Coffee, Shopping & Amish Country Charm in Shipshewana, Indiana

Shipshewana is one of Indiana's most popular small-town destinations, known for its Amish heritage, shopping, and famous flea market. While it isn't my favorite place in Indiana to hunt for antique bargains, I still enjoy visiting for the cozy coffee shops, delicious local restaurants, unique businesses, and the overall Amish Country experience.

If you're planning a day trip, here's how I'd spend the day.

Start the Morning at Kitchen Cupboard Coffee

Tucked inside the Davis Mercantile building, this coffee shop immediately feels warm and inviting. Soft lighting from table lamps, leather couches, wood accents, greenery, and high-top seating overlooking downtown create the perfect place to ease into your morning.

I ordered a cappuccino with flavored syrup, and it was both beautiful and delicious.

Explore Downtown Shipshewana

Once you've finished your coffee, spend the morning wandering through the shops inside Davis Mercantile before exploring the rest of downtown.

If you've followed me for a while, you know I love finding beautiful antiques at prices that make me excited to bring them home. That's one reason Shipshewana isn't my favorite destination for antique shopping. Because it's such a popular tourist destination, I often find prices here are higher than what I typically see in some of my favorite small-town antique stores.

That doesn't mean you won't find something special—it simply means I come more for the experience than expecting to leave with a car full of treasures.

One shop I always enjoy browsing is The Town Shop, so be sure to add it to your list while you're downtown.

Lunch at The Black Sheep

Most visitors come to Shipshewana planning to enjoy a traditional Amish meal, but if you're looking for something a little different, I can't recommend The Black Sheep enough.

Katie and I shared the Blue Candied Smoke, a burger topped with raspberry chipotle sauce, candied jalapeños, bacon, raspberry chipotle aioli, and cheddar cheese on a toasted bun. We skipped the blue cheese crumbles, and it was still one of the best burgers I've had in a long time.

The fries were excellent too.

I'm already looking forward to ordering it again on my next visit.

Take a Buggy Ride

After lunch, slow things down with a horse-drawn buggy ride through town.

It's a fun way to experience Shipshewana from a different perspective and adds a little extra Amish Country charm to your day.

More Shopping & Honest Antique Thoughts

We happened to visit during the Antique Market at the Trading Place, which is held inside a large barn. Since it rained all day during our visit, we were especially thankful the event was indoors.

While I found a few pieces that caught my eye—including the base of a Moon & Star fairy lamp —most of the items I loved were outside my budget. That's simply part of antique shopping sometimes.

Many people also make Shipshewana's famous flea market their main destination.

I'll be honest—it isn't really my style.

I tend to enjoy hunting for vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind antiques, while much of the flea market features newer items, clothing, souvenirs, and gift items. If that's your style of shopping, you'll probably have a wonderful time. It just isn't what I'm personally looking for when I go treasure hunting.

I also think the rainy weather made it harder to fully enjoy browsing the outdoor vendors.

End the Day with Something Sweet

Before heading home, treat yourself to a stop atVanilla Bean Creamery.

I ordered the Coffee Brownie Swirl, and it was the perfect ending to the day.

If you're craving something savory instead, grab one of Ben's Soft Pretzels. They're my favorite pretzels anywhere—soft, fluffy, and served with plenty of delicious dipping sauces.

Honestly, it's hard to choose between the two.

Maybe grab both and share with a friend.

Final Thoughts

Shipshewana may not be my first recommendation if your main goal is finding affordable antique treasures, but it's still a wonderful destination for a relaxing day trip. Between the cozy coffee shops, locally owned businesses, delicious restaurants, buggy rides, and unique Amish Country atmosphere, there's plenty to enjoy.

Every traveler has different priorities, and that's exactly why I like sharing my honest experiences. If you enjoy shopping, great food, and exploring charming small towns, Shipshewana is still well worth a visit.

Flea Market booth

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