Illinois Amish Country & Beyond

TWO-DAY ITINERARY We invite you to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures just south of Champaign County as you enter the Amish Country in Tuscola and Arthur, the oldest and largest settlement in Illinois. You’ve arrived when horse-drawn buggies join you on the road, or you see many people out on bicycles, traveling to work or to the store. These slower modes of transportation are just some of the visual representations that you’re surrounded by a different culture.

The people of Amish Country will also usher you into a different mindset. From the woodworkers to bakers to farmers, you’ll meet the kindest individuals, ready to welcome you into their world.

Artist Meet & Greet at the Vault Art Dinner in an Collective Amish Home Located in a historic bank in the heart of Tuscola, The Step back in time as you Vault Art Collective is an artist-owned cooperative, with enter the home of an 50 local artist owners. Making art for everyone is core Amish Family. As your to their mission, with a variety of mediums for sale— host guides you through paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, their living space, take DAY 1 fiber art and much more. Hear from one of the local notice of the handmade artists on their work and take some time to see the depth items, as well as the similar of talent in Central Illinois. lifestyle that the home reflects. After you’ve taken Lunch and Demonstration at a moment for a silent prayer, your host will begin Flesor’s Candy Kitchen serving your delicious Sisters Ann and Devon Flesor revived their grandfather’s home cooked meal! You’ll Candy Kitchen which originally opened in 1901 to also venture through the bring candy and ice cream back to Tuscola. Groups family’s farm to witness can learn from Devon, who creates small-batch, sugary their daily work. confections, while Ann hand-dips the candies. As they don’t use preservatives, the candy is made daily, with thousands of pounds of candy being produced annually. Enjoy lunch on site and enjoy their homemade ice- cream and their old-fashioned soda machine! Antiquing & Outlet Shopping Shop your heart out in the heart of Illinois! We’ll arrange shopping stops at the Tuscola Outlet Shops, with over 25 stores including Coach New York and Harry & David! If antiquing is more your style, stroll the streets of downtown Tuscola and Arthur where you’ll find a variety of gift shops, unique craft shops, furniture stores, antiques, and more! Wildlife in the Prairie Discover Aikman Wildlife adventure, a refuge for wildlife in the heart of Amish Country. As you ride the wagon around the park, animals normally seen in a zoo such as camels, zebra, wildebeests and more will approach to greet you and eat from the food provided. As you walk through the rest of the park, hear the laugh of hyenas, and watch a giant tortoise cross the way. This unique adventure will have you feeling like a kid again.

Illinois Amish Country & Beyond | Two-Day Itinerary DAY 2 Amish Woodworking Take a behind-the-scenes tour at the impressive Amish woodworker, Daz Holz Haus. This large facility creates custom furniture and cabinetry, focusing on intricate details that make your house a home. See the woodworkers in action, and the large Amish community helps create the end products that are created for customers all over the country. Making of an Amish Buggy Visit a local Amish buggy maker as you experience and in-depth tour of his buggy shop. See the ins and outs of creating the undercarriage, the buggy body, and listen as he discusses the old art of wheel making. Finish up the tour with a short buggy ride, completing the true Amish experience. Buggy rides & tour of Green Meadow Farm This grade-A goat dairy in Arthur makes fresh goat milk, cheese and yogurt on their family-owned farm. Visit with the goats, sample the products, and take a ride in a traditional Amish buggy around the property! Dessert at the Homestead Bakery Smell the bread rising at the Homestead Bakery, located on the impeccable 200 Acres, home to the renowned Great Pumpkin Patch. This Amish Bakery continues the mission of reconnecting with the land, where bakers rise with the sun to create caramel iced cinnamon rolls, honey yeast breads, sweet breads, angel food cakes and more. Your nose and your taste buds will thank you! Amish Lunch End your Amish Country adventure with hearty cooking. Yoder’s Kitchen in Arthur prepares homemade noodles, creamy mashed potatoes and succulent fried chicken to keep you full for the way home. Don’t forget a slice of their popular pie!

Let me take you on this entertaining and educational tour of Illinois’ Amish Country. Contact me today for more information or to book your tour.

CAITLYN FLOYD Director of Sales | 217.351.4133 | [email protected] visitchampaigncounty.org | #outsideofordinary

Illinois Amish Country & Beyond | Two-Day Itinerary