If you’re planning on visiting the Amish Country of Ohio, chances are that you’re planning to visit one of the many fine food establishments that can be found throughout this fascinating area of the country. In this first part of a series, I will describe some of the best stores in Ohio’s Amish Country, especially those that are known for producing the finest in Amish cheese.
Broad Run Cheesehouse and Swiss Heritage Winery
If you’re looking for a family-owned business that offers some of the best cheese to be found, be sure to visit Broad Run Cheesehouse and Swiss Heritage Winery. The milk that goes into the making of this excellent cheese comes from local Amis farms, so you’re to get the best quality cheese that you possibly can. There are also a number of other speciality foods available, including numerous kinds of jellies, jams, and salsas. You can also take a tour of the cheese-making facility, although you should be sure to call ahead for reservations.
Guggisberg Cheese
This delightful little cheese shop, located in the town of Charm, is definitely one of the must-see and must-visit cheese places. Their cheese is some of the most famous in Ohio’s Amish country, and can frequently be found in stores located outside of Ohio. At this cheese shop you can see the cheese as it is being made, as well as view an informational video about how the cheese is produced, starting with the milking of the cows by local Amish farmers. A number of other Amish-made products are available, including beautiful clocks that will be a delightful addition to your home.
Heini’s Cheese Chalet
Located in the Amish town of Bunker Hill, Heini’s Cheese Chalet is also one of the best cheese places in Ohio’s Amish Country. This cheese shop has been in business since the 1930s, so they have established quite a reputation when it comes to the production of the finest Amish cheese. All of the milk for their cheese is procured from local Amish farms, which typically own very small herds of cows. They also have a number of other products for sale, including Amish yogurt, and Heini’s cheese also has its own giftshop. This is definitely an Amish experience that is not to be missed, so be sure to stop by during your visit.
Pearl Valley Cheese
Pearl Valley Cheese, located in the small town of Pearl (which is located a little off the beaten path,) is also worth a visit. They produce a number of different types of cheese, of which the sharp cheddar, the Lacey, and the Swiss, all of which will surely delight your taste buds (and which are all quite affordable.) For those who want to watch what they eat, they also produce a lighter version of some of their cheeses, which typically have less fat and salt than their original counterparts.
So, if you’re traveling to the Amish Country in Ohio, be sure to visit one of these fine cheese shops and take home a little slice (or even a pound) with you. The taste will be something that you will treasure, and the experience will be one to remember.
