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Confession: I grew up in Amish country.
Okay, so many of you may already know that about me; but some of you may not know what exactly that means. It means that our high school consisted of students from 3 different towns coming together to attend school (but still only graduating with 83 people); it means that we had “drive your tractor to school day;” it means my best friend in elementary school was amish — and, yes, I’ve ridden in a buggy several times; oh — and it means that my hometown doesn’t even have so much as a flashing yellow light, let alone a stoplight!
But guys. Wayne County changed me. Well, that may be a tad bit dramatic; but I seriously never would have or could have imagined that this place just an hour from my home in Akron, could be so amazing!
We started our grand tour of greater Wayne County by heading out to Lehman’s Hardware Store. My friend kerry had mentioned that I would love Lehman’s. But neither her nor their slogan of “for a simpler life,” didn’t convince me.
But approximately 3 minutes into our trip into the amazingness that is Lehman’s, I was sold. SOLD, ya’ll! I mean, it didn’t hurt that this place was comprised of so many of both mine and Chad’s favorite things — we just didn’t realize that this constituted “homesteading”!
Rain barrels, compost bins, old-fashioned push-mowers, cast-iron skillets, and wood-burning stoves — you name it! In fact, the other girls on the trip were surprised by how much of what they offer we already incorporate into our daily lives. I suppose we’re semi-homesteaders of some sort?? Who knew!?
And somehow I convinced her to let me buy some of the amazingly soft and fluffy focaccia bread she was saving for the market! I could eat only this bread for the rest of my life, ya’ll! Seriously.
Next up was a quick stop by Shisler’s Cheese House. Shisler’s is a teeny, hole-in-the-wall, kinda place, with delicious, soft, swiss cheese on the counter for patrons to try. It was delicious and this family-owned business (for THREE generations!) had such an awesome vibe!
And, I mean, look at the size of this donut!! Crazypants!!
We rounded out or day in Wayne, County with a trip to the Pine Tree Barn. The Pine Tree Barn restaurant, the Granary, which is only open for lunch, features amazing house-made salads, entrees, and desserts.
Chad and I have already discussed our next trip to Wayne County! Another trip to Lehman’s and Quince are definitely in order — soon! Thankfully, we’re only an hour away from this delightful place! I hope that you’ll consider visiting Wayne County, Ohio for your next weekend getaway!
Thank you to the Wayne County CVB for sponsoring this trip! As always, all opinions herein are my own. #DoWoo
wow i had no idea there is amish country in Ohio. A popular thing to do around here is visit the amish country in PA. I have never been. All that food looks so good! I could go for a giant donut right now…
Ooh, looks like some real tasty food! When I lived in Kentucky, we lived in a small town near some Amish communities, it was a regular sight to see horses and buggies hitched up at the Save-a-Lot where my mom would shop for groceries.
Amish country is so fun to explore! It looks like you had a great time.
I’m from Houston and I want to visit Amish country my mom recently went on a long road trip up north and they saw Amish country [not sure what area] and she was so intrigued. Will definitely have to mention Ohio to her and see if she wants to make the trip.
That looks like you had a good time! Growing up there had to be fun. A little different for sure, but, fun none the less!
That looks absolutely amazing! All the baked goods and all the cool Amish history. Plus, that donut is EPIC!
I grew up right on the edge of Wayne, Clermont, and Clinton counties! It’s good to see a few familiar places in your list. Miller’s Bakery in Adams county is my favorite though. I feel like I’m going to need to plan a trip to Wayne county soon!
Can we come with you next time??? This looks like a dream. And those donuts!??! Come on!! Love the idea of coming back to cut down your own Christmas Tree <3
Wow this looks amazing! all the wonderful homemade foods! I love that kind of stuff!
My husband grew up in in Amish country PA!! It’s so fun to learn about the community.
What a fun visit! My grandpa lived right near Smucker’s!
Looks like a cute town and a great trip!
How fun! I’m from Ohio and didn’t even know about this. I used to love visiting Amish country when I grew up in Indiana!
I thought you were talking about the Lancaster PA Amish country, but you’ve introduced me to another! Smuckers, too….yum! Looks like a great time!
I had no idea Smuckers was from there! I’d love to visit and eat everything!!!
You never know what’s right around the corner! I live in FL and there is an Amish community 2 hours away from my hometown. My parents make the drive to Sarasota just to go to their restaurant and bakeries, my mom swears their goodies are the best! I’m going to show her this post, I bet she’ll want to plan a trip to Wayne County just for the giant donut!
I always wanted to places like this. I know the closest to us is in Tennessee . Amish cooking is awesome , great post by the way . Thank you for sharing.
Looks nice and interesting place to be. I love Snickers!
What a fun trip! That cheese looks so yummy and how cool to check out Smuckers! I love Smuckers!
This looks like so much fun, and my kind of place! I love ‘old time’ shops and bakeries and small town charm!
I love learning about you and where you came from!!!
So cool. I’m a big fan of cultural exchange and live for opportunities to live like and among people from different backgrounds and places.
Oh my gosh how did I not know that! You rode a tractor to school! This is awesome!
This looks like such an amazing day trip – & I’ve long been dying to go to the Smucker’s headquarters!
That looks like such a great trip! And that donut!! Huge! 🙂
Oh wow! What a fun time. The food looks wonderful, especially the cheese! I would love it if my family could visit for a day. 🙂
This is absolutely fascinating! My family has always wanted to visit! I am so happy to come across this and learn more!