Get Out of the House Road Trip #4
(Wayne County, Ohio)
Anytime of year is a great time to take a road trip to Ohio’s Amish Country. Signs of each season can be found everywhere. In the spring local families are out plowing their farms and tending to their crops. Summer and fall Amish buggies can be seen heading to market. Animals are out grazing in the pastures. During winter you will see laundry hanging outside in the cold winter air to dry, while snow settles on rooftops. Even the rolling hills of the countryside offer beautiful seasonal views and create a nice relaxing drive.
We hope you enjoy this special limited contact road trip. It’s the perfect way to ease back into enjoying time away from home while exploring Ohio and gathering items for the cupboard.
Please note that we have only included stops that are for food purchases and for exercise. When shopping and enjoying a walk in a park, social distancing is advised. Please refer to Ohio’s COVID-19 website or call 1-833-4-ASH-ODH for current state updates, protocols and allowable travel.
STOP #1
Our first road trip stop is at Bauman Orchards. This fourth generation family owned business has planted over 48,500 apple trees and 9,200 peach trees on their 260 acres of farmland. In addition to their fruit trees, they also grow tomatoes, sweet corn, strawberries and more. A great first stop to grab fresh fruit, produce and local bakery. For seasonal items availability check their website.
Bauman Orchards
161 Rittman Ave., Rittman, OH 44270
330-925-6861 | baumanorchards.com
Temp Store Hrs 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, closed Sun
COVID-19 – update: Shop in the Store or Call-ahead Curbside Service available. Check their website for updates.
MyOhioFun Road Trip note:
Just before you get to your next stop, there is this wonderful antique store, that has more than just antiques. It’s full of primitives and home decor. The two ladies who run this shop have put their heart and soul into making this a fun place to explore and find those unique items. And every time you stop there is always something new. Your going to want to make sure you have room in your trunk.
Journey in Time
1314 Wadsworth Rd., Orrville, Ohio
330-465-6709 | Facebook page
STOP #2
The J.M. Smucker Company has been making those delicious jars of goodness for over 120 years. The store includes all their famous jellies, jams, as well as gift baskets, kitchen accessories, and pet products. If you like attracting birds to your backyard, make sure you grab a jar of grape jelly for the Baltimore Orioles that have been seen migrating bag.
The J.M. Smucker Company Store and Café
333 Wadsworth Rd., Orrville, OH 44667
jmsmucker.com/smucker-cafe-store
COVID-19 – update: The store is now open for business. Please refer to their website for hours and additional information.
STOP #3
Did someone say cheese? Shisler’s was established in 1958, to offer locals and travelers on the Lincoln Highway a place to purchase local cheese, meats, and other products. Today you will find cheese, meats, chocolate, gourmet foods, gift boxes, pickles and more. We can never leave the cheese house without a pound of their Swiss Cheese. Our suggestion is that you purchase one of their cheese sample packs for later. Great little snack to enjoy on your road trip or if you stop at a local winery.
Shisler’s Cheese House
55 Kidron Rd., Orrville, OH 44667
330-682-2105 | cheesehouse.com
Open 7 Days
Mon – Sat : 8AM – 6 PM | Sun : 9AM – 6 PM
COVID-19 – update: The store is currently open. If you would like to order ahead, you can contact the cheese house.
STOP #4
There is no store in Ohio quite like Lehman’s Hardware, family owned and operated since 1955. If you’re looking for a special widget, well they probably have one. Lehman’s is great place to purchase kitchen and camping items, canning, gardening and birding supplies, and so much more, including puzzles! Make sure your check out the old-time soda pop section. Nothing like a cold Grape Nehi or Frosty Rootbeer on a road trip! (They have an online store if you want to get an idea of the items available throughout their store.)
Lehman’s
4779 Kidron Rd., Kidron, OH 44636
1.800.438.5346 | lehmans.com
10 AM to 5 PM daily
Closed on Sundays
COVID-19 – update: The store is currently open with precautions. “If you are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, call for an appointment to visit the store before we open (9 AM and 10 AM weekdays, 800-438-5346).” For updates visit their website.
STOP #5
Yep. Our trip includes a stop for pie, cinnamon and pecan rolls, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, bread, and 6 flavors of Angel food cakes. Did we mention pie?
Sarah Troyer started baking in the early 1960’s as a way to supplement the family income. Forty plus years later and this family managed pantry continues to bake delicious bakery for their two pantries, as well as supplying area stores and markets.
Troyer’s Home Pantry
668 W. Main St., Apple Creek, Ohio 44606
330-698-4182 | troyershomepantry.com
Hours: 6am to 6pm Mon-Fri, 6am to 5pm Sat. Closed Sunday
COVID-19 update: Curbside Service is available for anyone who needs or prefers it. Just call us at 330-698-4182 (Apple Creek). Drive-thru is available at our Wooster store.
STOP #6
Hungry? It wouldn’t be a summer road trip without stopping at the neighborhood drive-in for a deep-fried frank sandwiched in between a grilled Brioche Hot Dog Roll, topped with a little Coney sauce, mustard, ketchup and onions. And then for dessert a Hot Fudge Cake Sundae. With extra whipped topping of course.
Guerne Heights Drive-In
3004 Dover Rd, Wooster, OH 44691
330-262-1422 | guerneheightsdrivein.com
Opening for the season – February 2, 2021.
Hours of Operation:
Open 11 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday
CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY
STOP #7
Our next stop is a great place to stretch your legs and take in springtime. Secrest Arboretum boasts an assortment of spring trees, flowers and plants. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a stroll, before your back in the car heading to your next destination. If you have a camera, make sure you bring it along on your walk.
Secrest Arboretum
2122 Williams Rd, Wooster, OH 44691
330-263-3761 | secrest.osu.edu
COVID-19 update: OUR GROUNDS ARE OPEN* to pedestrian traffic during daylight hours.
STOP #8
Hartzler Family Dairy
5454 Cleveland Rd, Wooster, OH 44691
330.345.8190 | hartzlerdairy.com
If you love ice cream stop at the Hartzler Family Dairy Ice Cream Shoppe. Their homemade ice cream flavors include “Cherry Cheese Cake”, “Cookie Dough”, “Mocha Carmel Chip”, and “Cowboy Crunch” which is a combination of a butter pecan ice cream infused with toffee chunks and chocolate swirls. One of our favorites is “Chicken Feed” which includes almonds, butterscotch swirl and chunk’s of their Grandma’s homemade brownies. View their menu for a complete list of combinations. And don’t forget to purchase a glass jar of their chocolate milk for home. Tasty!
STOP #9
Need to stock up the fridge? You can find 100% grass-fed beef, Bison, Venison, sausages, free range chicken, hickory smoked meats and more at Whitefeather Meats. All their meats are locally sourced from a small number of area farms. Don’t forget to buy a few bottles of the Bearded Butcher’s Blends of seasonings. Perfect for the upcoming summer barbeque season. The spices also make for a great gift. Learn more about the Whitefeathers here.
Whitefeather Meats
14079 Cleveland Road, Creston, OH 44217
330-435-6300 | whitefeathermeats.com
Mon-Fri: 8am-5:30pm
Saturday: 8am – 2pm
Closed Sunday
STOP #10 – Your choice
It’s been a long day of touring around Wayne County. For the final stop on this road trip, we are going to let you decide. Both stops offer beautiful views of the countryside from their patios. Since the next two stops currently have limited days and hours, please plan ahead by checking for updated open times.
Option 1:
This family run winery is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. If you like a bold and dry red wine, we suggest you try the Rogues Hollow Red. Their Heartland Harvest wine is created using local apples. And if you enjoy a hint of apples, peaches and apricots, the Homestead is your wine. A semi-sweet crisp Riesling. All their available wines can be found on their website.
Silver Run Vineyard and Winery
376 Eastern Rd, Doylestown, OH 44230
330-671-1115 | silverrunwinery.com
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday. The winery encourages guest to bring food to enjoy with their wine.
COVID-19 update: Please check their website for current hours.
Option #2:
When was the last time you enjoyed a cider? You will find a wonderful selection of Artisan ciders and wines at Bent Ladder. Many of their ciders are made with apples right from Rittman Orchards, which is located on the same property. If you like pie, the “Home Slice” cider blends apples, vanilla and cinnamon to create almost an apple pie flavor. Visit their website to see their current selections.
COVID-19 update: Please check their website for any updates.
Bent Ladder Cider and Wine
13550 Mt Eaton Rd N, Doylestown, OH 44230
330-485- 1089 | bentladder.com
Current Hours (Outdoor seating, carryout, and curbside)
Thursday – Saturday Noon – 8pm
Sunday Noon – 6pm
COVID-19 update: Please check their website for any updates.
- Before you go make sure you have packed a cooler. Your going to need a place to stash your goodies.
- Follow Ohio’s COVID-19 precautions and bring along your mask and hand wipes.
- Call ahead to place orders (where required) and to make sure hours have not changed.
- Many of the businesses in Amish Country are CLOSED on Sundays and holidays.
- Did you know many local accommodations are still open? Just in case you want to stay an extra day.
- Order your FREE Wayne County Convention & Visitors Guide, online or by calling (800) 362-6474. The guide is a great resource for additional stops along the way.
Approximate times to 1st destination from:
Akron – 30 minutes
Canton – 45 minutes
Cleveland – 1 hr.
Kent – 45 minutes
Medina – 30 minutes
Mentor – 1 hr 10 min.
Strongsville – 40 minutes
Youngstown – 1 hr 15 min
Follow and tag us with your trip photos on Instagram #MyOhioFun.
Article and photos by: D. Rock, MyOhioFun.com
Diane Rock is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com, NorthernOhioTourism.com and the Tea Cup Rescue Society. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
Editor’s note: Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
This article was originally published in 2020. We have made 2021 updates.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun receives compensation from the Wayne County Convention & Visitor Bureau and Lehman’s Hardware for banner advertising. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
