Between Cleveland And Pennsylvania's Border Is A Quaint Village For A Day Trip With Amish Charm And Eats

Did you know that the U.S.'s Amish population is over 410,000; and the highest concentration of Amish communities reside in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana, according to Amish Studies? Notably, Middlefield township, Ohio, has the distinction of being the state's second biggest Amish settlement, and North America's fourth biggest. The village was originally founded in 1799, with Amish farmers settling there in the 1880s. 

Today, this quaint outpost's slogan is "Where Industry Meets Agriculture," which is a testament to its rural, yet dynamic, vibe. Residents on Niche describe it as a "peaceful and quiet" village where everyone is a familiar face. It's not uncommon to see an Amish horse and buggy sharing the road with cars, with everyone coexisting serenely. So the next time you're looking for a unique day trip option that offers traditional culture, life at a slower pace, and delectable dining, don't overlook Middlefield. 

Getting there is easy. Middlefield is less than an hour's drive east of Cleveland, 90 minutes' drive west of Erie, and under two hours from Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, making it an accessible destination for a memorable excursion. So queue up the best road trip songs from the '60s to today and set off to this delightful place.

Much like Shipshewana in Indiana – which is also home to a large Amish community – Middlefield has abundant mouthwatering dining options. First up, head to Amish Country Market. The family-owned establishment prides itself on "offering an authentic Amish experience," and the proof is in the pudding (or should we say pretzels?). This eclectic market boasts fusion offerings that blend traditional fare with innovative elements, like pepperoni pretzel wraps from its onsite Pretzel Bar. Have more of a sweet tooth? Fear not, as it also hosts Elliott's Ice Cream and bakes donuts in store. It offers freshly-grown farm produce, salads, and smoothies, too.

Mary Yoder's Amish Kitchen, a community mainstay since it opened its doors in 1987, is another beloved local eatery to try. As one reviewer on Google puts it, this is the place to go for "authentic, hearty, comfort food served with genuine hospitality." No matter what time of day you pop in, you won't want to skip the all-you-can-eat Country Breakfast Buffet. Every Monday to Saturday, it  allows you unfettered access to a casserole, eggs, cornmeal mush, sausage gravy, bacon, pancakes, and more. From 11 a.m. onward, there's another all-you-can-eat buffet with a salad bar, where diners can load up on Amish-style mashed potatoes, meat, mac and cheese, and salad. One thing is certain: You won't leave hungry. Just be sure to save room for dessert, such as strawberry rhubarb or Dutch apple pie. 

If you still want more Amish-style baked goods, take a trip south to another traditional Amish community — Pinecraft, Florida. Alternatively, visit a creamery and family-run bakery in Union Grove, an enchanting Amish settlement in North Carolina.