Amish Country

Last week we went to Ohio's Amish country in Homes county. It was a beautiful day! We got going before the sunrise so that we can enjoy breakfast there. The 1st place we hit is Hershbergers, past Berlin, for their wonderful cinnamon rolls to go along with our coffee. We ate while watching them open the petting zoo area. Then we walked over & checked out all the animals. Afterward to get our fresh baked bread for our lunch, cookies for our snack, & lacy popcorn for home.

Then we meandered up to Walnut Creek. Our favorite part of the day is driving the back roads taking in the Amish sights. The country side is so beautiful. That county has such a wholesome atmosphere, because there is such a Godly influence. The farms are so well kept. You almost know immediately when you leave. The farms are scruffy & not as well managed. Most Amish farms are actually complexes with several homes & many barns. Their barns are usually huge because a lot of the Amish store loose hay in them. The Amish are very community oriented. If there is a need, many families will pitch is to fill that need & quickly. If you see a small house close to the main big house, that's where the parents (grandparents) live. They don't believe in nursing homes. They take care of the aging folks.

When we got to Walnut Creek, we headed to Hillcrest Orchard for cider. We get a gallon for the day & 4 to take home & freeze. We also got apples, peanut brittle, & pecans. I love visiting that place. It's so colorful! And its sit atop a hill with a breath-taking view! You'll see a picture of Scott petting the dog that he befriended. She didn't want him to leave.

Then we work our way up to Mt. Hope for our lunch meat. Because cheese is made right in the area, its not as expensive as home. Sometimes we'll stop at the farm up the road for fresh eggs, but at this time of the year she only has young chicks. The one thing about the Amish is that they live a very plain life, but they do love putting on such a wonderful display of flowers! And as I said before they keep their farms meticulously managed. Its not an unusual sight to come up over a rise to see a field of shocks. The old order Amish still do farming the old fashioned way. At one point we came upon an roadside market, & stopped. We purchased 2 of her pumkins, mums, & a dozen eggs. Then we stopped in Berlin to look at the shops & just to get out& stretch.

Before the day was over, we went up to the quaint town of Winesburg. That's usually where Scott & I will stay when we get away. We stay at the Grapevine Inn right on Main St. She has a beautiful garden in the back. After dinner at Troyer's, we headed home.

I've posted a slide show since there were sooooo many pictures. Enjoy!