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Off to Amish Country

At least twice a year, I make my way to Ohio's Amish Country where the population is the largest in the United States. My guy, a very talented carpenter, gets his paint in the area so we take care of his business then stay to explore. He is the one who gave me my first Amish Country experience and we have made it one of our favorite destinations each year. Part of the lure is that the experience is one of the cheapest you can get away with. It won't cost you more than a tank of gas and attraction fees are very family friendly. Not to mention, imagining trying to live without cars, electricity, cable and internet is fascinating in itself. Once in the area, which is large since it spans over many cities, you have so many possibilities. There are many Amish Country businesses and attractions which range from farms with petting zoos and buggy rides to huge cheese markets. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite destinations should you want to head that direction.

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

http://www.heinis.com/

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

http://www.mrsyoderskitchen.com/

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

http://www.breitenbachwine.com/

For the grown-ups, I strongly recommend stopping at Breitenbach in Dover, Ohio for some wine. They make and sell 40 varieties of grape and fruit wines. The selection includes a variety of reds, whites, and fruit wines such as apricot, strawberry, plum and rhubarb. You name it, they probably have it! They even carry one of my favorites, dandelion wine. Believe me, it tastes better than it sounds. 

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,