Experience counts in Amish Country
By Bruce Stambaugh
No question about it, experience counts in Amish Country
Count them. The seven businesses of the Best of Ohio’s Amish Country have a total of 311 years of experience in providing high quality products from top grade lumber to delectable chocolates. It should come as no surprise that all are family owned and operated businesses, too.
Keim Lumber, http://www.keimlumber.com, leads the way with a century of business under its belt. All those years, customers have benefited from obtaining the very best in lumber and now in virtually any home improvement item needed.
Located in the quaint village of Charm, Ohio, in Holmes County, Keim’s spacious showroom is really a 21st century showplace for home improvement items. Founder Moses Keim, grandfather of current owner Bill Keim, would himself be amazed at how the store’s selection has branched far and wide from its humble beginnings.
Keim Lumber was just that, a lumber store for mostly local residents. Today Keim customers come from all corners of the country. The savings, service and selections are that good.
Lehman’s, http://www.lehmans.com, had a similar beginning in the quiet crossroads town of Kidron in Wayne County. Jay Lehman opened Lehman’s in 1955 to sell non-electric items to Amish residents of the area. Today, Lehman’s is a sprawling, one-of-a-kind retail store that you will want to take your time exploring. With their inventory of thousands of unusual items for sale, they have something for everyone in your family. There’s so much to see and do you’ll want to spend the entire day.
Lehman’s is home to products you thought were probably no longer made. You’ll find tin toys, weather vanes, oil lamps, kitchen gadgets, hand tools, non-electric appliances, eco-friendly garden products, homemade treats, unique cookbooks, handcrafted and locally made furniture, candles and more. Even Hollywood has come calling for props for movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Cold Mountain and Gangs of New York.
Nature’s Food Market in Berlin, considered the heart of Ohio’s Amish country, http://www.naturesfoodmaket.com, has been offering high quality, natural and organic food and supplements for 41 years. Their experienced staff can help you find exactly what you need, from organic produce to vitamins to a wide selection of bulk food items and the best health care products on the market.
Nature’s Food Market was way ahead of the cultural curve when it came to offering locally grown and locally made natural food products, including organic. Locally made cheese, fresh ground peanut butter and chemical free spelt products are just some of the examples of what Nature’s Food Market has to offer.
P. Graham Dunn, http://www.pgrahamdunn.com, began creating their distinctive personal plaques on the family farm south of Dalton 35 years ago. Their story also has a personal family history. Founders and owners Peter and LeAnna Dunn began a mission project for runaway girls in New York City that included having the girls create carved plaques. That endeavor was so successful that when the Dunns returned home, they continued the inspirational plaque business, hoping it would someday be a success. That day is here. An expansive factory and retail facility with a bright red roof is located along U.S. 30 in Dalton.
Customers can create their own personalized plaques and gifts. They can also shop the extensive gift shop for other home accessories, along with observing the manufacturing processes.
Behind The Amish Door Village, http://www.amishdoor.com, in Wilmot is a family who imagined a wholesome, family-first travel destination. Owners Milo and Anna Kathryn Miller first poured coffee and served broasted chicken for dinner guests in March 1977.
You can find the most popular dishes, many of them originals, still on today’s menu, marked as Amish Door Signature dishes. In 2006, USA Today’s visit produced a flurry of excitement, and their choices are marked on the menu, too. Locals had always known Amish Door favorites. But it was nice to be “discovered” nationally.
Today, Amish Door is an entire village with an inn, conference facilities, shops and much more. Dinner theater, children’s events and buggy rides make Amish Door a magical place, perfect for special family occasions like weddings and anniversaries. On any day of the year, except Sunday, Amish Door is the ideal way to enter Ohio’s Amish Country.
Coblentz Chocolates, http://www.coblentzchocolates.com, is just finishing up their 24th year in business. Coblentz Chocolate began when Jason and Mark Coblentz recognized a need for a chocolate store in the community. They began with three employees and 20 varieties of chocolates. All of the chocolates were made in the small kitchen in the Victorian house at the intersection of SR 39 and SR 515 in Walnut Creek. Jason and his wife, Mary, lived in the upstairs of the store during the early years. The house is still home to Coblentz Chocolate Company, although it has expanded significantly.
Today Coblentz Chocolates are known for their delicious chocolaty taste, huge selection, and outstanding values. They hold special events like their annual chocolate tasting event, which will take place Sept. 23. You can sign up on their website. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
Homestead Furniture, http://www.homesteadfurnitureonline.com, started selling its fine furniture in a converted chicken coup in Mt. Hope in 1990. Today the progressive furniture store displays one-of-a-kind solid hardwood, upholstered and leather furniture on three levels of its expansive showroom. They have customers in all 50 states and several foreign countries.
Homestead Furniture’s experienced on-site interior designers can create exactly what the customer needs according to whatever dimensions are required. Homestead Furniture is a founding member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, evidence of their commitment to green manufacturing and shipping practices.
Homestead Furniture has furniture for every room in your home or office. Customers can choose the style, stain and wood they prefer, and be confident that their furniture will last for a lifetime, and into the next generation.
Visit all of the Best of Ohio’s Amish Country partners. With more than three centuries of experience, the seven family-owned businesses of the Best of Ohio’s Amish Country offer a wealth of products and proven services for their valued customers.
Make the most of your time and money while in Amish Country by visiting Amish Door Village in Wilmot, Coblentz Chocolates in Walnut Creek, Homestead Furniture in Mt. Hope, Keim Lumber in Charm, Lehman’s in Kidron, Nature’s Food Market in Berlin, and P. Graham Dunn in Dalton. There is a lot to do and see at each location. All of the Best of Ohio’s Amish Country businesses are closed on Sunday.
Visit http://www.bestofohiosamishcountry.com for more information.
