If you've grown overly-weary of your cell phone, pager, voice mail, PC, palm pilot, traffic jams, sirens, and the rest that bustling Chicagoland technology has to offer (and irritate), this getaway is for you. It's the Indiana Amish Country, and it?s a perfect spot for an afternoon or weekend away from the high-tech world of the Windy City.

In every corner of Northern Indiana Amish Country, you'll come across attractive, accessible cities, towns and villages that haven't given up on the simple pleasures of life. The sense of "community" is rich here, with concerts, parades, and festivals a constant source of celebration. These are the epitome of the Midwest's small towns.

A really great (and possibly the best) way to experience the character of these unique communities is to explore them yourself. Hop in your car and go! You'll find a hearty welcome in each charming village, nestled in some of the most beautiful countryside America's Heartland has to offer.

East of South Bend and Elkhart, US-20 leads to the Crystal Valley and the well-known cities of Shipshewana and Middlebury, home to about 20,000 Amish and Mennonites. A great way to get an overview of the area and the interesting lifestyles therein is to take the Heritage Trail Driving Tour, a 100-mile loop that begins and ends at the Elkhart County Visitors Center, 219 Caravan Drive (219/252/8161). Another good source of information is the Amish Country visitor's bureau (800/377-3579).

As with other Amish areas, the most authentic experience can be had off the beaten path and away from the tourist traps. Skip the bus-tour crowds and follow your nose! A good place to see is the Village Inn, 104 S. Main Street (219/825-2043), Elkhart, a quiet country cafe where locals serve up hearty coffee shop delights, including homemade pies for just a buck a slice. You can't beat that!

Another great spot for Amish culture and lifestyle is the little town of Nappanee, which is the center of one of the largest Old Order Amish settlements in the United States.

Nappanee is an active, growing community that has been chosen by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a Heritage Tourism Pilot area, one of only four such areas in Indiana. Nappanee has it all; the only thing you won't find in Nappanee is a stranger. In Nappanee, guests at the Inn at Amish Acres, 1234 W. Market Street (219/773-2011) stay in one of 64 Amish-themed rooms and eat at the bustling restaurant housed in a restored hand-hewn barn. The inn and restaurant are part of a 19th-century Amish farm with 18 restored buildings on 80 acres.

Elkhart, Northern Indiana's River City, combines natural beauty and vibrant cultural events. Music has always played a big part here (the city that is still regarded as the "band instrument capital of the world"). The yearly Elkhart Jazz Festival is nationally famous and brings together the nation's top jazz names for a swinging weekend. It isn't as big as Jazzfest or Bluesfest, but an argument can be made that these festivals are better. They're accessible, fun, and you won't be shoulder-to-shoulder (or armpit-to-armpit) with the sweaty folk around you.

Elkhart is home to more intriguing festivals, including the Winterfest, Mainstreet Showcase of Art, and Rhapsody in Green. Whether you're looking for the quiet of a lazy riverbank or the excitement of city life, you'll find it in Elkhart!

Goshen (the Elkhart county seat) is a picturesque city with a delightful, inviting atmosphere. It is known as the "Maple City" because it is located along the Elkhart River, where leafy maple trees create lush shade in summer and a spectacular show of color in autumn.

In the heart of the third largest Amish settlement in the United Stated lies Shipshewana. In this peaceful little village, you'll start to wonder just what year, decade, or even century you?re in. Things haven't changed here too much (and that's a good thing). From May to October, Shipshewana is also famous as the home of the largest weekly outdoor flea market in the Midwest. Whatever the season, Shipshewana is a delightful place to step back in time and experience the friendly charm and country hospitality of Amish Country.

US-20 will lead you to the Menno-Hof Mennonite-Amish Visitors Center (219/768-4117) off Hwy-5 in Middlebury. Local Amish and Mennonite residents built the huge barn that houses the center in a six-day barn-raising. Inside, visitors get an introduction to the religious communities' beliefs and lifestyles, as well as surprisingly high-tech multimedia exhibits.

Middlebury doesn't disappoint; it's a town where tradition, hometown pride, and country charm get thicker with every cobblestone corner you turn and quaint little shop you enter. A trip to Middlebury wouldn't be complete without a visit to Krider Gardens, a horticultural exhibit originally created for the 1934 Chicago World's Fair.

The beauty of Middlebury extends to the hills that surround the town. At Bonneyville Mill Park, you can purchase flour at Indiana's oldest operating gristmill and hike 233 acres of hills, woodlands and meadows. Stop for a picnic in East Park or catch a small-mouth bass in the Little Elkhart River, at River Bend Park.

Many might think that a trip to the Indiana Amish Country would be perhaps a little too relaxing (a.k.a. boring). But there are obviously plenty of things to do, from shopping, restaurants, and nightlife to hiking and the outdoors - it's not all bonnets and buggies. Having said that, the Amish life is a very interesting one, and is worth learning about and experiencing. Gas up the car, pull out your map, pick the cities you'd like to visit, and give them a shot! Have a great time!