U-pick apple orchard and pumpkin patch specializes in Indiana’s finest homegrown and homemade products. It also offers free hayrides, a corn maze, and, of course, lots of fall family fun.

a straw bale art structure that's shaped like a camper — These fun fall landmarks can be found at local spots like the Shipshewana Visitor’s Center, Our Front Porch, and Farmstead Inn.
|
Photo courtesy of Visit Shipshewana

Visitors can also explore the giant straw bale art structures scattered across Shipshewana + Middlebury. Bonus: There are 20 murals across Shipshewana to visit and snap a selfie with.

Keep reading to see why you should bring your appetite on the getaway and which can’t-miss festivals we recommend adding to your calendar.

More fall fun this way

Asked

Which Amish Country adventure entices you to hit the road and visit the most?

A. Exploring the picturesque countryside
B. Shopping at Amish-owned establishments
C. Apple picking
D. Fall festivals
E. Other

Let us know

Events

Thursday, Aug. 15

Elevance Health Roller Rink | Thursday, Aug. 15-Sunday, Sept. 29 | 11 a.m. | Bicentennial Unity Plaza | $4-$10 | Get out and get active with a 90-minute skating session at Bicentennial Unity Plaza.
The 2024 IndyFringe Festival | Thursday, Aug. 15-Sunday, Aug. 25 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | IndyFringe Basile Theatre | $12-$32 | This year’s festival features 250 performances + 70 unique acts from across the globe.
Game Night | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 5-7 p.m. | Indy Reads | Free | Bring the family and friends for some chess and games, or bring along your favorite game to play.
Live Music on the Plaza | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Fountain Square Plaza | Free | Grab your favorite beverages + meals from a local merchant and then enjoy a show featuring three local musicians.

Friday, Aug. 16

Making Memories Classic Pickleball Tournament | Friday, Aug. 16-Sunday, Aug. 18 | 8 a.m.-7 p.m. | Freedom Park | Registration required | This tournament features round robin play on outdoor courts with men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles competition.
Indiana Fever vs. Phoenix Mercury | Friday, Aug. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | $15+ | The Olympic break is over, and it’s back to business for the Fever.

Saturday, Aug. 17

Clothing Swap in TOC | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 12-2 p.m. | North Mass Boulder | Free | This is an all genders, all styles adult clothing swap.

Thursday, Aug. 22

Bartender Battle with Tito’s Handmade Vodka | Thursday, Aug. 22 | 5:30 p.m. | Harry & Izzy’s Northside | $65 | Watch Huse Culinary bartenders showcase their master mixology skills for the chance to have their cocktail featured and raise up to $10,000 for a charity of their choice.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

The City-County Council voted to approve an ordinance that will require short-term rental owners to register their properties and acquire a $150 permit for each rental unit. It will go into effect next year. (WTHR)

Transit

Buses are set to start running on IndyGo’s rapid-transit Purple Line beginning Sunday, Oct. 13 with a grand opening on Friday, Oct. 18. The new line will run between Fort Benjamin Harrison in Lawrence and the transit center downtown. (WISH)

Cause

Local organization Sanctuary Indy is planning to transform a five-acre piece of land on the far east side into a tiny home community for those experiencing homelessness. The project is estimated to cost around $3.2 million + the first phase will wrap by the end of 2025. (WRTV)

Announced

As you know, Indianapolis hosted the All-Star game in February — and now the city may be doing the same for the women. According to ESPN, Indy is reportedly hosting the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game. This would be the first time Indy has hosted the WNBA All-Star Game. (WTHR)

Development

An Indy-based developer plans to build a $67 million apartment complex in Noblesville. The Granary will feature a four-story building and parking garage with 225 luxury apartments and 5,000 sqft of retail space. Construction could begin next summer and be completed in summer 2027. (IBJ)

Sports

The Emirates NBA Cup is back for its second year, and the Pacers will host games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday, Nov. 3 and Sunday, Nov. 24. Single game tickets go on sale to the public on Wednesday, Oct. 2. See the Pacers’ schedule for NBA Cup Group Games.

Try This

Indy Ignite, the city’s new professional women’s volleyball team, is getting ready to serve a fun pregame party to introduce themselves to the community. They will showcase their talents on a volleyball court installed at Bicentennial Unity Plaza + meet fans from 5 to 7 p.m. tomorrow before the Fever game.

Plan Ahead

“Indiana’s Nicest Day,” aka the 57th annual Penrod Arts Fair, is returning to the gardens of Newfields on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year’s event features 350+ artists from across the country, hundreds of performers, and a children’s area, plus a variety of food and beverages from local vendors. Get tickets.

Listen

The Colts host Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and the Arizona Cardinals for a pair of joint practices this week. Nick Cross is among a handful of players who can turn their summer around. Listen with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Wellness

🪷 Find your zen

Find your zen with our Indy yoga guide

Indy Parks occasionally hosts sunset yoga sessions outdoors — check park event calendars. | Photo by @indyparks

Today, Aug. 15, is National Relaxation Day. Whether you’re a novice on the mat or an experienced yogi, there’s no better way to relax and re-center than by practicing yoga.

Find your zen at these yoga studios around Indy.

Invoke Studio
Invoke has a month-long Intro to Yoga series for brand-new yoga students or those who would like to review the foundation of yoga. Beginning the first week of each month, the instructors will introduce you to basic alignment + breathing techniques in a non-competitive, fun, and relaxed atmosphere.

The Hot Room
You’ll definitely feel the heat at The Hot Room with its hot yoga training + heated fitness sessions. It also offers integrative wellness programs, comprehensive teacher trainings, innovative workshops, and global wellness retreats.

Myriad Yoga
This inclusive community offers more than just yoga — you can also try bootcamp, CrossFit, weightlifting, and personal training.

City Guides are presented by Life In Indy.

10 more yoga studios

The Buy

The Buy 8.15.24 (Affiliate)

This best-selling stainless steel 7-in-1 Instant Pot. It’s a classic for a reason — and you can use this versatile, customizable kitchen appliance to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam and warm up your meals with easy dishwasher-safe clean up.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicole

From the editor

One of my favorite ways to relax lately has been reading. I’m currently reading “Just for the Summer” by Abby Jimenez and I’m loving it — so much that I’ve been staying up way past my bedtime to keep reading.

If you’re looking to join a book club where there’s no book assignment, check out Silent Book Club. Its next event is Thursday, Aug. 22 at the Windsor Park Greenspace from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with We Walk Indy. Get your free ticket. Maybe I’ll see you there.

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