By Mandy McFarland Editor
NAPPANEE — Not far outside of Nappanee, in the heart of Amish country, visitors will discover a little shop that carries among its unique merchandise teapots, teacups, coffee, quilts and, as its name suggests, more.
Teapots and More officially opened its doors last Friday morning, June 6. Even without the activity of a ribbon cutting, the family-owned business enjoyed a successful first weekend, with about 30 customers the first day.
“It has always been in our dreams,” owner Alma Miller said.

The store is in a small house on the family’s property. Previously it was a rental house.
“This is a nice change from having renters,” Miller said. “We’re just trying something new.”
Aside from shopping, Teapot and More gives customers a chance to sit, relax and have a chat over a cup of coffee or tea. They can also try their hand at quilting, with lessons available for those who would like to learn.
Miller  does not have all of the details of the building’s past, however she was able to say that the house has seen many uses in its day. The property used to belong to a family named Slabaugh. At about 100 years old, the small building has been used to store grain and house calfs, among other things.
When her family finally bought the farm, they remodeled the building, added a bathroom and began renting it out. When the couple who bought the farm were ready to retire, they moved from the main house into the small house, as is often Amish tradition, and Miller and her husband became the owners.
“Once we bought the property, the (grandparents) moved over here,” Miller said.
When the grandparents were no longer living, Miller and her husband again used the house for renters before turning it into Teapot and More.
Miller got the idea from a cousin who owns a similar business.
“I thought that might be a good thing,” she said.
With her oldest daughter out of school and able to help, Miller felt ready to take on the task of owning her own business.
“I probably wouldn’t have tried it when the children were younger,” she said.
Miller enjoys the theme of Teapot and More, which resembles a quaint farmhouse complete with a table set for tea.
“I always loved the tea sets and the style we do,” Miller said.
Teapot and More is at 9218 W. 1350 N. Those who would like to check it out can take State Road 19 south to the first stop sign (1350), turn right and continue for about 1.25 miles. It is on the right hand side of the road with a sign in front.