Indianapolis, IN – Central Indiana families looking for a weekend getaway full of fall fun got an inside look at what’s waiting in Shipshewana, Indiana, thanks to a recent appearance by family fun expert Katy Mann and her daughters Scout (13) and Quinn (9) on Fox59’s morning lifestyle show Indy Now.
During the live segment, the Mann family sat down with the hosts to share highlights from their recent trip to Amish Country, just three hours north of Indianapolis. With personal stories, practical tips, and plenty of kid-approved recommendations, the trio painted a picture of Shipshewana as a destination that blends cozy country charm with exciting family-friendly attractions.
A Family Road Trip to Amish Country
Katy Mann, founder of the popular website Indy With Kids, kicked off the conversation by explaining why Shipshewana makes such a good fit for families in Central Indiana.
“It’s about a three-hour drive, which is perfect,” Mann said. “That’s kind of the limit where kids are still cool with being in the car. You can even go for just one overnight and still feel like you’ve had a full getaway.”
Unlike the fast-paced, packed itineraries many families plan, Katy described Shipshewana as a “soft vacation.” “It’s relaxing, it’s comfortable—it’s not about cramming everything in. It’s about slowing down and just enjoying time together,” she told the hosts.
Spotlight on Fall Favorites
The highlight of the conversation was the Straw Bale Art Trail, a seasonal event that has become a Shipshewana signature. Local businesses and artists turn giant bales of straw into creative sculptures, everything from fishbowls to cartoon characters, and families can explore them using a map.
“My daughter will see the photos and say, ‘Mom, we’re going to Shipshewana,’” the host chimed in.
“It’s just so fun,” Mann said. “Some are walkable right downtown, but others take you out into LaGrange County, so you get to see new corners of the community.”
Scout and Quinn both chimed in with their favorites, describing the colorful displays they spotted along the trail.
Pretzels, Pizza, and Mini Golf
Of course, no trip to Shipshewana is complete without snacks and delicious fare. The Mann family shared their love of Ben’s Pretzels, especially since visitors can sign up for a pretzel-making class right at the flagship location.
Another tasty stop? Shipshe Pizza and Mini Golf. Quinn described how much fun she had on the updated mini golf course. “The water was bright blue, and it was hard to get the ball out when it fell in,” she said with a smile. “But the seesaw was my favorite.”
The girls’ enthusiastic nods confirmed that pizza plus putt-putt makes for a winning family combo.
Where to Stay: Blue Gate Garden Inn
When it came to accommodations, Katy highlighted one of their favorite hotels: the Blue Gate Garden Inn. This fall, the property is fully decked out with seasonal décor. Families can book spacious suites, complete with bunk beds, a living room area, and a primary bedroom.
“The kids loved the arcade and the pool,” Katy said, while Quinn quickly added, “And the hot tub!”
Evenings at the Blue Gate often include bonfires and sweet treats from the on-site ice cream shop, creating memories that extend beyond just having a place to sleep.
Animal Encounters at Dutch Creek Farm
For hands-on adventures, the Mann family recommended Dutch Creek Animal Farm. Visitors climb aboard a wagon, load up with feed, and watch as camels, alpacas, ostriches, cows, and even massive steers stroll up for a snack.
“It was just so much fun,” Katy explained. “The animals come right up to the wagon, and the kids can feed them by hand.”
Quinn laughed as she described one of her favorite moments: “I saw a cow that stuck its tongue out, and it was so funny!”
Comfort Food and Live Shows
When hunger strikes, families can head to the Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery. The buffet allows kids to sample comfort foods like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and noodles, and then top off the meal with a slice of pie.
For evening entertainment, Katy and Scout recommended the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center. On this trip, Scout attended a tribute show by the Purple Rain Experience. “Every seat was good, you could see the stage so well,” she explained. “And the walls were decorated with posters from all kinds of past shows. It was just really pretty.”
Rounding Out the Weekend
The Manns also shared a few more family-friendly highlights:
JoJo’s Pretzels at Davis Mercantile – A great snack spot inside a four-story shopping center complete with boutiques and a carousel.
Fruit Hills Winery & Orchard – A relaxing stop on the way home, where parents can taste local wines and kids can sip Sprite while exploring the orchard.
Carriage and Buggy Rides – Although they didn’t fit one in this trip, Katy and Quinn reminisced about their carriage ride during a past winter visit to Shipshewana, calling it one of the most memorable experiences.
Katy reminded viewers that most businesses in Shipshewana are closed on Sundays, so it’s important to plan major activities for Saturday. However, the Straw Bale Art Trail and outdoor attractions are available all weekend.
Why Shipshewana?
As the segment wrapped up, Katy emphasized why she thinks more families should consider Shipshewana for fall travel.
“There’s hiking, biking, shopping, and so many activities, but it’s not overwhelming. You feel unplugged and focused on quality family time. That’s what makes it special,” she said.
The relaxed pace, scenic drives, and unique Amish Country experiences add up to a trip that kids love and parents appreciate.
Where to Find More Information
For families eager to plan their own Shipshewana getaway, Katy encouraged viewers to visit IndyWithKids.com. The site is packed with itineraries, guides, and ideas for seasonal fun across Indiana and beyond.
“Whether you’re new to Central Indiana or you’ve lived here your whole life, our goal is to help families find things to do together,” she explained. “We’re always updating with the latest activities, so you’ll never run out of ideas.”
A Memorable Morning on Indy Now
The Fox59 segment wasn’t just informative, it was lively and engaging. Scout and Quinn’s candid comments about mini golf, cows with long tongues, and hotel hot tubs brought laughter to the studio and reminded viewers of what makes family travel so rewarding: seeing destinations through the eyes of children.
As the hosts wrapped the conversation, they invited the Manns back anytime. With fall in full swing and more adventures always on the horizon, it’s safe to say viewers will be seeing plenty more of this family on Indy Now.
