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07-03-2015, 02:55 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 243
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Rally Tips
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. )
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!
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07-03-2015, 04:19 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5,407
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Piper Guy's Gal
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. )
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!
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Great information!
__________________
SOB "The RV Wiseguy"
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07-03-2015, 04:33 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,855
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Very nice write-up. Thanks!
__________________
2012 F350 KR CC DRW w/ some stuff
2013 36FL
Cindy and Tom, Toby and Kasey (our Berner and Newfie)
Oh...I forgot the five kids.
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07-04-2015, 01:13 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,444
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Also, for those of you who have considered replacing any of your original furniture there is a Lambright Comfort Chair store not far from the campground. Just beware, if you visit the store you will probably end up with new recliners. That's what happened to us and we love the recliners and we also purchased a cherry end table with drawers. The leather like material is almost an exact match with our sofa and the table is a perfect match. By replacing the original recliners we were able to gain extra room in the dining table slide. The recliners are very comfy.
__________________
Rick and Mindy
Retired
2013 Redwood 31SL, 2011 Ford F350 SRW, 6.7, Crew Cab with Firestone Bags, Titan Disc Brakes
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07-04-2015, 09:52 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 122
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I wanted to add a few more places that you might want to visit while in Shipshewana. These are true representations of this Amish area. :-)
Yoder's Meat & Cheese Company - Yoders Meat and Cheese Company | Shipshewana Amish Family Owned | Grain Fed Beef, Organic foods, Hormone free meats A great place to pick up wonderful cuts of meat for grilling, etc. Amish cheeses and fresh jarred goods & spices. A very popular place right north of the campground that you will enjoy.
Rise 'n Roll Bakery - Holy Cow! This one you wont want to miss. Rise'n Roll Bakery | Amish bakery with donuts, nut crunches, baked goods, deli goods, and more…
Have breakfast or lunch then check out all the canned veggies, jams, jellies, breads, etc., etc., you get the picture. Its a fun place to load up on all your favorites.
1065 N 1150 W., Middlebury, IN 46540
Ben's Bakery - Ben's Bakery — Ben's Bakery in Shipshewana, Indiana within walking distance south of the campground. Awesome fried pies and any other baked goods that would want...you will find here. Address: 250 Berkshire Drive, Shipshewana, IN 46540
Guggisberg Cheese Factory - https://www.babyswiss.com/dkh_cheese.htm A very cool place to visit... you can watch the process of cheese making straight from the store area behind big glass windows. Lots & lots of different types of cheeses available, along with summer sausage and Amish bologna!! The prices are incredible! Expect to pay about half of what you would pay in normal grocery stores. Check the directions to their place at their website. Not hard to find.
"B" Honey & Candles - (no website) 2260N 1000W, Shipshewana, ID - 2 miles east on Shipshe-Middlebury Road, at the corner of 250N & 1000W go south approx. 1/4 mile. This is on the property of the Amish family Perry & Rossetta Bontrager. They have honey in all sizes, along with beeswax candles that they personally make. Rosetta also has some homemade bags and other kitchen items for sale. Perry does a tour of the bees making process and charges $1 per person for the 20 min. tour.
Millers Buggy Line Tours - Buggy Line Tours, Shipshewana, Indiana, Amish Meal, Amish Buggy Rides Tour Amish & Mennonite country backroads. Can include a meal in a unique Amish home. Lots of tour options that are affordable. These tours are only on Mon., Tues., & Wednesday. It would be awesome to do something like this as a group if there is an interest. Right across the street from Yoder's Meat & Cheese Shoppe is where you will find the main Tour office.
The Professor & I are already in the area and as we find fun places to go... I will add them. We are looking forward to seeing everyone real soon.
Lady E Cooper
__________________
Full-timers: Evada & Terry Cooper
Mobile RV Academy
Big Max - 2013 F350 King Ranch 4x4 DRW
Lady DRV - 2017 DRV Fullhouse JX450 w/Executive Office Options
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07-17-2015, 07:32 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 747
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Since we live in Elkhart, I know that some might want to visit Factory RV Surplus at 1631 West Bristol St Elkhart IN 46514. Factory RV Surplus
Their summer store hours are: M - F 9am to 5 pm
Sat 9am to Noon
Not sure when everyone is arriving but LOTS of everything there. Small parts, bulbs, screws, hitches, chains, pinboxes, just about everything.
From the RW rally at the Shipshewana South campground it is 28.1 miles and about 40 minutes. Using Highway 20 and then SR 19.
Also, from Factory Rv Surplus you can travel about 4.5 miles and 10 minutes driving to get to RV parts Nation. Welcome to RV Parts Nation your #1 source for all RV Parts and RV Accessories.
3267 Northview DR Elkhart, IN 46514
Hours are: M-F 9am to 6pm
Sat 9am to 1pm
Pretty good selection there too, big place but smaller selection of stuff.
Hope this helps a few of the out of town people.
Chris
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07-17-2015, 08:03 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 280
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Thanks for the info Chris.
__________________
Jim & Susie, 2014 36FL, 2012 F-250 6.2 trailer saver TS3
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07-17-2015, 08:18 PM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5,407
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Thanks Chris....good info
__________________
SOB "The RV Wiseguy"
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07-19-2015, 05:46 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 191
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Thanks for the info! We'll be there for our first rally, and are really looking forward to it. One question: Are there any doggie friendly restaurants nearby? We don't like to leave our 2 Papillons unattended.
Best to all...Cal and Gloria
__________________
2015 38RL with MORryde IS, residential fridge, DW, washer and dryer, generator, and slide in slide. 2 A/C, 1 HP and a fireplace. Added 17.5 inch wheels. Follows a 2013 Ram dually diesel with 8' bed and Reese 20K.
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07-19-2015, 06:15 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 512
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How exciting! So jealous we cannot attend.
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07-19-2015, 06:23 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 7,101
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RW Cal
Thanks for the info! We'll be there for our first rally, and are really looking forward to it. One question: Are there any doggie friendly restaurants nearby? We don't like to leave our 2 Papillons unattended.
Best to all...Cal and Gloria
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Not that I would eat at!
__________________
Brad & Dory - Lone Tree, CO
CURRENT - 2013 Itasca Meridian 42E/2013 Wrangler 4dr Sahara
SOLD - 2014 Redwood 36RL/2014 F350 DRW
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07-19-2015, 07:02 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 747
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I googled for Pet friendly restaurants in Elkhart County, only one is coming up and near Simonton lake on SR 19 North, north of the I80-90 tollroad. But they only allow behaved leashed pets on their outside patio.
Pete's Simonton Lake Tavern
Pete's Simonton Lake Tavern
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
51426 H 19
Elkhart,
Indiana 46514
574-264-9033
Get Map or Directions
Offering at this restaurant and bar for lunch and dinner include daily specials, steaks, fresh fish, Italian items, in-house made dressings, broasted chicken, chicken wings, carry out, and patio dining. Leashed, friendly dogs are allowed at their outside dining area.
Haven't really looked for a pet friendly restaurant as we don't have pets. I see dogs in Petsmart, and Big R ( which is like a TSC or Rural King ). Hope that helps. Quite a drive from Shipshewana to eat outside, but your choice.
Chris
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07-20-2015, 04:48 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,353
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Agree with Brad, not where I eat or buy groceries!! Sorry don't want to sound like a grump, but there are places that animals shouldn't be allowed, restaurants, grocery stores, or any place that sells food!!
__________________
Danny & Linda
Full-timed 10+ years
Former '13 FB owner
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Currently rv & truckless
Replacement undetermined
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07-20-2015, 11:54 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 307
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Quote:
Originally Posted by travelin' texans
Agree with Brad, not where I eat or buy groceries!! Sorry don't want to sound like a grump, but there are places that animals shouldn't be allowed, restaurants, grocery stores, or any place that sells food!!
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Danny....... no offense, but the same could be said for young kids & babies....
__________________
Mike & Gayle
Our 3 fur children "Ting-Tang"&"Saylor"(Shih Tsu's) &"Kai" (Finnish Spitz)
2007 Silverado Classic 3500 LT C.C. Longbed Dually,
Duramax, Allison Tranny, 62 Gal. Titan Tank
2016 39MB 5.5 Onan, Residential Package, Goodyear G114's, Mor/ryde heavy duty Shackle/bushing upgrade.
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07-20-2015, 03:37 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 295
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RW Cal
Thanks for the info! We'll be there for our first rally, and are really looking forward to it. One question: Are there any doggie friendly restaurants nearby? We don't like to leave our 2 Papillons unattended.
Best to all...Cal and Gloria
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Maybe you could get a ROG member to 'dog sit' for you if you wanted to leave for a while?? Just a suggestion.
__________________
2014 RW36FB
2014 F-350 CC DRW, 25K Reese, Roll-n-Loc, Rhino Liner
'Half-timer' - Full time retired, tho!
Ken & Shelley
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07-20-2015, 03:42 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 7,101
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S&K
Maybe you could get a ROG member to 'dog sit' for you if you wanted to leave for a while?? Just a suggestion.
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Volunteering?
__________________
Brad & Dory - Lone Tree, CO
CURRENT - 2013 Itasca Meridian 42E/2013 Wrangler 4dr Sahara
SOLD - 2014 Redwood 36RL/2014 F350 DRW
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07-20-2015, 04:24 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 295
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Quote:
Originally Posted by atom ant
Volunteering?
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I wish!
Dog lover that can't have pets in the RW.... so I love them when I see them.
__________________
2014 RW36FB
2014 F-350 CC DRW, 25K Reese, Roll-n-Loc, Rhino Liner
'Half-timer' - Full time retired, tho!
Ken & Shelley
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