Amish Country Blog

I am glad that I live in area where seasonally grown produce is plenty. We have many local farmers markets, and many more farmers who are willing to sell produce on roadside stands. There are farmers who are willing to sell eggs and dairy products. There are farmers in our area who are working to raise beef and chicken without growth hormones, antibiotics, and raising that meat in a more humane manner.

This summer, we are going to point you to those farmers who have local produce, dairy and meat available along the Heritage Trail. I hope that as you drive the Heritage Trail, you talk with some of these producers, and that you too begin a healthy food conversation.

Here are some places in Amish Country that you may already know that sell great food.

The American Countryside Farmers Market
Guggisburg Dutch Kase Haus
Dutch Country Market
Yoder’s Meat and Cheese
Cooks Bison Ranch

The ECCVB has long recognized the importance of cultural and heritage travel and developed the Heritage Trail to increase visitor volume, diversity, spending and economic impact for the entire destination. It’s the cornerstone for many programs. The nationally recognized route, along with a self-guiding audio tour, takes visitors into the downtowns of our cities and towns and along country roads introducing them to the area’s history, heritage, and people while directing them to must-see attractions. It’s dynamic; it’s popular; and it’s free. In 2009 alone, we’ve distributed over 3,200 Heritage Trail CDs. Add to that over 3,000 audio downloads from our website. When you consider our average visitor spends $52 per day and stays 2.8 days, then multiply that by an average 2.5 persons per vehicle, the economic impact of heritage travel is significant

-Diana Lawson, FCDME, ECCVB Executive Director

Have you driven the Heritage Trail Audio Driving Tour? Leave a comment and tell us about your experience.

Beautifully crafted products are a tradition in Amish Country, and the best way to find hand-crafted artistry is by traveling the Heritage Trail.  This self-guiding audio driving tour is designed to let you explore at your own pace, get behind-the-scenes glimpses of Amish life and direct you to all the major attractions so you don’t miss a thing.

And we’ve made it easy to find some of the area’s most talented artisans along the way. Just watch for businesses that post the Heritage Trail Artisans sign. From fine arts to fine crafts, these signs will lead you to delightful discoveries, one-of-a-kind works and give you the chance to meet friendly, talented artisans eager to share their unique stories.