Heartland Traditions Come to Licking County: The Licking Valley Amish Market Opens in Newark
NEWARK, OH — The distinctive clatter of horse-drawn buggies might not be a common sound on the streets of Newark, but a taste of Ohio’s rich Amish and Mennonite heritage has officially arrived. The Licking Valley Amish Market celebrated its grand opening this week, bringing traditional craftsmanship, hearty foods, and a slower pace of commerce to the heart of Licking County.
Located just minutes from downtown Newark at 1450 Horns Hill Road, the new market aims to bridge the gap between the busy, modern life of the Columbus suburbs and the rural traditions of Ohio’s Plain communities in Holmes and Knox counties. The market is housed in a newly constructed, timber-framed building that smells enticingly of fresh pine and cinnamon.
According to Sarah Miller, one of the market’s coordinators, the goal is to provide a central hub for multiple families to sell their wares. “It can be difficult for folks to travel deep into Amish country regularly,” Miller said. “We wanted to bring that quality and simplicity closer to the people of Newark and surrounding areas.”
Authenticity You Can Taste
While the furniture and craft sections are impressive, early visitors seem to be gravitating toward the food. The market offers a wide array of bulk pantry staples, deli meats and cheeses, and, perhaps most notably, a bakery section that begins churning out fresh goods before sunrise.
The Deli Counter is stocked with Walnut Creek meats and cheeses, including the signature domestic Swiss and traditional trail bologna. These are complemented by a robust selection of Pennsylvania Dutch staples like pickled red beet eggs, chow-chow relishes, and small-batch apple butter.
A Full-Service Shopping Experience
The Licking Valley Amish Market is more than just a place to grab lunch. The space is thoughtfully divided into several distinct departments:
- The Pantry: This area is a baker’s dream, featuring large bins of specialty flours, grains, spices in bulk, and difficult-to-find ingredients, all offered at a fraction of grocery store prices.
- Produce: While seasonal, the market prides itself on non-GMO, often pesticide-free produce grown using traditional methods. The current summer selection includes heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, and giant heads of cabbage.
- Crafts and Home Goods: From incredibly durable poly-lumber outdoor furniture to intricate hand-stitched quilts, the craftsmanship on display is legendary. The market also features beautiful hardwood dining sets that can be ordered and customized.
Community Buzz
The response from Licking County residents has been overwhelming, with crowds filling the parking lot on opening day. Real-world feedback from early shoppers reflects the enthusiasm for the new venture.
“I’ve always loved visiting Berlin and Sugarcreek, but it’s a full day trip,” said Newark resident Sarah Jenkins. “Having a place right here Horns Hill Road where I can get that same quality, especially the bakery items, is a absolute game-changer for my family.”
Even seasoned home cooks are finding something to love. “The prices in the bulk section are phenomenal,” said David Croft, who travels from Pataskala for his supplies. “I can’t believe the variety of spices and the quality of the deli meats. Their smoked turkey is a hidden gem.”
Local business owners are also showing support. “It is wonderful to see this kind of investment in our community,” said John Reynolds. “It adds a different flavor to Newark’s retail scene, and I think it will bring people into our area who might not otherwise visit.”
If You Go
The Licking Valley Amish Market is located at 1450 Horns Hill Road, Newark, OH 43055.
The hours of operation are designed to align with traditional Plain community standards:
- Thursday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday – Wednesday: Closed
Keep in mind that while many of the Mennonite-owned vendors at the market do accept credit cards, some of the smaller, Amish-owned craft stalls are cash-only operations.
