Off to Amish Country
Before you go, you need to be prepared. Start early because Amish Country shuts down at 4:30/5:00. You want to make sure you get as much time as possible. Sunday isn't a good day because most business are closed. It is a day of rest.Take a medium size cooler with you and stop for a bag of ice to keep your food in while you travel. Yes, you can take food for the road but I am talking about the food you will find while in Amish Country. There is so much great food, chocolates and even wines. The Amish are known for their cheese. They also have really fresh, antibiotic free meats, poultry, homemade salad dressings, preserves and baked goods made fresh daily. No matter what order you plan your stops, you won't have to worry about your goodies spoiling if you just take a few moments to prepare.
Say Cheese...Heini's Cheese Chalet
Heini's Cheese Chalet
6005 Country Rd 77
Millersburg, Oh 44654
First things first, if you are going to Amish Country and you eat cheese, you have to check this place out! You just can't go to Amish Country and leave without cheese. Heini's has 35 varieties of cheese including yogurt cheese for those watching their sodium intake. If the mere sight of the colorful Swiss decorated building doesn't get you excited enough, you can try every cheese they make, ready to be sampled in plastic containers down two isles. You can also sample, fudge, dips and condiments that are for sell, also made locally. I usually stock up on cheese and take home a few items for my mom or gifts for friends. If you have the time, take the historical cheese tour if they are giving them the day you visit. It is short and interesting.
The Cheese Tour. Cheese curds being drained of whey during the cheese making process. |
Good Old Country Cooking...Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen
photo courtesy of mrsyoderskitchen.com |
Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen
8101 State Route 241
Mt. Hope, Oh 44660
I have eaten at a few Amish restaurants but I always return to Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen. The food there is consistent and delicious. The sweet tea is to die for and they have some of the best beets and pickled beet eggs. The first time I went, they had stewed tomatoes and creamed corn, both were really good. However,the reason that I return is for their broasted chicken. While sides change regularly, they always have broasted chicken, roast beef with gravy, butter noodles and mashed potatoes. Everything is made from scratch and fresh.
Enjoying the Fruits of Labor...Breitenbach Wine Cellars
Breitenbach Wine Cellar
5934 Old Route 39 NW
Dover, Ohio 44622
The view from the patio is scenic. After tasting the wines which are a ridiculous reasonable quarter per taste, purchase a bottle or glass and enjoy the view on the patio which will either be covered or uncovered depending upon the season and weather.
The first week of May is a great time to go so you can check out the Dandelion Festival they host each year. Taste the dandelion wine, dandelion sangria and food items featuring the dandelion leafy green. This year's festival is May 2-3.
Coming toward the winery from the behind |
Dandelion wine |
Extra Photos
The buggy parking area at Berlin Farmstead. |
Posing in front of two buggys after lunch at Berlin Farmstead. |
At an Amish Flea Market with an Amish theater wax figure |
If you happen to make Amish Country one of your destinations this year, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. There are a lot of uneven surfaces like hills, unpaved lots and roads. If you want to take pictures, make sure you ask permission if you want to include the Amish. They are friendly but are not all comfortable being photographed. This part of Ohio is really beautiful and you will learn so much. At least add Amish Country to your to do list.
Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!
Kris,