Shop Along the Amish Trail
Shop Along the Amish Trail
Find great holiday gift ideas in Amish Country
As the weather becomes colder and snow begins to fall, grills, campers, and hiking boots are exchanged for football Sundays, snow tires, and slippers. While activities tend to shift indoors, one common misconception is that the NY Amish Trail also shuts down for the season, but that is hardly the case. “A lot of people don’t know the NY Amish Trail is open in the winter,” said Samantha Hayes, Tourism Assistant with the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism. “Winter is actually a really beautiful season to enjoy Amish country and do your holiday shopping!”
With that in mind, the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism is pleased to announce Holiday Shopping in Amish Country every Saturday in November. Amish shops will be open for shoppers to purchase their hand-made, one-of-a-kind items, while many of the “English” shops will be offering specials to their shoppers.
Hayes noted, “Amish country is a great place where you can socially distance but get out and shop local.” Visitors can find all manner of handmade items - from furniture to leather goods to quilts and metalwork. For even the youngest people on your shopping list, “The Hill Top Toy Shop on Pope Road in Randolph looks like it’s fresh from Santa’s workshop with all of the handmade wooden toys and puzzles,” Hayes added.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are shopping online for their holiday gifts, but Hayes emphasized the importance of shopping local and investing in businesses right here in Cattaraugus County. She noted, “Shopping along the Amish Trail is just really fun and a great alternative to packed stores and malls. Because of the pandemic, many people are finding themselves with weekends available that otherwise wouldn’t be, so exploring the Amish Trail is a great way to create a new holiday shopping memory.”
Another benefit of shopping for local, handmade gifts is that no two items are exactly the same, and shoppers can actually meet the individual who made the item and learn the story behind it. “The idea of the ‘country Christmas,’ in general, has gained so much popularity over the years,” Hayes explained. “We have a really unique Amish culture here, and they’re located in such a beautiful part of the county.”
In addition to encouraging visits to the Amish shops along the trail, the November weekends also include English shops, who will also be offering specials throughout the month. Rustic Originals at 5111 Route 353 in Salamanca features country, handmade, and rustic decor and all visitors will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate at the end of the month (no purchase necessary). Rose Garden, a glass studio at 4721 Route 219 in Great Valley, will also be open each weekend in November; for many, it is an annual destination for new Christmas ornaments! In nearby Cattaraugus, Mystic Hill Olde Barn Country Gift Shop has two floors of country and rustic merchandise and specials each Saturday on their handmade soaps and candles.
Hayes said, “In Randolph, shoppers can stop by Randolph Retail Company on Main Street to spin the wheel for a discount on their purchase, and at Simply Natural Alpaca Gift Shop on Pope Road, there will be special discounts on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 28th) and visitors can see the alpacas, too.” Eden Valley Creamery in South Dayton is one of the newest members of the Amish Trail, and November is a great time to explore their delicious shop of organic artisan aged cheeses and fresh cheddars and curds.
As visitors plan their Amish Trail weekend, Hayes encourages them to follow all CDC guidelines, including mask wearing and social distancing, when entering Amish businesses. All Amish businesses are cash-only and photography is prohibited due to Amish religious beliefs. For an Amish Trail map and brochure, call 1-800-331-0543 or visit www.amishtrail.com.