US Route 60 from Richmond to Williamsburg, VA, is often called “The Road Less Traveled”.
In the early 1970s, before I-64 was completed, it was the major route between the two cities. Today’s heavy traffic migrates to I-64, leaving Route 60 to the locals and visitors that know the absence of heavy congestion makes it a more desirable route.
There are several campgrounds off of Route 60, one of which was the location of the Cedar Creek RV Owners Club Rally we attended last week. Rockahock RV Resort is located at Walker’s Dam on both the Chickahominy Lake Reservoir and the tidal Chickahominy River about 20 minutes west of Williamsburg.
While attending the rally, we all made several trips into Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown for a glimpse into our nation’s history, great food and excellent shopping.
Just before you enter Williamsburg on Route 60 you pass through the tiny community of Norge. There, just inside the city limits, is the Amish Country Products and Bulk Foods store.
The store reminded me of the old country stores I grew up visiting with my grandfather as a child. You know — the ones with stone ground grains in cloth sacks, jars of fresh honey, preserves and jams made of okra, watermelon rind, green tomatoes and strawberries along with lime pickles and even Damson Plum Preserves.
Real Maple syrup, rolled butter and buckwheat pancakes were a favorite of my grandfather. All of the ingredients are available on the shelves of this little store.
The Amish are well known for their finely crafted furniture, often made from Oak, Cherry or even Walnut. The store displays tables, chest-of-drawers, chairs and even a rocking horse finely crafted and finished.
Outside you can find Adirondack style porch and lawn furniture. Many pieces of outdoor furniture are made from an engineered wood and plastic composite that never needs painting nor will ever rot. It is only upon close examination that you discover that it is not made of the traditional pine.
If you are in the Williamsburg area, perhaps camped at one of many local campgrounds, a trip to the Amish Country Store will provide fantastic entertainment, seemingly never-ending shelves of great foods and ingredients, beautiful handcrafted furniture and a piece of history important to our culture and heritage.
Leslie and Suzie can answer virtually any question you may have on Amish culture and craftsmanship. It is the perfect place to take the children or grandchildren and give them an excellent history lesson.