Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pelee Island
Pelee, the largest Erie island, is a ridiculously green, quiet wine-producing and bird-
watching destination that belongs to Canada.
Pelee Island Transportation
(
800-661-2220;
www.ontarioferries.com
)
runs a ferry (one way adult/child $13.75/6.75, car
$30) from Sandusky to Pelee and onward to Ontario's mainland. Check
www.pelee.org
for lodging and trip-planning information.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Amish Country
Rural Wayne and Holmes counties are home to the USA's largest Amish community.
They're only 80 miles south of Cleveland, but visiting here is like entering a pre-industri-
al time warp.
Descendants of conservative Dutch-Swiss religious factions who migrated to the USA
during the 18th century, the Amish continue to follow the
ordnung
(way of life), in vary-
ing degrees. Many adhere to rules prohibiting the use of electricity, telephones and mo-
torized vehicles. They wear traditional clothing, farm the land with plow and mule, and
go to church in horse-drawn buggies. Others are not so strict.
Unfortunately, what would surely be a peaceful country scene is often disturbed by be-
hemoth tour buses. Many Amish are happy to profit from this influx of outside dollars,
but you shouldn't equate this with free photographic access - the Amish typically view
photographs as taboo. Drive carefully as roads are narrow and curvy, and there's always
the chance of pulling up on a slow-moving buggy just around the bend. Many places are
closed Sunday.
Sights & Activities
Kidron
, on Rte 52, makes a good starting point. A short distance south,
Berlin
is the
area's tchotchke-shop-filled core, while
Millersburg
is the region's largest town, more
antique-y than Amish; US 62 connects these two 'busy' spots.
To get further off the beaten path, take Rte 557 or County Rd 70, both of which twist
through the countryside to wee
Charm
, about 5 miles south of Berlin.
Lehman's
DEPARTMENT STORE
(
www.lehmans.com
;
4779 Kidron Rd, Kidron; 8am-6pm Mon-Sat)
Lehman's is an absolute
must-see. It is the Amish community's main purveyor of modern-looking products that
