The Two Massive Amish Country Shops You Must See to Believe

Are you a shopping connoisseur? A treasure-hunting expert? A collector of amazing and fantastical things? Do you really enjoy finding that *perfect* gift for a special someone? Does the idea of spending hours exploring the nooks and crannies of a fascinating shop fill you with irresistible excitement?

Behold: the two absolutely massive shops in Ohio's Amish Country you've got to see to believe. In fact, you need to do more than just stop by. To really experience their full shopping potential, they each deserve a full day on their own. So why not take two days and really soak up the shopping? Here's what we recommend.

Day One: Lehman's

No visit to Ohio's Amish Country would be complete without a visit to this "low-tech superstore." What started as a small hardware store serving the local Amish in Kidron, Ohio, grew into something much bigger than founder Jay Lehman (who just turned 90 years young!) ever dreamed. Comprising FOUR pre-Civil War era buildings under one soaring roof, today Lehman's provides a shopping extravaganza nearly a quarter-mile long.

This store is truly a place to embrace the past: you'll discover everything from old-fashioned treats and sodas to practical, non-electric goods that help you live a simpler life. And you've GOT to see the brand-new Tiny House on a Tiny Homestead - a former shed revamped into an off-grid tiny house, ready for you to explore and learn how you can simplify your own abode.

Love canning, or always wanted to learn? Lehman's offers both the supplies you'll need (ALL of them) and classes to teach you how to preserve summer's bounty.

Don't have time to can your own food? Find dozens of minimally processed foods - from fruits and veggies to meats and broths - in Lehman's pantry.

As one visitor said, "It's like going to a museum and being able to buy the exhibits." Browse and reminisce your way through thousands of old-time products while enjoying Jay’s amazing antique collection located throughout the store (just look up). In fact, Jay's collection is so good, the store has been listed as one of the best places in Ohio to view antiques. This one-of-a-kind destination has also been voted Ohio's #1 destination in Amish Country.

Now 90 years young, Jay Lehman started Lehman's as a hometown hardware store in 1955, to serve the local Amish and others. Here he looks at the amazing 3-D wood carving display on view in the store's Buggy Barn.

After a full day of discovery at Lehman's, make your way to the beautiful Inn at Amish Door, located a short scenic drive away in the tiny village of Wilmot. Choose from fifty-two welcoming rooms, all furnished with beautiful handcrafted furniture.

Enjoy a delicious home-style dinner next door at the Amish Door Restaurant - they're locally famous for their special recipe, hand-breaded Broasted Chicken.

Day Two: Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market

Yes, it's as big as it looks from the air - more than 50,000 square feet of treasure hunting awaits at the Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market.

Clothing. Jewelry. Furniture. Home decor. Gifts. Pet supplies. Antiques. Gourmet foods. Books. Handcrafted pottery and glassware. The list of treasures waiting to be discovered inside the Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market is almost endless. You can even get a massage when you're done shopping! In all, more than 50,000 square feet of indoor shopping awaits you. And, unlike traditional outdoor markets, this one's all under one roof - so those pop-up Ohio thunderstorms can't rain on your shopping parade.

During warmer months, local produce is available outside, along with several other vendors and even some live animals. With hourly and monthly giveaways, and regularly scheduled events including live music and seasonal activities, there's always something exciting going on at this must-see stop.

So there you have them: Amish Country's two massive, must-see stores. What's waiting for you inside their doors? You'll have to visit to find out!