Ohio Amish Country Experiences

Volume 001
Issue 008

November 2009

Dear Ohio Amish Country Enthusiast,

The beauty of fall is, unfortunately, very short lived - it's glory and splendor fades all too quickly!

The leaves, which only yesterday adorned the trees in such splendid color, have mostly fallen to the ground.

Here they await their fate - either to be whisked away or covered by a blanket of freshly fallen snow.

The reality of winter is drawing ever nearer. The clouds often appear ominous and gray.

The sun casts strange colored shadows as it now sets in the southern sky.

The bountiful harvest is nearing its end. Field corn is picked and the last of the crops are being brought in. Much wood has been cut, split and stacked . . .

OK, ok, enough of the "fluff" already! Though the air grows cold and the sky turns bleak, the heart and spirit of those who make it "Amish Country" remains warm and friendly.

And, as usual, it's still a good time to experience Ohio Amish Country (actually, we've not found a really "bad" time)!

Each season has its own unique "flavor" that draws people to it. So, want to try the warmth of friends and loved ones gathered around the table celebrating an old fashioned family Thanksgiving in Amish Country? Better read on - ! _________________________________________________________________

In this issue we'll be highlighting . . .

1. Our Featured Establishment of the Month - End of the Commons General Store

2. The Tip of the Month - Amish family-style cooking . . . Thanksgiving dinner . . . Sounds like a good reason to visit Ohio Amish Country this November . . . BUT NOT on the 26th!

3. November Events - Find out what's happening - where and when in Ohio Amish Country.

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Featured Establishment of the Month

End of the Commons General Store

Ohio's oldest General Store, established in 1840, is located in the heart of the Middlefield, Ohio Amish Country.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the store is a unique family run general store.

It's much like the one you may have visited as a child.

The store features over 1000 bulk food items, old time memorabilia, old fashioned candy and sodas.

They also carry Amish Country meats and cheeses, hand-dipped ice cream, Amish popcorn and penny candy.

Ken and Margaret Schaden and their 11 children run the End of the Commons General Store.

It is located at State Routes 87 and 534, just 6 miles east of Middlefield, Ohio in a little town called Mesopotamia.

Mesopotamia, or Mespo as it is commonly called, is located on the western edge of Trumbull County.

The beauty of the village can be found in its Commons and the century-old homes and buildings that surround it.

At the end of this commons (hence its name) stands a stately old building - the End of the Commons General Store.

Beside it, restored to its original luster, is the Mesopo Filling Station dating back to 1940.

For more information visit their site at:

www.endofthecommons.com

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Tip of the Month

Amish Country and Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a time to reminisce and share with family and friends. What better way and place to gather with those you love than around the table with a home-style cooked meal.

However, if you want to plan on Amish Country for Thanksgiving - check around carefully. Most restaurants and businesses will NOT be open on Thanksgiving Day.

Most restaurants will be open the day before, so you might just make your special day the day before Thanksgiving. Or maybe even plan the weekend right after - and stay out of the rat race at the malls!

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Calendar of Events

November Events:

November 4 - 7, 2009

Amish Country Quilt Shop Hop
Twelve area shops participating, 330-857-4004.

November 6 & 7, 2009

Taste of Holmes Food Show
Holmes County Expo Center, 3149 SR 39, Walnut Creek, Ohio 44687, 330-893-2442.

November 7, 2009

Seasons Splendor Craft Show
Wayne County Arts and Crafts Guild, Greenbriar Conference and Party Centre, Wooster, Ohio 44691, 330-345-5962.

November 21 - December 31, 2009

Holidays at the Mansion
Victorian House Museum, 484 Wooster Road, Millersburg, Ohio 44654, 330-674-0022.

November 27, 2009

Christmas in Berlin and Live Nativity
Main Street, Berlin, Ohio 44610, 330-893-3467.

November 28, 2009

Coming Home for the Holidays, The Lighting
Historic Downtown Millersburg, Millersburg, Ohio 44654, 330-674-3955. _________________________________________________________________

Well, guess that's all for now - hope you find this news helpful and as exciting as we do.

Trust also that you'll have a great Ohio Amish Country Experience - real soon!

Best Regards,

Stuart & Norma Watson