Amish Country News October 2014

Travel Amish Roads‌

with bestselling author Barbara Cameron

The Amish Roads Series

And Discover Artistry Stitched in Time

AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD

DUTCH HAVEN W

AMISH COUNTRY LANDMARK

hile driving along Route 30 in Lancaster County, you may see both familiar and unexpected sights. Certainly the Plain folk and their horse and buggy transportation will seem a step back in time. But one unique and unmistakable landmark is the Dutch Haven windmill. Its revolving arms have been drawing thousands of visitors each week ever since it first opened as a restaurant back in 1946.

And while hungry visitors could satisfy themselves on any number of Penn Dutch specialties, it was Dutch Haven’s shoo fly pie that put it on the map…and in the record books as “America’s Best Shoo Fly Pie.”

Made with a secret recipe, some 40,000 pies are sold in the store or shipped via UPS all over the USA. Indeed, so popular and delicious are the pies that some faithful customers have been buying them for over 50 years!

This is undisputedly Amish Country’s most famous dessert, and all you have to do is walk through the door at Dutch Haven to be offered a sample taste of this amazing treat, warmed and topped with whipped cream, just as it was served in the restaurant all those years ago.

The pie that was featured in TIME magazine still plays a feature role at Dutch Haven. But the windmill building is now home to an amazing selection of over 10,000 items. One of the area’s best selections of primitive Amish furniture includes corner cupboards, pie safes, chests, and shelves.

T-Shirts

Souvenirs

Woodcrafts, souvenirs and collectibles of all kinds fill the former dining rooms. Also on the shopper’s menu would be everything from spice mats and Amish dolls to jams, jellies, and local honey. Who can resist buying a T-shirt, or maybe a bonnet or Amish felt hat? If you grow tired looking at all of the Dutch Haven gift items, relax in one of the Troutman Rocking Chairs, from the oldest rocking chair company in America. Also deserving of a trip home in your car are the colorful and decorative hex signs, a perfect reminder of a visit to Dutch Country.

Dutch Haven’s shopping hours are Sun.-Thurs.

9am-7pm, Fri. & Sat. 9am-9pm. For more information about this Lancaster County landmark, call (717) 687-0111 or visit dutchhaven.com.

A visit to Dutch Haven, “the place that made shoo fly pie famous,” will make your trip to Amish Country even more memorable…and tasty!

Hex Signs AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 3

17 Years of Baking —

By Clinton Martin

A

ll over America, silver screens flicker and delight audiences with Hollywood’s best. TITANIC, MEN IN BLACK, AIR FORCE ONE, AS GOOD AS IT GETS, and LIAR LIAR all garner massive pop culture followings, seemingly touching every corner of the Country. At the same time, about as far away from Ratings G through R as one can get, a simple and humble experiment quietly creates what is becoming a cultural icon in its own right.

The year is 1997 and in a little corner of Amish Country, a resourceful Amish woman is busily experimenting with a brand new chicken potpie recipe. She and her husband, like many of their Plain-dressed friends and neighbors, run a side business in addition to farming as a source of supplemental income. Their vocation happens to be running a market stand at a local farmers market. In addition to other fresh meats and cheeses, they sell freshly prepared chickens. Her task at hand is to find a way to prepare surplus fresh chicken that doesn’t sell at market. Her solution? Chicken pot pies, only instead of the stew-like crust-less pot pie widely known and enjoyed in the local Pa Dutch Country, she bakes her pot pie in home-baked plump and juicy crust-hulled meat pies that are much more portable, keep well, and can be

Amish Farm to Two-Story Barn…

The Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies Story easily heated up at home. She calls the fledgling business Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies.

The pies were a success, and by 2001 she had grown her business one pie at a time to the point that she had a small stand-alone USDA inspected kitchen built on the side of her home. Then, in 2007, her husband passed away and she was left running the business on her own. She felt it was time for her to retire, and so passed along the family business to the next generation. That would be Leroy (her son-in-law) and Rose Anna (daughter) King.

Leroy and Rose Anna continued to grow the family business, baking the increasingly popular chicken pies and sending them home with hungry customers all over Amish Country. At first, Leroy worked full time outside the bakery, but after three years it became clear the business was ready for (and indeed needed) him to come on board full time. In 2010, they took a major step forward and built a fully stocked two-story bakery, complete with a floor-to-ceiling oven that could bake dozens of pies at one time. A staff of 17 employees now worked diligently at mixing, baking, and boxing up the delicious and hearty creations.

the chicken variety, customers overwhelmingly approved and more often than not took one of each home to heat up and enjoy.

It wasn’t long before grandma’s stove was commandeered again for a little trial and error, as the new larger bake house had attracted not only new customers but also a curious salesman from a local butcher shop. He had stopped in to see the new place, and upon seeing the busy bakers sifting, stirring, and shaping the various ingredients into tasty chicken and beef pies he knew he had an idea for them. His butcher shop was renowned locally for pork products, and he figured some good old fashioned country sausage would make a pretty good meat pie too.

Leroy and Rose Anna decided to pursue this suggestion, and after many prototype pies and possible flavor profiles, they approved their most recent meat pie variety, a locally inspired sausage pie. The reviews have come in, and even skeptics are found to stock a few of the bluelabeled boxes in their freezers after trying a bite of the one-pot meals.

Brand new for this year in 2014, the Zook’s name has once again embraced

At around the same time, they introduced a brand new meat pie flavor, this time filling their pies with tender and juicy beef. The recipe took a few rounds of “R&D” in grandma’s kitchen before it was ready to take the honored Zook’s name, but once the beef pies hit the shelves alongside

Zook's Homemade Chicken Pies Store Hours: Weekdays 8am-5pm Saturdays 8am-4pm, Closed Sunday 4 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com Cover painting by Robert Wagner. Inset by Freiman Stoltzfus.

innovation by adding another delicious item to their shelves. A colossal, sweet and at-the-sametime tart apple dumpling made from scratch on site at Zook’s now allows for a complete and full meal to be taken home. You pick up a few pies as the main course, and then a few apple dumplings for a truly grand dessert. The apples used in the dumplings are grown locally at Kauffman’s Fruit Farm, less than a mile away from Zook’s. This is one locally inspired, delicious apple dumpling, a traditional PA Dutch delicacy that works well for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Whether it is the meat pies or apple dumplings, the hard work of the family has certainly paid off, as fans of Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies have continued to grow in number year after year.

What started out almost as a local curiosity has expanded its borders to include customers from virtually every State in the US, and even a few international visitors (Leroy recalls a family of Australians stocking the fridge of their RV for their month-long trek across the Country.) So, how does has a meat pie & apple dumpling bakery without a restaurant, selling fresh or frozen meat pies and frozen apple dumplings to take home, created such a loyal following?

It is all about the flavor. Everything is made from scratch. Raw ingredients like flour, milk, and a few other country kitchen standbys (I can’t give away the whole recipe of course!) arrive in sacks, and the cooks combine and mix it all in perfect proportion to create the crust. Oh yes, there are no frozen from-the-box crusts at Zook’s! The golden brown flaky crust is both delicious to eat, and fun to watch gently warm in the oven.

Leroy does recommend using an oven to heat up the pies for the dinner table, as a microwave (while still an option) doesn’t give the pies that grand crisped edge on the crust like the heat of a conventional oven.

After the crust has been rolled out and tucked into a little tin pie-plate, the filling comes next.

Whether it is the Chicken, Beef, or Sausage pies, the cooks are sure to sprinkle in generous cuts of moist and juicy meat, not ground up but purposefully left in beautiful chunks of savory proteins. Of course, a variety of vegetables are swirled in with the meats, featuring potatoes, carrots and onions. Holding it all together is a not-too-salty, yet far-from-plain gravy made with natural broth produced from the in-house meats.

Real review from real customers:

All the pies come in various sizes, and the apple dumplings in singles, doubles, etc. so you can feed your family, or just yourself. Most days of the week both fresh and frozen pies are available so you can pick up one to eat today and one to stow away for later. The folks at Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies welcome visitors to their retail shop, which is an annex on the side of the bake house (there is a glass window so visitors can watch the activity going on.) Parking is available, although visitors in cars are asked not to park in front of the hitching post, which is reserved for customers arriving in horse-drawn buggies. (And the buggy parking is often filled!)

The store is open Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays and religious holidays.

Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies is located at 3194 Harvest Drive, Ronks. Zook's can be reached at 717-768-0239. From Route 340 (the Old Philadelphia Pike) turn onto Old Leacock Road which is between the old Presbyterian Church

The History of Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies

By Leroy King (Zook’s Proprietor) We all have had those unforgettable moments when the world seems to come to a screeching halt, time stops for a moment, and years later, maybe even for the rest of your life you will recall where you were, what you were doing and who you were with at that precise time. Think September 11th, 2001 and you will probably know exactly what I am talking about.

However, as you well know it is not always an event that affects the whole nation that causes a reaction like this. We also can experience more private unforgettable moments. One such moment for me was the day I first tasted a Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pie. I remember it like it was yesterday even though it took place almost 19 years ago. I was working at the Farmer’s Market in Newtown, PA., and had not been feeling well that day, when a lovely young co-worker came up to me and said she had a chicken pie that I absolutely needed to taste. "No thanks," I said, "I don’t feel well, I’m not hungry and quite frankly chicken pie just doesn’t sound good right now at all."

Well, knowing that she had some exceptionally good food in her hands and probably having heard from her PA Dutch heritage the old saying (The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach), she pleaded until I agreed to take a bite. One bite did it! The world screeched to a halt, time stood still and well you get the picture. I looked at this young lady and said,

Visitors can now take home delicious apple dumplings homemade by Zook's.

and the Mount Hope Wine & Beer Gallery. After about one mile, you’ll come to Harvest Drive.

Turn right, and Zook’s is immediately off to your left. If for some reason you absolutely can’t make it to Zook’s in person, the pies are available at over 100 local farm markets. Call Zook’s to ask for a market near you.

"WOW! That is good, where can I get some more?" Turns out her family had started making these pies as a way to use up chicken they had left over from market.

And this was only the first of many pies that she has served me, though the menu now includes not only chicken but beef pie and more recently sausage pies as well. You see, I married that young lady a few years later; almost nine years ago we were blessed with the opportunity to take over the family’s meat pie making business.

Even though the business has expanded to accommodate the over 100 stores and markets that now carry the Zook’s pies the recipe stays the same. Chunky pieces of meat and wholesome vegetables in mouthwatering gravy all baked into a flaky and delicious, made from scratch, pie crust is still the order for each one of the Zook’s pies made today.

You can find these pies at many of the PA Dutch Farmers Markets in eastern PA, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey and also in some local stores. Our retail store is located about 1 ½ miles west of Intercourse at 3194 Harvest Drive, Ronks, PA where you will find not only meat pies, but our own homemade apple dumplings, as well as an assortment of local canned goods such as pickles, beets, chowchow, applesauce, local grown peaches, jams and jellies and more. Our pies can be bought frozen or just refrigerated. We have insulated bags and ice packs to keep your purchase cold while traveling. Remember, we don’t have a restaurant and we don’t serve the pies hot. To place an order or with questions on how to find us you can call 717-768-0239 but you will probably need to leave a message. The retail store is open from 8-5 on weekdays and 8-4 Saturdays and closed Sundays.

"Super Fresh" 5 of 5 stars Reviewed July 23, 2014. "I got two Chicken Pot Pies. The small AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 5 $4.00 ones. Big mistake, they were so good I wanted more. They were super fresh, and delicious.

Cooked in microwave for 7 minutes in motel room. Going back tomorrow."

Welcome to Intercourse PA INTERCOURSE Dutchland Quilt Patch

772 Zook’s Old Fabrics Candle Store Barn

Intercourse Pretzel

HARVEST DRIVE

P

erhaps no other town in the entire country can claim its fame on just one simple thing --- its name. Harrison Ford drove a buggy past the road sign on a memorable visit in the Hollywood blockbuster hit of the movie "Witness." For years people have postmarked “Intercourse” on envelopes, and the jokes from visitors who travel through Bird-in-Hand to Intercourse are endless. There are several theories for the name, but that which we find most plausible follows.

Around 1730, the Old Provincial Highway (now Route 340) was laid out to connect Philadelphia with Lancaster. Conestoga wagons hauled freight back and forth between the two cities. Providing rest for travelers and horses, taverns sprouted along the way, becoming centers for news, gossip, and commerce. The construction of a log tavern in 1754 at the intersection of Newport Road and the Highway took “Cross Keys” as its name.

It remained such until 1814, when the name was changed to Intercourse as part of a failed real

QUEEN RD.

Ruthie’s

CENTER ST.

340

Factory 340 Intercourse Bike Works Best Western Intercourse Village Inn

To Country Knives Esh Handmade Quilts

OLD PHILA. PIKE

772

To Gap

30 41

estate scheme of a Mr. George Brungard, who had acquired 48 acres of nearby land and attempted to lay out a town site and divide it into sections for sale by a lottery, advertising “151 handsome building lots of $250 each to be drawn for by number.” Renaming the town made sense, as intercourse had a common usage referring to the pleasant mutual fellowship and frequent intermingling which were so common in the informal atmosphere of the quiet country village.

Over time, Brungard’s scheme begat others. As recently as 1971, an enterprising soul tried to take advantage of the town’s name by selling deeds for one-inch square plots of Intercourse to visitors. Creative, but nonetheless a failure. By 1880, Intercourse had a population of 280 with a post office that actually moved among stores or restaurants as owners hoped visits by residents would increase their business.

seats.” As the days of the dirt road drew to a close, so too did the stagecoach era. In 1923 a transit company was organized and bus service initiated to and from Lancaster.

Today Intercourse has been recognized as a “foodie” town by the PA Dutch Visitor’s Bureau.

You'll soon discover why walking the streets of this tiny hamlet is an absolute must-visit for everyone.

The local stagecoach service started around 1898 as “a single horse conveyance similar to a market wagon, with a roll-up curtain and double set of

LOCALLY MADE

• Quilts • Fabric & Patterns • Primitive Country Decor & Lighting and much more!

2 LOCATIONS Village of Dutch Delights

Rt. 30, 1/4 Mile East of Miller’s Smorgasbord 717-687-0534

Intercourse Store (No Fabric)

Look for the green sign on Rt. 340!

3453 Old Philadelphia Pike 717-768-3981

Mon-Thur 9-6 ∙ Fri 9-8 ∙ Sat 9-7 ∙ Closed Sunday Shop On-Line at www.DutchlandQuilts.com

6 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

Immerse Yourself in the Amish Story WITNESS the spectacular “Jacob’s Choice” told with Disney-like Special Effects in the Amish Experience Theater.

EXPLORE the Amish Country Homestead, the region’s only Officially Designated Heritage Site Amish home.

TOUR the magnificent and rarely seen Amish Farmlands with a certified tour guide in complete comfort onboard one of our 14 passenger mini-shuttles.

SATISFY yourself that you’re making the most from your Amish Experience...

• Since 1959, the area’s first, and still foremost, interpretative source of Amish Culture.

Open Daily 7 Days a Week

SIT in a desk at the new Fisher Amish schoolroom furnished authentically with desks and more from an actual Amish classroom.

RECEIVE a free Amish cookbook autographed by the author herself when you take our our Farmland Tour.

Designated a Heritage Site by the Lancaster County Planning Commission

SAVE with our Super Saver package which includes “Jacob’s Choice”, the Amish Country Homestead and a 90 minute Amish farmlands Tour.

FREE BUGGY RIDE Receive a voucher for a free “Cookie Run Buggy Ride” just a few steps away at Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides with the purchase, at the Amish Experience Theater Box Office, of a regularly priced Supersaver, Theater/House Combo, or Amish Visit-in-Person Tour. BUGAN

RT 340 Between Bird-in-Hand & Intercourse at Plain & Fancy Farm

For GPS: 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike • Ronks, PA

717.768.8400 Ext. 210

AmishExperience.com

BICYCLE TOURS

Rentals, Sales, Service, Gifts A new spin on a bike shop. Intercourse Bike Works is proud to be Intercourse’s only full service bicycle shop. We’re also proud to be the only Guided Bicycle Tour operator in Lancaster County. We’re firm believers that the beauty of our hometown is best experienced with a fresh breeze at your back, two pedals beneath your feet, and a guide who knows the most treasured pockets of this pristine little area of the world. And when you’re done riding, visit our shop for all things cycling related, including bikes, apparel, jewelry and artwork.

Your Favorites at Your Place

By Caleb Bressler

OUR TOURS

Amish Dinner Tour: This scenic spin takes you past Amish schools, an historic mansion, and a covered bridge before concluding at an Amish home. This is no restaurant! You’ll eat a traditional dinner with this amazing family! Fridays 4pm. Ice Cream Tour: Pedal your way to a reward with our yummy tour. This ride takes advantage of beautiful views with a stop at a working Mennonite dairy farm for some made-on-site ice cream. Saturdays 2pm. Sticky Bun Run: More beautiful farmland – think covered bridges and Amish schools - more yummy rewards! Sundays 9am.

INTERCOURSE BIKE WORKS 3614 Old Phila Pk, Cross Keys Center Intercourse, PA 17534 717-929-0327 or text 717-517-4293

www.intercoursebikeworks.com info@intercoursebikeworks.com Like us on Facebook!

8 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

The Caesar Salad at Your Place Restaurant & Sports Bar is the perfect accompaniment to their famously delicious Stromboli. Photo Credit: Caleb Bressler

C

onveniently located on Route 30 East adjoining the visitor-popular Country Inn of Lancaster, Your Place Restaurant & Sports Pub offers you a place to grab a quick bite to eat on the go, or to enjoy a pleasant leisurely meal. The restaurant offers both a

COUNTRY KNIVES Over 8000 Items of Fine Cutlery on Display!

4134 Old Philadelphia Pike 2 Miles East of Intercourse on Rt. 340

717-768-3818 Hours: Monday - Saturday 9-5

www.countryknives.com

IN THE VILLAGE OF INTERCOURSE

(717) 768-8153 3535 Old Philadelphia Pike Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm

Knowledgeable Caring Staff. Established 1965.

BRING IN AD FOR FREE GIFT!

ZOOK’S FABRICS

Shop Online at SaudersFabric.com

menu and a buffet option, so a repeat visit to try both may well be in your future.

While Your Place is famous for their Stromboli, the kitchen offers up other favorites including wings, salads, burgers and beer-battered shrimp. The brick-oven pizza is always satisfying. A cozy lobby offers guests a place to relax before or after a meal. The main dining room is clean and comfortable, and the service efficient.

Despite the four decades-plus fame of the Stromboli, on my last visit I decided to go for the French onion soup and a Caesar salad. The soup was a great starter, and I would recommend ordering it. It was rich without being overly salty. The Caesar salad was attractively presented, and comes with the option to add chicken or crab. I chose the traditional Caesar, a crisply fresh salad topped off with hard-boiled egg, onion and croutons. A dusting of parmesan cheese finished it off along with, of course, a traditional Caesar dressing.

Your Place is only a short drive from many of Amish Country’s most popular attractions, making for an ideal vacation location.

Regardless of whether you want a light lunch and wine or a hearty burger with a beer, you’ll enjoy the restaurant at Your Place. Call 717394-9019 for more information, or just stop in at 2133 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602. www.yourplace.biz

Sauder’s Fabrics

681 South Muddy Creek Rd. Denver, PA 17517

(717) 336-2664 Mon, Tues, Thurs 8-8, Wed, Fri, & Sat 8-5

& Guest House Take home a “Quillow”, a pillow that unfolds to a quilt!

ONLY $42.00 Makes a super gift!

Come Stay in the Country!

Guest House Available on our Amish Farm!

Our Cookbook Now Available

Call For Info: (717) 656-8476

221 South Groffdale Rd. Leola, PA 17540 Proprietors: Chris & Katie Stoltzfus

Can accomodate up to 9 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths & Full Kitchen

AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 9

RONKS RD.

Dutchland Quilt Patch

PARADISE Historic Rainbow Cackleberry Revere Dinner Dutch Haven Tavern Theatre Farm Antique Mall LINCOLN HWY. EAST 30 30 Killer Hats Jake’s Country Trading Post Strasburg Rd.

S. Vintage Rd.

V

isitors to Lancaster from the east on RT 30 travel through Paradise, which celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2012. The town’s story traces back to Europe over 300 years ago, to the area of the Palatinate in Germany where Protestants had settled following the declaration of King Louis XIV that all Protestants in France would be persecuted. Fearing a French invasion, many accepted the invitation to settle in the New World in William Penn’s colony of Penn’s Woods.

By 1712, they had secured land in Lancaster’s Pequea Valley as the area’s first white people, living peaceably with local Indians.

The origins of RT 30, also known as “Lincoln Highway,” date back to Lancaster’s Colonial days when the frontier county needed a highway to connect it with the provincial capital of Philadelphia. The first road that was constructed is now RT 340, still referred to as the “Old Philadelphia Pike.” Soon, it was apparent that this road was insufficient to handle the increasing traffic, and in 1790, a commission to survey a new route was created. Since the cost was too much for the state to undertake, the company charged with building it was given the power to demand “reasonable” tolls from users. Investors received dividends earned from tolls collected along the gates of the turnpike. (As the toll was paid, the Continued on Page 15

Ruthie’s Miller’s Smorgasbord

Welcome to Our Paradise

741

$5 OFF

PER PERSON Mention Coupon Code ACN

LAUGH AUG 16 - OCT 25 RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW

800.292.4301

RainbowDinnerTheatre.com Not Valid with other discounts

(717) 687-8602

Superb Steaks, Fresh Seafood & Chicken Children’s Menu • Casual Attire • Reservations Accepted Serving Dinner Daily • Monday-Friday • 5:00pm-10:00pm Saturday • 4:30pm-10:00pm Sunday 4:00pm-9:00pm

AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 11

(717) 687-8980 • www.jakeshomeaccents.com

On Route 30 in Paradise • 2954 Lincoln Highway East

with $20.00 purchase or more and this coupon.

Limit one coupon per family.

(Expires 10/31/14) Cookbook valued at $2.00

FREE COOKBOOK

A Different View of Amish Country with Intercourse Bike Works Special to Amish Country News “We aren’t your average bike shop, but make no mistake, we are a bike shop.”

T

hat’s how owners of Intercourse Bike Works, Mark and Rebecca Branle, like to describe their brand new bicycle business.

Bike Works’ menu of guided bicycle tours offers visitors and locals alike an opportunity to explore the countryside from the most unique perspective. “I grew up in Lancaster County, and while I’ve always known it’s beautiful, I never fully soaked in the scenes until I started touring the area on my bike,” says Rebecca. “So many of our visitors never see the real Amish Country, the quiet peace that comes when you’re pedaling on little traveled country roads. A bike tour brings all that beauty directly to the rider, with the added benefit of a knowledgeable guide explaining exactly what folks are seeing.”

The couple is quick to point out that their tours are designed to be experiences, not exercise. “We chose our tour bikes based upon comfort and designed routes around challenging hills,” says Mark. “Our pace will be relaxed, with plenty of planned stops for photos. We’ve even arranged a special ride that ends with an Amish dinner in a private home.”

Other tours include outings to a local farm for ice cream and rides culminating with coffee and fresh sticky buns at Bike Works. Those not interested in joining a guided group are welcome to rent bikes and try recommended routes on their own.

On the traditional bike sales side, the couple is proud to carry Specialized, Focus, Fuji and Biria bikes. The “Easy Boarding” Biria is consistently causing a stir at the shop. “The bike has no top tube, allowing riders to board without having to lift their leg more than four inches,” says Mark.

“As a whole, bikes are great because they’re easy on our joints, but so many people aren’t riding because mounting the bike is too difficult. This bike changes all that.”

Intercourse Bike Works will be the only retailer within a 30-mile radius carrying the Biria brand.

They’ll also be the only retailer with a full culture boutique. From picture frames made using bike chains to jewelry and art, the boutique has a gift for every bike enthusiast.

You’ll find Intercourse Bike Works in the Cross Keys Shopping Center, 3614 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534, online at IntercourseBikeWorks.com, and by phone at 717-929-0327.

12 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 13

No Buffet Lines Here...

Good ‘N Plenty Brings Bountiful Bowls and Platters of the Best of Amish Country To You

PRESENT THIS COUPON FOR

$1.00 OFF*

with the third firmly on board too. From the very beginning, founders Christ (pronounced like Chris with a T on the end) and Dolly Lapp concentrated on * Limited to groups of 12 or less. Does not apply to Bus Groups or Banquets. Not valid with any other offer or on holidays. building their menu literally from the ground up, using local produce from Coupon expires their own farmland, plus contracting 12/31/14. with neighboring farms to source © 2001-2013 vegetables, fruits, and all the various Good 'N Plenty fresh ingredients necessary to make a great PA Dutch meal from scratch. At Good ‘N Plenty, the quality in the taste is apparent from the first bite and it is no accident that hardly anything is trucked

By Clinton Martin in from afar. Even the desserts are made on site in Good ‘N Plenty’s own famous bakery. udging by the title, you might think I have a grudge against buffets. Well that simply isn’t Dining at Good ‘N Plenty, and enjoying the true. I’m a true Amish Country omnivore; I family-style menu in particular, is also the perfect can enjoy drive-through fast food, sit-down fine way to sample local PA Dutch specialties. You dining, buffets and smorgasbords, or a family- take a little, and if you don’t like it, no big deal. style feast. All these styles are available here. If you like it, you take a little more. A personal But when it comes to satisfying those down- favorite of mine, often served at Good ‘N Plenty, home, meat and potatoes desires, and perhaps a is the ham loaf. Combining the best of what hankering for some social interaction with family ham has to offer and the comfort food staple of and friends, Good ‘N Plenty has to be your dining meatloaf, the PA Dutch ham loaf is admittedly not everyone’s cup of tea. While I go back for destination.

At a buffet, how long do you actually linger seconds, the person to my right might scowl at your table, able to talk and chat with your while the person to my left asks the server to bring guests? You’re up, down, up, down again, and another platter to replace the one I just emptied.

EACH ADULT FAMILY-STYLE MEAL PURCHASED

J

then you’re usually not even doing that in sync with everyone else. At Good ‘N Plenty, where the menu is all-you-care-to-eat, you stay put and servers bring out platter after platter of delicious down-home food. You can rest on your laurels knowing you made an excellent choice, enjoying friendly conversation and banter, while passing bowls and platters of meats, yummy starches, veggies, breads, and desserts among your table mates just like you would at a big family dinner, hence the term “family-style.”

Good ‘N Plenty has been serving hungry travelers this way for over 40 years, meaning this familyowned business is well into the second generation,

There’s also likely to be cottage cheese with apple butter, a delicacy in my book and one of the most typical PA Dutch ways to enjoy the dairy treat. For those who are cottage cheese intolerant, just spread the apple butter on some of Good ‘N Plenty’s homemade bread, and you’ll be enjoying yet another local cultural favorite.

Family-style dining at Good ‘N Plenty not only means you sample various foods, in quantities as big or as small as you like, but you also get to interact as much as you want with not only your own party, but also with guests from around the world. Good ‘N Plenty’s family-style menu is served by seating groups of people at long

14 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

farmhouse tables (a suitable setting since Good ‘N Plenty itself is a converted farmhouse dating back to the 1800s ). I’ve been able to meet really interesting people, and have enjoyed hearing traveler stories ranging from a quick day trip to a 21-day East Coast discovery tour that a couple was making to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.

If, however, you have had your fill of meeting people from around the world and you want your own little corner of Amish Country to yourself where you can dig into the delicious menu without interruption, Good ‘N Plenty does offer private menu dining. The Harvest Platter option in this case is what I’d recommend. Many of the locally authentic PA Dutch foods are offered in a build-your-own plated-meal option, which is better suited to small appetites and small family groups. Traditional American fare of soups, salads, and sandwiches are all made to order for those just not brave enough to go for my favorite PA Dutch dishes like pork and sauerkraut, schnitz und knepp, ham loaf, or chow chow.

While I don’t normally include pricing or policies in my dining reviews, seeing as this article is paying homage to the wonderful PA Dutch dining available at Good ‘N Plenty Restaurant, I’ve decided to make an exception to my rule, and honor that equally famous PA Dutch truism – the thrifty bone that grows so strong in all of us “Dutchmen.”

Good ‘N Plenty’s family-style menu is affordable already, and the menu dining won’t set you back too much either, but a Dollar off is a Dollar off.

Clip the coupon on this page so you can save, like we PA Dutch are famous for, while you savor the food that we are equally famous for.

Good ‘N Plenty is open daily, including Sundays.

You can’t miss it on Route 896 just south of Route 340, north of Route 30. Using a GPS unit, 150 Eastbrook Rd, Smoketown. Call (717) 394-7111 if you have questions or to make reservations. www.goodnplenty.com

Cottages Camping

FlorysCamping.com

Hosts: Claudette, Lou & Shelly

(717) 687-6670 99 N. Ronks Rd. PO Box 308 Ronks PA 17572 Between US 30 & Rte. 340

Level Shaded *Campsites E,W,S Cable TV Wi-Fi Pet Free Smoke Free *Cottages *Guest Rooms *Camp Store *Pavilion *Laundry *Bathhouses Expires 12/31/14.

Paradise (Continued from Page 10) gate or “pike” was turned, hence the term “turnpike”). The Act described the construction of the highway, which was to be a bed of small crushed stones on top with, rather than dirt, larger stones underneath to prevent carriage wheels from cutting into the soil. This revolutionary system of road construction is credited to a John McAdam, whose name became the term for paved or “macadam” roads. The "Lincoln

Highway" (RT 30) opened in 1795 as the first long-distance, hard surfaced road in the country.

Taverns and stagecoach stops grew up along the turnpike for weary travelers. Of these, the Revere Tavern, dating back to 1740 and originally called the “Sign of the Spread Eagle”, still proudly stands today. In 1841, the tavern became the residence of Reverend Edward V. Buchanan and his wife Eliza Foster Buchanan. Eliza was the sister of Stephen Foster, whose immortal songs will always be a part

of Americana. Foster not only penned music at the tavern, but sent many of his manuscripts to Eliza, also a talented musician, for her approval.

On the banks of the Pequea Creek, Eliza and Stephen played many of Stephen’s 200 songs, including “Way Down Upon the Swanee River” and “Oh, Susanna.” Wherever you happen to call “paradise,” we hope that a little bit of our own Paradise won’t do you any harm!

Stay and Dine Aboard a Steamboat!

Top-Rated Hotel on

tripadvisor

®

At The Corner Of Rt 30 & Rt 896 | Lancaster (Across from Rockvale Outlets)

FultonSteamboatInn.com | 717-299-9999

Huckleberry’s Restaurant: casual dining in a Victorian atmosphere ■ Huck’s Tavern: pub fare and full menu service in a nautical atmosphere ■ 97 Victorian and nautically themed guest rooms ■ Heated indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center ■ Kids’ playground ■ Serene landscaping with koi pond and fire pit ■ Country Store ■

Live Piano Music!

Every Friday & Saturday Evening

15%off entire food bill for lunch or dinner

Fulton Steamboat Inn Huckleberry’s At The Corner Of Rt 30 & Rt 896 Lancaster • 717-299-9999

AMISH CO NEWS

Flory’s

Not valid with other discounts or on holidays.

Not valid Friday and Saturday evenings after 5pm.

Excludes alcohol. Valid on parties up to 6 guests.

Offer expires 12-30-14.

AV E

.

Free Parking Welcome Center Train Station

772

To Lancaster and

The former train station is now home to the Welcome Center at the entrance to Lititz Springs Park.

T

here really is no place quite like Lititz, and visitors should plan time there while in Amish Country.

The Lititz story is tied to that of the Moravian faith in Bohemia. As was the case with other persecuted religious groups in Europe, many Moravians sought freedom in the New World, arriving in the early 1700’s, with settlements in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. In 1755 the

30

Lititz Historical Foundation

CEDAR ST.

MAIN ST.

501

S. BROAD ST.

Lititz Springs Park

Free Parking

Moravian Church Square

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

LOCUST ST.

LN

WATER ST.

CO

LITITZ

CEDAR ST.

LIN

501 N. BROAD ST.

TO BRICKERVILLE ANTIQUES

N. STURGIS LANE (Parking)

Historic Lititz • A Hometown Treasure 772

ORANGE STREET

town actually took the name Lititz, the German spelling for Lidice, where European reformers had taken refuge in the 15th century.

Music and education were important to the Moravians. In fact, the Lititz schoolhouse erected in 1746 marked the beginnings of what was to be Linden Hall, the oldest continuously operating residence school for girls in the United States.

For one hundred years, Moravian church members were the only people permitted to live in the town. It was not until 1855 that nonMoravians were allowed to own their own homes. The complex of buildings comprising

the Moravian congregation is well worth seeing, particularly the church built in 1787.

One name is linked forever with the history of Lititz --- Julius Sturgis. It was Julius Sturgis who opened the first commercial pretzel bakery in the New World in Lititz. The year was 1861, and the site at 219 East Main Street is on the National Register of Historic Places. A tour of the bakery, still in operation, is unlike any other and well worth your time. Just recently, Lititz won Budget Travel's 2013 "Coolest Small Town in America" competition.

Daily Pretzel Twisting Tours at America’s 1st Pretzel Bakery Summer Hours Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

85 years later, Anna Miller’s Famous Smorgasbord is Hard to Match

sauce, somehow I was able to slowly enjoy every bite.

By now my plate was empty, and prior to returning to the buffet I realized I had nearly forgotten I wasn’t dining alone. I decided to inspect my friend’s plate. Alas, stereotypes, as I saw to my chagrin a bursting, colorful salad composed on the plate across from me. How typical.

She assured me it was very tasty, what with pickled red beet egg, greens, fresh veggies, a variety of fancy lettuce, and a light drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. Suddenly the salad bar sounded more worthy of a visit after all. I passed by the salad fixings and gathered a few things that looked especially good, including one item that blew me away. There was a gorgeous plate Continued on Page 20

By Clinton Martin

M

iller’s Smorgasbord traces its roots back to 1929, when the restaurant was more of a truck stop. Mr. Miller fixed trucks, and Mrs. Miller fixed something to eat. Her specialty was chicken and waffles, and my, how the word spread. Soon, trucks began miraculously “breaking down” along Lancaster’s Lincoln Highway, never too far from Miller’s.

Today’s Miller’s Smorgasbord does more than honor the surname of the founders. Chicken & Waffles remain a constant on the buffet sampled by most visitors, but the scores of other items on this highest-of-quality buffets garner accolades just as often.

I’ve eaten at Miller’s many, many times, and I will eat at Miller’s in the future, but I decided to eat there just before penning this piece in order to provide readers of AMISH COUNTRY NEWS with the most current, in-the-moment details. In full disclosure, I was dining with a female coworker, but this was by no means a date (my wife will read this) and yes I started out with a plate-full of vegetables (my mother will read this.)

Quality Antiques & Collectibles in a Restored 1857 Barn

ROUTE 322 & 501 5 Miles North of Lititz at Brickerville House Shops Open Mon-Sun 10am-5pm 2 E. 28th Division Hwy. Lititz, Lancaster County PA

Celebrating 8 Years!

10% OFF Purchases With This Ad Expires 10/31/14 ACN

www.brickervilleantiques.com • 717-626-0786

Miller’s Smorgasbord offers various ways to dine, but among the buffet options, there is the grand smorgasbord which is what I invariably choose. However, the Soup, Salad, and Bread buffet is wonderful and competitively priced, but just a bit too limited for my meat-minded self. Apparently my platonic companion agreed, so the grand smorgasbord quickly became our mutual choice.

I started, as before mentioned, with a healthy dose of fresh, steamed vegetables. There were green beans, wax beans, carrots, peas, corn, and others. But I also enjoyed the especially satisfying flame-grilled treatments, like green peppers, roasted red peppers, sautéed onions, marinated seasoned mushrooms, summer squash and zucchini. They had an authentic charcoal taste, as if they’d been grilled over true briquettes, though I can’t imagine I’d find a pile of Kingsford behind the carving station.

Speaking of carving stations, there were two meats temptingly on display, a slow-roasted juicy roast beef, and a deeply flavorful chicken counterpart. To test the man with the knife’s carving skills I graciously accepted a slice of each. Wow, and with fabulous horseradish

AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 17

From A to Z

A Dictionary of DUTCH COUNTRY Dining

By Brad Igou

S

avvy visitors and locals know there is a lot more to Amish Country than apple butter and shoofly pie. You’ll find plenty of articles, reviews, and recipes in our Annual Dining Issue, but I wanted to have some fun and offer a “second edition” list of foods we locals love, from A to Z….

A B C D

A is for Apple Dumplings The Kauff-

man family’s orchards can be seen from my window, so their apples (and apple cider) are never far away. But if you have never had an apple dumpling, stop by one of our local restaurants, or buy a couple at a bake shop to take home. It’s a cored apple surrounded by a thick dough crust that is baked and flavored with a thick sweet sauce. I like mine hot with milk. Be warned --- one can be large enough to be considered a meal unto itself.

B is for Bread Artisan breads are wonder-

ful. But sometimes you just want a loaf of simple homemade bread. I recently visited an Amish family and Mom was there kneading the dough. There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of bread baking in the kitchen oven. While you can easily find white, wheat, or cinnamon raisin, my favorite is the cheese bread at the Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop on Gibbons Road.

C is for Cheese While you might not think

of Amish Country for cheese, you’d be wrong.

We have cows and goats and that means we’ve always been making cheese. “Farmers Cheese” is fairly common, but now you’ll find farmers, including many Amish, making cheeses of various flavors. One Amish farmer’s goat cheese was even selected by famed chef Emeril for one of his recipes. I’d recommend a stop at September Farm Cheese in Honey Brook, well worth a trip into the scenic countryside.

D is for Dried Corn You will always find a

corn dish of some kind on my list of favorites.

Dried corn is something less familiar to visitors. In the days before frozen and canned corn, the kernels were simply dried. Thus, later in the year, this dehydrated corn could be soaked in water, and then heated for dinner. When I

lived in Costa Rica, I tried making some dried corn, putting the kernels on the metal roof of my little house. It worked, until the neighbor’s chickens got to the corn before I did! Dried corn can be purchased in our local supermarkets in boxes or cans (the Cope’s brand is famous) and is on some restaurant menus.

E F G

E is for Eggs Sometimes we overlook the obvious. Think of all the ways we use eggs!

Lancaster Country has long been a major egg producer, and eggs are part of hearty farmer breakfasts here as they are all over America.

(My Saturday morning always begins with an omelet of onions, peppers, cheese, ham, garlic, and tomatoes.)You’ll now find free range chickens while some locals prefer brown eggs over white. Look for signs at the end of farm lanes offering eggs for sale.

F is for Farm Stands I believe one of the

true joys of living here is being able to stop at a farm stand for fresh produce and baked goods. There’s nothing quite like picking up a dozen ears of corn on the way home. And now it’s time for pumpkins! I’ve even found two Amish farms where the ladies put out beautiful flower arrangements to sell by the road. Stands might also be selling their jellies and relishes and crafts. Whether tended by a child, or with a plastic container to pay on the honor system, these stands are a unique aspect of Amish Country.

G is for Grapes There’s one Amish farm-

house that you enter after walking under a grape arbor. When I was writing this, beautiful bunches of grapes were hanging everywhere.

One year the mother gave me a jar of the grape juice she had made. Fabulous! My mother actually made her own wine when I was growing up (but not old enough to drink it). Needless to

say, our area today has many wineries and the number, diversity and quality of our wines has improved greatly over the last 25 years. Mount Hope Estate & Winery, home of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, has an extensive selection of grape and fruit wines, which can also be sampled at their Wine Gallery on Route 340.

H I J

H is for Ham Loaf Meatloaf is nothing new for most visitors. But ham loaf? It is an acquired taste for some, but if you like ham balls, you’ll enjoy ham loaf. You can sometimes find it on local restaurant menus, and even at some church dinners.

I is for Iced Tea Many visitors don’t know

that we are headquarters to a company that is famous across the United States for iced tea. That would be Turkey Hill. Their iced teas come in about 20 different flavors, from Cherry Pomegranate Black to Green Tea Mango. As of 2012, they were the nation’s topselling refrigerated iced tea producer. Have fun learning more about their teas, ice cream, and the “Imported from Lancaster County” brand at the Turkey Hill Experience in Columbia.

J is for Jam & Cream Cheese Spread

C’mon, you saw this one coming a mile away.

What else can I do for the letter “J” after all?

However, I want to bring to your attention the delicious combination of cream cheese with pepper jam on top. Take your knife and spread some on crackers. Many of our local restaurants have it on their buffets, and I find the combination quite irresistible.

K L M N O P

K is for Kettle Corn When I was growing

up, it was a family tradition to go to Root’s Country Market and Auction on Tuesday nights. It was always fun strolling the aisles and seeing everything I could have imagined being sold…from cucumbers to comic books.

But no visit was complete without stopping for a bag of caramel corn, and watching them stir the popcorn mixture together in the big kettle.

Still worth the trip today.

L is for Lima Beans At the time I was writing this back in early September, I stopped on the way home at an Amish farm for lima beans.

I’d watch until they appeared on their list of produce, and then I knew the lima beans had been picked. At home my mother and I hulled them, and then cooked them (adding butter, of course) in time for dinner. With a dash of salt, the fresh lima bean is one of the truly delectable vegetables and those frozen beans simply cannot compare!

M is for Milk You’ve seen the cows, now

taste the milk! Some of the milk from local dairies may end up in Land O’ Lakes Butter or Hershey Chocolates. All that corn you see growing is mainly to feed the cows. And they know when it’s time to head back to the barn for milking. Because of all the cows, we have our share of cow jokes. What do you call a cow reclining in the meadow? Ground beef.

N is for Noodles We’re not just talking about our famous handmade noodles used in soups and chicken pot pie. We’re also talking made-from-scratch Italian pastas and traditional Chinese noodle dishes. When you stop and think about it, noodles are a part of cuisine in most countries. Recently a Korean TV crew wanted to come to Lancaster to include Amish Country in a series devoted to noodle dishes around the world.

O is for Oatmeal Please do not groan.

I know some readers do not like oatmeal.

But perhaps you have never tried our baked oatmeal. The Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant has it on the menu for breakfast, and I like mine with milk, brown sugar, and raisins. Let me also mention their unusual oatmeal pie. Of course, lots of our local bakeries produce oatmeal cookies, but my favorite is the oatmeal whoopie pie --- plenty of creamy icing sandwiched between two big oatmeal cookies. Hershey Farm is home to the fabulous Whoopie Pie Festival!

P is for Pulled Pork BBQ Different parts

of our great nation vie for the best BBQ this or that. I think our local pulled pork sandwiches are to die for. You’ll see them popping up at auctions, mud sales, supermarkets, and on restaurant menus. Of course, each sauce is a little different, and everyone will have a favorite. At the Clinic for Special Children Benefit Auction in September, you can see the Amish men busy working on the meat and you can even buy a quart of the yummy pork BBQ to take home. I look forward to that every year.

Q R S T U

V W X Y Z

Q is for Quesadillas No, I am not desper-

V is for Vanilla Ice Cream This flavor is

R is for Red Beet Eggs We are noted here for our many relishes, such as pickles many ways, chow chow, cole slaw, corn relish, pepper cabbage, etc. You may be familiar with pickled red beets, but perhaps not with red beet eggs. Basically, you take the sugarvinegar mixture for pickled red beets, but put hard-boiled eggs in it for a couple days. Soon the white of the egg is colored a vivid pink all the way through --- lovely to look at, delicious to eat. And don’t forget the yellow “Buffalo Eggs” for those who walk on the spicy side.

W is for Watermelons We live here by

ate for a food word that starts with “Q.” There is quince jelly, after all. But this is just my way to remind you that we have many restaurants serving all kinds of foods. Lancaster is home to many nationalities and ethnic groups, and you can find a broad spectrum of cuisines to choose from, be it Mexican or Indian, Japanese or Australian.

S is for Sticky Buns If a place sells

pastries, be it a chain supermarket here, a local bake shop, or a roadside stand, you most assuredly will find sticky buns. With layers of dough liberally sprinkled with cinnamon, what is found on top makes the difference. Some prefer their buns with just the sugary brown coating.

Others must have the surface covered with nuts. Some insist on the delicacy smothered with raisins. I can only say that a really good, warm sticky bun is a work of culinary art.

T is for Tomatoes Many of us wait each summer for the tomatoes to be “in,” and soon you start seeing bushel baskets of them being sold everywhere. Washington Boro tomatoes are justifiably famous, red or yellow. A personal lunch favorite of mine is a BLT in the summer, although I also make a pretty mean salsa.

U is for the Unexpected As we come to the end of the alphabet, you have to dig deep. But in reality, you will indeed find many unexpected (or unknown to you) food items in Amish Country. You might even call them bizarre. I’ve written about some of them before, but scrapple and cup cheese come to mind. I’ll also never forget the day I came home from elementary school to find a huge beef tongue in the kitchen. Mom said it was for dinner. Now THAT was unexpected!

critical to many of our dessert offerings, from pie a la mode to root beer floats. At my house we look forward to fresh local strawberries or peaches on our scoops, or else a sundae with Hershey’s “Special Dark” Chocolate Syrup. I believe that vanilla ice cream is only complete when the syrup covers it completely and the color white is no longer visible.

the seasons and the fruits and vegetables that come and go with them. Fresh cantaloupes are my favorite breakfast fruit, but a slice of cold watermelon on a hot day is always a refreshing treat. I got a kick out of a handwritten sign I saw at a local Amish farm stand this year…

“We cannot see inside our watermelons. If you get one that’s not good, bring it back to us and we’ll exchange it.” Have you ever seen a sign like that at your local supermarket?

X is for Xmas Candy You may frown upon this abbreviation for Christmas, but I needed it here. And I do love homemade Amish Christmas candies. Actually, you can find homemade candy on sale at many roadside stands year-round, especially around Easter and Valentine’s, but it just seems to taste better at Christmas when the under-roof markets come to our rescue.

Y is for Yellow Squash For me, squash is another one of those vegetables that, when fresh and simply prepared, is truly divine.

Sliced and cooked in olive oil or on the grill, maybe with some butter on top and lightly seasoned --- I’ve never entirely figured out why something so simple tastes so good.

Z is for Zucchini Bread A while back I tagged along on one of the Amish Experience’s Visit-in-Person Tours. At the last stop, we sat and chatted in the living room of an Amish family. You never know where conversations will lead, but somehow the women got talking about baking and the Amish lady asked the visitor if she had ever made zucchini bread.

Before the tour concluded that evening, one of the daughters wrote down the zucchini bread recipe for the grateful visitor.

I hope you enjoyed this new edition of my

alphabet soup of Amish Country dining. Have your own favorites? Jot me a note at editor@ AmishNews.com. Maybe yours will make the next Annual Dining Guide!

Famous Smorgasbord

(Continued from Page 17) of cream cheese with local pepper jam slathered on top. This was meant for spreading on breads, crackers, whatever. It was truly amazing in taste, and a treat I had never seen on a Lancaster County buffet before.

I also rounded out my plate with a bowl of soup.

I chose the ham and bean, a local Amish Country favorite. In this particular rendition, I discovered bacon, a welcome surprise. It was hard to choose from eight (yes, eight homemade soups) but I definitely got it right. While I polished off the last drop, I observed my dining partner had now moved into the much more interesting realm of proteins, which included one of the most perfect

looking slices of grilled ham with cider sauce I had ever laid eyes upon. She commented on its freshness, a slightly sweet, a slightly sour, porcine quality, and I determined I too would need to try a slice. Since she had so well recommended something for me, I decided to reciprocate. I urged her to sample what is, and forever will be, my favorite item on Miller’s buffet – the Swedish Meatballs.

The flavor packed into these seemingly, but far from, lowbrow meatballs is incredible, with just the right amount of sauce cradling the finely ground and perfectly round meat. While she had eaten at Miller’s many times before, she had never tried them. After some further imploring, she caved and sampled a few. She exclaimed that it was a bad thing that she had tried them, and at first

2821 Lincoln Highway E Ronks, PA (717) 947-0667 2687 Old Philadelphia Pike Bird-in-Hand, PA (717) 392-4848

Intercourse Shop Relocated to Smucker Village 3526 Old Philadelphia Pike Intercourse, PA

(717) 768-7446

www.RuthiesTeeCo.com

I thought I had somehow taken the part of an Eve, and she an Adam. Then I realized she meant the meatballs were so good, it was bad, because now she’d never be able to resist them again.

As she continued to finish the chicken, pork and vegetables that remained on her plate, I decided I was at a cross-roads. One more plate was it. Either it would be one more plate of delicious savory hot foods, or a plate of dessert to top it all off. Seeing as I needed to provide ravenous readers with full coverage of the Miller’s experience, I went with dessert.

I had nearly forgotten how many pies, cakes, and puddings Miller’s has, but it was the baked spiced apple that I had missed the most. I made a pie ala mode with a slice of coconut cream pie, where the ice cream was replaced by the sweet syrupy apple.

The pie was of course delicious, a toasted coconut creation that went very well with coffee.

But, the hero of this final bite was the apple. It appears simple. Cored, peeled, and not dressed up but for some caramel drizzles and cinnamon sprinkling. But, the apple itself is amazing. Tart, yet not too far from a touch sweet, bold while still yielding to the sweet and spice of the dressing.

Warm and just soft enough to cut with a fork, the baked apple is a must as a meal-topper at Miller’s, another specialty I’ve never seen at another buffet hereabouts.

While we sighed our way out of Miller’s Smorgasbord, this was one lunch that won’t be topped for a long, long time. I know you’ll enjoy your own mid-day meal (equally scrumptious for dinner of course) discovery at Miller’s. Take my advice, don’t delay in making it happen. Miller’s Smorgasbord is at the intersection of Ronks Road and Route 30. 2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, for those using a GPS. For more information and call ahead seating, 800-669-3568. www.millerssmorgasbord.com

Homemade Sticky Buns “Extremely Addictive”

PA Dutch Visitors Center 501 Greenfield Rd. Lancaster, PA (Look for food truck by picnic tables)

717.413.9229 • www.MrStickys.net Famous For: Amazing Regular Sticky Walnut Sticky Peanut Butter Iced Cream Cheese Iced

BUY 2 GET 1 Expires 11/07/14

20 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

The legend of the naming of Bird-in-Hand dates to the time when the Old Philadelphia Pike was being laid out. By 1734, surveyors at McNabb’s Hotel were discussing whether they should stay at their present location or return to Lancaster to spend the night. One of them said, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” The sign in front of the inn, which became known as the Bird-inHand Inn, is known to have once "portrayed a man with a bird in his hand and a bush nearby, in which two birds were perched."

Plain & Fancy Farm Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides Amish Country Homestead Amish Country Tours Amish Experience Theater Amish View Inn & Suites Plain & Fancy Restaurant

Kauffman’s Fruit Farm & Market

Mt. Hope Wine Gallery

d

Bird-in-Han

IRIS

HTO

Variations of this sign appear throughout the town today. McNabb’s Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1851. By the following year, a three-story hotel was built to replace it. More recently, it was Bitzer’s Hotel before becoming the present Village Inn of Bird-in-Hand, a beautiful bed and breakfast property. The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County states that the existing brick building “may be one of the few 19th century inns in the context of a small town in

WN

RD

HARVEST DRIVE Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies

LEACOCK RD

30

Bird-In-Hand Stage, Family Inn & Restaurant

Bird-In-Hand Farmers Market

To

N. HARVEST DR.

CHURCH RD

340

MONTEREY RD WEAVERTOWN RD

Ruthie’s

RONKS RD

GIBBONS RD

Bird-In-Hand Bake Shop

RONKS RD

O

f the many unique village names that dot the Amish Country map, one of the more interesting is Bird-in-Hand. William Penn, an English Quaker, had founded the colony of Penn’s Woods, and settlers began arriving from Europe in the early 1700’s, moving westward from Philadelphia. The trip by stagecoach, or Conestoga wagon with freight and merchandise, lasted several days. Inns were built every few miles, identified with signs held by an iron pole or attached to the side of the building. The reason for the signs was so that they could be understood by all nationalities. Further, since many teamsters or wagoneers were poorly educated they could not read. Given orders to stop at a certain inn, they were able to do so by recognizing the artwork on the sign by the road.

BEECHDALE RD

Welcome to the Village of Bird-in-Hand 340

To Gordonville Bookstore

Lancaster County, which survives with a high degree of architectural integrity.” It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

When referring to their bird-in-hand symbol, some residents say that the bird nestled in the human hand indicates friendship, comfort, and hospitality, all of which you’ll discover in this perfectly delightful little village of shops, farmers markets and eateries.

FINAL WEEKS!

Through Nov. 29 Join the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club in a delightful, musical journey of self-discovery, healing and renewed wholeness. In an entertaining tale these unlikely quilters bind together like scraps of fabric stitched under the loving guidance of Amish widow Emma Yoder.

FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL Buy 1 ticket, get 1 ticket FREE for the 7 pm show.

(800) 790-4069 • www.EnjoyBIHStage.com

2760 Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340) Bird-in-Hand • (717) 768-1500

www.EatBIHRestaurant.com

$2 Off Any Adult Dinner Smorgasbord Mon.-Thurs. Nights Only, 4-7:30 pm Not valid with any other offer or discount. Limit two adults per copuons. Expires Oct. 30, 2014.

ACN

AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 21

Eden’s Eats – Garfield’s at the Eden Resort & Suites Special to Amish Country News

L

ong a classy hotel and choice for discriminating travelers, the Eden Resort these days is offering diverse

and thoroughly satisfying dining options being enjoyed by locals and visitors, as well as Resort guests. Whether it is a romantic dinner for two at Arthur’s Terrace, a fun, casual meal for the family at Garfield’s or a dazzling Sunday brunch in the glamorous Courtyard, dining at the Eden has become a popular pastime for many.

For this particular article, I decided to offer my views on my recent dining experience at Garfield’s. With its extensive menu selection, endless curly fries and delicious desserts, I can recommend Garfield’s as the perfect place for a meal after a day of exploring Amish Country.

The restaurant has a cheerful laid-back atmosphere, decorated with light woods, blues and cream. The locals use it as the perfect backdrop for a business lunch, birthday celebration, or simply catching up with friends.

There are two options when you order - either choose the buffet or order off the menu. You might have to flip a coin to decide! Rest assured that you can’t go wrong with either. The buffet may be the better choice for the hungrier, with selections including salad bar, pizza, soup, pasta, dessert and more, all attractively and deliciously presented. However, on that day, as tempting as the buffet may have been, I decided to go with the regular menu.

Grandma Smucker’s

Pummmpkin Desserts Pies • Rolls • Bars • Whoopie Pies

2715 Old Philadelphia Pike Bird-in-Hand

Order today (717) 768-1501!

22 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

The menu has a grand selection so that even the pickiest eaters (like me) have trouble deciding what to order. For those who like everything, let’s just say you will be making many return trips to Garfield’s. Starters such as cheesesteak eggrolls, crispy wings, and quesadillas are great beginners. However, the decisions only become more difficult with a dizzying array of options from which to choose. From Garfield’s signature prime rib chili, to salads, sandwiches and burgers of all kinds, the options are many and all are tempting. Baby back ribs, filet mignon and salmon rounded out my menu favorites. For a taste of Amish Country, there is also chicken pot pie. And believe me, the menu doesn’t end here…but I’ll stop for the sake of space.

I opted for a classic burger. It was large and perfectly cooked, topped with onion, tomato and shredded lettuce. The plate was completed with curly fries and a pickle. I wanted to try the Mud Pie which the folks at the neighboring table were sharing for dessert. It looked delicious, with chocolate sauce, nuts and coffee ice cream.

Unfortunately, they must have gotten the last slice so I opted for a chocolate milkshake, which was a deliciously sweet ending.

I might also suggest that you make it a point to be in the area on a Sunday and make advance reservations for the Eden brunch, rated as one of the top dining experiences in Lancaster on TripAdvisor. To check out all of the Eden’s culinary offerings visit www.edenresort.com, or 717-569-6444. The Eden Resort is located on 222 Eden Road, Lancaster 17601.

AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 23

AMISH FARMLANDS • SUPERSAVER TOUR • VISIT-IN-PERSON

Tours Since 1959

Amish Farmlands Tour

YOUR BEST VALUE!

Journey along back country roads, deep into the Amish Farmlands to discover sights rarely seen. Under the watchful eye of your certified guide, you’ll gain insights into the “how” and “why”of an everchanging culture, and see at-the-moment activities of the Amish.

If you’ve seen the Amish portrayed on the various “Reality” TV shows, and you wonder what really is true and not true about the Amish, this is the tour you won’t want to miss! We’ll debunk myths about the Amish and provide accurate, respectful, and authentic information, just like we have done for over 50 years.

Plus, now through November 30, 2014 we’ll provide each guest who purchases the Amish Farmlands Tour, when combined as part of your SuperSaver Tour, with a voucher for a FREE BUGGY RIDE at Aaron & Jessica’s, plus a free autographed Amish Cookbook.

The SuperSaver Tour includes the Amish Farmlands Tour, the acclaimed “Jacob’s Choice” at the Amish Experience F/X Theater, and a tour of the Amish House & One-Room School. As a bonus, receive an Amish cookbook and a voucher for a FREE BUGGY RIDE from Aaron & Jessica’s on property.

Duration: 1 1/2 hours.

April 1 - November 30 Mon-Sat, 10am, 12pm, 2pm & 4pm.

Sun 10am, 12pm & 2pm.

This is your Total Amish Experience!

Visit-in-Person Tour

Rare is the opportunity to meet with Amish families willing to share their traditions and beliefs with you. In a group whose size is never more than 14, this is the only Amish Tour to be designated an official “Heritage Tour” by the County of Lancaster. Visit an Amish farm at milking time, stop at a Cottage Industry, and finally gather round a living room in an Amish home for an informal conversation with the family. Includes FREE BUGGY RIDE voucher.

Duration: 3 hours April 1-November 30 Mon-Sat, 5pm.

3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Rte. 340 Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505-0414

FREE AMISH BUGGY RIDE Receive a voucher for a free “Cookie Run Buggy Ride” just a few steps away at Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides with the purchase, at the Amish Experience Theater Box Office, of a regularly priced Supersaver, Theater/House Combo, or Amish Visit-in-Person Tour.

at Plain & Fancy Farm

One voucher for each adult or child ticket purchased with this coupon. Not valid with any other offer or with group tours. Offer expires 11/30/14. Valid up to six people. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. BUGAN

(717) 768-8400 Ext.210 AmishExperience.com

Advance Tickets, including Free Buggy Ride Voucher,

by Phone or Online:

Plain & Fancy — Farm to Table Since 1959 Where It All Began Over 50 years ago, Plain & Fancy Farm opened to provide delicious, authentic Amish meals to visitors from all over the world, the first family-style restaurant in Lancaster County. Today Plain & Fancy is a destination all its own, featuring the acclaimed “Jacob’s Choice” at the Amish Experience Theater, Amish Farmlands and Visit-in-Person Tours, the Heritage Site Amish House & One-Room School, and Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides. The onsite Country Store offers excellent country shopping, and the newest addition to the property, Amish View Inn & Suites, has a brand new extension with great views and luxurious lodging surrounded by stunning Amish countryside.

A Lancaster Original

Amos, Ben, Manny and Elmer are some of the Amish farmers who supply the restaurant with the farm-fresh produce it serves on a daily basis.

Depending on the season, sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelon, cabbage, broccoli, squash, peppers and onions are all sourced from farms within a horse-and-buggy’s drive. These neighbors, and the neighbors before them, have helped Plain & Fancy go “from farm to table” for over 50 years. The restaurant is AAA recommended, a PA Preferred and ServSafe award winner, and the Pennsylvania recipient of USA Today’s Great Plate AwaRoad

The Amish Farm Feast

Plain & Fancy Farm Restaurant is best known as Lancaster County’s original family-style restaurant. The all-you-can-eat Amish Farm Feast includes your entrees, side dishes, starters, desserts and beverages. Enjoy fried chicken, roast beef, chicken pot pie, baked sausage, real mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, green and yellow string beans, sweet shoe peg corn, chow chow, cole slaw, raisin bread, rolls and apple butter, lemonade, iced tea, hot tea, coffee, sour cream apple crumb pie, shoofly pie and vanilla ice cream. It was this very meal that drew Man Vs. Food’s Adam Richman to Amish Country, where he went behind the scenes in the Plain & Fancy kitchen for one of his popular show’s episodes.

The New “a la carte” Menu

The restaurant also offers a new a la carte menu featuring mouth-watering appetizers, signature soups and salads, charbroiled burgers and sandwiches, and made-from scratch entrees and platters, including several PA Dutch specialties.

Guests can “build a platter” with items from the family-style menu or choose one of the daily specials starting at $10 or less. You can do it all at Plain & Fancy, so why not come and “spend the day!”

Engaging the Amish Community on Visit-in-Person Tours

By Clinton Martin he Amish Visit-In-Person Tour doesn’t have its own Facebook site. It isn’t on Twitter. There isn’t a smart phone app

T

for it either. But the experience taps into a social network unlike anything in this world, and there is only one place you can experience it.

Wooden Toys Made on Premises • Childrens Playsets • Marble Games • 18” Doll Furniture • Trucks & Trains • Toy Chests • Farm Sets

Lapp’s Toys

OPEN

Mon. to F 7-5 ri.

Sat. 84

(717) 945-5366

2220 Horseshoe Rd • Lancaster • PA 17601

Visit our website

www.lappstoys.com

Guests on the VIP Tour visit an Amish farm to observe the milking process, the first of three one-of-a-kind experiences on this officially designated "Heritage Tour." Photo Credit: Caleb Bressler.

The “social network” is that of the Amish community of Lancaster County. Here, families live and work in close proximity, understanding from a very early age that the community is more important than the individual, families whose belief that serving God, helping others, and working hard is valued far more than “worldly” things.

Whether you think the Amish live the ideal life – or you think they are missing out on it – isn’t the point. To me, the greatest reward as you satisfy your curiosity about the Amish is coming to understand, and respect, why the Amish live the way they do, regardless of whether you agree. But, efforts to understand the Amish have not come easy for us “englishers.” The Amish VIP (Visit-In-Person) Tour goes a long way in changing that.

The first stop is at an Amish farm at milking time. Visitors meet the Amishman as he milks his cows with “Amish electricity,” and shares his perspective on his way of life as a dairy farmer.

In Business In Bird-in-Hand For 99 Years!

For more information, call 717-768-7112 or visit KauffmansFruitFarm.com

Voted Best.

Again.

Fight Obesity.

Homemade Apple Butter No Sugar Added

Homemade Sweet Apple Cider Drink Away Your Apple-A-Day!

26 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

A clue to the second stop on this intimate tour (limited to 14 guests) is the many signs along the road announcing wares for sale – eggs, cheese, root beer, even furniture. The fact is, roughly half of the Amish here make their living at something other than farming. This is critical in understanding the Amish way of life of today, and this is what the second, “non-farm," stop focuses on.

Stops rotate by day, depending on which family business may be available, but what visitors can count on is close, personal interaction with an Amish craftsman. A buggy manufacturer, furniture maker, basket weaver, goat cheese artisan, or wooden toy maker – all are possible stops on the tour.

The third and final stop before returning back to “the modern world” is simply with an Amish family in their home for a visit. Among the Amish, to “visit” means to share information, chat about happenings in the family, catch up on Continued on Page 28

NEW BORN NURSERY ADOPTION CENTER CLOTHES TO FIT:

***AMERICAN GIRL DOLL** ♥ DOLL EAR PIERCING ♥ ♥ DOLL HAIR SALON ♥

HOURS: OPEN TUES, WED, THURS, FRI, SAT, SUN 10:00 AM TO 5:00 PM CLOSED MONDAY

From start to finish, this is an authentic, unique and memorable experience. One visitor has even taken the tour four times just to meet and exchange ideas with the different families. Many others have called the tour the highlight of their vacation.

Visit-in-Person Tours

(Continued from Page 26) the status of friends, and to update their fellow community members on what is going on in their lives. This may seem like a tall order for a group of up to 14 out-of-town visitors and an Amish family, but conversation that may

begin haltingly soon becomes as comfortable as if everyone had known each other for years.

When it is time to leave, visitors have come to see that they and the Amish have plenty in common --- raising children, living peaceably with neighbors, balancing work with family time, even exchanging recipes --- you just never know what you’ll discuss and discover.

28 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

The three-hour tours depart through November at 5:00pm Monday through Saturday from the Amish Experience Theater at Plain & Fancy Farm on Route 340 between Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse. Reservations are definitely encouraged. Tickets can be purchased online at www.amishexperience. com or by calling 717-768-8400 extension 210. Prepare yourself one unforgettable evening!

From the Horse's Mouth Part 2 Interview by Brad Igou

EDITOR’S NOTE: In our September issue we did the first-ever interview with one of the horses at Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides. The unbridled enthusiastic response from readers and horses alike, along with more questions, prompted us to conduct a second interview with “Aaron.” So we once again hoofed it on over to the stables at Plain & Fancy Farm on Route 340 between Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse after Aaron’s last buggy run for the day.

Brad: In our first interview, you said that American Saddlebred or American Standardbred are the breeds of horses best suited for pulling carriages. Why is that?

Aaron: It has to do with being the right size.

American Saddlebreds are for show driving, Standardbreds for stamina and speed.

Brad: I’ve heard that horses can be pacers or trotters or both? Can you explain what that means?

Aaron: Pacers like me lift both of our feet on the same side off the ground at the same time, so we have a kind of side-to-side swaying motion. The Trotter lifts alternate feet. It’s true that some horses switch back and forth, but that’s not desirable in a carriage horse. You can get an uncomfortable ride, a little like shifting gears at the wrong time when driving one of those cars of yours!

Brad: Is there any special training required for a horse to pull the carriages? How do you get accustomed to cars and trucks whizzing by?

Aaron: We have to be “road safe” of course.

But like anything else, it’s largely just a matter of getting used to it through experience and repetition. I’ve even seen some farmers that tie a new horse to the fence next to a busy road so it will start to get used to the noise and traffic.

Aaron: We could be pulling carriages for as many as 20 years. And the oldest horse is my friend “Tank” over there at the ripe old age of 23. He got that name because he’s so big!

Brad: Sounds like you’re feeling your oats today! What and how much food and water do you consume in a day?

Aaron: Just like you humans, it depends on size. I’d say on average I eat about 35 pounds of hay, and drink five to ten gallons of water.

Of course, that’s not anywhere near what those cows drink!

Brad: Do horses sleep lying down?

Aaron: It’s funny you asked me that. Of course we do, but we also sleep standing up. We sleep about two and a half to three hours a day, and lock our legs when we do. And we tend to sleep longer in the summer than in the winter. By the way, did you know we horses have been domesticated for over 5,000 years, that chariot racing was the first Olympic sport in 680 B.C., and that there are estimated to be over 60 million horses and 300 breeds in the world.

Brad: That’s fascinating. Have any other horse facts for me?

Aaron: Well I’d guess even some of our drivers don’t know this… We have bigger eyes than any other mammal that lives on land. Because my eyes are on the side of my head, I am capable of seeing nearly 360 degrees at one time. We also have 16 muscles in each ear, so we can rotate our ears 180 degrees.

Brad: After all these years, I bet you have some interesting stories to tell. Care to share one or two with me?

Aaron: That’s an easy one to answer. I usually go along at around six or seven miles per hour, so you can really enjoy the scenery at that pace.

Aaron: The stories I remember often have to do with folks from the big city. One day I overheard a little boy pointing out a horse lying in the field, and he asked his mother whether the horse was sleeping or going to lay his eggs. That’s just wrong in so many ways! We’ve actually had some people come back from a ride asking about all those black and white horses. I guess they’d just never seen a real live cow before!

Brad: How many years might a horse do rides? Who’s the oldest in your stable?

Brad: What are some of the favorite stops on the different tours?

Brad: What speed is average on a carriage ride?

Aaron: My favorite stops personally are the watering trough, the feed bag, and the cookie table! But if you are asking about stops on our rides, visitors always seem to enjoy the cookie run, where they pass through a real Amish farm and can buy some cookies and root beer. Folks also like one of our longer tours to an Amish farm where we watch cows being milked. We have several different routes and lengths of tours, so I never get bored. And I do love the autumn scenery during the harvest season.

Brad: I sometimes see buses parked over here. Do you do buggy rides for large groups?

Aaron: Do we ever! We get groups literally from all over the world, from Europe to Japan to countries in Africa. We just had a group here from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. Even the Chinese ambassador was along, followed by a special car just in case something happened that required him to hurry back to D.C. Anyway, I think we had about 150 people.

A “surprise bus” really gets our hearts pumping, which means a lot since our hearts weigh about nine pounds! We give them a run for their money!

Brad: Up until meeting you, the only talking horse I ever knew of was Mr. Ed on TV in the 1960’s. Did you ever hear of him?

Aaron: Actually, I have. He was a golden palomino. They say he learned an amazing number of tricks for his role, including answering a telephone, opening doors, writing notes with a pencil, and unplugging a light. But he was also a bit of a “prima donna,” and would occasionally have a fit of temper, stand stock still, wheezing and refusing to move. You’ll never see me do that. Well, almost never, but, to confess, a late dinner call does drive me buggy!

Brad: Thanks, Aaron. These interviews have once again given AMISH COUNTRY NEWS a leg up on the competition.

Strasburg - A Town of Trains & Heritage

As early as 1716, when the first wagon was used for hauling goods, the path became known as the Conestoga Road, and the wagons that traveled them eventually became known as

30

BACHMAN TOWN RD.

Hershey Farm Restaurant & Motor Inn

HERR RD.

V FAIR

NORTH STAR RD

IE W

Lapp’s Quilts & Crafts Parking

896 Ghost Tour

741 To Village Greens Mini Golf

896 STRASBURG

Conestoga Wagons. Main Street Strasburg was developed during the next half century as traffic on this road increased considerably and the first log houses appeared in the village about 1733.

Strasburg continued to flourish in the 18th century primarily because of its location along the major wagon routes between Philadelphia, Lancaster, and the Susquehanna River.

As Strasburg flourished, so did its neighbor to the east, Philadelphia. The commercial interests of Philadelphia pressured the State Legislature to improve the transportation network into their city. As a result, a series of canals along with the Philadelphia and Columbia Rail Roads were constructed.

Strasburg residents became alarmed at the possibility of losing their commercial position and there soon emerged a charter for the Strasburg Rail Road to construct a rail line connecting Strasburg with the Philadelphia and Columbia Rail Road main line near Paradise. Finally in the 1850’s, trains were hauling freight and passengers.

VillageGreens.com OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Please Call For Hours

RONKS RD.

J & B Quilts & Crafts Country Creations

DECATUR STREET

Strasburg, named for the city in France, was actually “founded” by a Frenchman, Pierre Bezaillion, who traded with the Delaware Indians. The story goes he came to the area in 1693, as French fur traders opened up the first path through this area from Philadelphia to the Susquehanna River.

To

The Only 23 Hole Golf Course in Lancaster County

30 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

Choo

741 Choo

Lil Country Store & Mini Horse Farm National ToyTrain Museum

Strasburg Rail Road

Barn

PARADISE LANE

A

ll aboard! Strasburg is a destination all its own in Dutch Country, home to many well known attractions. To name just a few --- the Strasburg Rail Road, Ghost Tours of Lancaster, Village Greens Mini Golf, National Toy Train Museum, and the Choo Choo Barn. But you may not know much about the interesting history of "Train Town."

About 100 years later, business had dwindled, and a severe storm in 1957 destroyed much of the track. It seemed the SRR had reached the end of the line. To the rescue came a group of local train enthusiasts who began bringing the SRR back to life in a totally new way. They added passenger cars and buildings, and today’s Strasburg Rail Road was born, destined to become one of Dutch Country’s top attractions.

Appropriately enough, the State decided to build an expanded Rail Road Museum of Pennsylvania across the street, the ideal place to preserve the history of railroading in Pennsylvania. With the other train attractions nearby, it’s little wonder that Strasburg has earned the title of Train Town!

WINE & CHEESE TRAIN Relax in First-Class Comfort

UPCOMING EVENTS: Wine & Cheese Train: Saturdays thru November 22 Great Train Robbery: October 19 Chocolate Express: November 1 Seafood Express: November 15 Route 741 East, Strasburg, PA 866-725-9666

StrasburgRailRoad.com

Icons that use corporate co providing the colors aren’t

As an alternative, the icon monochromatic form. In t whatever works best with

Icons to use for black & wh in 60% of black, but the sc best with the design.

If you choose to alter th specific document, plea remains unchanged.

For over 50 years, visitors of all ages have enjoyed the realistic detail and creativity of our layout.

• A work of art for the entire family to enjoy… so much more than “just trains”!

• Huge layout with 22 operating model trains • Over 150 hand-created animated figures & scenes

Family

50+ owned for

YEARS!

Visit Traintown, U.S.A® at choochoobarn.com Route 741 East, 226 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA (Two blocks from the Strasburg Rail Road) 717-687-7911

Visit us online at www.AmishNews.com where you'll find archived issues, Brad Igou's continuing Amish Series, recipes from dining issues and lots more!

AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 31

Kids Eat

Free Breakfast & Lunch Smorgasbord.

Everyday.

Shop from home!

R O$3 OFF

*Exclusions Apply

Select items from the Bakery and Shops at Hershey Farm are available online!

Adult Dinner Grand Smorgasbord or

$2 OFF Adult Lunch Grand Smorgasbord

800-827-8635 www.hersheyfarm.com

Not valid Holidays, on Family Style Dining, or on parties of 8 or more. Please show coupon.

No other discounts apply. Exp 01/31/2015 ACN14

800-827-8635

Dining • Shopping • Lodging Rt 896 240 Hartman Bridge Road Ronks, PA 17572 www.hersheyfarm.com 32 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

What's Coming Up Next Month?

The sewing machines aren’t just props at Smucker’s Quilts along Groffdale Road in New Holland. Visitors can watch them sew quilts on site.

Don't Miss Our Annual Holiday/Winter Issue!

It's a must-have for discovering the unusual remembrance for that someone special on your Holiday gift-giving list.

This Special Issue Includes:

• One-of-a-kind Quilts • Hand-mades by the Amish • Last Minute Bargains • What's to do for the Holidays • Seasonal Shows Seen as Spectacles

Welcome to New Holland • Blue Ball 322

897 23 RANCK AVE.

RD.

NVILLE VO G A

To Ephrata

Flower and Home Marketplace

BLUE BALL

Country Home Blue Furniture Ridge Furniture

.

RD

Riehl’s Quilts & Crafts E. EBY ROAD

MAIN STREET Witmer’s Quilt Shop

RS TE PE

S. GROFFDALE RD.

23

N. GROFFDALE RD.

LEOLA

NEW HOLLAND

RAILROAD AVE.

Smucker’s Quilts

Country Lane Quilt Shop

HILL RD. / WALLACE RD. To September Farm Cheese

T

he instability in Europe in the late 1600’s spawned and nurtured the pioneer interest in the deep forest lands of Pennsylvania — 60 miles inland from Philadelphia. In 1681 William Penn received his 40,000 square-mile land grant to settle King Charles’ debt to his father. Himself a Quaker, Penn had experienced religious persecution firsthand, and decided to establish his American colony based on complete religious freedom.

This entire century had been one of continued misery for the peasants of the Palatinate (western Germany). The Thirty Years War had raged across the area with barbaric ruthlessness.

The peasant inhabitants fled to nearby Holland for refuge. And within a decade of the end of that conflict, King Louis XIV of France started a new religious war in the same general area.

These Palatinate peasants were exhausted by war’s desolation, and were ripe for a new start. Traveling land agents for William Penn’s new colony found listening ears. In addition to religious freedom and a peaceful existence, Penn offered cheap land. The stated price was 100 English pounds for 5,000 acres. (At today’s rate exchange, this would be less than $.04 an acre). By the year 1702, a goodly number of Palatinates had immigrated to Pennsylvania, and Queen Anne, newly reigning in England, was delighted that Penn was colonizing his immense grant without drawing off the population of Britain.

The area today called New Holland was practically covered by virgin forests—sturdy timbers of oak, ash, chestnut, and walnut. By 1728, William Penn had been dead for 10 years and his American colony, called Pennsylvania, was being administered by a proprietary governor while the sale of land was formalized by patent deeds.

In 1802, when a post office was established and an official name was necessary, there was no objection to naming the town New Holland.

These grateful people remembered how extremely kind the inhabitants of Holland were to them, and the assistance that included funds to cover the cost of the refugee German immigrants’ ocean voyage.

This was no small matter when the alternative was indentured service for a period of years. For adults, indenture frequently meant four to seven years of labor without pay. Minors served until their 21st birthday. But still, William Penn’s Quaker Pennsylvania was liberation compared to the Europe they fled seeking freedom of religion, assembly and speech for all, hopefully, none of which we take for granted today.

AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 33

Fantastic articles! Money saving coupons!

A guide to Amish Country! For an Amish Country News annual subscription, complete this form and send a check or money order for $30 to: Amish Country News, PO Box 414, Bird-In-Hand, PA 17505

34 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

Amish Country News is printed 7 times per year.

Please check an issue to start your subscription.

Spring (April/May) June July August September October Winter (Nov/Dec)

200 Delicious menu items to choose from at the NEW Manor Buffet!

Dining in the Romantic Glow of History by the sheer turning of time. Exposed at Revere Tavern generated beams, brick walls, warm fireplaces, and an

By Clinton Martin

S

ome 274 years ago Amish Country catered to tourists, but they certainly weren’t coming to see horses and mules pulling buggies and plows. Everyone’s car was a horse back then, although today’s Route 30 was already a main highway for travelers, and the buses of the day, stagecoaches that traveled through the area in great numbers.

Situated every couple of miles were “stage taverns” or restaurants offering weary travelers a hearty meal and some respite from the jostling, jolting horse-drawn stagecoaches. Some were basic, some were grand. Each catered to a different class of traveler. One of the finest taverns in Lancaster at the time was the Revere Tavern. Those 274 years ago, we certainly would have looked very different to the traveler of the day, but the Revere Tavern, already a fixture along the way, would be readily recognizable.

Today, the Revere Tavern continues to offer wonderfully romantic dining in an historic setting, an atmosphere not created by design but

historic bar are all bastions of not only decades, but centuries gone by. The fare offered by the skilled chef is, however, nothing to consider old or stale. The menu is exciting and ambitious, with various steaks, chops, chicken, pasta, and seafood selections gracing the menu, which tends to change with the seasons.

My current favorite meal at Revere Tavern: As an appetizer, the Duck Confit Spring Rolls (duck confit rolled with cabbage, carrots, peppers and sesame seeds, served with chili sauce and cilantro lime crème fraiche). For the entrée, Grilled Flat Iron Pork Steak (a 14 ounce center cut steak soaked in an apple cider brine and grilled to perfection), is served with an apple-ginger brandy sauce and roasted fingerling potatoes. For dessert I chose the Dark Side of the Moon (three layers of rich fudge cake separated by chocolate mousse, all topped with pure dark chocolate ganache and garnished with a chocolate crescent moon). Oh, and of course I enjoyed one of the best martinis in Amish Country (the classic original--none of this caramel apple-tini heresy for this writer).

If this sounds appealing to you in any way, there’s only one thing to do – call and score your reservation for an evening meal you’ll long remember. The Revere Tavern on Route 30 East (3060 Lincoln Highway, Paradise) can be reached at (717) 687-8602, or you can book a table online at www.reveretavern.com. Dinner is served starting at 5:00pm daily (4:30pm on Saturdays and 4:00pm Sundays) and closing time is 10:00pm daily, 9:00pm on Sundays. On a busy evening they’ll serve over 600 guests, so take my advice and plan ahead for a fine evening out.

Located at Shady Maple!

Q

uality, affordable, luxury. That's what American made and Amish handcrafted furniture at Country Home Furniture is all about.

When Shady Maple Smorgasbord moved into a larger building across the parking lot more than a decade ago, the former restaurant building became home to one of the largest and best furniture stores in the Lancaster area, Country Home Furniture.

On two large selling floors, and 30,000 sq. ft., you will find American made sofas and recliners, made in North Carolina, Ohio and Mississippi, in addition to solid wood, USA made and Amish handcrafted dining, bedroom, office, occasional and entertainment furniture. The wood pieces come from artisans in Ohio, Indiana and right here in Lancaster County.

With hundreds of stylish products in traditional, transitional, modern and country looks on the floor, there is something for everyone. According to management, “Amish built furniture and quality go hand-in-hand. As far as American handcrafters in the hardwood and upholstery industries, their knack for getting their styles to mesh with today’s buyer is second to none. No one builds better, more stylish furniture than American furniture makers.”

Unlike other stores where your only choices of the style or color or wood is what you see, at Country Home Furniture you can have a hand in every facet of your design. That's the beauty of shopping there. Customers love the flexibility to have a piece made for them by selecting their wood, stain, hardware and fabric.

The retailer ships and delivers to customers’ homes and businesses all over the country.

If beautiful, quality, brand new, solid wood, American handcrafted furniture is important to you, then you owe it to yourself to explore Country Home Furniture. As they like to say, it's worth the drive to the countryside of Lancaster County for savings.

Country Home Furniture is open Monday and Friday 10-7, Tuesday through Thursday 105, and Saturdays 9-5. The entire complex at Shady Maple is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 717-354-2329, go online to www.chfs1.com or e-mail sales@chfs1.com.

GPS address is 1352 Main Street, East Earl Township, PA.

AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 35

Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall Special to Amish Country News

L

ooking for an experience, not just another antique mall? Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall is home to 26,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles, items such as furniture, glassware, sterling silver, advertising, jewelry, toys and much more displayed by over 125 dealers.

For the nostalgic shopper, housed inside the antique mall is an Old Time General Store, full of vintage barber shop, ice cream parlor, hardware and drugstore memorabilia which will take you back to the Mom & Pop stores of years ago. Not Just Baskets, located next door to the Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall, carries a huge selection of baskets, quilts, luxury gifts and everyday items to choose from.

You can fill a basket with any assortment of

Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall Celebrates Columbus Day Weekend Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall will be hosting its 18th Annual Columbus Day Weekend Antique Extravaganza Sale on Saturday October 11th through Monday October 13th.

Visitors can win free prizes, kids receive free balloons, plus free gifts with purchases.

The event is marked by huge savings storewide. The impressive 26,000 square foot facility houses a wide variety of antiques and treats from pottery to spice mixes, quilts to candles, cookbooks to spa items – and have it all wrapped up in cellophane in a beautiful basket for a perfect gift. Or gather pet treats, dip and spice mixes and PA Dutch candies for your family, friends – even yourself.

collectibles, displayed by over 125 dealers.

Also on site, Not Just Baskets is a unique gift shop filled with quilts, baskets, candy, pet gifts, candles, framed prints and much more.

Cackleberry Kitchens provides the food, such as sandwiches, dessert items, fresh baked goods and refreshing beverages. During the event, the kitchen will also be featuring fresh Barbequed Chicken, Hot Dogs and Hamburgers straight off the grill.

Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall is located at 3371 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, on Route 30, only minutes away from everywhere and everything Amish Country has to offer.

We have a large selection of baskets, quilted throws, men’s and ladies everyday accessories and gift items.

Which includes luxury bath and spa cosmetics, jewelry, cookbooks, kitchen linens, candles, pottery, pet fancies, home decor, framed prints, and many more special items.

Choose your basket and gift items and we will customize a lovely gift basket for you.

Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir for yourself while you are there.

With $15.00 purchase or more and this coupon.

Only at: Not Just Baskets Limit one coupon per purchase. (Expires 12/31/14.)

36 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

Get Me to Flower & Home Marketplace on Time!

By Clinton Martin

I

’m Getting Married in the Morning and despite the lyrical suggestions of MY FAIR LADY, a truly wise destination in addition to the nearest chapel, of course, is the Flower & Home Marketplace. In fact, anyone participating in the staging of a wedding should make one of their first stops at the Flower & Home Marketplace. Everything that one might need to create a gorgeous wedding, other than the bride and groom themselves, is available at this massive 90,000-square-foot design center.

Simply put, the Flower & Home Marketplace is Lancaster’s largest floral and home retailer, and one of the finest you're ever likely to come upon.

Flower and Home Marketplace is located at 196 Broad Street in Blue Ball, less than 10 minutes from the Shady Maple Complex.

Open daily except Sunday, this store is a critical part of planning any "big day." Call 717-351-0015 or browse flowerandhome.com.

The floral selection at the Flower & Home Marketplace offers both fresh and silk blooms in any color imaginable.

Soon-to-be brides travel from all over the midAtlantic region to work with the FHM designers.

The on-site design center is staffed with experts that help guide brides through the store’s impressive selection of silk and fresh flowers, one of the largest in the country. Besides flowers, all the bridal craft items that satisfy the “little things” that cumulatively mean so much during the wedding day are also found in abundance here.

October Events Sampler Now Through November 30 Amish Visit-in-Person Tours

Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm Now Through November 29 Wanda Brunstetter’s HALF-STITCHED: THE MUSICAL

Bird-in-Hand Stage

Now Through November 22 Wine & Cheese Train

Strasburg Rail Road

Available at the Amish Experience, Plain & Fancy Farm, Lifeway, by phone and online at leading book web sites.

1-800-247-4784

Now Through November 8 Crazy for You

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre Now Through October 26 Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

Mount Hope Estate Winery Now Through October 25 Drinking Habits

Rainbow Dinner Theatre October 4 & 5 Lancaster ArtWalk

Streets of Lancaster City October Weekends Starting October 11 Trick-or-Treat

Turkey Hill Experience October 11 Lititz Chocolate Walk

Streets of Lititz

October 12 Vintage Baseball Day

SEPTEMBER 25 - NOVEMBER 8

Hear hits like: Embraceable You Someone To Watch Over Me I Can’t Be Bothered Now I Got Rhythm They Can’t Take That Away From Me and More!

Strasburg Rail Road October 19 Great Train Robbery

Strasburg Rail Road

AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 37

38 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 39

Living with the Amish Part Six in a Series...

by Brad Igou

Things I Have Learned from the Amish Whenever we are able to connect with another culture, we should learn something from it. From our own frame of reference, we possess a point for comparison. Thus, from our exposure to another culture, we often better understand ourselves. Here then is my partial list of “Things I Have Learned from the Amish.”

1. Sometimes you don’t need the things you “need.”

When I lived with the Amish, I got along quite well without television, movies, electricity, etc. Farm work kept me busy and the family provided support, security, and satisfaction. In other words, I learned not to miss or want things I thought I "needed" but knew I could not have.

I came, without difficulty, to enjoy those that I did have.

2. Submitting doesn’t mean being inferior.

Being subordinate is important in Amish life… man is subordinate to God, women to men, children to parents, students to teachers, etc.

But this “submissiveness” does not mean being inferior. A student, for example, shows respect and submission to his teacher. But sometimes the student will surpass the teacher in knowledge or capability. At home, if husband and wife disagree, then someone must “give in,” so that may mean going with the husband’s decision.

3. Teamwork and humility have their place.

In American society, where individuality and competitiveness are so often stressed, it can be difficult for people to work as a team. Even in sports, individuals are often more important than the group. Pride sometimes leads to boasting, selfishness, and even ruthlessness. Perhaps the Amish attract our attention precisely for not wanting to be in the spotlight.

4. To find satisfaction in the “routine.”

Many of us have repetitive jobs. A job only for the money rarely brings happiness, but some

people have little choice. The world can seem downright unfair…until we meet someone less fortunate. We can choose to be negative and gloomy or upbeat and positive. For the Amish, no matter the task, it is to be done positively and to the best of one's ability.

5. To enjoy the simple things, quiet times, friends and family.

This certainly seems most obvious, yet so easily beyond our grasp. Some of my fondest memories are of simply sitting and chatting with Amish friends. Recently I saw a TV commercial that had an idea for promoting family unity --plan to eat together once a week!

6. That I don’t want to be Amish.

I have never wanted to be Amish. Partly, I admit, there are too many things of the world that I would not give up --- car, movies, music, art museums, travel and the like. I realize that being Amish is much more than a lifestyle. The religion has a distinct set of beliefs and practices, not all of which I could embrace. But I respect and admire the Amish. They have enriched my life.

Perhaps that’s why I was somewhat baffled when a visitor once asked me why anyone would want to be Amish. "Besides staying with your family, what is the bonus?"

Several weeks later I went with an Amish friend to visit another Amish family we both knew. Our friend, whom I will call Elam, was just finishing up milking the cows. As we walked toward the house, we noticed some faces peering out the

Family togetherness is reflected beautifully in this photo of an Amish family on the way to church Sunday morning. Photo Credit: Tom Bailey

40 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

O

ver the years, I have had many experiences with the Amish as partners in various tours we’ve created for the public, as business owners, as farmers, and certainly as friends. I even lived with an Amish family when I was in college. For my Amish Series this year I thought it would be interesting to look back and share some of my favorite people and stories.

window into the night, trying to see who the unexpected guests might be.

A warm fire was burning in the heat stove as we entered the house. We found seats at one end of the kitchen and began to "visit." The word "visiting" for the Amish simply means to sit and talk. No one knows where conversations will begin, or lead, or end. A good place to start might be the weather, crops, the family.

As we talked, Elam's wife Rachel came over with their newest baby and gave him to Elam to hold.

The little face looked over at me and smiled that kind of grin that only little babies can give.

Elam rocked back and forth in his chair with the baby on his chest. Rachel sat across from us and listened to the conversation.

Meanwhile, at the kitchen table one brother and sister spread out a board game to play. Beside me, the two-year-old sister dumped open a game of Monopoly and started to play with the money, just colored pieces of paper to her. Elam discovered that the baby needed changed and he was handed back to the women.

Next a door opened behind me and in walked grandma from the little section of the house where she lives. She probably heard some strange voices and decided to see who was there.

She sat down with the other women across from us men. The two-year-old picked up some of the Monopoly money and tottered over to hand it to grandma, who kindly accepted it.

Our conversation ranged from milk prices, to stories about the many visitors who come to the farm, to the new Amish cemetery being prepared. I eventually looked at my watch and, remembering that Elam had to get up at 4:00 a.m. to milk the cows, announced that we should be going. As I drove my friend back home, I reflected a bit on our visit. "You know," I said, "When people ask me why anyone would want to be Amish I cannot help but think that if they had just spent the last two hours with us, they would understand." I felt a little lump in my throat realizing that my friend probably wondered what was so special about the visit. It was a perfectly normal for him, just part of being Amish. We then bid each other goodnight and returned to our separate worlds.

Blue Ridge Furniture, Home of Signature Hardwood

floor sales associate is also a furniture maker. So if you have questions, you'll get expert answers.

By visiting the store you’ll get to see exactly what makes Signature Hardwood Furniture an unbeatable choice for every room in the home.

Talk directly to the craftsmen

Special to Amish Country News

I

Customers of Blue Ridge get to interact with the very craftsmen who are making the furniture.

Sidney himself is often in the showroom, and the

The Blue Ridge Furniture address in the village of Churchtown is 2014 Main Street, Narvon, PA 17555. Contact them at 717-445-6595 or at BlueRidgeHeirlooms.com.

f you agree with the adage that home is where the heart is, then be good to your heart by stopping in at Blue Ridge Furniture in Churchtown, Lancaster County, PA. You'll find beautiful heirloom furniture that will last a lifetime and beyond.

You can choose from traditional or contemporary styles, selecting from rich hardwoods in a wide range of colors and sizes. With such great variety you can outfit every room to match, or go eclectic.

A passion for woodworking Blue Ridge Furniture's owner, Sidney Burkholder, had a passion for woodworking since his school days, when he already had visions of owning his own substantial-size furniture business. He wanted to do three things: to help out the community by providing jobs, create a family business to leave to his children as a legacy, and of course, design and work in a business he loved. Today, he enjoys the challenge of running a business, and working with employees and customers to satisfy each. Not always easy, but always rewarding.

Blue Ridge Furniture from then to now Blue Ridge Furniture traces its origins back to 1985. Sidney came onboard as an employee in 1994, and after managing for four years beginning in 1996, took over ownership in 2000. Success forced an expansion of their Route 23 showroom in 2006, and again in 2010, when they moved to their current larger facilities in Churchtown.

Exquisite Signature Hardwood Blue Ridge Furniture sells the Signature Hardwood brand that Sidney and his crew of artisans design and manufacture. Using all solid hardwoods of the finest quality — Maple, Oak and Cherry — heirloom quality pieces are available in a wide range of styles, with a great variety of paint and stain options. Customers can browse the catalog and select from standard pieces, or they can bring in a sketch or photo and have a custom piece created especially for them. Full collections with wide variety are available for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and offices. Pieces include benches, chairs, TV stands, end tables, coffee tables, dining suites, sideboards, beds, dressers, armoires, desks, bookshelves, filing cabinets, vanities, linen closets, and much, much more.

Designs for every taste You may be pleasantly surprised at all the unique styles and offerings available at Blue Ridge Furniture. Where does Sidney get his inspiration?

By listening to customers and generally keeping abreast of trends. His goal is to stay current, plus anticipate what the next popular looks might be.

Just one of a jillion flavors you can create, taste, and make a commercial for at the Turkey Hill Experience. Place your reservation and buy tickets now at TurkeyHillExperience.com.

Columbia Exit of Rt. 30 | 301 Linden Street, Columbia, PA 17512 ©2014 Turkey Hill Dairy 1-844-VISIT-TH (1-844-847-4884)

AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 41

Warm your heart with the brand-new series from bestselling Amish fiction author

Autumn leaves, early morning mist, and the thrill of the hunt at...

Marta Perry

The FORGIVEN Keepers of the Promise, Book One

In Stores Oct. 3, 2014

Three Amish cousins, given the task of sorting through the treasures of generations of their Amish family in America, each discover a story from the past that provides insight and inspiration for their own lives.

www.MartaPerry.com • www.facebook.com/MartaPerryBooks

Union Barrel Works: A Destination for Food, Craft Brews and Local Wine

By Clinton Martin

A

s a Brew Pub, Union Barrel Works makes craft beer on site and produces delicious meals ranging from burgers and sandwiches to fine entrees and steaks.

What many visitors might not know is that the State of PA encourages Brew Pubs to offer local PA wines as an accompaniment to their menus.

From day one, Union Barrel Works determined to not only serve their own small-batch creative craft beer, but to also include one select PA winery as a counterpoint to their ales and lagers. Nearby Kog Hill Winery was chosen.

As a frequent UBW diner myself, I had always noticed the wine list, but had never really given it much thought. As a craft beer enthusiast, I went to UBW for their delicious and interesting beer. However, on this last visit, I finally determined to try the wine.

I selected as my meal the excellent Bruschetta Burger, which is a classic pub burger with the added twist of freshly made bruschetta on top.

What sort of wine did I choose to go with my burger? Well, I just couldn’t help myself and I ordered a pint of beer, knowing beyond a doubt that pairing UBW’s famous “Wobbly Bob Doppelbock” with the burger was a match made in heaven, whereas I just couldn’t decipher from the wine list what would have done the same. I resolved to follow up my pint with a glass of wine.

I finished the burger and the beer, and once again looked at the wine list. I once again was distracted from the grape’s song by the siren of

42 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

October 4 & 5 - Pepsi, Coke & Advertising October 4 is YARD SALE Saturday!

200+ Vendors October 11 & 12 Music, Lighting & Supernatural

Adamsburry Holiday Craft Show

(8am) Both Days • Artist & Craft Vendors WANTED October l8 & 19 - Tobacco, Beer,Tavern & Pewter Micro Brewers Special Section October 25 & 26 - Animal Collectibles & Memorabilia (Season Finale) Special themes or shows every weekend.

Visit ShuppsGrove.com or call 717.484.4115 GPS: 607 Willow St. • Reinholds, PA 17569

UBW’s Blueberry Wheat beer. I wasn’t prepared for that, and I wasn’t prepared to turn that down either. In order to practice moderation, I asked for a small taste. I enjoyed a 2 ounce sample, which perhaps gave me the sweet tingle on my tongue enough to trust myself with the wine.

I, for the third time, gazed upon the wine list and decided that it was time for dessert, and lo there it was – Kog Hill’s special dessert wine.

What a luxuriously smooth and pleasantly sweet end to the meal!

If you’ve got plans to dine out, make time for Union Barrel Works. For GPS directions, use 6 N. Reamstown Road, Stevens, PA. Call 717-335-7837 or check out www. unionbarrelworks.com.

Our Advertisers ATTRACTIONS

*Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides (S)....................48 Aimee & Daria's Doll Outlet (S).......................... 28 *Amish Country Homestead (S)............................7 *Amish Country Tours (S)...................................... 24 *Amish Experience Theater (S)..............................7 Choo Choo Barn (S)............................................... 31 Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (S)......................... 37 Dutch Haven (S)..........................................................3 Ghost Tour (S)........................................................... 31 Hershey’s Chocolate World (S)........................... 41 Intercourse Bike Works.............................................8 Intercourse Pretzel Factory......................................8 Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery................................. 16 *Mennonite Information Center......................... 20 National Toy Train Museum (S).......................... 31 Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire (S).................. 13 *Rainbow Dinner Theatre (S).............................. 10 Strasburg Rail Road (S).......................................... 31 Turkey Hill Experience (S)..................................... 41 Village Greens Mini-Golf (S)................................ 30

LET'S EAT Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop....................................... 22 *Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord................................................21,22 Blue Gate Farm & Bakery...................................... 28 *Good 'N Plenty (S)................................................. 27 *Huckleberry's at Fulton Steamboat Inn (S)... 15

An (S) after the name denotes Open Sunday.

An * denotes a coupon offer. *Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn (S)................. 32 *Intercourse Village Olde Mill Restaurant..........8 Kauffman's Fruit Farm............................................ 26 *Lancaster Beer & Wine Gallery (S)................... 23 Manor Buffet (S)...................................................... 13 *Miller's Smorgasbord (S)..................................... 12 *Mr. Sticky's Homemade Sticky Buns............... 20 *Plain & Fancy Farm (S)......................................... 25 Revere Tavern (S)..................................................... 10 September Farm Cheese....................................... 17 Union Barrel Works (S)..........................................42 Zook's Homemade Chicken Pies..........................4

LODGING *Country Inn of Lancaster (S).............................. 15 Flory's Cottages & Camping (S).......................... 15 *Fulton Steamboat Inn (S)................................... 15

SHOPPING Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market.............................. 27 Blue Ridge Furniture............................................... 33 *Brickerville Antiques (S)...................................... 17 *Country Creations.................................................. 32 Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall (S).................... 36 Country Home Furniture....................................... 35 Country Housewares Store.................................. 34 Country Knives.............................................................9 Country Lane Quilts...................................................9 Dolly Bodacious..........................................................8

Get Up, Get Going, Get Breakfast at 1899 Olde Mill Restaurant

By Clinton Martin

The Amish breakfast at the Best Western Intercourse includes a generous helping of warm from the oven coffee cake.

B

reakfast is probably the most popular meal among the Amish, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that one of the best ways to try local PA Dutch cooking is by seeking out an authentic breakfast.

Sure there are eggs, potatoes, toast and jam, but the combinations, cooking styles, and va-

rieties of these staples can be distinctly unique to the area. So where does one go for a true Amish breakfast? The answer might be surprising – in the middle of visitor-centric Intercourse, you’ll find a Best Western hotel, and in that hotel you’ll find the 1899 Olde Mill Restaurant.

On the menu, you’ll find a delicious, hearty, and unique PA Dutch breakfast.

The restaurant is frequented not only by overnight guests and other visitors, but also by locals, many of whom are of the Plain sect. And, while the staff at AMISH COUNTRY NEWS hold weekly breakfast meetings at the Olde Mill, we still can’t claim to be the most frequent local diners, as a table of Amish gentlemen and their English buddies have a “stammtisch” (their special spot) at the restaurant and seem to be there virtually every day for breakfast. That’s the kind of endorsement you just can’t take lightly.

To try an authentic Amish breakfast at the Olde Mill order any number of the aptly named se-

Dutchland Quilt Patch...............................................6 Esh Handmade Quilts...............................................6 Flower and Home Marketplace.......................... 47 Gish's Furniture & Amish Heirlooms ................ 28 Gordonville Bookstore..............................................6 J & B Quilts and Crafts............................................ 30 *Jake's Country Trading Post (S)......................... 11 *Killer Hats (S).......................................................... 10 Lapp’s Quilts & Crafts.............................................. 31 Lapp's Toys................................................................. 26 Li’l Country Store & Miniature Horse Farm..... 30 *Not Just Baskets (S).............................................. 36 Obie's Country Store............................................... 34 Old Candle Barn..........................................................9 Renninger's Antique Market (S).........................42 Riehl's Quilts & Crafts............................................. 39 Ruthie's........................................................................ 20 Sauder's Fabrics...........................................................9 Sam's Man Cave....................................................... 28 Shupp's Grove (S)....................................................42 Smucker's Quilts....................................................... 34 Unclaimed Freight (S)............................................ 38 Witmer Quilt Shop................................................... 34 Zook’s Fabric Store.....................................................9

Visit us online at AmishNews.com where you'll find archived issues, Brad Igou's continuing Amish Series, recipes from dining issues and lots more! lections, the “Horse and Buggy Breakfast,” “Amish Breakfast,” “Haystack Breakfast,” or just try the daily special which is always priced right and portioned well. Expect to find the typical PA Dutch breakfast to include meat (perhaps even Scrapple or Puddin’--- a mixed-meat-medium, if you know what I mean ---eggs, a pastry element like Shoo Fly Pie or coffee cake, starches like home-fried potatoes, and breads which may or may not be smothered in gravies based on beef or sausage. Oh yes, this is the kind of breakfast that equips the visitor with caloric reserves to tackle a full day of touring and exploring.

The 1899 Olde Mill Restaurant is open daily, though on Sundays just for hotel guests. The restaurant is located at 3610 E. Newport Rd., Intercourse. Taking Route 340 east from the village of Bird-in-Hand, you’ll reach the village of Intercourse. At the “Y” where Route 340 goes left, and 772 (also known as Newport Road) goes right, take Newport Road, and the restaurant will be easy to spot off to the right. Parking is available on either side of the Best Western. Call (717) 768-3637 for more information.

AmishNews.com • October 2014 • Amish Country News • 43

To Hershey

72

422 322

Mount Gretna

To Hershey’s Chocolate World

PA Turnpike

419

Brickerville

117 Exit 266

w

322

Mount Hope Estate & Winery (Wine Tasting Daily) Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Through October 26

501

743

72

Lititz

) (Map Pg. 16

772

To Harrisburg

Manheim

283

772

462

30

Hill wTurkey Experience

Wrightsville

w Unclaimedw Freight

Columbia

441

VIL LE

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

CENTE R

23

RD.

Marietta

30

Su

FRUITVILLE PIK

LITITZ PIKE

222

283

w

30

Best Western Eden Resort

LD

462

IE NF

RD

EE

GR

w

Mr. Sticky’s Sticky Buns

w30

462

Lancaster City

w

r ive

aR

nn

ha 222

e

err Driv

Hans H

AMISH COUNTRY

272

Willow Street 272

Your Place Restaurant & Country Inn of Lancaster

w

Manor Buffet

ue

E

PI

O

RE

222

sq

N

S

KE

N

O

Ghost Tour

741

W

272 G

HEIM

To urg York & Gettysb

230

AIRPORT RD.

MAN

Mount Joy

772

ROHRERSTOWN ROAD

743

501

PIKE

72

441

Lancaster Airport

E

230

w Adamstown Renninger’s

w

Sauder’s Fabrics

w

222 K ram

er M

ill R

AL ER

) (Map Pg. 33

222

Akron

New Holland

To Philadelphia

Morgantown

d.

Obie’s Country Store

New H&olland Blue Ball

MA

Ephrata

23

10

Muddy Creek Rd.

D.

.

ST

IND

E AT ST

RT

322

To Reading

Shupp’s Grove

Exit 286

Union Barrel Works

272

w

w

w

897

Blue Ball 23

Country Home Furniture

w

w

Exit 298 Blue Ridge Furniture

Goodville

w

Flower & Home VO Marketplace GA NEW NV 322 ILL RD. HO ER 272 897 LLA HILL D. Smucker’s r ND D e I L m RD. LE Quilts Wit uiltsPE R Q TERS RD. AVE . e Country e N. GROFFDALE RD HO Intercou. rs Housewar LL Store 897 (Map Pg 6) AN DE IKE lts R Country P i R D u s D D. Lane

BY R AN 's Q raft E. E Quilt LL Riehlnd C NEW IKE a HO Shop : A. P POR W r Farm PHIL TR D NE ancy nce Theatead F L & O D. Plain h Experie Homeste Country Amis h Country Tours Knives 772 Amis h Country es is id Am uggy R A&J B 23 d D an -H arm R in F dit ir B Y ) an’s Fru EB (Map Pg. 21 Kauffm MT. W. Mt. Hope SID NEY Wine Gallery RD Smoketown Airport Lapp’s .

340 n Rd .

Toys tow RD Irish PIKE .

E A O PHIL SH OLD 772 SE

To Lititz

MILL RD .

dale

Rd.

s Rd

w w w roffd

S. G

.

ale R

Stumptown Rd.

w

d.

Leola

w

r sse Mu l Rd. oo Sch

roff

w

Hes

Brownstown

S. G

w

10 September Farm Cheese

White Horse

w ww

w

S RD.

30

896

lt P atch ven

Qui nd

h Ha

ord

chla Dut

M Smiller's org asb

Jake’s Country Trading Post

Killer Hats

URG

PIK

E

w

(Map Pg. 30)

Village Greens Mini Golf

w

Strasburg Rail Road

Strasburg

741

Gordonville Bookstore

w

Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall

w

LL RD.

ASB

(Map Pg.

30

897

To Philadelphia

LINCOLN HWY. EAST

Gap

CHERRY HI

NE

w

rm

Hershey Fa

STR

Paradis10e)

R GE SINAVE.

Fulton Steamboat Inn

PARADISE LA

w

Mennonite Information Center

w w ww w ww

a’s ari t & D tle ee ll Ou AimDo

ww w

w

Dutc

RONK

Blue Gate Farm Market

Ronks

WITM

D ER R

w

Flory’s Campground

K RD.

Good 'N Plenty

Gish’s Sam’s Furniture Man Cave

w

OLD LEACOC

R

HO

741

41

Choo Choo Barn

M

AY

PO

ST

222

896 O

FF

IC

E

LITTLE BEAVER RD RD

.

Christiana

October 2014 COVER STORY

Zook's Homemade Chicken Pies...................4-5

FEATURE ARTICLES

Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides....................29 Amish Visit-in-Person Tour............................26 Blue Ridge Furniture.....................................41 Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall......................36 Flower and Home Marketplace......................37 Garfield's at the Eden Resort.........................22 Good 'N Plenty.............................................14 Intercourse Bike Works.................................12 Intercourse Olde Mill Restaurant...................43 Miller's Smorgasbord....................................17 Plain & Fancy Farm.....................................25 Revere Tavern...............................................35 Theme Article - Foods A to Z........................18 Union Barrel Works......................................42 Your Place Restaurant.....................................8

REGULAR FEATURES

Brad Igou’s Amish Series..............................40 Country Home Furniture...............................35 Dutch Haven Lancaster Landmark...................3 Events Sampler............................................37 Publisher’s Message ....................................46

AREA MAP & GUIDES

Advertiser Index ..........................................43 Amish Country Map.................................44-45 Bird-in-Hand ..........................................21-27 Intercourse..................................................6-9 Lititz.......................................................16-17 Lodging .......................................................15 New Holland/Blue Ball.............................33-35 Paradise..................................................10-12 Strasburg................................................30-32

PO Box 414 • Bird-in-Hand • PA 17505

(717) 768-8400, Ext. 218

AmishNews.com

Published by Dutchland Tours Inc. Brad Igou • Editor-in-Chief brad@amishnews.com Clinton Martin • Director: Sales & Marketing clinton@amishnews.com Caleb Bressler • Associate Editor Kirk Simpson • Graphic Designer

For Advertising Information Contact Clinton Martin (717) 768-8400 ext. 217 450,000 copies distributed annually by subscription, and at over 300 motels, information centers and businesses in PA Dutch Country. Copyright ©2014. All contents of this magazine are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without prior approval of the publisher.

Publisher's Message

by Brad Igou

Amish-sploitation..."You Can't Get No Respect"

I

n the last few weeks a great deal of media attention has been again focused on Amish reality TV shows, mainly AMISH MAFIA about to go into a 4th Season, somehow surviving three years of false and farcical portrayals of Amish life here in Lancaster County. The launching of a website, RespectAmish.org by local film-maker Mary Haverstick, has generated a lot of buzz. The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, the PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau, local politicians, and even Governor Tom Corbett, have issued statements criticizing the show.

I have received calls from various media sources, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, Harrisburg Patriot News, Reading Eagle, and NBC's WGAL-TV, all asking for comment.

I basically told each one of them that I was glad to see this groundswell of enthusiasm, but wondered why it took so long. The previous series BREAKING AMISH raised some eyebrows, but it took three seasons of AMISH MAFIA to raise a chorus of criticism.

The Amish Experience Tour Company and Amish Country News have been outspoken critics of these shows from the beginning. Back in December of 2012 the Amish Experience was in preparations to launch a tour exposing the AMISH MAFIA series. In April of that year, a letter from Discovery Channel’s lawyers threatened a lawsuit, and the tour was eventually canceled. The letter noted that “the AMISH MAFIA mark has become a distinctive symbol of Discovery’s goodwill and a very valuable asset of the company.”

At that time, the Lancaster Newspapers and CBS-TV 21 both presented stories about these shows, but beyond that there was little to no community outcry. I am not sure what has spurred this outpouring of outrage years later; but it is, of course, welcome.

Now we have AMISH HAUNTING and two BREAKING AMISH shows to look forward to. To be precise, these shows are airing on Destination America and TLC Networks, which are owned by Discovery Communications, a media juggernaut with billions of dollars and viewers around the world.

It remains to be seen if the “Respect Amish” movement will have any serious impact on the production of these shows. If locals refuse to cooperate in the filming, the crew simply films elsewhere. It is about economics. The shows are popular and as

46 • Amish Country News • October 2014 • AmishNews.com

long as the ratings are high and there are sponsors, the shows will probably continue.

On September 9th, I received a call from Kyle, who said he was “a producer with the Discovery Channel and Amish Mafia.”

He wanted to know if I would do a "sitdown" (interview) in regards to the show, the impact on business, and the controversy.

I asked if this was a separate news piece or if it would be used in the show. He said it would be “incorporated” into the Amish Mafia series. I then asked if he was with Hot Snakes Media (which produces the show), and he confirmed he was. If he does find somebody to interview, we can only imagine how it will be edited and twisted to fit into whatever plot they come up with this season.

The inflammatory aspect of the shows is, of course, the disrespect and mockery they make of the Amish. Saying in other words what we have previously expressed in these pages, the Respect Amish website states…

How would America respond if a television network presented as “reality” a Hasidic religious community, a Catholic community or an evangelical Christian community in which the youth relentlessly broke their religious beliefs and the law? The latest proposed program, AMISH HAUNTING, has been billed as a new genre – “Amish horror.”Could a program promoted as JEWISH HORROR or MUSLIM HORROR receive funding or be broadcast in our country? Of course not.

The Amish have no designated “spokesperson,” which is why people like me are sometimes asked for an opinion. My response to almost every question that begins “How do the Amish feel about….?” is usually the same. First, there is no single opinion, as not all Amish people think the same. The second answer is really another question, “How would you feel if your ethnic group or religion were portrayed this way?”

You might want to check out the Respect Amish website for yourself. Lots of people are weighing in. The website suggests you write to the Discovery Channel protesting the show. It suggests talking to your children about how minority, religious, and ethnic groups are portrayed in the media. Sadly, I know of quite a few school students who love watching AMISH MAFIA. Perhaps the headline of the recent Philadelphia Inquirer story about all this said it best --- “Amish Mafia? Hogwash.”

90,F0t.0o0f

Sq. !

Shopping

Lancaster County’s LARGEST Home Decorating, Gift & Craft Store!

Silk & Fresh Flowers Baskets & Glassware Floral Craft Supplies Design Center Home Accents

Seasonal Decor Candles & Accessories Home Furnishings Greeting Cards Bath & Body

Fashion Accessories Scrapbooking Jewelry Making Kid’s Crafts & Games Gifts & More!

Just off intersection of Rt. 322 & Rt. 23.

One mile from Shady Maple!

196 Broad St. Blue Ball, PA 17506 www.flowerandhome.com 717.351.0015

Mon-Sat 9a-7p

WE ABSOLUTELY OFFER YOU MORE 7 DIFFERENT ROUTES, MORE MILES, MORE SCENERY. ALL IN THE COUNTRY in ALL AMISH AREA

Bring the whole family!

Ride through our covered bridge!

PRIVATE AMISH ROAD Real Family Carriages www.amishbuggyrides.com

Tours & Pricing

“The Cookie Run” Adults $10 Child $5

Visit a real Amish farm. Get off the buggy and see the cows and Clydesdale-type work horses.

We Absolutely Offer You More!

Visit us first! Here’s what you can see!

• Amish Schools • Quilt Shops • Harness Shop • Amish Shoe Store

• Amish Farm Stands • Amish Horse Dealer • Amish Butcher Shop • Amish Buggy Factory

• Amish Hat Shop • Furniture Shops • Amish Grocery Store • Amish Bakery

Located in the country at:

Plain & Fancy Farm midway between Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse

3121 Old Philadelphia Pike Ronks PA 17572 ADULT FARES ONLY. Coupon must be given at time of ride & can't be combined with any other offer. All riders must take the same tour. Expires 10/31/14

Ask about our longer rides!

“Amish Town Tour” Adults $14

Child $6

A 4 Mile Tour Passing Several Amish Businesses in Our Community; and an All Amish Farm Area. Experience Real Amish Life. (30-35 Minutes)

“Amish Farm Tour” Adults $21

Child $11

Visit a Real Amish Farm. Tour the Barn. See the Cows and Big Clydesdale-type Work Horses. America the Way It Used to Be. (50-60 minutes) Our Customer Preferred Ride!

Come See Us and Ask About Our Longest Tour...

Free Parking...Lots of It!

THIS MONTH ONLY!

A 3 Plus Mile Ride Thru an Amish Farm, with a Brief Stop for Optional Drinks and Cookies.

Feel the Country. (20-25 minutes)

For More Information

717-768-8828

“The AMISH JOURNEY RIDE” Tour a Real Working Amish Farm, an Amish Quilts and Crafts Store, and Learn About Amish Life Riding Through the Countryside. (1-3/4 hours)

PRIVATE RIDES ARE AVAILABLE! Email us for details:

amishbuggyrides@gmail.com

Open Daily from 9am til 5pm Sundays 10am to [Last Ride Departs] 4:30pm Child Rate is 12 yrs. and Under / UNDER 3 is Free!