Pics from our latest visit to the Amish community around Ethridge, Tennessee:
There are no sales on Sunday, but you’re welcome on other days to drop by any of the homes that have signs outside advertising their wares — there’s no reason to feel as though you need to get on one of those buggy rides to visit the community, and the map that’s given out at the visitor’s center doesn’t have all of the homes listed on it. The best thing to do is just to take your time and drive casually along to see what interests. Here, I’ve gotten watermelon preserves, muscadine, and scuppernong jelly.
BTW, we’re going to be going muscadine picking sometime soon since this is the season. You can find u-pick farms at this site or if you know of a muscadine winery in your area, they may let you come do it at their own farm if you call/check first.
We’ve gotten to know several of the families here from visiting with them previous times. That’s to say we’re not swapping holiday cards, but most all of them are friendly and are happy to chat for a while if you like and they’re not too busy.
On one of our first visits to Ethridge several years ago, we purchased two of these fab rockers. The man who built them just wrote us a letter when they were ready to be picked up — no phones, no emails — and we have enjoyed them ever since. They cost a fraction of what they’re sold for at rustic furniture stores if you purchase them direct from the Amish makers (and it just feels good to do it, too).
I made this map of some of the better roads to travel on looking for things in the community, so feel free to use this as part of your guide. This part of the year is a great time to go because there’s an abundance of fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and baskets/quilts/etc.