In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Travel with Terri podcast, travel journalist Terri Guthrie takes us into northern Indiana to explore Shipshewana—the heart of the third-largest Amish community in the United States, home to over 28,000 residents across Lagrange and Elkhart counties.

Terri and her husband Ron share their firsthand experiences immersing themselves in a culture deeply rooted in faith, family, craftsmanship, and intentional living. From slow-paced buggy rides to bustling mega-markets, this episode pulls back the curtain on a unique and welcoming lifestyle.

Listen to the full episode interview with Jay Chupp, co-owner of E&S Sales, and enjoy the Shipshewana podcast highlights below:

Terry suggests that any proper visit to Shipshewana must begin by slowing down. Her trip kicked off with a quiet, horse-drawn buggy ride through town with a local driver named Glenn, followed by a visit to the Menno-Hof Museum, which provides an essential educational foundation on the history of the Amish and Mennonite peoples tracing back to the Reformation.

While the countryside is beautifully dotted with more than 2,000 working family farms, Shipshewana is also a powerhouse of thriving, independent businesses. The local work ethic is remarkably strong; many residents balance shifts at the region's massive RV manufacturing facilities with running independent enterprises from home, producing world-renowned hand-crafted wood furniture, leather goods, and unique artisanal textiles.

No trip to the area is complete without experiencing the famous Shipshewana Flea Market and Auction. Operating seasonally from May through September, this massive open-air market hosts hundreds of vendors. The trading culture here is deeply historic, with weekly livestock and antique auctions dating back to the 1920s.

Food is another central pillar of community life, characterized by fresh, farm-to-table ingredients and massive portions. The region is celebrated for its homemade baked goods—including local restaurants serving over 35 varieties of scratch-made pies daily—and is the birthplace of major culinary success stories like Ben’s Soft Pretzels, which grew from a local Amish enterprise into a booming national franchise.

The highlight of the episode is Terry's interview with Jay Chupp, one of the owners of E&S Sales. Established in 1986 by Jay’s parents, Irvin and Sarah Chupp, the business started as a modest bulk food store. Today, celebrating its 40th year, E&S Sales has transformed into an enormous bulk food and discount grocery powerhouse employing around 140 people.

Jay shared exciting news about the store's future: by early fall, E&S Sales will be migrating into a brand-new, highly efficient 128,000-square-foot facility right across the street, featuring a massive 37,500-square-foot retail showroom completely under one roof to better serve the community.

During the interview, Jay provided profound insight into modern Amish life, emphasizing that they are Christians first and foremost who choose a lifestyle focused purely on family connectivity without the distractions of public electricity, television, or social media.

Jay also shed light on the community's unique traditions and highly successful economic model:

For those looking to experience a genuinely refreshing, slow-paced vacation destination steeped in living history, Shipshewana offers an unforgettable travel experience.

To learn more and begin planning your trip, visit the Shipshewana Lagrange County Visitors Center website at VisitShipshewana.org.