| TREKKING MICHIANA |
Goshen’s Special Spirit TOP FIVE DESTINATIONS IN GOSHEN • Olympia Candy Kitchen. Known for its handdipped turtles and chocolates since 1912.
By Julie Young, House and Home Writer
Located approximately 95 miles east of Chicago, Goshen has a special spirit that is wonderfully contagious. No matter if you are passing through on a weekend, in town for work or coming home to the community you grew up in, Goshen readily welcomes you with open arms.
Terry Mark, director of communications and public relations for the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said Goshen is a vibrant city that was named the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s Community of the Year in 2017 for its blend of top-quality businesses, diverse arts and culture scene, supportive environment and top-notch schools. “It is home to Goshen College, a gorgeous courthouse that is a signature photo of many for the county seat of Elkhart County, and the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, where one of the largest county fairs in the nation takes place every July,” he said. Like the great outdoors? Goshen has over 500 acres of green space and forests as well as 19 parks, 32 miles of nature trails and the Pumpkinvine Bike Ride every summer. There are also five artists’ guilds that nurture creative artisans and support their work as well as five venues in which you can
12 | Michiana House and Home | November 2020 |
• Walk, bike or jog the Millrace Canal Trail, which starts in downtown next to the Mill Race Center Farmers Market and Goshen Brewing Company and lines the former hydraulic canal that powered the city’s businesses. Experience city parks and neighborhoods on the way to the gorgeous Goshen Dam Pond at the southern terminus. • Visit downtown Goshen to see the eclectic shops, art galleries and restaurants and bars while snapping photos at the courthouse square, which includes, in-season, one of the 16 Quilt Gardens that serve as one of Elkhart County’s signature attractions. • Enjoy Philly chili and a slice of pie at the South Side Soda Shop, which was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” • See a show at Sauder Concert Hall located within the Goshen College Music Center.
catch live performances throughout the year. Mark said renovations at the Goshen Theater were completed this year; however, the grand reopening has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Goshen Theater is one of the main venues for the River Bend Film Festival, along with the nearby Art House Theater,” he said. There is also a wide range of independent restaurants for the foodies out there no matter if they are looking for artisan pizza, craft beer, tapas or Indian food. Like to cook at home? Be sure to pick up fresh ingredients at the Maple City Market and Goshen Farmers Market for seasonal fare. “Whether you visit downtown to stroll the shops, sample the restaurants or take photos on the courthouse square, Goshen is a great place to visit,” Mark said. n
