WEST UNION, Ohio — The Amish can teach us a thing or two about cutting back on many of the excesses that have consumed our lives and culture.
The soul is soothed by simplicity and modesty.
Instead of driving a block to the store, more people are walking. Rather than eating out as often, more food is being prepared and served in the home. The prevailing reaction to our current economic climate is to cut back. The silver lining: Less may actually mean more. Less materialism, more appreciation and fulfillment.
To see how simplicity may fuel your soul, take a mini-trip to 960 Wheat Ridge Road in West Union, Ohio any day except Sunday. Wheat Ridge Road is not overrun with tourists like Northeast Ohio Amish country. It’s Ohio’s other Amish country …smack in the middle of “nowheresville” just a stone’s throw from Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton along Southern Ohio’s Appalachian river region.
Wheat Ridge Road is a delightful scene that shrugs off whatever is weighing on your shoulders as soon as you turn onto it. Kids are outside playing, riding bicycles and pushing scooters. Mom’s are hanging the wash on the line. Dad’s are working the fields. Families are traveling by horse-drawn wagon to THE store.
This throw-back country road leads to a genuine Amish store that is the heart of this bustling Amish community. It has grown in reputation and size over the past several decades since the Miller’s farmhouse started an accidental family business selling baked goods. As the aroma of fresh baked goods fresh out of the oven wafted over the rural hills, people were lured to the Miller’s porch for a taste of something out of this world.
Today, a trip to Miller’s farm tears the senses into two directions. One leads to the fresh cut and finished wood and the other toward the food.
Miller’s Furniture features a full line of handcrafted interior and outdoor furniture. Miller’s Bakery & Gifts is famous for its fresh home-cooked breads, pies, rolls, cookies and plenty of tasty sugar-free items too. A third building houses Miller’s Bulk Foods where one can stock up the pantry, fridge and freezer with jams and jellies, cheeses and meats and much more.
Although just about any time, except Sundays, is a good time for a visit to Miller’s, there are some special events that would make for some particularly good opportunities to see a world less traveled during the remainder of 2008:
· August 28 - September 1: Labor Day Sale
· August 30th: The 11th Annual Amish School Benefit Cookout
· October 4: Customer Appreciation Day Honoring Miller's 31st Anniversary
· November 28 & 29: Thanksgiving Sale
· December 26 - January 1: End of Year Clearance Sale
Miller’s special events are only outdone by their newest best-seller – the Adams County Community Cookbook, which is loaded with timeless Amish recipes, many straight from Miller’s own kitchen. This allows folks to take Miller’s home with them along with fresh flour, spices and other ingredients to create a taste of Miller’s in their own kitchen. Who knows, if your windows are open, the aroma of your own fresh baked goodies may lure your neighbors for s a taste test.
Such is life out on Wheat Ridge Road. It’s an all-American time capsule where you can find the good ole days alive and well. If your spirit needs refreshing in these tougher times, visit a place where less is more. Head down Wheat Ridge Road and stop to visit the Miller family.
Miller’s Furniture, Bakery & Bulk Foods is located at 960 Wheat Ridge Road in West Union, Ohio 45693. Hours are 9am-5pm Mondays through Saturdays and closed on Sundays. For more information call 937-544-8524. For directions, list of goods for sale or to order the new cookbook, visit www.ohiotraveler.com/ohio_amish_stores.htm.
7-day Archive
