Tricks, Treats and Wind in the Trees

Can you believe it's the end of October?  Better hurry if you still want to enjoy the autumn beauty!  The wind will be picking up, and soon the cold rains will start to fall -- we'll be seeing frost every morning soon.  None of us can help but think back to our Halloween nights as children...I remember dressing up in costumes, with those plastic masks (we used to call them "false faces!")  It was thrilling to pretend to be a character like a fortune teller or a fireman, and the thrills got even better when the candy started flowing into our trick or treat bags!  And the best thrill of all was having Grandma tell us a spooky tale that would send shivers up our spines. Don't forget to pass on these wonderful traditions with the youngsters in your life -- they'll remember your stories for decades to come.  Be sure to stop by on your fall outings in Ohio Amish country -- you can certainly find an affordable little "treat" for yourself at Spies Farms Antiques (no cavities either!)  Be safe, and remember, "the goblin's will get you if don't watch out - BOO!"  Happy Halloween!

Take the Scenic Route - the Fall Foliage is at Its Peak!

You've been waiting for this time all year... it's by far the best time to come to Ohio Amish country -- the prime of autumn is here!  How can we describe the colors you'll see?  Russet, amber, garnet, gold, olive, maroon, vermillion, scarlet -- when is the last time you treated yourself to a visit to "nature's art gallery?"  We know that trips in the car are fewer these days, so you need to make them really count.  What better way to make the trip worthwhile than to head out on an Amish Country Byway?  Route 557 will take you to places like Farmerstown and Charm, while Route 62 will lead you past Berlin to Bunker Hill and Winesburg.  If you head back down Route 515, you'll find Trail, and then once you get to Route 39, you'll pass Walnut Creek and Sugarcreek.  The scenery across Holmes County and west Tuscarawas County at this time of year is an unbeatable combination of blazing fall color on the trees with picturesque views of Amish families busy with their harvests in the fields.  On your way back towards I-77, please be sure to stop by Spies Farms Antiques to tell us what you saw and perhaps to find a special memento of your trip.  We'll be waiting for you -- enjoy!

Celebrating the Past and the Present

As part of our local Bicentennial celebration, Spies Farms Antiques decked out a float with some of our rare antiques from days gone by for the parade, and we got into the spirit by dressing up in old-fashioned clothes.  Even the young kids joined in by handing out apples to the parade crowds (we figured that's a snack that never goes out of style!)  It's interesting to think that our area was settled just a few decades after America celebrated its independence -- no wonder antiques are so much a part of our lives here!  Family treasures have been handed down for many generations; we're glad we can help our antique-loving customers to be a part of that tradition. The fall foliage is becoming ablaze with color, and the weather is still fine -- it's a great time to come and visit. We'll see you soon.

Crisp Fall Weather Calls For a Slice of Pie

As the weather turns cooler, our thoughts turn from lighter summer fare to heartier food, and yes, even a slice of pie now and then!  Although many of us like to bake (and for those of you who do, be sure to check out our hard-to-find cooking and baking items, just like Grandma had in her kitchen!), sometimes we like to go up the road to a long-standing family favorite -- Dutch Valley restaurant, which is just this side of Sugarcreek on Route 39.  When you go, bring your appetite, because we've never heard of anyone leaving without a full tummy and a smile on their face!  They offer a wide range of Amish style dishes which they mainly serve "family style", and they always have many flavors of pie to choose from.  One of our family's favorite pie flavors is grape -- if you haven't tried it, now is the time!  (You won't regret it).  Since you drove all this way, be sure to ask for a scoop of ice cream with it.  See you at Spies Farms Antiques!