Essenhaus News & Events
Special Events Listing
The entire staff at Das Dutchman Essenhaus works together to create special family-friendly activities. We're excited to offer a wide variety of unique events throughout the year for our guests' enjoyment. We invite you to browse through the calendar of events below and contact us if you wish to learn more about any or all of these activities. We look forward to seeing you in the very near future!
5th SUMMER SEASON CLASSIC CAR CRUISE-IN
Every Thursday evening Admission: FREE!
May – September 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
It doesn't matter if you're a participant or a spectator...cruise on by! We’re hosting a classic car cruise in all summer long. Stop in either before or after you enjoy a delicious meal and visit with participants. Compare makes, models, motors, and memories. Click for Details and/or to view the of Events Calendar
4th ANNUAL QUILT GARDENS TOUR (sm)
Daily Admission: FREE!
Memorial Day – October 1st
Visit our super-sized mural on the Corn Crib and our 40’ x 60’ garden behind the inn. Be certain to pick up an informational flyer and map of the other wonderful sites throughout the destination...
3rd ANNUAL ESSENHAUS QUILT SHOW & SALE 
August 12, 13 & 14, 2010 Admission: $3.00/person
Daily 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Exhibitors admitted FREE
Conference Center
Join the Essenhaus as we celebrate quilts and those who create them! During the Middlebury Summer Festival, we are holding our 3rd annual quilt show and sale at the Essenhaus Inn & Conference Center. Enjoy demonstrations, seminars, and the beautiful and unique quilts on display. For more information or for display forms, please visit the Essenhaus corporate office weekdays until 4:00 pm or visit this link: QuiltShow_Forms.pdf.
MIDDLEBURY SUMMER FESTIVAL
August 13 & 14, 2010
Before of after enjoying a delicious meal at our world-famous restaurant, join the town in celebrating summer with festivities, entertainment and a large parade!
AUTHOR AUTOGRAPH SESSION
August 21, 2010 Admission: FREE
11:00 am – 2:00 pm Restaurant Building - First Floor
Elkhart County resident, John Cohoat, will visit to conduct a book signing. Mr. Cohoat is the author of a book, "No Thank You, Mr. President" which details ten Elkhart County companies and their individual experiences during the recent economic turmoil.
GIRL & DOLL FRIENDSHIP PARTY
September 17, 2010 – 6:00 pm Admission: $17.50/Adult
September 18, 2010 – 12:00 pm $15.00/Child 
(Includes meal) Restaurant Building
Bring your favorite doll for a fun friendship party with a "County Fair" theme. Enjoy games, a book nook, special sales, door prizes and a great variety of activities. Tickets on sale beginning August 9.
STEVE HALL PIANO CONCERT
October 5, 2010 - 7:00 pm Admission: $20.00
Conference Center
World-renowned pianist, Steve Hall will provide an evening of live entertainment. Enjoy this special night with friends and savor the special dessert buffet. Tickets on sale beginning August 23.
10th ANNUAL HOME, HOLIDAY & FASHION SHOW
October 20, 2010 11:00 am Admission: $25.00
October 21, 2010 11:00 am (Includes meal)
October 21, 2010 6:00 pm
Conference Center
An annual tradition for many, it’s our pleasure to present to you a preview of the latest in home décor and trends. Door prizes, special shopping discounts, a wonderful meal and hilarious skits from the Village Shops staffers are all yours to enjoy. Tickets on sale beginning September 10.
TOUR OF TREES OPEN HOUSE
November 19, 2010 Admission: FREE November 20, 2010
Village Shops
Stroll through the Village Shops and Restaurant Gifts and view over 40 Christmas trees that have been decorated for the Christmas season. Pick up a guide at any register, select your favorite tree and enter a drawing to win 1 of 3 gift baskets (valued at over $100.00) filled with Christmas décor items.
AFTER-THANKSGIVING SALE
November 26, 2010 (10 am to 8 pm) Admission: FREE
November 27, 2010 (9 am to 8 pm)
Village Shops
Prepare to stuff those stockings well in advance! During our annual After-Thanksgiving Sale, you will enjoy a 25% discount complex wide and as always, gift wrapping is complimentary.
TOY SHOW
January 22, 2011 Admission: $3.00/person
9:30 am to 3:00 pm $6.00/family
2nd Floor of the Restaurant
Mark your calendar now to attend our first Toy Show! This show is all-inclusive and will offer collections of vintage and new toys, games, dolls, tractors & more.
2nd ANNUAL TRAIN SHOW
February 19, 2011 Admission: $3.00/person
10:00 am to 3:00 pm $6.00/family
2nd Floor of the Restaurant
All aboard for a family-friendly fun day! Enjoy all-gauge operating train displays, repair, seminars, sales and trading.
9th ANNUAL COOKING SHOW
March 5, 2011 Admission: FREE
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
2nd Floor of the Restaurant
Admission is FREE to this annual event, so plan to come spend an hour or the whole day. With a wide variety of vendors, interactive demonstrations, food samples and cooking seminars, there is fun for everyone.
11th ANNUAL HOME, GARDEN & FASHION SHOW
April 27, 2011 11:00 am Admission: $25.00
April 28, 2011 11:00 am (Includes meal)
and 6:00 pm
Conference Center
Get a peek into spring by viewing the latest trends in apparel, accents and inspirations for your home, garden and wardrobe for the spring season. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious meal with your friends before you shop ‘til you drop! Tickets on sale beginning March 15.
MIDDLEBURY COMMUNITY GARAGE SALES
May 13 & 14, 2011 Admission: FREE!
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Local residents and merchants offer a wide variety of items for sale during these two days each May. Our selection of items will be available for sale at Sunshine Farms Miniature Golf Course (on Wayne St. across from our main campus).
4rd ANNUAL ESSENHAUS QUILT SHOW & SALE
August 11, 12 & 13, 2011 Admission: $3.00/person
Daily 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Exhibitors admitted FREE
Conference Center
Quilts of many shapes, sizes, and styles will be displayed for the duration of the show. We’ll present awards for the top finishers in specific categories and our guests may vote in the “People’s Choice” category.
Established 1971
