A trip to Amish Country usually involves two things for sure: shopping (and more shopping) and eating (and more eating). A trip to Mt. Hope can accomplish both of these experiences with ease.

They often say the kitchen is the heart of the home. So if you're visiting our area, "home" to the largest concentration of Amish in the world, you simply must visit Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen in Mt. Hope. By enjoying one of their delicious breakfasts, it would be a great place to start your day.

Gloria Yoder (that's THE Mrs. Yoder), manager and part-owner Robert Burkholder and Gloria's son Trent work with approximately 65 employees to make dining at their restaurant an exceptional experience for each and every customer.

Nearly all the food prepared at Mrs. Yoder's Restaurant is made from scratch, the old-fashioned way. The yummy way!

The restaurant's "signature" item is their Broasted Chicken, followed closely by their Grilled Perch (which is not always on the menu, but usually available). Wedding steak is another popular item, and it was created by Gloria herself.
"Our mashed potatoes come from real potatoes," Robert said. "Because there aren't any lumps, people assume they're instant, but they aren't. If someone wants to see for themselves, we'll show 'em!"

The restaurant prefers to buy as much fresh produce from the local farmers' produce markets as possible. That way, Gloria knows "it's good, and it's fresh."

The breakfast buffet is offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays; the lunch buffet, on Monday through Saturday, June through November; and on Saturdays, there are three buffets: breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Super Salad Bar and Dessert Bar are available March through June, and there's an occasional seafood buffet during the winter.

Be sure to watch for seasonal specialties such as dandelion gravy in the spring and leg of lamb (from a local 4-H lamb) in the fall.

You've heard "when pigs fly?" Well, I guess they're flying in Mt. Hope, because you'll need to check out Mrs. Yoder's Pig Wings on the menu!

And be sure to save room for a piece of the fruit or cream pies at Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen, or at least some Amish-style date-nut pudding, old-fashioned cracker pudding or Turtle Sundae Pie (worth the trip all by itself).
Senior Citizens can take advantage of huge savings on selected menu items each Tuesday between 4 and 8 p.m.

Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen -- State Route 241, Mt. Hope, OH 44660, (330) 674-0922; hours: Mon. thru Sat., 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Just a little bit north of Mt. Hope, you'll find a wonderful shopping opportunity at Stone Barn Furniture. Whether driving in from the north or south on State Route 241, you'll see the beautiful barn sitting on a knoll in the rolling hills of Amish Country. Two cupolas crown the barn's roof, and a very inviting 100-foot stone-columned front porch expands across the entire front of the store. During good weather, outdoor furniture on the porch offers husbands a nice shady place to sit and relax while their wives shop.

You only have to step inside the doors to experience the real Stone Barn Difference. They are like no other furniture store in the area, striving to create warmth and inspiration, bringing beauty and comfort to you and your home. Stone Barn is a family owned and operated business.

Owners Bryan and Angela Miller have been offering furniture that is "uniquely yours" with many customizable options for seven years.

"Our business is an extension of our family," Angela explained, "We just want our customers to feel comfortable shopping with us. Our customers have come to know and trust us for our quality, locally made hardwood furniture, resin wicker furniture, upholstered and leather furniture and home dcor accessories."

The room-like settings inspire customers and help them achieve warmth in their homes. Each setting is decorated with accessories and colorations to help you visualize the furniture in you own home.

"We strive to be different and create furniture that is distinctive in quality and style," Angela said.

Bryan and Angela spend a great deal of time designing and creating furniture pieces and collections that are unique to their store. They work daily on marrying the correct furniture style with the perfect stain and colorations.

Along with their furniture designing, Stone Barn has a great team of decorators in their store that aid customers on creating their "complete homes." For the last seven years, they have been offering furniture and design advise to their customers to help them create a home that is "uniquely theirs."

Now, along with customers coming in for paint, carpet, accessory and furniture suggestions, Stone Barn is offering "in home" consultations. Angela recently completed an entire home in Dover, in neighboring Tuscarawas County. She helped her customers with wall colorations, carpet, lighting fixtures and coordinated all the furniture and accessories for the home.

"Our customers find this additional service invaluable and love the quality of service and furniture they received from Stone Barn Furnishings," she said.
The store's showroom consists of dining room suites, table and chair sets, varying types of office furniture, bedroom suites, entertainment centers, upholstered pieces and leather furniture. They also offer rest and relaxation to their customers through a line of Interactive Health massage chairs and Comfortaire bedding.

Comfortaire is the original air bed mattress. Customers love the luxury of sleeping on air along with the ability to change the softness or firmness of their mattresses each night. And if the relaxation of a good night's sleep just isn't quite enough, they can get a full-body massage via Interactive Health's massage chair line.

"Our customers enjoy trying out the chairs and experiencing a free massage during their shopping experience," Angela said.

"Our own dedicated delivery staff and our customer service have been built on dependability, honesty and excellence," she continued. "When you step through our doors you will be greeted like family. Our employees have all been with us for many years and are truly an extension of our family. There is a no pressure atmosphere in our store ... only friendly sales associates who are willing to offer assistance and guidance in helping you select the perfect pieces for your home.

"And there is no need to worry about getting your new furniture home. We have our own delivery staff, which delivers furniture throughout Ohio and the surrounding area. Our friendly deliverymen provide in-home, white-glove delivery and would be delighted to assist you in getting your new Stone Barn furniture home."

Bryan and Angela like to say, "there is something for everyone at Stone Barn Furnishings." They strive to make the furniture buying and home accessorizing experience uniquely yours! Visit Stone Barn Furnishing's Web site at http://www.stonebarn...ngs.com to get a small taste of what they are.
But don't miss the opportunity to visit Stone Barn Furnishings in Amish Country this spring to discover the latest in furniture and decorating designs for your home! And ladies, before you leave, don't forget your husband out on the front porch!

Stone Barn Furnishings -- 8613 TR 635 (just off SR 241, north of Mt. Hope), PO Box 15, Mt. Hope, OH 44660, (330) 674-2064, http://www.stonebarn...ngs.com ; hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sun.