Hidden Creek - A Hidden Treasure

In a previous post I mentioned Songbird Ridge B&B, one of our favorites places to stay in Amish Indiana.  Songbird Ridge is run by Gwen Newcomer, a second-generation B&B owner.  Her daughter Gretchen has followed in the family tradition with her own B&B, which she calls “Hidden Creek.”  It is located near Songbird Ridge, north of Shipshewana on State Route 5, but on the other side of the road.

Hidden Creek is well named.  The first time we stayed there, we drove by the sign two or three times before we saw it.  The house is located at the end of a long lane between two Amish farms.  The front side of the house is where Gretchen and her family lives, but around back is the entrance to one of our favorite hideaways in Amish Indiana.

I’ve mentioned before that my husband isn’t a big fan of B&Bs.  He doesn’t like the feeling of “staying in somebody else’s house,” and he’s not fond of socializing with strangers at breakfast.  But Gretchen’s B&B is perfect for guys like him; it is a self-contained unit with living room, kitchen, and two bedrooms, each with its own bath.  (One bedroom has a queen bed and the other has a pair of twins.)  It is pretty and comfy and quiet, and we sometimes bring DVDs to watch on the TV while we make some popcorn (provided) or munch on that day’s purchases of caramel corn or baked goods.

Early in the morning, Gretchen appears from upstairs with a basket of homemade bran muffins, cheese, meat, fruit cups, cereal, orange juice, and coffee.  We sit at the table, looking out at the meadow behind the B&B with its sheep and frolicking goats, while we talk about our plans for the day and check our email (Hidden Creek has free wireless, which is a rare thing at B&Bs).

Hidden Creek doesn’t have a website, and Gretchen doesn’t take reservations directly.  Her mother handles that task via her own B&B, Songbird Ridge; and ordinarily, Hidden Creek isn’t available unless Songbird Ridge is booked.   

We sometimes stay at the large inns in Amish Indiana, and they do have their advantages, especially for those with children in tow.  But it’s nice to have an alternative, and Hidden Creek is a good one.