Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Northern Indiana Trip

My mom and dad are on a charter bus trip to Northern Indiana. While there, they are seeing the work of many of the local craftsman and artisans... including many Amish families.

After speaking to Dad last night, it was clear they were having an absolutely wonderful trip... one which I would very much enjoy. If they are ever having another tour, I would like to join in on the fun. Just thought you'd like to see a FEW of the neat places that Mom and Dad have seen or will see this week. Of course, some of the best parts are meeting the local residents in their homes, and there aren't web sites for those experiences.

Fair Oaks Farms: The tour consists of a 3D/4D movie, the interactive area, Stewarts of the Land exhibit hall, Mrs. Cowhoun's Cowculus Class, Diva Hallway, the cheese & ice cream production plant, the birthing center and a 45-minute bus tour into one of the largest working dairies in the United States.

Sarah's Oaks Restaurant: Enjoy dinner in the barn, housed in the lovingly maintained homestead of Benjamin Hollingsworth and Sarah Sleeper. Sarah's Oaks diplays its Quaker roots in its restored buildings, the decor, and the food it serves.

Emma's Exotic Eggs: Be spiritually uplifted by Emma's presentation of her collection of decorative eggs. Each egg has been painted, cut, or otherwise decorated to make everything from necklaces to ornaments to photo albums. Emma has crafted over 9,000 decorated eggs ranging in price from $10 to $350, all with either historical or spiritual relevance. Mom and Dad especially enjoyed this very special woman who invited the group into her home.

Clay Critters: Clay Critters was created in 1978 when Rebecca Bollinger turned a hobby into a business. She worked out of her home at first making each "critter" by hand from baking soda and salt clay. Later she began using polymer-clay and added craft workers. She currently employs 18 workers and uses molds and a polymer-clay liquid to create the critters sold.

Yoder's Department Store: An old fashioned shopping experience with a variety of contemporary goods. 12,000 bolts of fabric, 2,800 pairs of jeans, overalls in all sizes, and 10,000 pairs of footwear. Hardware, tools, housewares, home accessories, groceries, and hard to find items.

Menno-Hof: Menno-Hof is a non-profit information center that teaches visitors about the faith and life of Amish and Mennonites and invites groups and individuals to learn about and experience Anabaptist history and lifestyle. 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.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

They're not making a stop at Amish Acres in Nappanee?

strem said...

Yes, they are. I failed to point out the highlight of highlights, Amish Acres. :) You can check it out at www.amishacres.com... This is where a certain special night auditor used to spend many an evening trying to stay awake! I told Mom and Dad to be kind to the current night auditor.

Anonymous said...

When leaving Amish Acres, a step-on guide named Marliece (sp?) directed us to the Kuhns orchard. I had an opportunity to speak to her briefly. If I am correct, she said that she knew Jeremy from when he worked at Amish Acres, but now he is busy with his web design business and ministry.

We are very sorry that we did not have time to meet with any of the Nappanee area church friends. It seems that every minute was consumed with activities and then we were running behind much of the time. I think that the best way to remedy this would be for Phyllis and me (and possibly Michelle) to make a little trip up that way without the bus group, hopefully sometime yet this fall or early next year. We hope that we are able to do that soon.

Piano Man

Dani said...

Sounds like a fun trip to me. I've always been fansenated with the Amish.