Amish Life - Visit The Amish

The 5 Biggest Amish Things The Amish are known for their simple living, plain dress, and reluctance to adopt modern conveniences. However, within their communities, there are some remarkably large and impressive things that showcase their craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and way of life. Here are the 5 biggest Amish things: 1. The Largest Amish Settlement: Holmes County, Ohio With over 36,000 Amish residents, Holmes County in northeastern Ohio is home to the largest Amish settlement in the world.[1] This rural county has a higher percentage of Amish (42%) than any other county in the United States. The Amish first arrived in Holmes County in the early 1800s, and their population has grown exponentially due to large family sizes and a desire to maintain their traditional way of life. The Amish presence is unmistakable in Holmes County, with horse-drawn buggies sharing the roads with modern vehicles and numerous Amish-owned businesses dotting the landscape. The county's largest town, Millersburg, is a hub for Amish commerce, with several furniture stores, bakeries, and other businesses catering to both Amish and non-Amish customers. One of the most impressive sights in Holmes County is the massive Amish auction held every Friday in Wilmot. Hundreds of Amish families gather to buy and sell everything from livestock and farm equipment to furniture and household goods. The auction is a testament to the Amish community's self-sufficiency and commitment to their traditional way of life.[1][2] 2. The Largest Amish Furniture Store: Lehman's Furniture Located in Kidron, Ohio, Lehman's Furniture is the largest Amish-owned and operated furniture store in the world.[3] This massive complex spans over 350,000 square feet and features an impressive selection of handcrafted Amish furniture, including bedroom sets, dining room sets, and living room furniture. What sets Lehman's Furniture apart is the sheer scale of their operation and the quality of their craftsmanship. The store employs over 200 Amish woodworkers who meticulously construct each piece using traditional techniques and high-quality materials. Visitors can watch the Amish craftsmen at work in the on-site woodworking shop, giving them a glimpse into the time-honored methods used to create these beautiful pieces. In addition to furniture, Lehman's also offers a wide range of home goods, including quilts, rugs, and other Amish-made products. The store has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking authentic Amish craftsmanship and a glimpse into the Amish way of life.[3] 3. The Largest Amish Buggy Manufacturer: Sunny Side Manufacturing While the Amish are known for their horse-drawn buggies, few people realize the scale of the industry that produces these iconic vehicles. Sunny Side Manufacturing, located in Grabill, Indiana, is the largest Amish buggy manufacturer in the world, producing over 2,000 buggies annually.[4] Sunny Side Manufacturing is a true Amish family business, founded in 1981 by Amish entrepreneur Levi Shetler. Today, the company employs over 100 Amish workers and operates out of a massive 100,000 square foot facility. Their buggies are sold not only to Amish communities across the United States and Canada but also to non-Amish customers who appreciate the craftsmanship and nostalgia of these traditional vehicles. The company offers a wide range of buggy styles, from the classic Courting Buggy to the more modern Deluxe Buggy, which features amenities like cup holders and stereo systems. Each buggy is handcrafted using traditional Amish woodworking techniques and high-quality materials, ensuring a durable and long-lasting product.[4] 4. The Largest Amish Flea Market: Renninger's Antique Market While not exclusively Amish, Renninger's Antique Market in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest flea markets in the United States and a major hub for Amish vendors and shoppers.[5] This massive outdoor market spans over 30 acres and features over 1,000 vendors selling everything from antiques and collectibles to handcrafted Amish goods. The Amish presence at Renninger's is hard to miss, with dozens of Amish vendors selling their wares, including furniture, quilts, baked goods, and other handmade items. The market is a popular destination for Amish families from nearby communities, who come to shop, socialize, and sell their products. One of the highlights of Renninger's is the Amish food court, where visitors can sample authentic Amish cuisine, including shoofly pie, whoopie pies, and other traditional dishes. The market also hosts special Amish-themed events throughout the year, such as quilt shows and furniture auctions, further cementing its reputation as a hub for Amish culture and commerce.[5] 5. The Largest Amish Bakery: Kauffman's Country Bakery Located in Millersburg, Ohio, the Kauffman's Country Bakery is the largest Amish-owned and operated bakery in the world. This massive facility spans over 20,000 square feet and produces a staggering array of baked goods, including breads, pies, cookies, and other sweet treats. What sets the Kauffman's Country Bakery apart is its commitment to using traditional Amish recipes and ingredients. All of their products are made from scratch using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, and many of the recipes have been passed down through generations of Amish families. The bakery employs over 100 Amish workers, many of whom are skilled bakers who have been trained in the art of Amish baking from a young age. Visitors can watch the bakers at work through large viewing windows, giving them a glimpse into the time-honored techniques used to create these delicious treats. In addition to their retail store, Kauffman's Country Bakery also supplies baked goods to restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses throughout the region. Their products have become so popular that they ship nationwide, allowing people across the country to experience the authentic flavors of Amish baking. These 5 biggest Amish things showcase the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Amish community. While the Amish may be known for their simple living, these massive operations demonstrate their ability to create impressive and successful businesses while staying true to their traditional values and way of life. Citations:[1] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Amish[2] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/15/amish-ten-things-you-need-to-know/14111249/[3] https://slate.com/human-interest/2023/10/amish-tourism-ohio-wayne-county.html[4] https://www.amishviewinn.com/blog/8-facts-amish-community/[5] https://www.ohiosamishcountry.com/articles/amish-technology