By Natalie Derrickson

The remnants of a late 1800s railway stamp the divide between past and present at the entrance to The Bag Factory, but what’s inside is anything but old-fashioned.

Big dreams have been synonymous with The Bag Factory since its original purpose as the Cosmo Buttermilk Soap Co. Today, The Bag Factory is a single-source destination for artisan products and experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

Make the most of a two-hour outing by centralizing your efforts while expanding your horizons. Indulge in a perfectly balanced latte from Chocolatte, best paired with a selection of house-made artisan chocolates, creamy cheesecake, or both. Afterward, browse the fine earthenware at Goertzen’s Pottery, which might find its perfect home on a new furniture set from Legacy Furniture.

Stay for lunch at El Zocalo, an authentic Mexican restaurant whose guacamole earns rave reviews. After navigating the first floor of The Bag Factory, find the pre-loved instrument you have been looking for at Second Song Musical Instruments. On the second Thursday of the month, visitors will enjoy the Goshen Bluegrass and Gospel Jam, hosted by Second Song, featuring local musicians throughout 2024.

Choose gifts for someone special — including yourself — at TOFTS’s Goat’s Milk Soap & More, whose cold-process goat’s milk soap offers a rich lather, exceptional moisture, and tantalizing fragrances. Complete your shopping journey with a new piece of dainty, delicate, and versatile jewelry from Honey Shea Studios, whose signature hexagon honeycomb necklace completes any ensemble.

Plant lovers retreat into paradise at Anna Flora Co., whose vibrant foliage will inspire even the most aspirational of green thumbs. Stop into Rustic Elegance Floral Boutique for fresh, silk, and dried floral arrangements with a European flair. Escape to The Bag Factory’s spa and self-care scene with a fresh look at Shey’s Fades & Styles or a luxurious retreat at Sky Spa, best known for their five-star facials and brow treatments.

A visit to The Bag Factory isn’t complete without stopping into Michael’s Trains to get your imagination turning with this ageless pastime. Later in 2024, expect to see an exercise studio, new gastronomy experiences, and artisans in retail and vendor experiences at The Bag Factory, located at 1100 Chicago Ave., Goshen, IN 46528. For more information, visit thebagfactorygoshen.com.

Natalie Derrickson is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.