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Lancaster at the Shore: A Deep Dive into the Amish Market of North Wildwood

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Market

In North Wildwood, there is a distinct difference between the seasonal Amish Market of North Wildwood (a bustling hub of Lancaster County vendors) and the standard year-round restaurants. This market is a beloved summer tradition, bringing a slice of Pennsylvania Dutch country to the Jersey Shore.

The Amish Market of North Wildwood: A Shore Tradition

For those craving more than just boardwalk fries, the Amish Market of North Wildwood offers a refreshing return to tradition. Open seasonally (typically from late April through the summer), this market is a concentrated collection of authentic Lancaster-made goodness.

While it operates as a market with various vendors, its “restaurant offerings” are found at the dedicated food stalls where items are prepared fresh on-site. The highlight for many is the Dutch Country Pretzel Stand, where the aroma of buttery, hand-rolled soft pretzels fills the air. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast of farm-fresh eggs and scrapple or a hearty lunch of rotisserie chicken, this market serves as the ultimate “hidden kitchen” of North Wildwood.

Signature Offerings & Favorites

  • Log Cabin Pretzels: These aren’t your average pretzels. Hand-rolled and dipped in butter, the Pretzel Dogs and Stuffed Pretzel Sticks (filled with cheese or ham) are legendary.
  • Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade: The perfect tart-and-sweet companion to a salty snack.
  • Rotisserie & BBQ: Whole roasted chickens and racks of ribs that are often grabbed for easy, high-quality family dinners back at the rental house.
  • The Bakery: Famous for “melt-in-your-mouth” Apple Fritters, massive cinnamon rolls, and seasonal fruit pies.
  • Soft Serve Ice Cream: A newer addition to the market, featuring rich, creamy flavors that rival the best shops on the boardwalk.
Log Cabin Pretzels:

Plan Your Visit

Name: Amish Market of North Wildwood

Address: 701 New Jersey Ave (Corner of 7th & New Jersey), North Wildwood, NJ 08260

Phone: 1-800-AMISH-AVE

Seasonal Hours: Typically Friday & Saturday (8 AM – 7 PM) and Sunday (8 AM – 4 PM) from late April through October.

What the Fans Are Saying

“The best soft pretzels I’ve ever had, and I’m from Philly! You have to try the pretzel wrapped hot dog—it’s a game changer for lunch.” — Local Foodie

“We make it a point to stop here every Saturday morning for the apple fritters and fresh eggs. It’s like a little piece of Lancaster right at the beach.” — Summer Resident

“The rotisserie chicken is our secret weapon for beach house dinners. It’s moist, seasoned perfectly, and so much better than the grocery store.” — Reviewer

Amish Market of North Wildwood

Hartville Kitchen: A Taste of Amish-Style Hospitality in Northeast Ohio

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Restaurants

Hartville Kitchen: A Taste of Amish-Style Hospitality in Northeast Ohio

In the heart of Stark County, where the rolling hills of Ohio’s Amish Country begin to take shape, sits a culinary landmark that has been drawing crowds since 1966. Hartville Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it is a sprawling 440-seat testament to the power of homestyle cooking, hand-mashed potatoes, and hospitality that makes every guest feel like part of the family.+1

Whether you are a local regular or a traveler seeking a “stick-to-your-ribs” meal, the Kitchen offers a nostalgic escape into a world where everything is made from scratch. From the moment you walk through the doors, you are greeted by the aroma of fresh-baked yeast rolls and the sight of a bakery case that boasts over twenty-one varieties of seasonal pies.

The Menu: Comfort on a Plate

The secret to Hartville Kitchen’s longevity is its commitment to the basics. The restaurant is famous for its fresh Gerber chicken, sourced from nearby Holmes County, and its legendary Roast Beef, which is slow-cooked until it’s tender enough to pull apart with a fork.

Every dinner entrée is a feast in itself, typically accompanied by three generous sides and their signature home-baked rolls. If you’re looking for the true “Hartville experience,” the Sweet Potato Casserole and the hand-peeled mashed potatoes with rich beef gravy are non-negotiable.+1

Beyond the Dining Room

A visit to Hartville Kitchen isn’t complete without exploring the rest of the campus. Adjacent to the dining area is a massive bakery where you can grab a loaf of salt-rising bread or a famous chocolate peanut butter pie to go. For those who enjoy a bit of retail therapy, the Shops at Hartville Kitchen offer a boutique experience featuring everything from Vera Bradley accessories to heirloom-quality toys, making it a perfect day-trip destination.+1

Hartville Kitchen

Plan Your Visit

Address: 1015 Edison St NW, Hartville, OH 44632

Phone: (330) 877-9353

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Bakery/Shops open at 10:00 AM).

Note: Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.+1

Favorite Menu Items

  • Fresh Fried Chicken: Crispy, golden, and never greasy.
  • Slow-Roasted Beef: Served open-faced over bread with a mountain of mashed potatoes.
  • Chicken Noodle Soup: Hearty and thick, featuring their own homemade noodles.
  • Peanut Butter Pie: A creamy, decadent fan-favorite that defines Ohio comfort.
  • Signature Salad Dressings: Their Sweet & Sour and White French dressings are so popular they sell them by the bottle.

What People Are Saying

“We were worried when we saw the line to be seated, but it went quickly and the food was really good… Definitely worth the drive. The chicken noodle and broccoli cheddar soups are delicious!” — Kristopher S., Reviewer

“Everything was amazing and felt homemade. The rolls were great too. You get a nice portion for the price. Our server was very kind!” — Brittany, Visitor

“This is such a staple in the beautiful, quaint Hartville area. Just such a family atmosphere and a blast from the past for us.” — Ilena V., Local Regular

The Secret Ingredient in These Amish Easter Eggs Will Shock You (But They Taste Amazing)

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Recipes

The Recipe: Amish Coconut Cream Easter Eggs

This is a no-bake recipe that relies on mashed potatoes (yes, really!) as the binder. It sounds strange to modern cooks, but this is the authentic, old-school way to achieve that dense, moist, and creamy texture found in Amish candy shops without using fondant.

Prep time: 40 mins | Chill time: 1 hour | Yields: 12-15 eggs

The Filling:

  • 3/4 cup mashed potatoes (unseasoned, no butter or milk added—just plain boiled potato, mashed until very smooth)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (more as needed)
  • 2 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp almond extract (for a deeper flavor profile)

The Coating:

  • 12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate melting wafers
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Binder: Boil a small potato until tender. Peel and mash it thoroughly while hot to ensure there are no lumps. Let it cool to room temperature.
  2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potato and softened butter. Stir until smooth. Add the vanilla (and almond extract if using).
  3. Thicken the Dough: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar one cup at a time. The mixture will become very thick and dough-like.
  4. Add the Coconut: Fold in the shredded coconut by hand or with a sturdy spoon until evenly distributed.
  5. Shape: Dust your hands with a little powdered sugar. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball, then gently shape it into an egg.
  6. Chill: Place the shaped eggs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 30–60 minutes. This is critical—if they are too soft, they will fall apart in the warm chocolate.
  7. Dip: Melt the chocolate and oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until glossy. Dip the cold eggs into the chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
  8. Decorate: Before the chocolate sets, you can drizzle with white chocolate or add a small sugar flower for a traditional look.
Amish easter eggs

Forget the Drive-Thru: Why I-95 Travelers Are Flocking to This New Amish Oasis

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Market

The Ultimate Interstate Oasis: Massive Amish Market and Restaurant Opens Along I-95 Corridor

PERRYVILLE, MD — For decades, the drive along Interstate 95 through the Mid-Atlantic has meant a monotonous rotation of golden arches and generic rest stops. But as of last week, travelers taking Exit 93 in Maryland have a new, far more comforting option that is already causing buzz from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia.

Yoder’s Crossing: Amish Kitchen & Country Market has officially opened its massive timber-framed doors. Located just a quarter-mile off the interstate, the sprawling complex feels like a teleportation device straight into the heart of Lancaster County.

The overwhelming scent of fresh-baked yeast rolls and hickory smoke greets visitors in the parking lot, providing an instant reprieve from the highway stress. The building itself is a spectacle—a barn-style structure built with rough-hewn beams and lit by warm gas lanterns, offering a quiet, slower pace that stands in stark contrast to the eight lanes of traffic rushing by just over the hill.

The Kitchen: Scratch-Made Comfort

The restaurant side of Yoder’s Crossing is built around the concept of “farm-to-interstate.” The kitchen is run by a team with deep roots in traditional Amish and Mennonite cooking, meaning freezers are rare and microwaves are non-existent.

Menu Favorites Already Emerging:

  • The “Exit 93” Broasted Chicken: Pressure-fried to lock in juices while creating an impossibly crispy, non-greasy skin. It’s quickly becoming the signature dish.
  • Roast Beef Manhattan: Slow-roasted beef served open-faced on thick-cut homemade white bread, buried under a mountain of real mashed potatoes and dark, savory gravy.
  • Brown Butter Noodles: Thick, hand-rolled egg noodles drenched in browned butter and topped with toasted breadcrumbs. Simple, but unbeatable.
  • The Bakery Counter: A dangerous stop on the way out, featuring saucer-sized sticky buns, traditional wet-bottom shoofly pie, and fresh sourdough loaves still warm from the oven.
Yoder's Crossing

The Country Market: More Than Souvenirs

Attached to the dining hall is an expansive country market that puts standard travel plaza gift shops to shame. It’s a treasure trove of handcrafted goods brought in from artisan communities across Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Travelers can browse dozens of intricate, hand-stitched quilts hanging from rafters, test out solid oak rocking chairs, or stock up on pantry staples like pickled red beets, spiced apple butter, and impossible-to-find varieties of jarred chow-chow.

What Travelers Are Saying

The soft opening last weekend saw the parking lot filled with license plates from ten different states. The early verdict is overwhelmingly positive.

“I travel from Richmond to NYC twice a month for work. I usually just grab a protein bar and keep driving. I stopped here on a whim and ended up staying for an hour. The chicken pot pie tastes exactly like my grandmother’s. This is my new mandatory stop.”

— David R., Richmond, VA

“You have to see the size of the cinnamon rolls to believe them. We bought four to take to our Airbnb at the beach, and they didn’t even last the rest of the car ride. Incredible.”

— Sarah & Tom L., Travelers from New Jersey

“Finally, a place on 95 that isn’t a chain. It’s so peaceful inside. The staff were incredibly kind, and the gift shop had beautiful beeswax candles I picked up for gifts. It felt like a mini-vacation in the middle of a long drive.”

— Brenda K., Local Guide Review

Visit Yoder’s Crossing

Address: 1455 Perryville Road (Route 222), Perryville, MD 21903 (Just off I-95 Exit 93)

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed Sundays)

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The Best Donuts in Macon Might Just Be at This New Amish Market

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Market

Pennsylvania Dutch Comfort Comes to the Heart of Georgia: Yoder’s Peach State Market Opens on Zebulon Road

MACON, GA — The unmistakable aroma of fresh-baked yeast rolls and smoked meats has officially arrived in Macon. After months of construction and anticipation, Yoder’s Peach State Amish Market has opened its doors at 5900 Zebulon Road, bringing a slice of Lancaster County tradition to Middle Georgia.

Located in the renovated retail space just past the Lofts, the market offers a stark, refreshing contrast to the usual big-box shopping experience. Inside, gas lanterns hang from timber beams, and the aisles are stocked with goods that prioritize simple ingredients and exceptional craftsmanship. From hand-stitched quilts to jars of chow-chow, it is a full immersion into the slow-food lifestyle.

The Details

  • Market: Yoder’s Peach State Amish Market
  • Address: 5900 Zebulon Road, Macon, GA 31210
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sat 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
Yoder's Peach State Market

Market Highlights & Favorites

The market is divided into three main sections: the bakery, the deli/bulk foods, and the furniture gallery. Early visitors are already claiming their favorites.

  • The “Macon Morning” Donut: A massive glazed yeast donut that rivals any local bakery, made fresh every morning at 4:00 AM.
  • Amish Roll Butter: Sold in two-pound logs, this butter is creamy, salty, and has a cult following for a reason.
  • Smoked Hams & Cheeses: The deli counter features wood-smoked hams and sharp Amish cheddar that you can sample before you buy.
  • Soft Pretzels: These aren’t the frozen kind. Hand-rolled right behind the counter, they are dipped in butter and served hot.
  • Handcrafted Oak Rockers: In the back of the store, the furniture section showcases solid wood rocking chairs that are built to last generations.

What Macon Locals Are Saying

The parking lot has been packed since the soft opening on Tuesday. Here is what the first wave of customers had to say:

“I went to college in Pennsylvania and I have missed this food so much. The shoofly pie is the real deal—gooey, molasses-rich, and perfect. I bought two whole pies just to freeze one.”

— Rebecca L., North Macon

“I came for the furniture but stayed for the pretzels. Seriously, I’ve never tasted bread that soft. It’s dangerous having this place five minutes from my office.”

— Marcus T., works on Riverside Drive

“Finally, a place to get bulk spices and baking supplies without paying a fortune. The quality of their flour and oats is just different. You can taste the freshness.”

— Linda G., avid baker and grandmother

Yoder's Peach State Market

The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: How to Host an Authentic Amish Haystack Dinner

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Recipes

This is a recipe for a beloved community tradition. An Amish Haystack isn’t a single dish cooked together; it’s an assembly line event. It is famous in Pennsylvania Dutch and Midwestern communities for being the ultimate way to feed a large crowd cheaply and deliciously at fundraisers, benefits, and family reunions.

It’s essentially a deconstructed, layered taco bowl that uses crushed saltines as the base instead of tortilla chips, giving it a unique salty crunch.

The Recipe: The Traditional Amish Haystack

The beauty of the Haystack is that it is highly customizable, but the order of operations is important to keep the hot ingredients hot and the cold ingredients crunchy. This recipe is scaled for a large family dinner (serves 8-10), but easily doubles for a party.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes

Traditional Amish Haystack

The Hot Layers:

  • The Meat: 2 lbs lean ground beef, browned and drained. Season with 1 packet of taco seasoning (or a mix of salt, pepper, onion powder, and chili powder). Add a 1/2 cup of water and simmer until thickened.
  • The Veggie Sauce: 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained. In a saucepan, combine the beans with 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup or 1.5 cups tomato juice. Simmer until hot.
  • The Cheese Sauce (Optional but recommended): 1 lb Velveeta cubed, melted with 1/4 cup milk over low heat until smooth (Shredded cheddar is a faster alternative).

The Cold Base & Toppings:

  • The Base (Crucial): 2 sleeves of Saltine soda crackers, roughly crushed (some people use cooked white rice, but crackers are traditional).
  • The Crunch: 1 large head of iceberg lettuce, shredded.
  • Veggie Toppings: Diced tomatoes, diced onions (red or white), sliced black olives, chopped green peppers.
  • Finishing Touches: Sour cream, salsa, Ranch dressing, sunflower seeds (for extra crunch), pickled jalapeños.

How to Assemble Your Haystack (The Traditional Order):

Set all ingredients out buffet-style. Guests should build their stack on a plate in this specific order:

  1. Base Layer: Start with a generous bed of crushed Saltine crackers.
  2. Meat Layer: Spoon the hot seasoned ground beef over the crackers.
  3. Hot Veggie Layer: Ladle the hot green beans in tomato sauce over the meat.
  4. Crunch Layer: Add a large handful of shredded lettuce.
  5. Top Veggies: Add your diced tomatoes, onions, peppers, and olives.
  6. The Finish: Top with cheese sauce (or shredded cheese), salsa, sour cream, and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds.