Heard chatter about being a locavore? A lot of people don’t know much about it, so here’s a concise explanation.
Being a locavore is all about consuming food that is produced in the local area (usually less than 100 miles away), and avoiding eating foods and products that travel huge distances to hands, shelves, or home. Locavores pride themselves on being sustainable and Earth-friendly by reducing their carbon footprint when they choose local foods and products.
It just so happens that in being a locavore while staying in Amish Country, Ohio, is quite easy. So even if you aren’t a locavore in your home life, you can feel good about helping the Earth and enjoying the homemade locavore delicacies only found in Amish Country while you visit. With the unique selection of beer, wine, cheeses, chocolate, and fry pies, embracing the locavore culture is a fun way to spend a weekend getaway.
Wallow in Wine
There are two options for wine in Amish Country: Raven’s Glenn and Breitenbach Wine. Raven’s Glenn has a great selection of wines, an Italian restaurant, and offers a video tour. Breitenbach began making wine in 1980 and has won numerous awards all around the midwest. For wine lovers, both are worth the stop.
Channel Your Inner Chocoholic
Kill the chocolate craving by heading over to Coblentz Chocolates where you can find high-quality candies and chocolates. Their homemade ganache makes their hand-rolled truffles something to relish. For out-of-state visitors, be sure to try a buckeye. This peanut-butter-filled chocolate treat is an Ohio favorite.
Sip a Cool Local Brew
Try an award winning IPA (India Pale Ale) down at Millersburg Brewing, the first brewery in the area. Ask for details on the origination of the IPA recipe, a style of beer with a rich history and distinct taste.
Get Cheesy With It
Broad Run Cheese makes plenty of cheesy goodness on site in Amish Country, Ohio. Be sure to take it all in from their viewing window. After making cheese since 1933, it’s no wonder their expertise has won them awards like “Ohio Grand Champion Cheese” for the Broad Run Swiss in 2001.
Become a Fry Pie Fan
Fry pies, traditional to the Southern states, have recently flourished among the Amish. Once only filled with apple or peach pie filling and baked, now don’t be surprised to find yummy options like cherry, raisin, lemon, or even elderberry. To get your hands on a fry pie, head just east of Berlin to Kauffman’s Country Bakery.
Experience It All at Once
Need to do some shopping? Want to try more than just cheese, but only have time for one stop? Walnut Creek Cheese has a plethora of amazing locavore delicacies including Amish cheese, homemade breads, delicious jams, and even a selection of bulk foods. The owner, Mark Coblentz, also has a great story of how the business began that adds layers of charm to this foodie gem.
Soothe Your Taste Buds at an Amish Country, Ohio Inn
Full on wine and fry pies, let your stomach settle down back at the Inn at Honey Run in a relaxing in-suite jacuzzi. Afterward, treat your taste buds to an entirely new type of locavore delight: dinner at Tarragon. Tarragon is Honey Run’s in-house restaurant specializing in contemporary American food made using local ingredients. It is perfect for an anniversary, birthday, or other special occasion.
What was your favorite locavore treat? The fry pie, the cheese, the wine? Let us know on Facebook, or upload a photo to Pinterest.