You know you’re in good company when you visit someone that puts ” visit Amish country” on the to do list. Before last week I had no experience with the Amish way of life, other than the extremely scripted “reality” TV show “Breaking Amish,” which I admittedly have been sucked into watching more than once.
PC Meghan, a true horse and buggy.
It seemed to me the Amish lived a very simple life, similar to the idea of living off the grid which I love. While this is true for most Amish that abstain from things like electricity and cars, I also discovered things I didn’t know.
Meghan and I found ourselves smack in the heart of tourist Amish country, where despite the beards, dresses, and fancy hats, the Amish people were no different when it came to making money. Whatever it takes to make that dollar, even if it’s not completely ethical (in my eyes.)
My excitement quickly turned to fear when I saw a 3000 lb horse with sad eyes kicking ferociously to get out of his 10×10 pen, and when I saw an obese pig (I pray it was just preggo) having stomach convulsions. I suddenly felt like I was in a horror movie and my stomach sank to my toes. We spent ZERO pennies at this spot.
We quickly moved on to check out the bakeries, because the words “homemade” and “fresh baked” spoke to my sugar loving soul louder than a morning rooster. I also got excited to check out the famous cheese factory, and I don’t even eat cheese.
Not only were they “not making cheese today,” the cheeses has added microbial fillers and colors. Um, what? Worse than this were the “homemade” baked goods.”
Cue the Psycho music.
Well shoot, apparently my homemade goods have been missing some key ingredients like partially hydrogenated oils, polysorbate 60 (wtf?!), and artificial flavors.
It wasn’t all scary though, the autumnal displays had my heart singing like a summer canary. Pumpkins, mums, and wagon wheels OH MY!
I also found my soulmate at one of the antique shops, but he refused to come home with me after I told him I would NOT be filling his belly with Amish made cookies.
All this needs is the word “my” after the word “steal.”
After spending one too many hours trying to find a ray of hope, my hanger became unmanageable. With no explanation other than the magical white squirrels waving their tails again, I found a place to eat that was FRESH and delicious.
Like a water mirage in the middle of the desert.
Cute decor too!
I hoovered a burrito quicker than a Dyson vacuum
The ONLY item in all of Amish land, with no crazy oils or unpronounceable ingredients.
Moral of my story is this: things aren’t always what they seem. I pray this is the case with the animals I saw at stop number one. ¡Ay, qué horror!
I’d like to add that I am in no way “judging” the uncomplicated way of life for the Amish, and if it weren’t for the stories and sights of the living conditions for the animals I would be all about that life. I’m simply sharing my experience. 🙂
Q: Have you ever been to Amish country? Tell me I’m not the only one that has shamelessly watched “Breaking Amish.”
Blissfulbritt 
43 thoughts on “Amish Country, Ohio”
Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser
The area you were I have been there! In Pennsylvania Lancaster, PA (Lancaster County) is the Old Order Amish. There are Farmers Market, Old Village Store, Bakeries, Restaurants run by Amish. It is a well-known area to the residents and tourists it will depict some of the things you saw in Ohio. Their animals are not treated well especially the carriage horses (buggies). Most Pigs/Hogs are slaughtered. In PA. woodworking is big, homemade picnic tables, bird houses, etc. The Mennonites (they are a spin-off of Amish much more liberal) do drive cars (all black including the bumpers), do use electric and have telephones. Teach in their own schools. The Amish only go to school until the 8th grade! The Amish will not be photographed they do not believe in it! Any pictures you see are done without their consent. It is a simple way of life that is for sure. Cheryl
Brittany
I can admire this way life if it weren’t for the mistreatment of the animals. I totally understand living off the land, including your animals, but there is no reason for poor living conditions. AMMM I RIGHT!? 🙂
Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser
I do agree 100%. They practically starve their work horses?!
Amy @ A Desert Girl
This makes me so sad. I’m glad you finally found something worthwhile to eat.
John Kraft
I’ve had a fair amount of dealings with the “Amish” over the years and I would say that the lifestyle, rather than being “simple” can be more accurately described as “uncomplicated.”
There are many different sects, each of whom follow their own rules on modern technology, dealing with “The English” (non-Amish) and business practices.
Those “reality” TV shows are no more “real” than any cartoon you might see on Saturday morning.
John
Brittany
Brilliant change of wording, uncomplicated describes this perfectly. I also completely agree about the TV show, especially because Amish don’t like to be photographed let alone videotaped! I would support the living conditions more if only the animals were treated better.
fionajarrett
Check out all those brilliant looking pumpkins! They nearly make up for the disappointing food scene, right? And hey, at least you gave it a go – nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I will never go back to Amish Country. It was a sad and depressing place for me. I will forever be haunted by that poor horse’s eyes. The only bright spot was you.
Brittany
You speak such kind words about my presence. This is why I adore you. That and because of your monkey love talk.
Kellybean
It’s so sad to hear about the living conditions for the animals, and that the food isn’t as natural as you would expect in Amish Country. I’ve never been there, but there is a Mennonite village about an hour away from my town, and I am very impressed with how they live. I believe they use electronics, but they also live more simply and healthier than we do. All of the products I came across were all real ingredients and hand made by the sellers.
whostardis
yikes thats not what i imagine amish life to be like. i visited an amish village when i was in high school in pennsylvania but was way to young to know about thinks like high fructose corn syrup lol how disappointing!
jejansonius
We have a town in Kansas called Yoder, and oh my stars they have a restaurant there that rivals your whole experience in a really really Great way! Fresh made every day pies, so so so good, maybe you should visit Kansas! 😉
Brittany
I SHOULD visit Kansas! I want to visit everywhere, so when I make it that way you better believe I’ll be calling you for a day of adventure. ❤
jejansonius
Well please do also call if you’re in Nebraska! That’s where I’m living now.
charissarunning
Wow, who knew?? I’ve never been out to Amish country – and probably never will make it there. But those little pumpkins are oh so cute! 🙂
wanderwolf
An interesting reflection, and good to note that capitalism strikes everywhere.
However, I have to be honest when all I could think of when reading through your post was Weird Al’s parody:
“I shun fancy things like electricity”
Brittany
This was fantastic.
Jess @hellotofit
That’s interesting that a lot of those Amish foods had processed stuff in it! I’ve never been to Amish Country but where I went to undergrad, there was a little community.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
I’ve never been to Amish country but I have watched breaking Amish hahaha. I’m from Ohio though so its kind of surprising that I haven’t been!
Rach @ This Italian Family
Oh those poor animals! 😦 I haven’t been to Amish country, but I’ve been fascinated with the idea of their simple life. The ideas behind it are good (living off the land, close families, being humble and non materialistic, etc) even if it isn’t always done in practice. Ooh I forgot about the show Breaking Amish! I need to add it to my list of shoes to watch. 🙂
Ellie
I don’t think the Amish ever claimed to not use certain ingredients. They love their lard lol. It might not be the healthiest, but it’s unfortunate you didn’t try any of their baked goods because they taste fantastic. I think your expectations might’ve been too high 😦 The best thing ever is Amish Friendship bread. You need to Google this because explaining it would take a lot more typing that I can manage right now. 🙂
Brittany
Well none of it was vegan, so I wasn’t going to try it anyway ha! That friendship bread looks great, needs some PB on top.
Matt
I haven’t been to Amish country since I was really young, and the area I went to was in Indiana. It would absolutely break my heart to see those animals treated so poorly. 😦 So I don’t think I’ll be making any plans to go there.
Diane @ Life of Di.
I’ve been through Amish Country before but I’ve never spent any real time there. I’d love to do so – it’s really beautiful in certain areas. I’m sad to hear about the shady treatment of animals. Fingers crossed that not all establishments are like this…
Lauren | Just a Pinch
YIKES. Those ingredients! Horrifying 😦
An Unrefined Vegan
Sadly, your experience in (tourist) Amish “country” is not surprising. They’ve learned to take advantage (who can blame them?) of the gawkers who come through looking for an authentic (cough cough) experience. I’ve found that getting into real Amish areas (try western upstate NY) – where they farm and raise crops & kids rather than sell over-processed baked goods and schlocky “handmade” decor/furnishings – better reflects our vision of living without the trappings of a more modern life. It’s pretty gritty and I imagine, very difficult. But if you know where to go, you can find truly homemade, totally decadent doughnuts, still warm – from an Amish kitchen – being sold next to a mailbox right on the roadside ;-).
Brittany
THAT is the Amish country I would love to see!
kathy at more coffee, less talky
I dont think we have any amish-like counties here…..we have small towns like cottage country but that’s not really amish-like….although i wouldn’t mind exploring a town like that. for some reason, the older i get, the more i yearn for a simple, uncomplicated life.
Brittany
Agreed, completely. Living an uncomplicated life is something I strive for daily!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’ve never been to Amish country, but that’s seriously heartbreaking about the animals 😦 I’m all for living an uncomplicated life, but not if it doesn’t involve respect and proper treatment for ALL life.
Rebecca@RunningFoodBaby
I’ve never been to Amish county – but it doesn’t sound like my cup of tea.
allisonfiorini
Love me some time in Amish country, although for me that means Lancaster, PA. We have our very own Amish country not far from here. It’s the best!
Allie Zottola
Gotta love good ol’ Amish country! I have read quite a few Amish books (fiction and non fiction) and watched way too much Breaking Amish. You are very right that things are not always as they seem!
Laur
I love Amish country, but there is a lot of fiction in some Amish communities. There are SO many near my house and the way they treat animals makes me sick to my stomach; however, if you get good authentic Amish baked goods (without artificial everything) it’s pretty good!
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch
Haha I’m imagining all the “Amish kitchens” filled with jars of sorbitol and aspartame 😉 yeah RIGHT. Why are we fascinated with that lifestyle, especially if it’s not even real? Ick.
Brittany
Because it’s different than the “standard American lifestyle.” That is why I think it’s a great idea, and thankfully people have shared TRUE Amish lifestyles don’t necessarily play into the touristy aspect. Although they may still treat their animals poorly, but I suppose that has nothing to do with being Amish and simply due to a lack of humanity for all beings. Not cool.
Lucie (@theglowwithin)
I have never been here but some of my California family have. so sad about the living conditions of the animals…ugh. You inspire me everyday Brittany!
Brittany
My dear sweet friend, it is YOU who inspires me. Your strength and charisma for life is truly admirable.
Pingback: Americas Most Beautiful Farm | BlissfulBritt
Heather
I’ve never been to Amish Country but dang, that sounds horrible! I hope the animals are ok 😦 I haven’t seen an episode of that, BUT I don’t blame you, we all have trash shows that draw us in.
Amy
When we visited our family friends in Wisconsin a few summers ago, we drove straight through Amish country too. Not tourist Amish country, but the hills where they lived and separated themselves from the rest of the population. It was nothing like you described seeing and everything you actually expected! Horses and buggies, laundry on lines as tall as sailboat masts, old fashioned tractors… And the one and only place we found with “touristy” food for sale was 100% homemade with real ingredients. Cookies, pies, baking mixes, granola, ice cream… I wish you could’ve seen those places instead!!
Brittany
YES! That is the Amish country I wanted to see! I will hold onto this thought and not be completely turned off by what I saw.
brugesvegan
oh my, ‘authenticity’ is really stretched far