Nappanee

Black horse-drawn buggies travel down the winding country roads around Nappanee, located about 20 miles south of Elkhart. This tiny Indiana town is an ideal place to witness traditional scenes of Amish simplicity in an unspoiled rural Midwestern setting. Nappanee is also the place to be if you're interested in learning more about the Amish community. Amish Acres opens its historic farmhouse to tours, during which staff members describe in detail the religious beliefs that guide the Amish way of life. A theater and restaurant complete the experience.

In the surrounding countryside, Mennonite- and Amish-owned businesses sell locally crafted quilts, furniture and household goods at Shingle Shoppes (pick up a map and brochure at the Elkhart County Visitor Center, or download one online). Nappanee also lies along the 90-mile Heritage Trail, a self-guided driving route through Indiana's Amish Country; grab a copy of the audio tour CD at the Elkhart County Visitor Center.