While Maryland is globally recognized for its blue crabs and coastal waterways, the state also harbors a deeply rooted, historic population of Old Order Amish. Primarily concentrated in the rural stretches of Southern Maryland and the historic towns of the Eastern Shore, these communities maintain thriving multi-generational cottage industries.
Trading the bustling metro highways for Maryland’s quiet county backroads reveals a treasure trove of incredible scratch cooking, artisan dairy production, and hand-sewn heritage craft. If you are looking to explore authentic, traditional businesses in the Old Line State, these three existing establishments are highly recommended stops.
1. Dutch Family Restaurant (Germantown, MD)
For an unforgettable sit-down dining experience that feels like a trip to Lancaster County, the Dutch Family Restaurant is an absolute hidden gem. Tucked neatly into the back of the bustling Lancaster County Dutch Market in Montgomery County, this family-operated eatery serves hearty, scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
- Fan Favorites: Crowds consistently gather early for their golden Malted Waffles, which can be piled high with fresh fruit or premium toppings. For lunch or a comforting dinner, their classic Amish-style hot platters, juicy custom burgers, and fluffy egg omelets are local favorites.
- Location: 12613 Wisteria Drive, Germantown, MD 20874
2. Clover Hill Dairy (Mechanicsville, MD)
Located in St. Mary’s County—home to the largest and oldest continuous Amish settlement in the state—Clover Hill Dairy offers a masterclass in traditional farmstead cheese making. This authentic, Amish-owned and operated facility processes raw milk from local pastures into an exceptional lineup of artisanal dairy products.
- Fan Favorites: The dairy is highly celebrated for its wide variety of House-Made Cheeses, crafted directly on the premises using traditional techniques. Alongside their cheese wheels, the small storefront shelves are stocked with traditional home-canned preserves, small-batch baked goods, and rustic local handcrafts.
- Location: 27925 Woodburn Hill Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659
3. The Quilt Shop (Mechanicsville, MD)
Just a short buggy ride away in the same Mechanicsville community sits a quaint, peaceful country storefront known simply as The Quilt Shop. This stunning retail space showcases the meticulous sewing talents and structural geometry of local Amish women, offering a quiet alternative to modern, factory-produced textiles.
- Fan Favorites: The undisputed centerpieces are the Hand-Sewn Quilts, which range in size from delicate crib blankets to massive, intricately patterned king-size masterpieces. Visitors also frequently pick up hand-stitched kitchen accessories, including custom oven mitts, table runners, and festive fabric teddy bears. Note: Because this is an authentic, traditional business, credit cards are not accepted, so be sure to bring cash or a checkbook.
- Location: 27744 Thompson Corner Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659
