Welcome to the wonderful little town of Middlebury, Indiana! Where Erin was born and raised, where time seems to stand still as the rest of the world flies forward, and where Shop LIY lives! With so many new faces venturing out to northern Indiana these days, we thought it was time to give you a quick Cliffnotes version on what to do, where to stay, and where to eat [the most important, obviously]!
And guess what? We’re giving away one $50 gift card to both Shop LIY and Joyfully Said to a lucky winner just for signing up here!
Please note: Most places in, and around, Middlebury are closed on Sundays and Mondays!
What To Do
Shop Living In Yellow
If you’re looking for some cute threads and happy little things, Shop Living In Yellow is the place to get ’em! I may or may not be biased. It’s been such a joy to watch this project come to life, and we can’t wait for you to visit in real life!
The Mill [Joyfully Said / Mustard Seed Marketplace]
Pop down the street to my sister’s business – The Mill! This includes Joyfully Said [signs and home decor], The Mustard Seed Marketplace, my dad’s antique business, and more! Bonus if you’re able to join for a Saturday Farmer’s Market or one of their fun outdoor evenings under the lights!
Blue Gate Theater Shows
From country artists to cover bands and comedians, the Blue Gate Theater is a great small venue to take in a show! [Be sure to visit the Blue Gate restaurant down the road for a hearty Amish meal beforehand!]
Pumpkinvine Nature Trail
Hop on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail for a leisurely stroll or give-it-your-all bike ride, where you’ll pass through Amish country with a behind-the-scenes view! There are several entrances all the way from Goshen to Middlebury to Shipshewana, with most sections of the trail fully paved!
Shipshewana Flea Market [seasonal]
Shipshewana Flea Market [seasonal]
Picture rows and rows [and rows and rows] of vendors selling everything from handmade items to trinkets you never know you needed!
Visit Shipshewana – Amish Country
Shipshewana is the heart of Amish country. Park downtown and stroll the shops, grab a bite to eat at the Blue Gate or JoJos Pretzels, and maybe even hitch a ride around town in a buggy outside of the Blue Gate!
Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park [seasonal]
Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park [seasonal]
What a wild ride this place is! One second you’re holding baby chicks, the next you’re hand feeding a zebra, a longhorn, a buffalo, and a camel who magically all get along. Think of it as a hands-on petting zoo, that includes both farm animals and [very] beyond! Truly an experience. PS Bring CASH!
Jarisa’s Family Fun Zone
If roller skating, axe throwing, laser tag and arcades are your thing, this is your local place!
Meadow Valley Golf Club
Take in 9 or 18 at our local golf course, Meadow Valley! It’s a great option for both beginners and the more experienced alike!
Where To Eat
Das Dutchman Essenhaus
Say hello to authentic Amish eating! People come here from miles [literally, thousands of miles] away to experience the goodness of the chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, and don’t even think about skipping out on the donuts if you’re here for breakfast! Gosh I could go for one of those donuts right now…
- The Menu: hearty homestyle meals [chicken, mashed potatoes, noodles, do not skip the bakery]
- Seating: Indoor
- Availability: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Legendary Grind
- The Menu: soups, sandwiches, salads, coffee, breakfast bites
- Seating: Indoor + outdoor
- Availability: Breakfast + Lunch
Wedgewood Brewing Co
- The Menu: burgers, beer, sandwiches
- Seating: Indoor
- Availability: Lunch + Dinner
West on Warren
- The Menu: chicken, steak, sandwiches, salads,
- Seating: Indoor + outdoor
- Availability: Brunch + Lunch + Dinner
The Reserve at State & Main [currently closed for remodel]
The Reserve at State & Main [currently closed for remodel]
- The Menu: New menu coming soon!
- Seating: Indoor
- Availability: Lunch + Dinner
The Creamery on Main
- The Menu: pretzels, barbecue, snacks, coffee,
- Seating: Indoor
- Availability: Late Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Mooey’s Ice Cream Shop
- The Menu: pretzels, pulled pork, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream.
- Seating: Indoor + outdoor
- Availability: Lunch + Dinner
Where To Stay
Joy House On Main
My sister [the owner of Joyfully Said, mentioned above – right down the road from LIY!] has officially opened an AirBnb right downtown on Main Street. And it.is.ADORABLE! Seriously. Every time I walk in I want to book myself a night and just stay! So instead of me doing that and blocking up the bookings, why don’t you do that instead 😉
Essenhaus Inn + Conference Center
Take food coma to a new level… get your chicken, noodles, and mashed potatoes, and walk right next door to the inn for a little nap! But for real, a bit of amish style mixed with a bit of comfort, and you’ve got the Essenhaus Inn!
Hampton Inn & Suites
No explanation needed! A Hampton Inn right on the outskirts of town [but very near our very favorite Wedgewood Brewing!]
Within an Hour[ish]
University of Notre Dame
Southwest Michigan Wineries
Tabor Hill, Round Barn Estate , Dablon, and Journeyman Distillery, Greenbush Brewing are our personal favs, but you can checkout the entire Makers Trail for beer, wine, and spirits!
Lake Wawasee
Rent a boat for the day or grab a meal at The Oakwood or Channel Marker, and see our favorite [and biggest] local lake!
Lake Michigan Towns
Too many cute beach towns to count, but a few favorites are New Buffalo, South Haven, and Saugatuck!
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
