We have had a lot of programmes and series on the television in the last couple of years on the Amish people and it has certainly piqued my interest.
So when I saw that we were in the area of an Amish store, I just had to go and have a look.
This store is located in Largo and you have to keep your eyes peeled even with directions. After a couple of false starts we spotted the Amish sign on a couple of unprepossessing buildings.
In front of the store was a jumble of used farm machinery alongside a BBQ and a garden seat. These you were invited to buy or trade for.
On the side of the building there were tables and chairs and hand made baskets lined with brightly coloured cotton.
And so to inside the store. First impressions were of a kaleidoscope of goods all cheek by jowl interspersed with old photos and adverts.
The first thing you come across is an old commercial freezer filled with home made pies and
other goods.
Then sweets; lots of sweets. Every kind of chocolate and candy you could dream of. These are presented in cellophane bags with simple labels. All these goods proclaim that there is no added sugar. Amongst these goodies were displayed old fashioned aprons and face less rag dolls.
In the link between the 2 shop areas was a very old stove with a teetering pile of dutch ovens on top. These were priced at around $40.
In the next section was a deli with big containers of various salads, sandwiches and the like. the other wall held fridges that were bursting with different bolognas, apple dumplings ($8 a pound since you ask) cured meats, scrapple and hams.
There were some commercially canned and bottled goods that I suspect are an Amish business. The foods are all Pennsylvanian Dutch inspired and a bit more expensive than Publix, for instance but not hugely more.
The store was busy throughout our visit and we were there some time as I found it so interesting. The staff in the shop were not dressed in what we have come to know as Amish clothes but were dressed modestly.
As we drove back through Madeira Beach, I noticed that there was an Amish Ice Cream Shop. I am sure the ices would be delicious but we did not stop.
The Amish Country Store
206 13th Street
South West Largo
Tel 72 7587 9657
So when I saw that we were in the area of an Amish store, I just had to go and have a look.
This store is located in Largo and you have to keep your eyes peeled even with directions. After a couple of false starts we spotted the Amish sign on a couple of unprepossessing buildings.
In front of the store was a jumble of used farm machinery alongside a BBQ and a garden seat. These you were invited to buy or trade for.
On the side of the building there were tables and chairs and hand made baskets lined with brightly coloured cotton.
And so to inside the store. First impressions were of a kaleidoscope of goods all cheek by jowl interspersed with old photos and adverts.
The first thing you come across is an old commercial freezer filled with home made pies and
other goods.
Then sweets; lots of sweets. Every kind of chocolate and candy you could dream of. These are presented in cellophane bags with simple labels. All these goods proclaim that there is no added sugar. Amongst these goodies were displayed old fashioned aprons and face less rag dolls.
In the link between the 2 shop areas was a very old stove with a teetering pile of dutch ovens on top. These were priced at around $40.
In the next section was a deli with big containers of various salads, sandwiches and the like. the other wall held fridges that were bursting with different bolognas, apple dumplings ($8 a pound since you ask) cured meats, scrapple and hams.
There were some commercially canned and bottled goods that I suspect are an Amish business. The foods are all Pennsylvanian Dutch inspired and a bit more expensive than Publix, for instance but not hugely more.
The store was busy throughout our visit and we were there some time as I found it so interesting. The staff in the shop were not dressed in what we have come to know as Amish clothes but were dressed modestly.
As we drove back through Madeira Beach, I noticed that there was an Amish Ice Cream Shop. I am sure the ices would be delicious but we did not stop.
The Amish Country Store
206 13th Street
South West Largo
Tel 72 7587 9657