If you're going to Des Moines, there are a couple of shops in Valley Junction and one in Clive that I really like. And if you get up to Kalona, you have to let KJ and I know so we can try a meet-up!
Incidentally, I thought for years that the Amana Colonies were settled by the Amish, and I couldn't figure out why they didn't dress like the pictures I'd seen of the Amish!
And the food in Shipshe is wonderful! Buffets with chicken and noodles as far as the eye can see. And pie. Really, really good pie. And homemade peanut butter.
I think last year you went right before me, Kate. The DJ group meets there April 15 - 18th.
I can't wait.
Cindy
I was just in Bellefontaine the other day -- my DH was born there!
How about Lima (as in Lima bean)?
Here ins west central Ohio we have Versailles, which is pronounced Ver sales, and Russia, pronounced Roosh ee, and also Houston, pronounced House ton. Linda
"John" wrote... The accent is on the Ber part of the name as opposed to the lin of the German. I think this is a type of thing that is often done here in Ohio. There are some screamingly funny pronunciations of Ohio places like; Bellefontaine, pronounced Bellfountain. The french explorers are turning over in their graves.
John
Here's another one: there is a small town near here called Rhine, which is pronounced Rye nee in this area.
The accent is on the Ber part of the name as opposed to the lin of the German. I think this is a type of thing that is often done here in Ohio. There are some screamingly funny pronunciations of Ohio places like; Bellefontaine, pronounced Bellfountain. The french explorers are turning over in their graves.
John
We do the same thing in Illinois. Like Athens with a long "A" sound.
Maureen
Oh my gosh! I knew you guys would help me out & save me hours of endless research. Thank you one & all. I have one more question - I don't think anyone mentioned it (or it didn't show up on my newsreader). What months are the best time of year to go? I think John has sold me on going to Ohio. Obviously I don't want to go in the winter, but what about the summer months? Remember - we don't have the humidity in California that we might encounter back East, so we don't want to set ourselves up for heat exhaustion:)
Thanks again!!
Pauline Northern California
Your best choices for lower humidity, are spring and fall. The fall has the hardwood leaf color changes and the spring has the planting season but with the greater chance of rain. There is still some humidity but I think October is one of the best times of year around here. I love riding my bike through the countryside at that time of year. The farmers are getting in their crops and the roadside produce stands are all out and full of natures bounty and it is just the more beautiful time of year, in my opinion. Each time of the season has it's own pleasures, but the winter can be rather stark, cold, and challenging. The summer is humid, but air conditioning is widespread and has taken some of the sting out of the humidity. You will enjoy it whenever you go, or at least I think so. Just be thankful you don't have to live here, through the winters. The question of tours has come up before, so I think I will see if I can find a resource for any of you who want to come for a visit, and I will post it and keep it handy for future use. I won't be able to do it right away; those snowiy winter roads, you know.
John
Ok, I dove into the local Ohio travel drawer, in my wife's office, and here is what I have come up with, that pertains to tours. They are listed as available with
John
I feel like I have my own private travel agent! Thank you sooo much John for making this an easy trip for me to plan! Since I live on the West Coast, I figure I can go to Washington anytime & I think the majority of my group has a keen interest in travelling to the Amish country. I'll map out a plan & see if I can get everyone's stamp of approval!
Thanks again!
Pauline Northern California
Ok, I dove into the local Ohio travel drawer, in my wife's office, and here is what I have come up with, that pertains to tours. They are listed as available with
John
If you can go to Pennsylvania, the big Amish area is around Lancaster. Amish are also known as Pennsylvania Dutch. In Ohio the biggest group is in Holmes county, but there is a small community near me, in Middlefield, Ohio. Watch out for the buggies when you're driving, especially after dark.
Jane in NE Ohio About 4 inches of snow on the ground & more predicted tonight & tomorrow.
I realize that I'm coming into this discussion late, but I was out of town for almost a month! Here is a partial list of the quilt shops/fabric shops in the Lancaster area.
QUILT ODYSSEY 2009 (HERSHEY QUILT SHOW) July 30, 2009 through August 2, 2009 Hershey Lodge & Convention Center Hershey PA
There is also a quilt show in Lancaster April 2 - 5 of 2009; doubt you'd make this one this year! If you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help you out!
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