Service With a Smile Spend a day traveling back in time to
small-town stores where both charm and
warmth are evident. You may well remember
the store owner who
greeted you with a
smile when you walked
through the doors of
a small store. Maybe
you heard your parents
speak about the days
when they were growing
up and the small stores
that were at the corner
where they lived. Well,
to experience that once
again or to understand
the personal service that
mom and dad recall.
In the area
are small stores that
are very welcoming.
I, for one, found my
shopping day to be
one of relaxation, yet
adventure.
two family-run stores, Creekside Lawn and
Nature Lover’s Nest, I was greeted with the
honking of ducks. This was extraordinary,
for when I shop at the mall, the only honking
I hear is from other cars. As I shopped,
I noticed not only their large selection
of ornamental solar lit items, but nearly
anything else that one might want for their
yard. They are well-known for their large
selection of seed, feeders, baths and houses
for the birds, but also have wind chimes
and garden ornaments which make great
gifts. The Amish owner helped me with my
purchase of a hot-air balloon windsock that
twirls when the wind blows and guided me
on fabric choice as to which ones fade less
over time with the sun. I was now looking
forward to historic Mesopotamia, where End
of the Commons General Store is located.
Established in 1840, the oldest general
store in Ohio is End of the Commons
General Store. The aisle of candies drew
my attention rather quickly and I suddenly
found myself walking up and down the
aisles looking at items such as numerous
varieties of creme soda, root beer, and fry
pies. As I looked around and walked the old
End of the Commons General Store
6 www.AmishCountryside.com
noted their wide variety
of their own line of
jarred foods. Some more
notable ones were their
Even though both were
available for sampling,
I just couldn’t try the
Toe Jam! Instead, I
enjoyed some luscious
hand-dipped ice cream
from their cafe. Their
old-time displays of
antiques were quite the
added interest too, along
with the electronic oldtimer
who talks to you
if you get in his range!
Outdoor is a full-size
horse and real Amish
buggy to sit in. As I left, I
couldn’t wait for my next
adventure. . . on to the Bargain Bin.
Bargain Bin Variety Store is nestled
among Amish homes on a beautiful, long
country road. As I entered, I felt as if I was
a child again looking at the many toys. I
noted that they had many possible gift items
like candles,
craft supplies, and wind
chimes. True True to to their their name, it it was was such such a
a
joy to discover what was in each aisle. The
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