Okay, some men do like to shop, but I'm betting most men would rather have a root canal than trudge in and out of stores, "just looking" with their wives. And then there are all those packages to carry. And the decision-making ("Should we get the blue or the red?" Chances are, if you say "blue," she'll get "red" anyway, right?). Sure, you can sit and wait for her, if you can find a bench, ... out in the hot sun.

Did you know July is National Anti-Boredom Month? Would I kid you? I'm not sure who declares such things, but you might as well take advantage of it. Following, I've compiled a list of things for you, or you and your buddies, to do while the women shop. In the Amish Heartland, there are some terrific golf courses, some fantastic museums and places to go watch skilled craftsmen work wonders. Just drop off the ladies in Berlin, or Sugarcreek, or Kidron, or wherever they may be geared up to shop, give them the credit card and take off. You may just find there's so much for you to do, you'll want to come back again and again! And I bet the women won't complain about that, either!

* Fire Ridge Golf Course -- A beautiful course, but definitely not flat! The front nine is the oldest side; beautifully nestled in the hilly countryside of Holmes County; 1001 E. Jackson St., Millersburg, (330) 674-3921, http://www.fireridge...

* Black Diamond Golf Course -- If you want a challenge, this is the place to start (and you'd better take along plenty of extra golf balls), and watch out for the deer ... sometimes they step in your line on the greens!; 7500 TR 103, off SR 83, south of Millersburg, (330) 674-6110.

* Riceland Golf Course -- This is the oldest privately owned public course east of the Mississippi and always a great place to play; 11977 E. Lincoln Way (US 30 at SR 57), (330) 683-1876.

* Hawk's Nest Golf Course -- A very well-designed layout; the holes through the woods are very picturesque; some holes you can "grip it and rip it," others demand accuracy; 2800 E. Pleasant Home Rd., Creston, (330) 435-4611, http://www.hawksnest...

* LC Boles Golf Course -- A great course to get in a leisurely nine holes; not a lot of trouble, but definitely up and down; corner of Wayne Ave. Gashe St., Wooster, on College of Wooster campus, (330) 263-2316.

* Mohican Hills Golf Course -- The first few holes lull you to sleep, but then the fun starts; the greens are fast and true, and they will test your putting skills; one of the most scenic courses in the area; 25 CR 1950, Jeromesville, (419) 368-3303.

* The Pines Golf Club -- Formerly a private club; well maintained; this course is not long, but to score well, you must hit the ball straight; great restaurant; 1319 N. Millborne Rd., between Back Orrville Road Lincoln Way East (old US 30), Orrville, (330) 684-1414.

* Ridge Top Golf Course As the name says, you play along the ridge; a couple holes let you gamble, if you are brave; also the 18th is one of the best finishing par threes in the area; 7441 Tower Rd., Medina, (800) 679-9839, http://www.ridgetopg...

* Round Lake Golf Course -- If you want to get out in the country and play a relaxing nine holes, this is the place; a fun course; 2652 SR 179, Lakeville, (419) 827-2097.

* Canton Classic Cars -- What man doesn't enjoy reminiscing about these cars of yesteryear? Read the story in this issue of Amish Heartland! Market Ave. at 6th St. SW, Canton, (330) 455-3603.

* P. Graham Dunn -- Men are always fascinated by the technology used to produce these inspirational wooden creations; 1417 Zuercher Rd. (take Wenger Rd. south off US 30), Dalton, (330) 857-0306 or (800) 828-5260, http://www.pgrahamdu...

* Warther's Carvings -- There's not a man alive who won't marvel at the amazing ability of the "Master Carver," Ernest "Mooney" Warther; a truly unforgettable experience; 1/4 mile east of I-77, at Exit 83 in Dover, (330) 343-7513, http://www.warthers....

* Elm Farm Dairy -- Dairy farmers, and all milk drinkers, actually, will enjoy this museum of early dairy equipment; GREAT ice cream, too; see the story in this issue of Amish Heartland; 1050 Lafayette Rd. (US 42, 2 miles southwest of the square), Medina, (330) 722-3839, http://www.elmfarm.c...

* Lehman's -- This totally unique store originated to supply the local Amish with their non-electric needs; known worldwide; you'll spend hours browsing and finding things you didn't even know they made any more! On the square in Kidron, (330) 857-5757, http://www.lehmans.c...

* Toy Hobby Museum -- Shows the hobbies of more than 10 people; more than 5,000 custom-imprinted toy trucks, 3,000 custom-imprinted pencils, 1,000 salt-and-pepper shakers, 25 peddle tractors, a mini truck stop, a 12'-x-12' farm replica and much, much more; 531 W. Smithville Rd. (west off SR 57), Orrville, (330) 683-8697 (museum) or (330) 683-5951 (call for hours).

* Pro Football Hall of Fame -- Okay, guys, what more could you want? Here at the hall of fame, you can eat, breathe and sleep football (well, maybe not sleep) while your wives shop away in Amish Country; 2121 George Halas Dr. NW (sits right beside I-77), Canton, (330) 456-8207, http://www.profootba...

* Charm Harness Boot -- Just the place for construction workers, factory workers, hunters, hikers and other rugged individuals to pick out the right upper, sole and insole for comfortable footwear. Carhartt outdoor clothing, socks of all descriptions, belts, hats, and leather gloves are also featured; 4441 CR 70, Charm, (330) 893-0402.

What did I tell you! There's so much for you men to do, you'll be tempted to come back without your wives. Have a great time here in the Amish Heartland!