Snowy Range Pass

Snowy Range Pass

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Shipshewana



We have been to Shipshewana, IN a number of times.  It is, from our view point, really nothing more than another form of a tourist trap.  Having said that, we have come back to pick up some real Amish food products at their source. We are not opposed to tourist traps and actually find them amusing at times.  So first thing yesterday morning before the sun was up, we hit the flea market which attracts folks from all over the country.  With very light foot traffic, we were able to walk the whole place and spend a bit of time at the auction house and be out of there in just about two hours.  We spent a couple of dollars on coffee. Definitely cheap entertainment.









After that we strolled around the small downtown area and surveyed the latest gift shop offering, with not much new trends that we could see.







Perhaps the thing we most enjoy is driving the back roads and enjoying the scenic country and the Amish way of life.  While it is not that much removed from my life on a farm 50 plus years ago, I cannot imagine living that lifestyle today.  It certainly is a less hectic life, but given the world they are surrounded by and the lack of new genetic input to their gene pool, I can only wonder how much longer they will continue as they are. 






We have now moved to Bardstown to My Old Kentucky Home state park that has not seen an apparent update in thirty years.  The word level is not in their vocabulary.

12 comments:

Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009 said...

We really enjoy going to Amish country in Ohio. It is only about 30 minutes away from our home. Some of the areas have become touristy but most are still nice and simple. We like that the best. And boy can they cook!

Hope you have your boards with you.

Rick said...

Quite the place. The Amish have to be the most intriguing folks in all of North America. I admire how they have stuck with their traditions even though it must be difficult.

Thanks for the great tour.

Carol K said...

I would like to visit Amish country!

Sherry said...

That many people flea marketing before sunrise, wow. Never thought about the gene pool problem for the Amish. Laughed out loud at your closing line. I'll scratch that place off my list.

Al and Karen said...

Bardstown is a very nice town. Be sure to have a "kentucky hot brown" while there!

Gypsy said...

I love saying the name "Shipshewana", and the horse and buggy looks to be about the speed I like. I'll be in Bardstown in a couple of weeks visiting an elderly aunt, and I intend to stop at the Willet's Distillery. After a couple of slugs I won't be level either.

Paul and Marti Dahl said...

An old seadog like you and you passed up on that canoe at the flea market? I'm shocked! ;c)

Bet you are missing those automatic levelers on your previous motorhome.

Travels with Emma said...

Ah, but is the sun shining bright on your old Kentucky home?

Nan said...

Their gene pool is creating a health issue at this time. Cancer is rampant among them. This comes from a very, very reliable physician who treats them.

Sweet Meanderings said...

What a fabulous place to visit. I loved the little pony cart.
Candy

Laura said...

Interesting comment about the Amish - I wonder how much diet effects their cancer rates.

Nonetheless, we'd like to visit Shipsewana (sp) sometime in the future. Enjoy your travels.

Karen and Al said...

I'm with Sherry. I'll scratch that place off my list as well.

Love that header picture!