A day in Goshen, Indiana
We had a day to spend time checking out the cute town of Goshen, Indiana. We ate at a local diner, wandered downtown, found yummy baked goods and coffee, and hit the brewery.
Lunch, anyone?
We found a cute diner, Hopper’s Pike Street Grill. We got a table near the bar and ordered sandwiches. The service was really fun and friendly, the food was delicious, and the beer selection was fine. Plan ahead; they are closed on Sunday and only serve lunch Tuesday through Friday.
Mama needs new shoes
When we were in Goshen last year, we had found Woldruff’s Shoe Store. I needed a new pair of flip-flops and Tony wanted new Birkenstock sandals. So we knew that was a priority stop for us.
Woldruff’s Shoe Store was opened in Goshen in 1992 by Scott Woodruff, who grew up working in his father’s shoe store in Iowa. The store has a great selection of quality brands for men and women. I particularly like their large selection of Vionic flip-flops, which is pretty much the only shoe I ever wear. Tony found a pair of Birkenstock sandals that are not only comfortable, but also water-resistant. They look really nice and they are similar in style, so his tan line isn’t at risk!
New shoes in hand, or on foot, we walked past Bieb’s and Ash, where we ate lunch last year when we were in town. Offering smash burgers, wraps, and sandwiches along with a rotating selection of local beers, it was a great stop last year but we had already eaten lunch before this visit. Next to Bieb’s and Ash is Woodruff’s sister store, Woodruff’s Apparel. We popped in, but I really don’t need any more clothes right now.
Coffee Break
All that shopping made us thirsty, so we walked around the corner to Electric Brew for a coffee. In addition to cold brew coffees, their baked goods were simply irresistible. We agonized over what to order. We finally decided to share slices of blueberry lemon cake, and monster bar cookie. Please don’t make me choose which was best. They were both so so yummy!
Outside Electric Brew, we saw the most wonderful bike repair station. There was a variety of tools and an air pump available for use.
Filling Station
When we were sufficiently full of sugar and caffeine, we headed out to see what else we could find. Across the street, we popped into The Green Bee. This adorable shop offers hand-crafted items and refill service if you bring a container for your favorite lotions or soaps. There is a set of bins where you can donate bottle caps, beads, bags, or whatever so others can upcycle or recycle the items. We chatted with one of the owners it’s owned by two sisters with a passion for the earth - and exchanged numbers. I was really tempted by the wool dryer balls, but ours are still in really good shape so sadly, we don’t need new ones.
Goshen Events
Goshen is alive with events, indoors and out. Theatre, music, and library events are scheduled throughout the year and in the summer the outdoors is the place to be! There are enough events and parks to keep you busy outdoors as long as you like. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats are popular on Fidler Pond, as well as fishing for walleye. Bring your own, or rent; that includes boats and fishing equipment.
Police Booth
There is a really interesting piece of history in Goshen, Indiana: the Historic Goshen Police Booth. This octagonal limestone building with bullet-proof glass windows still stands at West Lincoln Avenue and Main Street. Though rumored to be a station from which to protect banks from John Dillinger, that gangster was actually killed four years before the booth was built in 1938. The booth does have a clear view of the banks on the corners and therefore did serve as a kind of security blanket for the community. Goshen apparently never really had a gangster problem, however. From 1939 to 1969, the building housed telephone and radio transmission facilities. After that, Parkin meter maids headquartered here, and in 1983 the city gave the booth to the Goshen Historical Society. Visitors can arrange tours through the historical society.
Beer Me
At the end of a day of exploring, nothing beats a cold beer and a good meal. So, we called our friend Bill and met him at Goshen Brewing Company. A visit here is always a highlight of our time in Goshen. Offering yummy sandwich and salad options, along with appetizers, we have tried a variety of their menu items. On Tuesday, the one choice is Pad Thai. I really need to get there on a Tuesday! They have a good beer selection, and offer 6-packs and crowlers to enjoy later. They often have live music or other events.
Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds
The main reason we started coming to Goshen is for the Forest River Owners Group (FROG) rally. The rally is held at the Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds. These grounds are huge! The fair itself is held in July, and after that there are lots of group events. We are here for the FROG rally, and I know shortly after we leave the Grand Design rally people will be moving in. I’m not sure what others are held here, but I do know there are others.
Visit Goshen
If you are in northern Indiana and want to spend some time in a wonderfully walkable, bikeable, dog-friendly town, consider a day in Goshen. With som many options, maybe you should consider a few days.
