Marking 40 years of providing both educational and entertaining family activities, Amish Acres Historic Farm & Heritage Resort in Nappanee, Indiana is observing its anniversary with special events and promotions that make it a top destination for travelers from both near and far.
The only Amish farm in America that is listed in The National Register of Historic places is marking 40 years of historic preservation and restoration during the 2010 season, with a focus on the heritage of the area. The entire family can tour the 125-year-old Amish homestead, take a leisurely farm wagon ride around the 80 acres that surround it, and learn more about the ways of the Amish.
In addition, Amish Acres provides visitors who seek lodging the convenience of modern amenities at The Inn at Amish Acres. Both offer guests a variety of floor plans and can be bundled with activity packages for economic family plans customized to serve a variety of group interests.
Some of the best known entertainers and top musicals in the country have been making Amish Acres Round Barn Theatre tap their toes and sing along with spectacular performances over the years, as well. The 2010 season includes the 24th anniversary production of Plain & Fancy, May 28 through Oct. 16 which runs in repertory with A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, June 2 through July 11; 42nd Street, July 20 through Aug. 29; Annie Get Your Gun, Sept. 7 through Oct. 17; The Foreigner, Oct. 20 through Nov. 7. And for the holiday season, Cinderella, Nov. 10 through Dec. 31 runs in repertory with Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings, Dec. 1 through 31.
A new concert series this year highlights the talents of the "Blackwood Brothers" and the "Mariners" Quartets in a Spring Gospel May 27; A Rock 'N Roll review featuring Phil Dirt and the Dozers July 13, Guy Lobardo's Royal Canadians with Al Pierson September 2 and Branson on the Road October 28.
New this year, too, is the Wine Tasting Room. "The wine tasting room will feature the fruits of Indiana and Lake Michigan shore wines," Richard Pletcher, founder and CEO of Amish Acres, said. "Over 60 percent of our visitors come from outside of Indiana and regional wines have become the fastest growing segment within the wine industry ... There is just as much interest among our visitors in regional wines as there is in Amish-made cheeses, meats, and baked goods." Hours for wine tasting are noon to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
The addition of Amish buggy rides offers a unique view of the area where the motto "Embrace the Pace" is taken literally, too. Don't forget the shopping at Amish Acres' many one-of-a-kind shops! And the nationally renown Threshers Dinner is a family-style feast of Amish Country favorites. Thick ham and bean soup, heaping platters of chicken, ham and beef served with real mashed potatoes and gravy, sage stuffing, beef and noodles, vegetables, and hearth bread and apple butter means no one goes home hungry! Did we forget dessert? You have a choice of more than 10 varieties of fruit and cream pies.
Amish Acres is hosting its 48th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Aug. 5 through Aug. 8, with more than 300 artists and craftsmen and women who ply their trade and sell their wares. Live entertainment on four stages and delicious festival food draws visitors from around the world.
For complete information about the many events at Amish Acres, visit the website at www.amishacres.com, or call 800-800-4942 for fast, friendly service. Find them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.