One-Tank Trip / Amish country
One Tank Trip/ Fill up on homemade gifts, goodies in WNY Amish Country
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY — Change. Cuts. Recession. The holidays are here and times are tough.
Deep down we know it’s not about spending, but this year really is different. Blowing wads of cash doesn’t seem right. Ironically, it’s that feeling of wanting to give that comes through so strong in times like these. The question is how to maintain balance in doing both?
Taking family or friends on a One-Tank shopping trip to Western New York’s Amish country, located in the “Enchanted Mountains” Cattaraugus region, is a good start. Here, you’ll find handmade goods from people who value a simple life that focuses on family and hard work.
The trip is as easy as traveling down Route 62 and following signs to whatever piques your interest including quilts, toys, rugs, baskets, ironworks, cheese and eggs. All are produced by Amish families as a way to make a living.
For our story, we enlisted the help of Sue and Paul Fisher, owners of Fisher’s Amish Country Store and Guided Tours in Randolph, and unofficial ambassadors to a budding “Amish Trails of Western New York” initiative that seeks to bring visitors into the region without commercializing it.
There are no bus groups allowed. Rather visitors are encouraged to use a map or enlist the help of the delightful Fishers, who can provide basic touring information from their store, or create a custom-guided tour (2z hour 1/3 ).
On this journey, you’ll help the local economy, and since the Amish only accept cash or checks, you won’t be tempted to use a credit card.
But before you go, please respect the beliefs of the Old Order Amish Community. Shops are closed on Sundays and holidays. Do not take photos of the Amish or their children. Please drive with caution around horse and buggies.
Amish country
Start off early, because it will take time to drive around. There is no main “Amish” store. You will literally follow handmade signs to their homes. Don’t be hesitant about approaching. For many, selling their items is a main source of income.
How do you know if a place is open for business? Simple — look for an “open” sign. Nearby, you’ll find items for sale, often in a small separate building or extension off their home.
Here’s just a smattering of wonderful gift items.
• Raber’s Toys & Raber’s Iron Crafts (Pope Road, Randolph). We loved both these places located near each other. Simple to intricate unfinished wood toys filled the shelves. We snapped up wooden cooking utensils for stocking stuffers.
At the iron shop, there were lovely iron hook planters, as well as smaller hooks for keys, coats, pots and pans. For the campers on our gift list, our favorites were long marshmallow/ hotdog forks with wooden handles made safe for youngsters with the tines turned down and in for safety.
• Edna Miller’s Baskets (Riga Road, Conewango Valley). We adored these baskets as much as we adored their maker, who was kind enough to sign the basket we purchased. These baskets would be perfect to hold silverware and napkins on a holiday buffet table or as a hostess gift, filled with goodies.
• Malinda’s Candy Shop (Youngs Road, Conewango Valley). Fill your “Made by Edna” basket with luscious goat’s milk fudge, chocolate-covered cashew crunch or a variety of her jams/jellies.
• Raber’s Rugs/Quilts and Lawn Furniture (Walker Road, Randolph). Hundreds of multicolored rag and woven rugs fill this place, along with fabulous placemats, table runners and grocery tote bags. Outside in a barn, we were surprised and delighted to find maintenance-free lawn furniture in rich colors. While more pricey, a folding Adirondack chair was still only $155.
• The Quilt Shop (Chautauqua Road, Cattaraugus). We enjoyed chatting with the witty Tena Hostetler as we flipped through her lovely quilts, more expensive, but a worthy investment gift item. Potholders, table runners and pillows were available here, too.
• Wengerd’s Clocks & Crafts ( Elderedge Road, Conewango Valley). Wall and grandfather clocks filled this cheery shop. A clever nautical-themed version immediately grabbed our attention as did fine silverware boxes. On the back wall, the 12 Days of Christmas wooden ornaments would be an adorable gift for a newlywed couple’s first tree.
• Baked goods/eggs/produce. You’ll see signs throughout your ride for baked goods. We found delicious cookies and breads packaged just right for giving, and the biggest yeast-raised doughnuts we’ve every seen! We purchased eggs for holiday baking and beets and potatoes to store in our cellar.
• Furniture/gazebos/hope chests. We saw many signs for furniture. While you may not be in the market, stop in to see the craftsmanship or to grab a business card for future reference. The Fishers said that you can take the Amish pictures and dimensions and they can work to build what you need.
Other shopping
Mixed in with your tour are non-Amish shops to help out with your holiday gift needs.
In Randolph:
• Fisher’s Amish Country Store (10 Jamestown St.). Open 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. Friday and Saturday until Christmas. Closed Dec. 6 for the Randolph Christmas Festival. Gift certificates available for Amish tours plus a variety of gift items including jams, maple syrup, homemade pies, Amish crafts and framed art.
• Hot Papas Fiery Flavors (Weeden Road). Open Thursday through Sundays, 10:30 a. m. to 4 p. m. Who can resist giving hot sauces like Elvis’ All Shook Up? , salsas, rubs, barbecue sauces and mustards. There’s even a hot sauce “tasting bar”!
• Other gift shops in Randolph include Simply Seasonal Gifts located in Senn-sations Salon & Day Spa; Forget-Me-Not Flowers & Gifts; Inkley’s Pharmacy & Gift Shop; and Countryside Wine & Spirits.
Shops in towns along Route 62:
• ValleyviewCheeseCo. (Conewango Valley). Open 8 a. m. to 4 p. m Monday through Saturday. This nondescript white building houses Amish gifts, groceries and of course, cheese. Using milk from local Amish, the sharp cheddars were creamy and delicious. We also discovered bentwood rockers and clever “3-in-1s” — carved wood decorative pieces that are a hotplate, cutting board and open to a wooden basket. Basic cutting boards would be welcome by any home chef along with lovely local honey and maple syrup.
• The Depot (Cherry Creek). Open 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. Monday through Saturday. Located in an old train depot, this charming shop is packed with gift items, antiques, candles, Amish hats and clothing, toys and our favorite, a jukebox that owner Patricia Frost’s husband just couldn’t pass up. It’s for sale, and she’ll play a song on it if you ask.
• Herbal Expressions/The Flower Shop (Pine Street, South Dayton). Open 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. Monday through Friday; 9 a. m. to noon Saturday. Open later Dec. 6 for Christmas event. We didn’t stop, but understand it carries lovely gift items and herbal products.
• Good As New Consignment Shop (Conewango Valley). Open 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. Tuesday through Saturday; noon to 5 p. m. Sunday. You’ll need time in this large store filled with antiques, handcrafts and clothing.
Where to eat
Most Amish homes open at around 9:30-10 a. m. for business. Grab an early breakfast before shopping.
• In South Dayton, there are two places. From Route 62, turn right at Route 322 and you’ll find The Mustard Seed Restaurant, serving breakfast at 11 a. m. Thursday and Friday, 8 a. m. on Saturday. Across the street, the Gypsy Tea House (open at 7 a. m. Friday and 8 a. m. Saturday), is a funky place to grab coffee, tea, hot chocolate and a bagel, muffin or breakfast sandwich.
• Oregano’s Restaurant on Main Street in Randolph opens at 7 a. m. and serves breakfast Monday through Friday until noon; Saturday until 1 p. m. Lunch and dinner are also served.
Tours/events
• Fisher’s Amish Guided Tours. The cost is $35 for two people, then $2.50 for each extra. They will escort you on a tour to your specifications and tell stories about the area and their friends in the Amish community. Info: (716) 358-9730, www.FishersAmish.com . • Randolph’s Christmas Extravaganza is 11 a. m. to 4 p. m. Saturday, 11 a. m. to 3 p. m. next Sunday in the fire hall behind the Municipal Building. Parade, Christmas shopping, crafts, food, music, stories with Santa.
• South Dayton’s Country Christmas is Saturday and features horse-drawn wagon rides, a craft show and open houses at all businesses.
• Leon’s Old Fashioned Christmas Service is 2 p. m. Dec. 14 in church in the center of town. Open to everyone.
Directions/maps
We simply drove down Route 62 and used our map and eyes. Hop off the Thruway (west) at the Eden exit, through the toll and turn left into town (3 miles). At the main light, turn right on to Route 62 heading through North Collins, Gowanda, etc.
To get to Randolph, follow Route 62 until you hit Route 241, which takes you into town. You’ll see the handmade signs directing you to Amish shops.
South Dayton is located off Route 62 on Route 322 (a right turn). Cherry Creek is off Route 62 on to Cherry Creek/Leon Road (County Route 6).
For a map and information call (800) 331-0543 to have an Amish Trails mailed to you, or download one from www.enchantedmountains.info . In Randolph, the Municipal Building on Main Street has a front lobby open 24/7 with information. The Fisher’s will have maps on hand, too. Ask the Amish businesses (like Raber’s Iron Shop). They may be able to furnish you with a homemade map.
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