With last night's weather forecast of a very nice day, we decided to drive to a café in Laotto, Indiana, about 45-50 minutes northeast of us for breakfast. Moose Lake Christian Craft Village is a strange amalgam of themes and activities. Grace Village residents had made fieldtrips here, which is how I learned of it. I am sure during the festivals and special events and on Saturdays when more is going on, the information on the webpage more accurately reflects what one encounters. Not much going on today. I guess there are also educational days for children that focus on life in the 1800s.
The café is in Mackey's General Store. We were the only customers. Country gospel recordings accompanied breakfast.
The food was pretty good, but the portions too big. The Classic Breakfast had 3 eggs, a pork sausage patty, and a biscuit. While we were waiting for our order, the waitress appeared with 3 small paper plates, 2 holding a doughnut each and 1 holding 4 fried buttered biscuit halves she said which sort of reminded me of hush puppies. These were gratis "appetizers".
The "store" had 3 different dining areas spread out among the gift store displays. Cliché products related to lodge, moose, Christian, and Amish motifs were represented. Himalayan salt crystals and Christmas decorations thrown into the mix as well.
For a place that has "craft" in its name, there were few handmade goods. Some beaded jewelry, a few birdhouses, "knot pillows". The webpage mentioned lathe turned wooden objects, but I saw none.
The prayer "knots" were discussed in a rhyme tucked into the "pocket". Thou shalt not worry, for example.
There was a deli that sold Amish cheese, some baked goods (the fried pies were not evident but maybe too early in the day). Jars of Amish preserves, salsas, relishes, molasses plentiful. Some candies and coated pretzels. Ice cream cones.
Outside was a lake that is stocked for fishing. You must rent their poles and reels. Paddleboats, canoes, etc. for rent. Apparently, one must purchase a day pass to use the lake and beach.
The playground appeared to be free on normal days.
The "train" was not running, but I think there was a fee for that.
A farm theme permeated the outside.
The little goat was so excited when I approached, it squeezed its head thru the railings. Then I noticed the machines next to the fence where you could buy pellets for feeding the animals. Signs stated only these pellets could be used as food. Also feed the animals at your own risk signs were abundant.
I came away with the impression that the whole place was set up to grub every dollar it could out of the folks visiting. Given the extra food at breakfast, maybe that isn't fair, but it is how I felt. Outside-purchased or packed drinks and food prohibited in the picnic areas, only what you purchased from them. I know they have to make a profit.
We walked a trail that maybe was supposed to be done with a guide. The kitschy "statues" added interest though not class.
It was near the waterwheel that I gained some free "souvenirs": two mosquito bites on my fingers that itched all the way home.
There were some pretty/interesting natural features.
The swamp had boxes for wood ducks though we didn't see any.
To tie in with the Amish theme there were buggies where you could pose for photos. One building had decorations reminiscent of quilts.
According to the web site there are two cabins for rent. I only noticed one. We didn't go inside the chapel; it is rented out for events including church ladies day-out.
It was a real hodge podge of themes and outside decorating.
The focus was on providing a wholesome place for families, especially those with young children, to relax and enjoy the day.
It felt a bit anachronistic, but I am sure it is a nice change from other recreational spots.
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