We recently spent a few days in Shipshewana, the heart of Indiana’s Amish country and the state’s most popular tourist destination. During the day we shopped, went to plays, visited museums, toured the Amish countryside, and filled up on Amish country cooking. At night we retreated to the Blue Gate Garden Inn, just a few blocks from downtown Shipshewana. With amenities and activities that go beyond what you’d expect at a mid-range hotel, the Blue Gate Garden Inn made it easy to relax after a busy day.
Blue Gate Garden Inn rooms
Our spacious double queen room opened to a patio. Equipped with gliding Adirondack chairs and decorated with a hanging basket full of petunias, the patio was perfect place to rest between events on our busy itinerary.
The room was the perfect size for us or even for a small family. However, if you need more room, the Blue Gate Garden Inn offers several suite options, including the Family Fun Suite. The Family Fun Suite has two sets of bunk beds, a private bedroom with king size bed, and a pull-out sofa.
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All rooms include a microwave and fridge, convenient for storing leftovers from those big Amish meals.
So many activities…
Besides the large (22’ x 55’) pool and hot tub, families can enjoy the arcade. The arcade includes air hockey, a ping pong table, Skeeball, and other arcade games. I even spotted an old-fashioned pinball machineؙ—my favorite.
The fun doesn’t end indoors. The outdoor basketball court is another area where kids can work off excess energy. Or enjoy a family game on the tether ball court.
If, unlike me, you’re good about working out when you travel, you’d be happy with the Blue Gate Garden Inn fitness room. I went in just to snap a couple of photos, but it looks like it includes a variety of equipment.
I scream, you scream…
Shops and small restaurants in Shipshewana tend to close early. So the Ice Creamery comes in handy when you’re in the mood for an evening ice cream treat.
Gather ‘round the fire
Although we didn’t have much down time during our Shipshewana stay, we did take advantage of one activity. We couldn’t resist gathering around the fire pit on the common patio at the end of the evening. What is it about campfire on a summer evening that’s so relaxing—and mesmerizing? A great way to end the day!
Breakfast…with made-to-order omelets
The Blue Gate Garden Inn breakfast buffet goes beyond that of most mid-range hotel breakfasts. Made-to-order omelets, chock full of your choice of ingredients, are a popular option. Pastries are from the Blue Gate Bakery, known for their delicious pies and donuts. I tried baked oatmeal for the first time—very different from regular oatmeal, but rather tasty. There are plenty of other options, as well. Breakfast is included with your hotel stay.
If you stay at the Blue Gate Garden Inn
If you stay at the Blue Gate Garden Inn, plan some down time in your itinerary, especially if you’re traveling with kids, to take advantage of the activities that the hotel offers. The Blue Gate Garden Inn is located at 800 S Van Buren Street in Shipshewana, Indiana. Check rates here.
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Disclosures: The LaGrange County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Blue Gate Hospitality hosted our visit to Shipshewana. Our hotel stay was complimentary. However, any opinions expressed in this article are my own.
If you book a room through the “Check room rates” link above, I will receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
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