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A Riverfront Revival: Lock Haven’s Newest Amish Deli

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

Nestled along the scenic West Branch Susquehanna River, the historic town of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, has always offered a picturesque blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. This spring, the local culinary scene is getting a hearty, wholesome upgrade with the highly anticipated opening of the River Bend Amish Deli.

Located right in the heart of downtown, this bustling new eatery trades commercial fryers and pre-packaged meats for hand-sliced provisions, fresh-baked breads, and the unmistakable warmth of Pennsylvania Dutch hospitality.

A Backstory Forged in the Valley

The roots of the River Bend Amish Deli trace back to the lush, rolling farmland of nearby “Big Valley” (Kishacoquillas Valley) in Mifflin County. For generations, the Beiler family has been known in their community for their exceptional meat-curing skills and mastery of traditional baking. As their extended family grew, the patriarch, Samuel Beiler, began looking for an opportunity for his sons and daughters to start a business of their own.

They found the perfect location in Lock Haven—a vacant, historic brick storefront with high tin ceilings and original hardwood floors. Over the winter, the Beilers meticulously restored the building, installing an expansive butcher block counter and a massive glass deli case. What started as an idea for a simple sandwich shop quickly evolved into a full-scale deli and bakery, providing local university students, loggers, and passing tourists with a taste of unhurried, authentic Amish cooking.

Cultivating Comfort and Craftsmanship

Cultivating Comfort and Craftsmanship

Stepping inside River Bend Deli is like stepping back in time. There is no buzzing neon or loud background music; instead, the space is filled with the steady hum of friendly conversation and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked yeast rolls and smoked hickory. The Beilers are committed to keeping things traditional. Their meats are smoked off-site at their family farm, their cheeses are sourced from local raw-milk dairies, and every condiment—from the sweet mustard to the horseradish pickle relish—is canned by hand.

Our Favorite Finds at River Bend

Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch to take down to the riverwalk or stocking up your cooler for a weekend camping trip in the Pennsylvania Wilds, the menu is packed with satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs fare. Here are a few standout favorites you absolutely must try:

  • The “River Stacker” Pretzel Sandwich: This is the undisputed star of the lunch rush. It features thick-cut, sweet Lebanon bologna layered with sharp, raw milk cheddar, crisp local lettuce, and a generous smear of homemade apple butter mustard, all stacked between a freshly baked, impossibly soft pretzel roll.
  • Traditional Pepper Cabbage: Forget standard commercial coleslaw. This classic Pennsylvania Dutch side dish features finely chopped cabbage and green bell peppers tossed in a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy vinegar dressing. It is crisp, refreshing, and cuts through the richness of the deli meats perfectly.
  • Fried Half-Moon Hand Pies: The bakery case is a dangerous place to linger, but these hand pies are worth every calorie. Flaky, buttery pastry dough is folded over homemade tart cherry or spiced apple fillings, fried to a golden crisp, and brushed with a light vanilla glaze.
  • Iced Meadow Tea: To wash it all down, grab a large cup of this traditional Amish beverage. Brewed from wild mint gathered near the Beiler family farm and sweetened just right, it is the most refreshing drink you can enjoy on a warm Lock Haven afternoon.

A Worthwhile Stop

Visiting the River Bend Amish Deli is more than just a quick lunch break; it is a grounding experience that connects you to the rich agricultural heritage of Central Pennsylvania. It’s an invitation to taste the difference that time, care, and family tradition can make in a meal. Just be sure to arrive with an empty stomach—the portions are generous, and the bakery case will undoubtedly convince you to take something sweet for the road.

Mountain Traditions: Discovering Oakland’s Newest Amish Market

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

Nestled among the rolling Appalachian mountains and the crisp, pine-scented air of Garrett County, Maryland, a new destination is drawing locals and Deep Creek Lake visitors alike. Oakland has always been known for its charming historic downtown and stunning autumn foliage, but this season, it welcomes a bustling new hub of traditional craftsmanship and scratch-made food: Whispering Pines Amish Market.

Located just a few miles outside of town in a beautifully timber-framed barn, the market offers an expansive, indoor shopping experience that brings the best of Pennsylvania Dutch agriculture and artistry straight to the Maryland mountains.

A Backstory Forged in the Mountains

The story of Whispering Pines begins just across the state line in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. For nearly a decade, the Yoder family spent their summers driving their horse-drawn wagons—and later, hiring drivers to transport their goods in box trucks—down to the Deep Creek Lake area. What started as a modest weekend roadside stand selling seasonal produce and a few fruit pies quickly evolved into a cult favorite among locals and vacationers.

Year after year, the Yoders found themselves selling out of their inventory before noon. Recognizing a deep appreciation in Garrett County for well-crafted, unhurried goods, the family patriarch, Eli Yoder, decided it was time to put down permanent roots. Over the last two years, Eli and his sons worked alongside local Oakland contractors to raise a massive, custom-built barn. Today, Whispering Pines is a year-round, multi-vendor cooperative run by the extended Yoder family, offering everything from fresh butchery to heirloom furniture.

A matching pair of handcrafted Amish hickory rocking chairs, featuring steam-bent curves and natural bark texture.

Cultivating Craft and Community

Stepping through the heavy wooden doors of Whispering Pines is a feast for the senses. The cavernous space is lit by large clerestory windows, and the air is an intoxicating mix of smoked wood, fresh-cut pine, and baking cinnamon. The market is thoughtfully divided into different sections, allowing visitors to seamlessly wander from the bustling bakery to the quiet, fragrant aisles of handcrafted woodwork, all while interacting directly with the artisans and farmers who produced the goods.

Our Favorite Finds at Whispering Pines

Whether you are looking to stock up a vacation cabin or simply want to treat yourself to some authentic comfort food, the market has something for everyone. Here are a few standout favorites that you should not miss:

  • Dutch Apple Dumplings: These are an absolute must-have, especially when the mountain air turns chilly. Whole local apples are cored, packed with cinnamon sugar, wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry crust, and baked until golden. They are served warm and are best enjoyed with a scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream.
  • Applewood Smoked Mountain Bacon: The butcher’s counter is a focal point of the market, and their thick-cut bacon is the star. Cured using a generations-old family recipe and smoked low and slow over real applewood, it fries up incredibly crisp and flavorful.
  • Hand-Crafted Hickory Rocking Chairs: Perfect for a Deep Creek cabin porch, these stunning rockers are built by Eli’s oldest sons. Using locally sourced hickory wood that is steam-bent by hand, the chairs are entirely constructed without a single metal nail, ensuring they will last for generations.
  • Raw Milk Appalachian Cheddar: The dairy counter features massive wheels of cheese made from the family’s own herd of grass-fed cows. The sharp cheddar, aged for over two years in temperature-controlled cellars, has a crumbly texture and a deep, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the market’s sourdough pretzels.
A perfect, golden-baked Amish apple dumpling, served warm on a simple ceramic plate with a generous scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream. The flaky pastry encases the whole local apple filled with cinnamon sugar.

A Worthwhile Journey

Visiting Whispering Pines Amish Market is more than just a shopping trip; it is an immersion into a slower, more intentional way of life. It provides a unique opportunity to support a dedicated family of artisans while taking home goods that are crafted with immense pride and care. Just make sure to clear plenty of space in your vehicle—between the fresh baked goods and the stunning woodwork, you won’t be leaving empty-handed.

Lancaster Meets the Chesapeake: Annapolis Welcomes Its Newest Amish Eatery

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

By Elizabeth Montgomery, Food Editor

Amidst the cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and maritime bustle of Maryland’s capital, a surprisingly cozy new culinary destination has dropped anchor. Annapolis has long been celebrated for its blue crabs and waterfront dining, but this season, the local food scene is embracing the hearty, scratch-made traditions of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Anchor & Hearth Amish Bakery & Eatery has officially opened its doors, offering a serene, comforting retreat just a short walk from the bustling City Dock.

A Backstory Rooted in Family and Market Days

The story of Anchor & Hearth begins a few hours north in the rolling farmland of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. For the past decade, the Lapp family made the weekly trek down to Maryland, setting up a modest but wildly popular baked goods stand at local weekend farmer’s markets. Their massive cinnamon rolls and handmade pretzels consistently sold out within hours, leaving Annapolitans always wanting more.

Recognizing the deep local appreciation for authentic, unhurried food, the family decided to take a leap. They acquired and lovingly restored a historic brick building in the Annapolis Arts District, outfitting it with heavy oak communal tables and a massive, open-concept bakery counter. The result is Anchor & Hearth—a full-time, brick-and-mortar restaurant that beautifully bridges the gap between Lancaster County tradition and Chesapeake Bay charm.

Cultivating Comfort and Community

What truly sets Anchor & Hearth apart in Annapolis is the sheer dedication to the slow craft of cooking. The kitchen bypasses modern shortcuts entirely; doughs are kneaded by hand before dawn, broths are simmered overnight, and pies are baked fresh daily. The dining room feels like a welcoming extension of the Lapp family’s own farmhouse, filled with the aroma of rising yeast, roasted meats, and warm spices.

Our Favorite Finds at Anchor & Hearth

Whether you are stopping in for a quick morning pastry before hitting the water or sitting down for a belly-warming supper, the menu is packed with authentic comfort food with a few local twists. Here are the standout favorites you absolutely cannot miss:

  • The Chesapeake Crab Pretzel Roll: A brilliant nod to their new Maryland home, this appetizer features creamy, Old Bay-seasoned lump blue crab dip baked directly into the center of a hand-rolled, buttery Amish soft pretzel.
  • Glazed Sourdough Sticky Buns: The undisputed stars of the bakery case. These massive, cast-iron-baked sticky buns are smothered in a rich, dark caramel glaze and loaded with toasted pecans.
  • Slow-Simmered Pot Roast: The ultimate Sunday-style dinner, served any day of the week. Generous slabs of tender, slow-cooked beef are served over a bed of handmade, browned-butter egg noodles alongside a helping of sweet corn pudding.
  • Brown Butter Whoopie Pies: You cannot leave without trying this quintessential Pennsylvania Dutch dessert. The bakery elevates the classic with a perfectly balanced, rich brown butter cream filling sandwiched between two incredibly moist chocolate cakes.
Lancaster Meets the Chesapeake: Annapolis Welcomes Its Newest Amish Eatery

A Worthwhile Meal

Visiting Anchor & Hearth is more than just checking out a new restaurant; it is a grounding experience. In a town that is always on the go, this eatery is an invitation to slow down, pass the bread basket, and savor a home-cooked meal rooted in generations of tradition. Just remember to arrive early if you have your heart set on those sticky buns—they rarely make it to lunch!

A Taste of Tradition: Exploring Gainesville’s Newest Amish Restaurant and Bakery

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Bakery

A Taste of Tradition: Gainesville’s Newest Amish Culinary Haven

Amidst the vibrant, fast-paced college town atmosphere of Gainesville, Florida, a surprisingly serene and delicious new establishment has opened its doors. Swapping the typical modern cafe buzz for the quiet comfort of simple, scratch-made cooking, Oak & Grain Amish Eatery & Bakery is already making waves in North Central Florida’s food scene.

Located just a short drive from the bustling University of Florida campus, this family-owned restaurant and bakery brings the rich, hearty traditions of Pennsylvania Dutch culinary arts straight to the Sunshine State.

Cultivating Comfort and Community

What makes Oak & Grain stand out in Gainesville’s diverse culinary landscape is its unwavering commitment to traditional methods. You won’t find corners cut with pre-packaged ingredients here. Instead, the kitchen relies on generations-old family recipes, hand-kneaded doughs, and slow-roasted meats. The dining room itself is a breath of fresh air, featuring sturdy, hand-crafted oak tables, soft natural lighting, and the irresistible, ever-present aroma of cinnamon, roasted chicken, and rising yeast.

Our Favorite Finds at Oak & Grain

Whether you are stopping by for a quick morning pastry or sitting down for a belly-warming supper, the menu is packed with authentic comfort food. Here are a few standout favorites that have already won over the locals:

  • Giant Glazed Apple Fritters: A staple of the bakery counter, these fritters are the size of a dinner plate. They are crispy on the outside, incredibly fluffy on the inside, and packed with tender, spiced apples.
  • Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodles: This is the ultimate comfort dish. Thick, hand-rolled egg noodles are served in a rich, slow-simmered broth over generous portions of tender, roasted chicken and served with a side of buttery mashed potatoes.
  • The “Dutchman’s” Reuben: A lunch menu standout, this sandwich features mounds of perfectly seasoned pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, and homemade Russian dressing, all grilled between two thick slices of freshly baked, sturdy marble rye bread.
  • Traditional Shoofly Pie: You cannot leave without trying the quintessential Amish dessert. This gooey, dark molasses pie topped with a buttery, spiced crumb topping is baked fresh daily and pairs perfectly with a hot cup of black coffee.

A Worthwhile Meal

Visiting Oak & Grain Eatery & Bakery is more than just grabbing a bite to eat; it is an experience in slowing down and savoring the simple things. It is an invitation to enjoy a home-cooked meal in a welcoming environment where quality and tradition take center stage. Just be sure to arrive early if you want your pick of the bakery case—the fresh pastries tend to sell out before noon!

A Springtime Haven: Discovering Southeastern PA’s Newest Amish Greenhouse

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

Tucked away along a winding, two-lane road in Lancaster County, the clop-clop of horse hooves gives way to a breathtaking burst of color. Southeastern Pennsylvania has long been celebrated for its rich agricultural heritage, and this spring, the region welcomes a stunning new addition: Willow Creek Greenhouse.

Built entirely by hand over the winter months, this off-the-grid oasis operates without a hum of electricity. Instead, it relies on natural sunlight filtering through the sprawling glass roof and the gentle cross-breeze from manually cranked vents. The result is a remarkably peaceful shopping experience where the only sounds are the rustling of leaves, the chirping of barn swallows, and the friendly, soft-spoken greetings of the Amish family who tends to the space.

Cultivating Tradition and Quality

What sets Willow Creek apart from commercial garden centers is the sheer care poured into every single pot. The soil mixes are blended on-site using generations-old family recipes, and the plants are watered by hand, ensuring that each root system develops perfectly. Walking down the wide dirt aisles, you are immediately struck by the vibrancy and size of the blooms—a testament to the traditional, unhurried methods of Amish farming.

Willow Creek Greenhouse

Our Favorite Finds at Willow Creek

Whether you are a master gardener or a novice looking to brighten your front porch, the selection is both overwhelming and inspiring. Here are a few standout favorites that you absolutely cannot leave without:

  • Mammoth Hanging Baskets: These are the crown jewels of the greenhouse. Overflowing with trailing fuchsias, million bells, and wave petunias, these massive baskets are priced at a fraction of what you would pay at a big-box store, yet they are twice the size.
  • Heirloom Vegetable Starts: The tomato selection alone is worth the drive. Standouts include sturdy, deep-green starts for Brandywine, Mortgage Lifter, and Cherokee Purple tomatoes, alongside crisp bell peppers and spicy jalapeños.
  • Perennial Pollinator Patches: For those looking to support local bees and butterflies, the greenhouse offers beautifully curated flats of native coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and fragrant lavender.
  • The “Checkout” Treats: In true Pennsylvania Dutch fashion, the greenhouse experience doesn’t end with plants. At the front counter—a simple wooden table with a cash box—you will find an array of homemade strawberry rhubarb jam, sweet pickled beets, and freshly baked whoopie pies to enjoy on the ride home.

A Worthwhile Journey

Visiting Willow Creek Greenhouse is more than just checking items off your spring planting list; it is a grounding experience. It is an invitation to slow down, appreciate the beauty of nature, and support a local family whose livelihood is deeply rooted in the soil. Just remember to bring cash, drive carefully around the buggies, and leave a little extra room in your trunk—you are going to need it.

Willow Creek Greenhouse 781 Meadow View Lane Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505

(Note to visitor: As an off-the-grid, traditional Amish establishment, this greenhouse does not have a phone or an online presence. Hours are generally sunrise to sunset, Monday through Saturday. The business is strictly closed on Sundays.)

Willow Creek Greenhouse

The Background Story: From Dairy Farm to Rooted Traditions

The story of Willow Creek Greenhouse is the story of the Stoltzfus family and their 40-acre farm, which has been in the family for four generations.

For nearly a century, the primary livelihood on this plot of land was dairy farming. Until two years ago, the oldest son of the current patriarch, Levi Stoltzfus Sr., maintained a herd of sixty Holsteins, milking them by hand or using simple, air-pressure-powered systems.

The transition began when two factors collided. The first was the shrinking margin on small-scale, traditional dairy operations, which made supporting the entire extended family difficult. The second was the deep, lifelong passion of Levi’s wife, Rebecca, and their oldest daughter, Mary. Rebecca had always managed the family’s personal garden—a massive plot that fed the family through the summer and filled the cellar with canned goods for winter. Mary, from a young age, showed a remarkable knack for propagation, especially with delicate flowers.

In the winter of 2021, the Stoltzfus family made the difficult decision to sell the majority of their herd. The capital raised was immediately reinvested back into the land, but in a new direction.

Instead of modernizing the dairy barn, the entire community—family, neighbors, and friends—came together for several “hrofrofro” (frolics, or work bees) to construct Willow Creek Greenhouse.

Levi managed the construction, utilizing their own draft horses to drag the massive beams milled from their woodlot. He designed a system of high-arched glass panes set into heavy timber frames. To maintain their commitment to simple living, no electricity was introduced. Instead, temperature regulation depends entirely on human intervention: hand-cranked side vents are opened at sunrise to draw in the cool air, and a heavy thermal curtain is manually pulled across the ceiling at dusk to retain the day’s warmth.

Rebecca and Mary took charge of the cultivation. They decided to focus on what they knew best: standard heritage varieties. They sourced rare heirloom tomato seeds, some of which had been passed down within their community for over a century. Mary mastered the art of creating the signature, massive hanging baskets by carefully mixing soil that has been amended with the farm’s own aged compost, ensuring a slow, continuous feed throughout the growing season.

The greenhouse officially opened in the spring of 2023. Today, the once-bustling dairy lane is filled not with milk trucks, but with local gardeners and curious travelers, all arriving at the Stoltzfus family’s doorstep in search of plants grown with patience, tradition, and care.

Slow Food and Simple Ingredients: Why Locals Love Baton Rouge’s Amish Deli

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

By Elizabeth Montgomery, Food Editor

Southern Hospitality Meets Pennsylvania Dutch: Discovering Baton Rouge’s Newest Amish Deli

Baton Rouge is a city celebrated for its bold Cajun and Creole flavors, but a brand-new culinary destination is introducing a completely different, yet equally comforting, tradition to the local food scene. The Hearthside Amish Deli has opened its doors, offering Louisiana residents a genuine taste of slow-paced, scratch-made Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.

Stepping away from the spicy jambalayas and rich gumbos of the region, The Hearthside Deli focuses on the pure, unpretentious, and hearty staples of Amish and Mennonite kitchens. The space itself is a quiet refuge from the bustling city, filled with the aroma of fresh-baked yeast bread, smoked meats, and sweet molasses. It’s a place where quality takes precedence over speed, and every item in the deli case is prepared with time-honored patience.

The Deli Case Favorites

The menu bypasses standard commercial deli offerings in favor of deeply traditional, farm-fresh recipes. Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch or stocking up for the week, a few items have already emerged as absolute must-tries for the Baton Rouge community.

  • The Signature Roast Pork: This isn’t your average deli cut. The Hearthside’s authentic roast pork is slow-cooked until it is meltingly tender, utilizing a special, closely guarded twist in the preparation that elevates the savory pan juices. It is served warm on freshly baked, thick-cut bread.
  • Wilted Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing: A true hallmark of an Amish kitchen, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors. Crisp, fresh greens are served alongside a warm, sweet-and-tangy bacon vinaigrette that is meant to be poured over the top, wilting the salad perfectly and adding a smoky depth to every bite.
  • Hand-Carved Meats and Cheeses: The deli counter features an array of minimally processed, hickory-smoked meats and raw-milk cheeses, sliced to order and perfect for building a towering, homestyle sandwich.

The Bakery Counter

It is practically a rule that you cannot leave an Amish deli without something sweet. The Hearthside excels in the rustic baking traditions that have made this culinary style famous. The massive, fluffy Whoopie Pies—featuring a cloud of vanilla filling sandwiched between two soft chocolate cakes—are a massive hit. For those seeking a deeper, more complex sweetness, the authentic Shoofly Pie, with its rich molasses bottom and spiced crumb topping, offers a perfect, traditional finish to any meal.

From Steel and Slabs to Smoke and Spice: The Story of The Hearthside

The Hearthside Amish Deli is a beautiful contradiction. To understand how a pristine, glass-fronted modern commercial space became the premier destination for traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cooking in Baton Rouge, you have to know the story of Levi and Sarah Shetler.

For most of his life, Levi wasn’t a restaurateur; he was a builder. Raised in the heart of eastern Ohio’s Amish country, he spent decades running a successful commercial construction business that specialized in pouring commercial concrete slabs and erecting large-scale steel buildings across the Midwest. Three years ago, a massive contract for a new commercial retail development brought Levi, his crew, and his family down to Baton Rouge.

While Levi was busy laying the groundwork for modern retail centers, Sarah found herself deeply homesick. She loved the vibrant energy and hospitality of Louisiana, but the local culinary scene, famous for its fiery spices and rich seafood, lacked the simple, rustic comforts of the farmhouse kitchens she grew up in. She missed the smell of yeast dough rising on the counter, the slow-cooked roast pork, and the sweet tang of hot bacon dressing over wilted greens.

The Perfect Intersection of Old and New

The turning point came when Levi’s crew finished the shell of a striking, modern strip center on the edge of town. It featured soaring ceilings, polished concrete floors, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Standing in the empty corner unit, Sarah didn’t see a sterile commercial space; she saw a sunlit gathering place.

She pitched an idea to Levi: What if they stopped building spaces for other people and created a space of their own?

They leased the corner unit and went to work blending their two worlds. Levi utilized his construction expertise to finish the space, leaving the modern concrete and expansive glass intact to give the deli a clean, contemporary feel. However, to ground the space in their heritage, he built a massive, traditional brick hearth right in the center of the dining room and sourced raw, live-edge walnut for the deli counters and shelving.

A New Southern Tradition

Amish deli

Today, Sarah runs the kitchen while Levi manages the operations. The Hearthside Amish Deli represents their journey: the building’s crisp, modern exterior is a nod to Levi’s life in steel and concrete, while the warm, aromatic interior and the scratch-made menu are a pure reflection of Sarah’s traditional Ohio roots. They’ve managed to create a space where Baton Rouge locals can sit by a crackling fire in a modern sunroom, enjoying a slice of authentic shoofly pie and experiencing a completely different kind of Southern comfort.