Need a break from the hustle and bustle of daily routine? Visit Wayne County to slow down for a weekend and enjoy some time living more simply. Whether you’re hoping to find locally made snacks, shop for handcrafted furniture and new items for your home, or dine on delicious homemade meals, you can play your way through Amish Country.
Orrville is your one-stop shop for take-home treats that you won’t want to miss. East Union Bulk Food Store & Deli not only sells regular grocery items, but also bulk items so that you can stock up during your visit to Amish Country. Find a wide selection of delicious meats and cheeses at their deli counter, Amish canned-goods galore and enough sweet treats to put a candy store to shame.
Shisler’s Cheese House was established in 1958 and is now owned and operated by the third generation of Shislers. You’ll find several kinds of classic Amish-made cheeses here, like cheddar and Swiss, along with more unique cheeses like ghost pepper. Have family or friends who couldn’t make the trip? Shisler’s website, dubbed “The Best Place to Buy Cheese Online,” makes sending cheese to far-away loved ones easy. Gift boxes combine a variety of fan favorites. (Tip —bring a cooler to take home all of your goodies!)
You may be used to seeing Smucker’s jellies, jams and fruit spreads on the shelves of your local grocery store, but did you know that The J.M. Smucker Co. has a dedicated store? Visit The J.M. Smucker Co. Store and Café to find merchandise from their family of brands, including Milk-Bone® for your four-legged family members, along with branded items like metal lunchboxes and mason drinking jars with the classic red and white checkered lids. And who can resist a jar of red raspberry or orange marmalade as a souvenir?
For an experience the entire family will love, make your way over to Moreland Fruit Farm and Farm Market in Wooster. The 100-acre fruit and veggie farm offers pick-your-own from June through October. Depending on what’s in season, you can pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes and apples. Come fall, ride horse-drawn wagons to the pumpkin fields to find the best pumpkins around.
Looking for high-quality, Amish-crafted furniture pieces to complete your home? Stop by Schlabach Furniture to explore the showroom, which features handcrafted pieces from Wayne and Holmes counties. You’ll find everything from roll-top desks to plant stands to children’s furniture — but if you don’t see your perfect fit, Schlabach’s designers can help you create it! Or shop at Eastwood Furniture in Kidron, and know you’re supporting local businesses all the way up the supply chain. From the sawmills to finish shops, your item is crafted by local hands. The pieces are also customizable, so you can be sure they’ll perfectly suit your style.
While in Kidron, pay a visit to Lehman’s to stock up on non-electric, practical items to help you simplify your life. Comprised of several departments — from kitchen items, garden tools, appliances, hardware and more — Lehman’s is a one-stop shop for everyone, from people looking to improve their sustainability to serious off-grid homesteaders. Not sure where to start? Demonstrations and lifestyle workshops can help you embark on your journey to living a simpler life.
If it’s a bargain you’re hoping to find, scan the shelves at MCC Connections Thrift Shop & Quilt Room in Kidron for upscale thrifting of name-brand clothing, furniture and more. While you find unique items to add to your home, you’ll also be supporting the Mennonite Central Committee’s global nonprofit. Be sure to visit the quilt and rug room, where repurposed donated fabrics are quilted into one-of-a-kind comforters.
If you’ve been on the lookout for that decorative piece that says just the right thing, head over to Dalton to explore P. Graham Dunn Factory Store. You’ll find quotes and inspirational sayings on everything from wood block décor to garden signs to kitchen items; for that special touch, personalize your gifts with laser engravings. And, with the retail store located inside the manufacturing facility, visitors can watch the production process happen in real time.
Whatever your style, you’re bound to find that special something at Journey In Time in Orrville. This 25,000-square-foot destination is filled with home décor, primitives, antiques and unique items for your home and garden. With a mix of old and new, just walking through the store’s vast selection offers endless inspiration for your own space.
Before heading home, sample some of the county’s delectable Amish cuisine. Des Dutch Essenhaus gives you a taste of the traditionally simple lifestyle through its home-cooked meals. House specialties like roast beef and broasted chicken are sure to impress, and you’ll find a bountiful buffet on the weekends. Finish off any meal with a slice of homemade pie; flavors range from crumb apple and blueberry to chocolate and more. Check out The Bake Haus before leaving to find a wide selection of baked goods to take home.
Located inside an original 1858 farmhouse, Dutch Kitchen in Dalton has been serving up delicious food since 1993. Enjoy homemade cooking for hearty meals any time of the day. Start your meal with the all-you-can-eat salad bar before moving onto the main course. Then, enjoy the buffet — open for breakfast, lunch and dinner — or order up an individual plate, if there’s a particular menu item that you fancy.
Don’t miss their bakery, which whips up specialty pies, donuts, cinnamon rolls and more during regular business hours. If you have a particular pastry in mind, make sure to show up early, because favorites sell out fast! Finish off any visit in Dutch Kitchen’s gift shop, which offers assorted gifts and treats — any of which would make an excellent souvenir for the trip home.