Old Order Mennonite Community

A peaceful community favoring simplicity and the old ways is home to many in the western corner of Pike County.

Old-Order Mennonite families reside and work in and around the rural community of Cynthiana. In 1988, the families began relocating to the area, which includes parts of Pike, Ross and Highland counties, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and quickly began “making things livable” and opening the many businesses that dot the narrow, two-lane roadways — shops that attract many visitors from across the state and beyond.

Stop by Country Crust Bakery owned by Dawn Martin to stock up on a wide variety of sweet homemade treats, including bread, cinnamon rolls, pies, cakes, cookies, donuts, pretzels, pretzel sandwiches and more. They also stock Ohio made honey, jams and jellies.

In 1996, JR’s General Store began providing fresh, quality foods and home furnishings at reasonable prices. Today, the business continues to attract customers from far and wide who enjoy the store’s wide variety of grocery items, bulk foods, fresh meats and cheeses, seasonal gift items, bulk candy, locally-grown produce, home décor items, and indoor and outdoor furniture.

Luke Martin has worked as a local farrier for over 20 years and operates his workshop and farrier business, Natural Stride Horseshoes, behind his home. Using a “natural approach” to trimming and shoeing, Martin provides farrier service to nearly 1,000 horses each year.

Quality rustic and handmade furniture is available at Briar Hill Woodworking and Hillside Gazebos where Daryl Martin and his father, Chester, have carved out a reputation for making quality rustic furniture and stylish gazebos.

Just down the road, Crafts Unlimited owned by Duanne Stauffer and Eugene and Elvin Martin offers indoor and outdoor furniture, seasonal items, and local crafts. While shopping, customers can take a lunch or breakfast break and enjoy an old-fashioned, home-cooked Pennsylvania Dutch meal lovingly prepared by Esther Martin and her kitchen helpers 6 days each week.

Horseman Joseph Stauffer, owner of Windy Ridge Belgians, has been raising and selling Belgian draft horses for over 18 years. In 1992, he opened Stauffer’s Harness Shop which offers a wide variety of harness and tack items, carts, and more.

Martin’s Hearth and Home offers a wide variety of wood stoves and accessories, including chimney liners, chimney brushes, stovepipe, gaskets, fireplaces, flashlights, and more.

Fresh, local produce is available at several locations throughout Cynthiana’s Mennonite community. Many locals make their way to the Bainbridge Produce Auction which offers a wide variety of fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables beginning at 2 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the season.

For groceries and more, Stauffer’s Country Store is a great place to add to your itinerary; in addition to farm-fresh produce they stock fabrics, sewing notions, Avon products, and gift items at bargain prices.

No matter what season you make your visit, Pickett Run Farm Greenhouse and Nursery has a wide variety of seasonal garden and decorative plants for your planters or flower beds. Mums, poinsettias, seeds, annuals, perennials, and vegetable plants are available seasonally.

Be sure to check the hours when visiting, while most businesses are open year round – they take a day of rest on Sunday.