There’s no way to visit Wooster, Ohio and not check out what Wayne County has to offer in regards to dining options. I had the pleasure of taste testing everything from Amish desserts to cheese and everything in between on a recent visit, so these are six delicious reasons to make a visit to Wayne County, Ohio – and my favorite picks for foodie lovers.
1. The Granary Restaurant at Pine Tree Barn
How’s this for a setting? A gorgeous, outdoor patio overlooking a Christmas tree farm, lake, and valley. Sound like a perfect setting? It is, but The Granary Restaurant is so much more. At The Pine Tree Barn (a shopper’s find in itself), the restaurant was just named Business of the Year from the folks in Wooster, Ohio. Serving lunch only, there’s plenty on the menu including freshly-made desserts, seasonal dishes, and soups.
What to Try: I sampled a little bit of everything and loved it all, but definitely give the Raspberry Chicken Spinach Salad a try. Oh, and the restaurant is known for its Lemon Crumb muffins. You can have them as a side (they’re that popular!) or order as a dessert.
2. Dutch Kitchen
Truth? We have a local farmer’s market where Amish folks sell their baked goods so I’m no stranger to their delicious pastries. Dutch Kitchen is both a Mennonite and Amish- run kitchen on Lincoln Highway in Dalton, Ohio, and the cleanliness of it is impressive. The kitchen itself is spotless (I had the pleasure of a walk through) and the ladies that spend hours in it make everything from the heart – including an 80+ year old Amish woman that insists on making the pie crusts.
If it’s dessert you like, it’s dessert you’ll adore at Dutch Kitchen. The bakery shelves are filled with Cream Sticks, Fresh Strawberry pies, and a new-to-me-favorite, Fry Pies. In a nutshell, a Fry Pie is a pie crust round folded over and packed with fruit filling. Each is then fried and a crispy glaze covers the whole thing. I like to think of it as a personal pie with bonus glaze. Delish!
What to Try: Ok, I’ve talked about its Fry Pies so that’s a no-brainer, so along with the 16 varieties, give the cream sticks a go. It also sells homemade bread and rolls and has a restaurant that has a buffet to make any other envious.
3. Shisler’s Cheese House
Yes, the name says it all, but until you visit and meet its owners, you won’t get the full fun. Shisler’s in Kidron, Ohio, sells so many styles of cheese (including the most-delicious Swiss I’ve ever tried!) that you’ll have a hard time narrowing down which variety to buy. A word to the foodie wise: the small shop has chocolates, sweets, and deli meats, too.
What to Try: Pearl Valley Swiss and Troyer’s Trail Bologna. not a fan of bologna? You should still give the Trail style a go.
4. Quince Bakery & Cafe
Another foodie find in Kidron, Ohio, Quince Bakery sits right on the square. Affectionately known as “The Q”, the bakery and cafe makes everything from scratch and with local ingredients. Even if you’re not craving sweets, there’s still a reason to stop: Quince’s has a cafe menu filled with hearty dishes.
What to Try: Order a loaf of freshly-baked bread to go ($4.50), and give the muffins and donuts a try. You’ll thank yourself for stopping.
5. Lehman’s Hardware
Okay, let me run with this for a minute. Yes, Lehman’s Hardware in Kidron, Ohio, was built in 1955 to serve the local Amish. Fast track to present day with its 35,000 square feet full of anything and everything and you’ll find yourself wandering for hours – I know I did. Included in the massive hardware shop is old school foodie finds including local and craft sodas, old-fashioned candy, granola, potato chips, and so much more.
What to Try: Individual bottles of soda with fun, unique flavors including Lehman’s own. I bought styles like Zombie Brain Juice and Creamy Red Birch Beer. If you dig old-school candy bars you’ll be in sugar heaven, too!
6. Smucker’s Store
Technically, the full name is JR Smucker Co Store & Cafe, but everyone simply calls it the Smucker’s Store. Filled with all of the items under the Smucker umbrella, I never realized the products that make up the Smucker brand until I stepped foot inside the store. What you’ll find when you visit the Orrville, Ohio, location: a whimsical interior and awesome, photo worthy arches outside. Hit the center of the store to taste test a variety of Smucker’s items.
What to Try: As a gal that’s never seen ketchup in a glass jar, I had to buy a bottle. If you like creamy curds, grab a bottle of Dickinson’s Vanilla Curd.
A massive amount of thanks to the folks at Main Street Wooster and Green Door Mediaworks for hosting me on a delicious media visit. All opinions (and photos!) are my own!
Leave a Reply