Middlebury is everyone’s idea of a small town: the neighborhood butcher, the Main Street hardware store, the proud shop owner; all busy serving residents and visitors alike in a thriving Main Street historic district. Amish and “English” come to Middlebury to do business and trade; visitors stop in to be part of the action for a while.

A tight-knit bunch, the local merchants (some pictured above) take pride in their quality merchandise-and in the hometown service they promise with every sale. Much of their business is the plentiful repeat business of local farmers, factory hands and professional artisans. Visitors and locals alike seek the unique products and locally made foods-pies, muffins, ice cream, cheese and smoked meats.

All around town, the sights are familiar to the locals: people enjoying the “Middlebury life.” Amish women and children wading in the Little Elkhart at RiverBend Park; couples strolling hand-in-hand at the immaculate Krider Gardens or along the new bike trail; and families picnicking in the downtown gazebo in Memorial Park.

Visit http://www.middleburyin.org/ or http://www.amishcountry.org/communities/middlebury for more info.