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The Amish Market That’s Changing Shopping in Southern West Virginia


A new chapter is unfolding in the rural community of Peterstown, Monroe County, West Virginia, as an authentic Amish market opens its doors, blending tradition, hospitality, and local flavor in remarkable ways. The Appalachian Country Store, a fresh addition to the region, offers more than groceries—it brings homemade Amish baked goods, a specialty deli, and an inviting atmosphere that’s already capturing the hearts of residents and visitors alike.

New Amish Market Brings Life to Monroe County

Long known for its scenic farmland and tight-knit communities, Monroe County welcomed the Appalachian Country Store to Peterstown as a much-needed resource and gathering place. This isn’t just another shop—according to owner Jeff Miller, the goal has always been bigger than profit: “Most of all we want to be known as a company and a store that people come to because of the atmosphere.” The store has been a year in the making, developed by the Miller family after their move from Ohio and inspired by the generous spirit of locals who welcomed them with open arms.

Filling a Local Need—With Heart

Monroe County residents have often been forced to cross state lines into Virginia for basic groceries or homemade baked goods. Now, the Appalachian Country Store offers a local alternative, ensuring tax revenue and business stay within the county while saving time and travel for area families. “People will be spending their money in Monroe County,” said Melvin Young, county commission president, who sees the store as the tipping point for future development in this part of Peterstown.

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While you may not find every major-brand item under one roof, you will find a curated selection of local produce, fresh-baked Amish treats, sandwiches made to order from a six-item deli menu, and service with a genuine smile. The Miller family works with local Amish bakers, stocking everything from breads and cookies to jams and cheeses—each bite reflecting generations of culinary skill and dedication.

Homegrown Hospitality and Community Pride

Atmosphere is more than a marketing pitch here. It’s evident in everyday exchanges—the kind that helped the Miller family settle in, despite the challenges of relocating with Amish lifestyle restrictions. Community members helped with rides, offered advice, and provided valuable feedback on what they hoped a new country store could become. Miller recalls how these neighborly acts inspired the very ethos that defines the store today.

Located strategically near the Fountain Springs Golf Course, the Appalachian Country Store lands in an area primed for future growth and increased foot traffic. Local officials and the store’s founders expect it to draw not only residents, but also travelers eager for unique foods and an authentic local experience.

Visitors Welcome—A New Destination for All

The store’s doors are open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, closing Sundays and Mondays to honor family and tradition. With a prime location and a strong sense of gratitude toward the community, Miller and his team encourage everyone—local and visitor alike—to stop in. As Melvin Young puts it: “Let’s support Monroe County. Go up there, go in, and say hi to them. They’re new owners, new people in the community.” The Appalachian Country Store proves that success isn’t measured simply in sales, but in the smiles of satisfied customers and the bonds rebuilt one loaf, one pie, and one sandwich at a time.


  1. https://amishamerica.com/amish-markets/
  2. https://www.asherycountrystore.com
  3. https://www.mapquest.com/us/west-virginia/amish-country-store-410985609
  4. https://appalachiancountrystore.com
  5. https://appalachiancountrystore.com/history.htm
  6. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1534198150165827/posts/4052353188350298/
  7. https://www.facebook.com/farmhousemarketfinds/videos/come-visit-wvs-newest-destination-and-our-little-piece-of-amish-country-we-would/1778146736328872/
  8. https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=farmersmarket&find_loc=Peterstown%2C+WV
  9. https://www.facebook.com/sunfreshmarketpeterstown/
  10. http://www.appalachiancountrystore.com

The Amish Bakery in Pennsylvania Serving Up the State’s Most Legendary Shoofly Pie


Shoofly pie may be an old-fashioned dessert, but in one corner of Pennsylvania Amish Country, it feels surprisingly alive – thanks to a village bakery that has quietly perfected its own take on this classic. At Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Café in Lancaster County, the humble “wet-bottom” shoofly pie has become a destination dessert, drawing travelers from across the country to a tiny village with a very big baking reputation.bird-in-hand+1

A Classic Pennsylvania Dutch Pie

Shoofly pie is one of those dishes that sounds mysterious until you see it sliced on a plate. At heart, it is a simple Pennsylvania Dutch creation: a tender crust filled with a sticky, sugary layer, topped with a cake-like crumb that bakes into a golden, fragrant cap.yahoo

The pie dates back to the 1800s, when early Pennsylvania Dutch settlers adapted old-world baking traditions to the ingredients they had on hand. Molasses, flour, and sugar formed the backbone of the recipe, resulting in a dessert that was both economical and long-lasting – perfect for farm families who needed something sweet to keep on the table. Over more than a century, shoofly pie became one of the state’s most iconic sweets, as closely tied to Pennsylvania Dutch Country as horse-drawn buggies and covered bridges.yahoo

Welcome to Bird-in-Hand, in the Heart of Amish Country

You’ll find Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Café in the village of Bird-in-Hand, a postcard-size community set amid rolling fields, whitewashed farmhouses, and the steady rhythm of Amish life in eastern Lancaster County.bird-in-hand+1

The bakery sits along Old Philadelphia Pike, part of a cluster of family-run businesses under the Bird-in-Hand name that includes an inn, restaurant, farmers market, and entertainment venues. The modern hospitality operation traces its roots to the late 1960s, when the Smucker family opened a small motor lodge and restaurant to welcome the growing number of visitors curious about Amish Country. The standalone bakery followed in 1984, quickly earning a reputation for pies, breads, and Pennsylvania Dutch specialties baked the old-fashioned way.bird-in-hand+1

Grandma’s Recipes, Baked from Scratch

Step through the doors of Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Café and it’s hard to know where to look first. Glass cases are lined with pies, whoopie pies, cookies, donuts, and towering cakes, while the air smells of cinnamon, butter, and yeast.yelp+1

Many of the baked goods still begin with family recipes passed down through generations, including some from CEO John Smucker’s grandmother. The team bakes from scratch, mixing and rolling dough in-house rather than relying on frozen shortcuts. In addition to the famous shoofly pie, the menu highlights whoopie pies, giant apple fritters, seasonal pumpkin treats, specialty breads, and hand-decorated cakes for every occasion.yelp+1

Beyond sweets, the café side of the business serves soups, sandwiches, salads, and smoothies crafted with local and homegrown produce, turning the bakery into an easy lunch stop as well as a dessert destination. Visitors can grab a slice of pie and a sandwich, then linger with coffee as buggies roll past outside.bird-in-hand+1

What Makes This Shoofly Pie Different

In Pennsylvania Dutch baking, there are two main shoofly pie styles: “dry-bottom” and “wet-bottom.” Bird-in-Hand specializes in the latter, and that detail matters. In a wet-bottom shoofly pie, the sugary syrup layer remains soft and gooey at the base while a more cake-like crumb forms above it, creating contrasting textures in every bite.bird-in-hand+1

Most traditional recipes rely heavily on dark molasses for that sticky base, which can lend a deep, almost bitter edge to the flavor. Bird-in-Hand’s bakers have quietly taken a different path. Instead of leaning on molasses, they use a blend of brown sugar and light syrup, rounded out with ingredients such as flour, eggs, and cinnamon. The result is a filling that’s still lush and sticky, but lighter and more approachable for modern palates, without sacrificing the pie’s rustic identity.yahoo

Baked in a tender crust and finished with a generous crumb topping, the bakery’s signature pie slices into three distinct layers: a dense, gooey base, a soft, cake-like middle, and a gently crisped top. It’s rich but not heavy, sweet without being cloying – the kind of dessert that feels equally at home at a farmhouse breakfast table or after a celebratory dinner.bird-in-hand+1

A Pie with a Loyal Following

Bird-in-Hand’s shoofly pie isn’t just beloved by tourists discovering Amish Country for the first time – it has a devoted local and repeat following as well. Longtime customers on travel and review sites often single out the pie as the best they’ve tasted in the region, noting that they return year after year specifically for another slice.yelp+2

Conversations in online Lancaster County forums echo the same sentiment, with locals recommending Bird-in-Hand whenever someone asks where to find a standout shoofly pie. The bakery’s pie even caught national attention when it appeared on an episode of Al Roker’s “Family Style,” in a segment exploring the history of American pies. For a dessert born from pantry staples, it has become something of a quiet star.yahoo

Bringing Bird-in-Hand Home

Not everyone can make the drive down Old Philadelphia Pike, but Bird-in-Hand has made it easy to taste their signature pie from afar. Whole shoofly pies are available to order directly through the bakery’s online shop and through major e-commerce platforms, shipped carefully so that the layers arrive intact and ready to slice.bird-in-hand+1

For those who prefer to bake at home, the pie’s structure – crust, gooey base, cake-like layer, and crumbs – has inspired countless home-baker adaptations and shortcut recipes. Still, there’s something special about tasting it in the village that gave the bakery its name, surrounded by the fields, farms, and family stories that shaped the recipe over generations.bird-in-hand+1

Planning a Visit

Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Café sits at 2715 Old Philadelphia Pike, just minutes from other Lancaster County attractions such as Intercourse, PA, local farmers markets, and family-friendly shows. Many visitors build a full day or weekend around the village, pairing breakfast pastries, lunch, and an afternoon ice cream with shopping and scenic drives through Amish farmland.yelp+2

For travelers interested in authentic Pennsylvania Dutch flavors, this is more than a quick stop for dessert. It’s a chance to taste a living tradition – one pie slice at a time – in a village that has turned a simple recipe into an enduring symbol of Amish Country hospitality.bird-in-hand+2

  1. https://bird-in-hand.com/bakery-cafe/
  2. https://www.yelp.com/biz/bird-in-hand-bake-shop-bird-in-hand
  3. https://www.yelp.com/biz/bird-in-hand-bakery-and-cafe-bird-in-hand
  4. https://bird-in-hand.com/map/
  5. https://www.discoverlancaster.com/directory/bird-in-hand-bake-shop/
  6. https://www.mapquest.com/us/pennsylvania/bird-in-hand-bakery-cafe-276025983
  7. https://www.mapquest.com/us/pennsylvania/bird-in-hand-bake-shop-345851797
  8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird-in-Hand,_Pennsylvania
  9. https://www.discoverlancaster.com/directory/bird-in-hand-bakery-cafe-sweets-treats/
  10. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/located-amish-country-pennsylvania-bakery-000300062.html

Thanksgiving in Amish Communities: Traditions and Recipes


Thanksgiving in Amish Communities: Traditions and Recipes

Thanksgiving among the Amish is a heartfelt celebration emphasizing simplicity, gratitude, and community. Rooted in their agricultural lifestyle and deep faith, the Amish observe the holiday with a focus on homemade meals, family gatherings, and expressions of thanks that extend beyond the dinner table.snydersfurniture+2

Amish Thanksgiving Traditions

The Amish approach Thanksgiving with a focus on the harvest and local, seasonal foods. Families typically gather in the home of an elder or a large family home, preparing meals that showcase ingredients raised or grown on their own farms. The preparation often involves multiple days in the kitchen, with women playing the central role in cooking.ohiosamishcountry+1

A moment of communal gratitude or prayer usually precedes the meal, reinforcing the importance of thankfulness not just in words but through actions like charity and service to neighbors. The Amish often express their gratitude by helping others with farm chores or sharing food with those in need.amishamerica+1

Community gatherings reflect the values of unity and humility, fostering a warm, tight-knit spirit. Entertainment often includes singing, storytelling, and board games after the meal, creating a wholesome atmosphere that typifies Amish celebrations.youtube​ohiosamishcountry

Typical Amish Thanksgiving Menu and Recipes

Amish Thanksgiving meals feature classic dishes with a homestyle twist, emphasizing simplicity and quality ingredients. The centerpiece is often a plump turkey raised on the family farm, accompanied by ham or venison depending on the community’s preferences.visitbigvalley+1

Common dishes include:

  • Roast Turkey with Gravy: Succulent turkey roasted to perfection, often with pan gravy made from the drippings.
  • Homemade Stuffing (PA Dutch Bread Filling): A traditional bread stuffing using locally baked Amish bread combined with herbs and sometimes sausage.
  • Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Creamy mashed potatoes served alongside rich turkey gravy.
  • Candied Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes cooked with brown sugar and butter for a comforting sweet side.
  • Fresh Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like corn, squash, green beans, and carrots, often steamed or simply prepared to highlight freshness.
  • Homemade Rolls and Bread: Freshly baked bread and rolls, sometimes served with homemade jams or butter.
  • Desserts: Pumpkin pie, apple pie, shoofly pie, whoopie pies, brownies, cakes, and cookies are staples. These desserts reflect the Amish love for baking and sharing sweets.strasburgscooters+3

Amish Roast Turkey with Gravy

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), cleaned and thawed
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
  • 2 tbsp flour (for gravy)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Rub the turkey inside and out with butter; season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Place onion, celery, and carrots inside the turkey cavity for added flavor.
  4. Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
  5. Roast for about 3 to 3.5 hours, basting occasionally with pan juices, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove turkey and let rest before carving.
  7. For gravy, strain pan juices into a saucepan; skim fat. Heat broth and add pan juices.
  8. Whisk flour with a bit of cold water to make a slurry; slowly stir into the hot liquids and cook until thickened.

Pennsylvania Dutch Bread Filling (Stuffing)

Ingredients

  • 8 cups cubed Amish white bread or sturdy bread, left to dry
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp dried sage (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
  2. Sauté onion and celery in butter until tender.
  3. Place dried bread cubes in a large bowl.
  4. Add sautéed vegetables, salt, pepper, and sage.
  5. Mix beaten eggs with chicken broth and pour over bread mixture; toss gently.
  6. Pour into greased baking dish.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes until top is golden brown.

Conclusion

Amish Thanksgiving is a meaningful celebration of harvest, faith, family, and community. Their traditional meals highlight farm-fresh, handmade dishes filled with simple yet rich flavors. From roast turkey to beloved Pennsylvania Dutch stuffing and a bounty of seasonal sides and desserts, Amish Thanksgiving food is a reflection of their values — wholesome, heartfelt, and shared generously with loved ones.amishvillage+3

  1. https://www.snydersfurniture.com/blogs/news/5-ways-the-amish-celebrate-thanksgiving
  2. https://visitbigvalley.com/the-timeless-tradition-of-thanksgiving-in-amish-communities/53075/uncategorized/admin/
  3. https://www.ohiosamishcountry.com/articles/the-amish-and-thanksgiving-day
  4. https://maryschrockbooks.com/blog/an-amish-thanksgiving-day
  5. https://strasburgscooters.com/amish-country/things-to-do-this-thanksgiving-in-amish-country-pa/
  6. https://www.amishvillage.com/blog/do-the-lancaster-amish-celebrate-thanksgiving/
  7. https://amishamerica.com/amish-thanksgiving-part-1-how-the-amish-say-thank-you/
  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gd73oITaR8
  9. https://thestarlitpath.com/2025/11/14/spotlight-on-amish-country/
  10. https://amish-heritage.org/amish-holidays-religious-holidays/

Barns, Backroads & Butter Noodles: Touring Friendsville’s Emerging Amish Settlement


A brand-new Amish community has taken root in the hills around Friendsville, Maryland, and it is already reshaping this quiet Garrett County town with its blend of horse-drawn calm, serious craftsmanship, and remarkably good food. Tucked into the western corner of the state near the Youghiogheny River, the Friendsville area has long been known for rafting, mountain air, and country roads—now there are buggies on those roads, roadside stands at the crossroads, and a growing circle of visitors planning day trips specifically to explore “the new Amish community by the river.”amishamerica+1


A new chapter in Western Maryland

Maryland has only a handful of Amish settlements, most notably the long‑established communities in St. Mary’s County and around Oakland and Grantsville, so the decision by several families to found a new district near Friendsville is significant. According to recent population reports, the Friendsville settlement was first listed in 2024 with just a few families, making it one of the newest Amish communities in the entire state and part of a wave of nine new settlements founded across North America in a single year.facebook+4

The Friendsville Amish chose this corner of Garrett County for its relatively affordable land, existing agricultural base, and distance from heavy development pressures seen elsewhere in Maryland. Rolling pasture, second‑growth woods, and narrow backroads suit horse‑and‑buggy life, while proximity to the established non‑electric Amish at nearby Grantsville and the electric New Order group at Oakland provides spiritual and economic support.wikipedia+2

Local resident “Jim R.” sums up the shift: “You used to see mostly kayaks and pickup trucks on the road; now you’ll meet a buggy on the way to town. It feels like the clock turned back a few decades—in a good way.”

Amish Settlement

First impressions for visitors

Driving in from I‑68, visitors quickly notice neat white farmhouses, long bank barns, laundry lines, and the distinctive grey‑topped buggies associated with Amish groups tied historically to Lancaster County and western Pennsylvania. Fields are cultivated with teams of horses, and small hand‑painted signs mark lanes leading to bulk food sheds, produce stands, harness shops, and a few home bakeries.amishamerica+1

Travel blogger “Lena S.” described her first stop at a Friendsville farmstand this way: “We pulled over for eggs and left with bread, cookies, and half a bushel of apples. The children were shy but smiling, and their mother thanked us like we’d done her a favor by shopping there.” This quiet, non‑touristy feel is part of Friendsville’s charm; unlike polished commercial markets closer to the cities, most businesses here are family driveways with a bell, a cash box, and a notebook for tallying purchases.


Emerging Amish businesses in Friendsville

Because the settlement is new and still small, most enterprises are modest—yet they already echo the diverse mix of shops seen in older Maryland communities.visitstmarysmd+1

  • Roadside produce stands: In season, visitors can expect sweet corn, potatoes, cabbages, beans, beets, and winter squash, along with brown eggs and sometimes broiler chickens.
  • Bulk and baked‑goods sheds: Simple sheds or small shops sell 50‑lb bags of flour and sugar, oats, noodles, spices, and baking mixes alongside homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, and pies, much like Amish bulk outlets elsewhere in the region.discovernepa+1
  • Harness and leather shops: Given the hilly terrain and reliance on horses, harness repair and custom leatherwork are natural fits and often serve both Amish neighbors and local English horse owners.amishamerica
  • Woodworking and structures: Small shops producing lawn furniture, sheds, or cabin shells follow the pattern of other Maryland Amish businesses that market high‑quality wood products to visitors and regional buyers.thisnthatamishoutlet+2

One Friendsville hardware clerk reports, “You can tell their reputation is spreading—folks drive out from Morgantown and Uniontown to load up on baked goods and noodles for the month.”


A simple Amish “restaurant” experience

There is not yet a polished, commercial Amish restaurant with a neon sign in Friendsville, but visitors willing to plan ahead can experience home‑based meals very similar to those offered in Amish house‑restaurants in Pennsylvania and Ohio.reddit+2

Some families accept small groups by reservation for served, family‑style dinners in a home or converted shop, typically arranged via word of mouth or through a local contact in town. Menus change with the seasons, but common popular dishes match what travelers love across Amish country:visittheamish+1

  • Roast chicken or meatloaf with mashed potatoes and rich brown gravy.
  • Homemade chicken and noodles over creamy potatoes—arguably the most‑requested Amish comfort food.
  • Buttered garden corn, green beans with ham, and pickled beets or chow‑chow as bright, tangy sides.
  • Fresh baked white and wheat bread with apple butter or peanut butter spread.
  • Pies and desserts: shoofly, apple crumb, berry, or pumpkin during fall, often served still slightly warm.

A recent guest from Virginia described their Friendsville supper: “There was nothing fancy about it—no printed menu, no décor beyond oil lamps and a long table—but every dish tasted like someone’s best Sunday dinner. We passed the bowls around until we couldn’t eat another bite, then they brought out pie.”

Another reviewer noted, “I’ve eaten at big Amish buffets in Ohio, but sharing a quiet meal in Friendsville felt much more personal. You hear about their gardens, their church, their neighbors—it’s a cultural experience, not just a plate of food.”amishamerica+1


How the new community fits into Maryland’s Amish story

Friendsville’s district joins Oakland and Grantsville as the third Amish presence in Garrett County, giving Western Maryland a uniquely dense cluster of plain communities compared with the rest of the state. Unlike the electric New Order group around Oakland, Friendsville appears closer in practice to the non‑electric, more traditional pattern seen in Grantsville and rural Pennsylvania—no grid power in homes, limited phone use, and strong emphasis on farming and small shops.groups.etown+2

Statewide, Maryland’s Amish presence is still small—roughly 2,000 people spread over just a few settlements—but continues to grow slowly as families look for less crowded, more affordable corners to farm. Population trackers note that Friendsville began with perhaps a dozen or so households and may add churches over time if land and local relations remain favorable. For tourists, this means now is an ideal moment to visit: the community is active and welcoming, but not yet over‑run with tour buses or commercialized attractions.amishamerica+2

A regional tourism writer summed it up: “If you want Lancaster‑style buggies without Lancaster‑level crowds, Friendsville is your sweet spot.”visittheamish+1

Amish Settlement


Practical visiting tips

  • Go slowly and share the road. Narrow, winding roads are shared with horse‑drawn buggies; drivers should give plenty of space and avoid sudden passes.amishamerica
  • Bring cash. Many roadside stands and home businesses operate on a cash or honor‑box basis—no cards, no apps.
  • Ask before taking photos. As in other Amish areas, photographing people is discouraged for religious reasons; scenic barns and landscapes are fine, but always be respectful.amishamerica
  • Look for handwritten signs. “Eggs,” “Baked Goods,” or “Harness Shop” may be the only clues that you’ve found a business lane.
  • Plan meals ahead. If you’re hoping for a home‑style Amish dinner, arrange it through local contacts, a Friendsville visitor center, or a tour organizer working with the new settlement.reddit+1

For travelers who love discovering emerging Amish communities, Friendsville offers a rare combination of mountain scenery, genuinely off‑the‑beaten‑path culture, and some of the best simple cooking you’ll find anywhere.


Amish Settlement
  1. https://www.facebook.com/amishamerica/posts/2025-amish-population-over-400000-growing-nine-new-communities-were-founded-sinc/1219587566870084/
  2. https://www.facebook.com/amishamerica/photos/11-photos-giving-a-captivating-glimpse-of-an-off-the-beaten-path-amish-community/1220264710135703/
  3. https://www.facebook.com/amishamerica/photos/2025-amish-population-over-400000-growing-nine-new-communities-were-founded-sinc/1219587540203420/
  4. https://amishamerica.com/maryland-amish/
  5. https://www.friendsvillesquare.com/post/our-road-trip-to-the-real-friendsvilles
  6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish_in_Maryland
  7. https://www.visitstmarysmd.com/explore/museums-history/amish-mennonite/
  8. https://amishamerica.com/the-amish-population-has-grown-over-130-percent-this-century-2025-report/
  9. https://groups.etown.edu/amishstudies/files/2025/06/Amish-Pop-2025_by-state-and-county.pdf
  10. https://visittheamish.com/western-marylands-newest-amish-community-touring-garrett-countys-new-settlement/
  11. https://discovernepa.com/listing/the-amish-pantry/
  12. https://amishcountrystoreonline.com/bulk-foods/?page=12
  13. https://www.thisnthatamishoutlet.com
  14. https://amishamerica.com/amish-cabinets-virginia/
  15. https://www.reddit.com/r/lancaster/comments/1clnatm/eating_at_an_amish_houserestaurant/
  16. https://amishamerica.com/favorite-amish-restaurant/
  17. https://familydestinationsguide.com/homey-restaurants-ohio-amish/
  18. https://www.ohiomagazine.com/food-drink/article/12-restaurants-to-try-in-ohio-s-amish-country

Shoofly Pie in the City: The Unexpected Magic of Amish at Lake Orion


In the most unexpected place—a bustling lakeside city known for its trendy cafés and international food trucks—a peaceful cluster of buggies and a red barn-style restaurant have caught the attention of locals and travelers alike. “Lakeshore Amish Table,” nestled along the edge of Lake Orion, Michigan, is drawing crowds for its hearty, homemade Amish fare, friendly service, and rare glimpse into Pennsylvania Dutch and Ohio-country tradition—right in the heart of a contemporary urban landscape. The story of this new Amish community and its welcoming eatery isn’t just about food: it’s about bridging old and new, and making authentic connection possible wherever the road leads.


An Amish Arrival Where No One Predicted

Lake Orion is a city known for water sports, indie shops, and Friday-night buzz—so when an Amish family opened Lakeshore Amish Table nearby, the local buzz was instant. At first, some residents blinked at the sight of a buggy beside luxury sedans, but curiosity and the heavenly smell of baking bread quickly won hearts. Founder Amos King, who moved from Holmes County in Ohio, says, “We wanted to share our food and faith with people who haven’t had it. At first, folks just stared. Now they come with friends and ask for recipes!”

Lakeshore Amish Table

The Menu: Comfort Classics with City-Side Views

Breakfast Standouts:

  • Giant cinnamon rolls, glazed and warm
  • Fluffy pancakes with maple butter or homemade jam
  • Biscuit sandwiches with farm eggs and smoked bacon

Lunch & Supper Favorites:

  • Crispy broasted chicken, piled high with mashed potatoes and gravy
  • Slow-roasted pot roast with carrots and soft dinner rolls
  • Egg noodles in savory broth, served with rotisserie chicken
  • Ham loaf with brown sugar glaze, a king among comfort dishes
  • Herb-baked pork chops, corn pudding, and slaw
Lakeshore Amish Table

Dessert & Bakery:

  • Shoofly pie, apple crisp, oatmeal cream pies
  • Pumpkin bread, berry cobbler, glazed donuts

Market Additions: Pantry Staples and Handcrafted Goods

The attached Amish market is winning raves for:

  • Fresh churned butter, block cheddar, and cheese curds
  • Breads (cinnamon swirl, sourdough, rye)
  • Jam, apple butter, and homemade salsas
  • Handwoven baskets, wooden spoons, soap, and simple quilts

Community Voices & Reviews

Nancy C., a local food blogger, writes: “This place didn’t just surprise me—it delighted me! The chicken is juicy, mashed potatoes are the real deal, and the pies? Unbelievable. Staff genuinely made us feel like family.”

Tourist review from Mark L. says: “Stopped in with no expectations and left a fan. Amish sausage, chutneys, and those cinnamon rolls—wow!”

Lake Orion resident and chef, Tanya P.: “Never imagined I’d be eating Amish pot roast while watching sailboats. It’s authentic, comforting, and a welcome break from chain fare.”


Insider Tips for Diners

  • Lines are shortest early morning and post-lunch; weekends are bustling, so plan ahead
  • Cash is appreciated at the market, but cards are accepted for meals
  • Ask staff about daily specials—some nights feature homemade meatloaf, vegetable stew, or hard-to-find pies
  • The farmhouse sampler plate is the quickest way to taste it all if you can’t decide
  • Catering and take-home baked goods are available—perfect for parties or family suppers
Lakeshore Amish Table

Check sources

  1. https://www.mashed.com/1289885/amish-restaurants-visit-us/
  2. https://amishamerica.com/favorite-amish-restaurant/
  3. https://www.ohiomagazine.com/food-drink/article/12-restaurants-to-try-in-ohio-s-amish-country
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVxvqSNsKG0
  5. https://dhgroup.com/restaurants/der-dutchman-plain-city-oh/
  6. https://www.facebook.com/amishcountryoh/posts/check-this-out-%EF%B8%8Fhttps10bestusatodaycomawardsbest-buffet-restauranttwo-of-our-loc/1140707718087229/
  7. https://familydestinationsguide.com/homey-restaurants-ohio-amish/
  8. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/most-beautiful-restaurant-ohio-charming-161500031.html
  9. https://www.instagram.com/p/DLXepcCMjnE/
  10. https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Amish+Restaurant&find_loc=Grove+City%2C+OH

Maple Hollow Amish Market: Mercer’s Best-Kept Secret for Comfort Food and Crafts



Maple Hollow Amish Market: Mercer’s New Hub for Traditional Flavors and Community

Nestled in scenic Mercer, Pennsylvania, where winding back roads border family farms and horse-drawn buggies share space with modern cars, a new market is rewriting how locals and tourists experience country living: Maple Hollow Amish Market. Open less than a year and already drawing crowds, this vibrant, family-friendly destination has quickly become Mercer’s must-visit for anyone craving authentic Amish food, handcrafted goods, and old-fashioned hospitality.

Welcome to Maple Hollow: Where Tradition Meets Community

Founded by Amos and Naomi Byler, members of Mercer’s long-established Amish community, Maple Hollow Amish Market brings the richness of the region’s agricultural tradition straight to its shelves and kitchen. Their vision—simple but ambitious—is to offer Mercer residents and visitors a taste of honest, handmade fare and a chance to slow down in a bustling world.

The market itself is a feast for the senses. Inside, hand-built wooden shelves overflow with fresh seasonal produce, home-churned butter, golden breads, and shelves of preserves shimmering in the sunlight. At the heart of the market is its open kitchen and bakery, where Naomi and her daughters prepare daily batches of cinnamon rolls, pies, and fry pies, filling the air with comforting aromas.

Outside, Amish-made furniture, garden sheds, and quilted crafts invite shoppers to linger longer, and every corner of the market radiates the warmth and simplicity that defines the Amish way.

Amish Market

Favorite Food Items at Maple Hollow Amish Market

Visitors come for the atmosphere—but stay for the food. Every item on Maple Hollow’s menu celebrates local ingredients and family recipes handed down for generations.

  • Fresh Baked Bread: From hearty whole-wheat loaves to classic farmhouse white, bread at Maple Hollow is hand-kneaded and baked daily.
  • Fry Pies: A regional Amish dessert not to be missed—mini hand pies filled with fruit preserves, glazed for sweetness. Apple, cherry, and raspberry are bestsellers.
  • Homemade Apple Butter: Slow-cooked apples with cinnamon, clove, and brown sugar—sold in jars and as a key ingredient for sandwiches.
  • Meats and Cheeses: Sliced smoked ham, bologna, sharp Swiss, and creamy farmer’s cheese from nearby dairies fill the market’s deli case.
  • Hot Soup and Sandwiches: The eat-in deli offers homemade chicken noodle soup, beef barley stew, grilled ham and Swiss on rye, and chicken salad sandwiches.
  • Pickled Vegetables: Bright jars of pickled beets, bread-and-butter pickles, and spicy kraut line the shelves.
  • Jams and Preserves: Strawberry-rhubarb, blueberry, grape, and peach preserves are all small-batch and family-made.
  • Kettle Chips: Hand-cut potato chips cooked in small batches, crisp and savory.
  • Soft Pretzels: Made fresh and sold hot, perfect with farm cheese or honey mustard.

Specialty items rotate by season. In spring, shoppers rave about homemade maple syrup; in summer, it’s fresh strawberry pies and corn relish. Autumn brings pumpkin rolls and nut breads, while winter features hot cider, ginger cookies, and jars of mincemeat.

amish market

Reviews and Quotes from Satisfied Shoppers

Maple Hollow has quickly garnered passionate reviews from locals, tourists, and even food bloggers passing through Mercer County. A sampling:

  • “Maple Hollow Amish Market is a treasure. Everything feels like a treat—try the fry pies, you won’t regret it.”
  • “Stopped by for pickles and left with bread, cheese, and a fresh ham sandwich. The flavors are pure comfort.”
  • “Amos greeted us like family. Their apple butter is the best I’ve tasted, and my kids loved the homemade pretzels.”
  • “You can smell the bread baking from the parking lot. It’s impossible to leave empty-handed!”
  • “There’s a sense of community here—the staff know your name, and the food has real soul.”

One tourist review mentions: “Felt like a step back in time. Every employee was kind, patient, and knowledgeable. We left with a pie for the road and Amish jams for gifts. Definitely coming back!”

Community Focus and Unique Experiences

Beyond food, Maple Hollow Amish Market hosts monthly workshops—bread baking, jam making, and quilt crafting—open to travelers, families, and locals. The market remains closed on Sundays in line with Amish tradition, but every Saturday, there’s a bustling outdoor farmer’s area with local honey, eggs, and fresh produce.

Children love the market’s gentle animals—rabbits and chicks most weekends—and a unique toy corner with handmade wooden puzzles and blocks. Guests can book guided “Amish Around Mercer” tours, starting at Maple Hollow, for a personalized look at Mercer’s Amish heritage.

Amos and Naomi’s market demonstrates the best of rural values: honesty, hard work, generosity—a place where transactions are really interactions.

Why You Should Visit Maple Hollow Amish Market

For anyone traveling through western Pennsylvania or seeking to reconnect with artisanal craftsmanship and wholesome food, Maple Hollow Amish Market is Mercer’s signature stop. The market is not just about buying; it’s about learning, sharing, and slowing down. Regulars recommend coming early for the best breads and pies, and staying late for good company.

Whether you’re stocking your pantry, in search of the perfect gift, or simply craving homemade comfort food, this new market delivers an unforgettable taste of Mercer’s Amish heritage.



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