Piper Guy's Gal
Senior Member
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. :socool
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!
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. :socool
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!
