Amish Country of Central Illinois
By Amish Country of Central Illinois
01/31/2008
Come experience how Amish country of central Illinois thrives in the fast-paced world in which we live. The quaint communities of Arcola, Arthur, Sullivan and Tuscola offer intimate, non-commercial experiences of Amish country.
Contact Information:
t: view phone 800-441-9111
e: view email amishcountrycvb@mchsi.com
w: view URL http://www.amishcountryofcentralil.com
i: view contact details
- 2-night accommodations in select hotels
- Expert tour guide service
- Show a professional grade theatre
- Shopping at Amish businesses
- Shopping at Tanger Outlet Mall
Tour Dates:
Number of Days: 3
Price per Person: 0.00
Price per Double Occupancy: 0.00
The attractions, such as: Rockome Gardens, the Raggedy Ann & Andy Museum, The Little Theatre on the Square, the Illinois Amish Interpretive Center and the Amishland Red Barn take you to a different world, one of adventure without city lights and roller coaster rides.
Day 1- Rockome Gardens, the Great Pumpkin Patch
Arrive at Rockome Gardens to view the beautiful rock formations and flower gardens. You will be able to visit their numerous activities, including the Five and Dime, Harvest Time, candy store, blacksmith shop, saw mill, fishing pond, farm house, school house, petting zoo and ride on the train and buggy rides. Gather for lunch at the Rockome Family Style Restaurant, with a variety of dishes originating from authentic Amish recipes, complimented by a nostalgic setting. If your group travels between September 15th and October 31st, make a special trip to The Great Pumpkin Patch where your group will experience a straw maze, pumpkins, squash, gourds, gifts, crafts, and Wonda the Witch in the Corn Crib. Tonight, enjoy a delicious meal at Yoder's Kitchen, featuring Amish and Mennonite recipes in their buffet and menu. The Baymont Inn & Suites features newly renovated rooms and an inviting environment for rest and relaxation. This hotel has refrigerators and microwaves in every room; perfect for storing your Amish goodies! You can also swim in their indoor pool.
Day 2 - Raggedy Ann & Andy Museum, Arcola, Amish Interpretive Center
This morning, pay a visit to The Raggedy Ann & Andy Museum, operated by the granddaughter of Johnny Gruelle, founder of Raggedy Ann. The 2,000 square foot museum describes how Raggedy Ann came to be; introduces the master illustrator and children's author, and displays the many products that ear their images. Afterwards, visit Downtown Arcola, which offers a patchwork of unique shops with Amish crafted furniture and quilts and crafts. The Illinois Amish Interpretive Center is next on the itinerary, view an 18-minute introductory video about the Old Order Amish community that resides in the Arthur-Arcola area and tour the only Amish museum in Illinois. Meet a step-on guide for an hour-long tour of the Amish countryside. Arrive at an Amish homestead for a delicious family-style meal, prepared and served by an Old Order Amish hostess in her home. Later, tour more of the countryside in route to another Amish home, which an Amish hostess will guide you through her home. At the Amish dairy farm you will enjoy the company of an Amish host who will show you around his barn and milking parlor and discuss many aspects of the dairy operation, including breeding and milking, all without the use of modern electricity. Later, stroll through the quaint shops of downtown Arthur. Dinner tonight is at The Dutch Kitchen, serving Dutch style home cooking.
Day 3 - Flesor's Candy Kitchen, Tanger Outlet Mall, Little Theater on the Square
Start the day at Flesor's Candy Kitchen, a turn-of-the-century soda fountain and confectionery. Enjoy shopping at the Tanger Outlet Center that houses 45 brand name manufacturer and designer outlet stores, including Gap, Bass, Coach, Dress Barn, Old Navy, Polo Ralph Lauren, Maurices, Vanity Fair, and many more. Your lunch stop today is mishland Red Barn Buffet, featuring the finest in Amish-inspired foods, made with real, farm-fresh ingredients. Peruse the many specialty shops. The bakery offers an array of cinnamon rolls, breads, pies, cookies, cakes and more. Next, enjoy a matinee performance at Little Theatre on the Square, a professional quality theatre that entertains audiences with musicals, plays and children's theatre productions. Tonight's dinner is at The Old School Market, formerly an elementary school. Enjoy Amish favorites on the buffet. After dining, peruse the Amish furniture, bakery and general store, as well as crafts, and candles.
