Middlebury with My Mom

This year the onset of spring actually brought spring-like weather to Indiana! Which was ideal for the third hike in my year-long quest.

I have set out to complete all 12 of the amazing hikes recommended by Only in Indiana for 2021. January and February’s hikes showcased the beauty of Hoosier winters. But I was more than ready for a taste of spring!

March’s adventure led me to Middlebury, Indiana, and the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Nearly a three-hour drive from my home, I decided this was the perfect opportunity for a day trip with my mom!

We filled the drive time with mother/daughter bonding and were in Middlebury before we knew it.

Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

Middlebury is located in northern Indiana and is in the heart of Amish country. The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail spans 17 miles from Goshen through Middlebury and across to Shipshewana. This trail also connects to several other trails, adding another 8 miles of hiking. I wasn’t quite up for that long of a trek!

After studying the map, I selected a 2-mile section to get a taste of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. I started at mile marker 10 at Krider Garden (more on that in a bit) and once I got my bearings, headed south towards mile marker 8. My mom’s knee wasn’t quite up for the long walk so she was happy to let me venture out on my own.

Unlike my previous hikes through Indiana State Parks, this hike followed a paved path that made for easy walking. Still, I decided to take my time, inspecting the sights along the way and snapping numerous photos.

The trail wound me through town as well as into more secluded sections lined with trees still somewhat naked from the long winter. I could just imagine how glorious the trail must be in the height of autumn’s colorful display.

I noticed signage along the route identifying a variety of trees as well as environmental efforts to sustain the area.

There were numerous benches sprinkled along the path for anyone needing to rest a spell and clear mile markers that assured me I was on the right path. I passed a restaurant (which came in handy, see below!) and an adorable bed and breakfast along this section of the trail.

I would bet the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is rather busy during peak summer months, but on this early spring day, I often had the trail all to myself.

A couple committed joggers, a few friendly skateboarders, and a smattering of moms in traditional Amish attire pushing strollers did pass by. Clearly, not everyone had gotten word that spring had sprung, but with a careful eye, I saw signs of it everywhere!

Krider Garden

Starting my hike at Krider Garden was perfect as there were ample parking spots, and it was the ideal location for my mom to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while I was hiking.

Formally known as the Krider World’s Fair Garden, it was created as a display garden for the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair by the founder of Krider Nurseries. Those who visited and signed the registry became the customer base for Krider’s burgeoning mail-order nursery business, which became the largest in the world! Signage and brochures throughout the garden share the history of this Hoosier family and the revolutionary business they created.

Flowers were just starting to awake after a long winter slumber, and I can only imagine how lush and colorful Krider Garden will be in just a few weeks!

As my mom and I meandered the trail through the gardens we still found many interesting and Instagram-worthy sights to behold.

You can’t miss the Dutch Windmill!

I’m sure the Toadstool structures are a hit with both the young and old alike, but you are asked not to climb or sit on them out of respect.

The lower garden provides the perfect spot to sit and simply enjoy nature’s beauty all around. And don’t miss the koi pond!

Lunch at Hilltop Restaurant

After successfully completing my hike and taking in Krider Garden, it was time for a restroom break and some nourishment. So I met up with my mom at the Hilltop Restaurant that is right along the trail just south of Krider Garden.  It was the perfect pit-stop!

The ambiance is nothing special, but the location couldn’t be beaten and the top-notch food really hit the spot.

Since Indiana is known for its tenderloin sandwiches, deciding what to order was an easy decision for me. And their tenderloin did not disappoint!

It was the perfect thickness with just the right amount of breading. Some Indiana tenderloin sandwiches can be enormous, but this one was the ideal size for me, and I’m not ashamed to say I ate the whole thing. I seem to recall my mom liked her fish sandwich as well, but I was preoccupied with my tenderloin!

Sweet Treats at Rise ‘n Roll

While hiking may have been the catalyst for this day trip, I wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to visit Rise ‘n Roll’s central bakery. I recently wrote an article for Visit Hendrick’s County about the new Rise ‘n Roll in my own community. Now it was time to check out the birthplace of Rise ‘n Roll’s mouthwatering treats while I was in Middlebury. And I did just complete my hike…so I had budgeted for the extra calories!

Unfortunately, it was nearly closing time when we arrived at Rise ‘n Roll and that meant the selection of fresh baked goodies was fairly limited. Clearly, we weren’t the only ones who knew about the mouthwatering delights whipped up by this famous Amish bakery! We were still able to find plenty of tasty treats to satisfy our sweet tooths and picked up a few for our loved ones back at home.

Shopping at Das Dutchman Essenhaus

Did I mention that completing my March hike was really just a great excuse to come explore Middlebury so we could eat and shop?!

Before heading back home we spent some time wandering through the delightful shops at Das Dutchman Essenhaus.

This sprawling campus includes a hotel, theater, restaurant, bakery, buggy rides, and numerous gift shops all reflecting the local Amish culture and talents.

While we didn’t have time to take it all in on this trip, we thoroughly enjoyed an hour of shopping and picked up just a few more sinful baked goods.

I dare you to visit Amish country and not indulge your sweet tooth!

While my mom and I could have found plenty to do in Middlebury for several days of mother/daughter fun, it was time to saddle up (figuratively) and head home! But you can bet Traveling Tanya will be returning to Middlebury to explore another stretch of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and of course, to sample more of the Amish community’s heavenly baked goods.

Have your hiking adventures led you to some noteworthy destinations? Comment below and share your favorite locations for hiking and more so we can all add them to our travel bucket lists!

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

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