Weekend recap…roadtripping close to home <3

For someone who is always running late, this morning I find my mind a week ahead. I have been thinking all day that we are already in Holy Week. When someone told me of an event scheduled for Thursday evening, I thought it so odd they had planned it on Maundy Thursday. 

Finally, my brain is catching up with the calendar and I see my error. Which makes this next bit seem a little more okay as I was going to share about a road trip we took Saturday but felt I should be more respectful of Holy Week. 

So with no guilt and just for fun, here is a short photo journal of our Saturday visit to Elkhart. 

Russ had read about a place called the “Wild Hare Cafe” and since we had a fairly free Saturday and the sun was shining, we decided to go check it out.

Elkhart has a small downtown but it packs a punch that makes it worth the drive.

In addition to this quaint cafe, nestled in a restored bank built in the early 1900’s, there is an antique store that literally surrounds the restaurant area. The antiques and vintage items are beautifully displayed.

The chef came out as often as our server did, and chatted with those seated around the home-like atmosphere that is the cafe.

We had the best tomato soup with seasoned crackers sprinkled around the bowl and very good sandwiches. Russ had a ham and cheese panini and I enjoyed a turkey club on sour dough bread.

Our host delighted in checking in with us and we were entertained as he shared his cooking secrets with us in a gentle accent that spoke of his coming here from Holland. As he moved from table to table we also learned he had grown up there, but in his teens moved to South Africa.

Eventually he ended up here and was happy to share about his cooking and restoration work. It was great fun.

We finished the meal with desert. Russ had an apple crisp with ice cream and I got this fabulous coconut cream pie. All the deserts are accompanied by a darling shortbread bunny… or as you would have it…”hare”.

They are open Wednesday through Sunday with special menus on Sunday. They also host events like showers and receptions. We are definitely planning a return visit.

On the small block where this establishment takes up a good portion are several other shops. There is a gift shop that has a variety of Route 66 items, food and beverages from Central Illinois small businesses, a tasting area and small bar and the nicest lady to visit with.

There is a hobby type business that we didn’t enter and two other antique stores that were amazing. Both had their items displayed in such attractive ways and quality pieces and books.

In one of the shops I spied this vintage suit.

The fabric was incredible as were the details. I asked the owner if I could photograph and she was more than happy to help me and show me all the details. This included the label:

This was such a lovely reminder of an era past when there was much care given to craftsmanship in clothing.

The area around Elkhart includes an active railroad intersection and such lovely trees and scenery around the town. I noticed there are wildflower and bird watching tours offered at different times in the spring and summer as well.

It was an interesting visit if you are looking for something to do on a Saturday or Sunday.