Oh come on ... be a little daring! Get off the main roads in Amish Country! Now, we're talking getting off State Route 39, just southeast of Walnut Creek, turning onto Holmes Country Road 114 and hanging a left at the fork in the road where County Road 135 goes to the right. Then, you'll need to turn right and go down a long lane marked with buggy-wheel tracks, past the barn, past the house and up the little bank to the shop of R.W. Leather, one of the best finds in Amish Country.
Roy Wengerd started his leather-goods business on a part-time basis 11 years ago in the basement of his home. Soon, though, the business turned into his full-time occupation. He built a workshop/sales room on the hill above his house, and from that time on, his business just took off.
Roy's wife helps him in the shop, as do his children, now that they're older.
"Our oldest daughter, Martha, used to work here," Roy said, "but she's married now. Our son Andrew works now, and Susie has just begun to help out."
Walking into the shop, you'll instantly notice the wonderful aroma of new leather. Many fine products are made in the shop from domestically tanned leather, using "the best part of the hide," according to Roy.
"We buy the leather hides already dyed," he said. "Then the hides are run through the strap cutter, the creaser and the edger. We hand-inspect every product we create here."
R.W. Leather's largest concentration is creating leather "waist belts," including dress belts, stitched dress belts, casual-wear belts, heat-embossed belts, and thin belts for women -- in a choice of colors.
"Our belts are all custom-sized for each customer," Roy said, "to ensure a perfect fit. And there is a choice of eight-to-ten buckles, including brass ones.
"And be sure to mention all our belts are guaranteed not to crack or break," Roy instructed me.
After I discovered R.W. Leather four years ago, this is where all my husband's belts have been purchased, and he's been a very satisfied customer.
The business also makes dog collars, sleigh-bells straps and numerous key-chain items. In fact, visitors are treated to a free leather key chain! They also manufacture leather tape-measure holders, knife sheafs, beverage coasters and money belts.
Besides the leather products made on site at R.W. Leather, customers may purchase other domestically handmade leather items such as fanny packs, mens and women's wallets, purses, eyeglass cases, coin purses and deerskin chamois, as well as leather-care products.
Sheepskin items are also available, some of which come in seven different colors -- several shades of brown, black, grey and white. These items include throws, rugs and seat and back cushions for rocking chairs.
R.W. Leather gets a lot of semi-local business, as well as the tourist trade. Sometimes schools and church groups come through on tours.
"Many of our customers are tourists who have been in the area several times and are willing to be adventuresome and get off the 'beaten path,'" Roy said. "And we also ship our items all over -- to California, Hawaii and as far away as Australia."
At R.W. Leather, even though there are so many items offered, the belts are their specialty.
"No size is too long," Roy boasted. "Well, up to 74 inches, that is. That's the largest we've ever made!"
R.W. Leather, one mile south of Walnut Creek at 4415 Holmes County Road 114, Sugarcreek, OH 44681; hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.