While driving in more rural areas of Kentucky, you may encounter a slow-moving, black, horse-drawn buggy bearing bonneted women and girls and brimmed straw hat-wearing men and boys. Before you make your way around them, you might wonder what their lives are like and how it compares to your own.
It’s like taking a step back in time, as the Amish have no telephones or electricity and use horses and buggies for transportation. They meticulously care for the land and are skilled craftsmen and artisans in baking and other crafts.
The town of Marion in Crittenden County helps promote its Amish neighbors by linking them with visitors eager to encounter members of this highly conservative religious group and buy their handmade quilts, mums, gourds, produce, flowers, and furniture.
With between 400 and 600 Amish living nearby, the mystique of the Amish is alive and well here, says Michele Edwards of the Marion Tourism Commission, who estimates that 75 percent of local tourism is Amish-related.
“I think it’s a different lifestyle and a different culture and it’s something that people can see and experience,” she says. “Here they really contribute to the community.”
The Amish established their first Marion-area settlement in 1977, Edwards says, and have built their livelihoods around plant nurseries and greenhouses, a quilt shop, bakery and country store, a leather shop, cabinet shops (they don’t advertise, yet have a long waiting list), and a variety store.
The commission distributes a map showing a 30-mile Amish loop of these destinations, primarily along Kentucky 654 North and 91 North. It’s best to visit during daylight hours, any day except Sundays, which is their day of worship, and some Thursdays when Amish weddings are typically celebrated, Edwards explains.
The Amish don’t like their faces to be photographed, but are very friendly and welcoming, she says, and don’t scowl in judgment at visitors’ jewelry, makeup, or modern attire as some might fear.
Amish ties are evident in Marion—near the commission’s new, modern welcome center is a hitching rail for Amish horses, and Edwards says some locals make extra money driving Amish to visit their friends and relatives in Ohio, New York, even Canada. The Amish don’t believe in owning or driving vehicles, but don’t mind to pay for rides with individuals, who are known as Amish Haulers, she explains.
One particular kind of summer produce is highly sought by Marion residents and visitors alike, says Edwards: “There’s a perception that the Amish tomatoes are better than anybody else’s.”
Edwards says locals familiar with the Amish can serve as guides for visitors with advance notice.
The Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau also points visitors to Amish and Mennonite communities with a map of destinations in the nearby Phil community. The map features a leather shop, organic produce, blacksmith and buggy shop, bulk food store, greenhouses, feed store, and quilt shop.
In Danville, there are nearly a dozen bed and breakfasts and chain hotels as lodging options, all featured on the tourism map, also available online by clicking Accommodations. For more information, drop by the bureau at 304 South Fourth Street, call (800) 755-0076, or go on the Web to www.danvillekentucky.com.
DESTINATIONS
When in Marion (Central Time), visit the Marion Tourism & Welcome Center at 213 South Main Street for a map of Amish-related destinations.
Heritage Days in Marion is October 21, when visitors flock to town to snap up colorful fall mums and gourds from local Amish families.
Each spring, the Backroads Festival, April 28–29, 2007, offers arts and crafts, and guided tours to Amish destinations.
Any time of year you can experience old country store browsing at Yoder’s Variety, 7-1/2 miles north of Marion on Kentucky 91. Its shelves are stocked with fabrics, dried herbs and spices, candy, Amish-made jelly, glassware and kitchenware, toys, wood furniture, clothing, and more.
For country cooking, visit Marion Café at the corner of Main and Belleville, (270) 965-2211. Open 6 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday; 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday; Friday–Saturday 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Or try The Coffee Shop at 108 Main Street, (270) 965-5185, open 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday; 6 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday.
For information about Marion-area Amish, call (270) 965-5015 or go online to www.marionkentucky.us/Marion-Kentucky-amish.htm.
Amish in Hardin County are located primarily in the Sonora and Glendale areas, and can often be found selling their wares in Sonora near the Pilot Travel Center and the Five-Star gas station, both on E. Western Avenue; in Glendale near the Whistle Stop and near the Pilot Travel Center on Glendale-Hodgenville Road; and in Elizabethtown just north of Towne Mall on Dixie Highway.
Amish are relatively new to the Mayfield area, locals say, but they sometimes sell handwoven baskets on Kentucky 45 toward Paducah. The Mennonites, an order from which the Amish descended, operate a bulk food store in Mayfield off Kentucky 121.
Shannon Leonard-Boone is a regular contributor to the Traveling Kentucky column.
Source: http://www.kentuckyliving.com/article.asp?articleid=1794&issueid=278#parttwo
Friday, February 13, 2015
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Hodges Sports & Apparel Coyote Contest
Friday, January 30, 2015
Hunting & Fishing in Marion, Crittenden County
Hunting & Fishing in Crittenden County
Western Kentucky has long been known as a Hunter's Paradise, as Teddy Roosevelt and Daniel Boone testified. We have an abundance of deer, dove, wild turkey, rabbit, squirrel, and other wild game. But despite the abundance, you can still expect a challenge!
Click here for the Hunting Lodge Directory
The Ohio River provides a wide variety of species, including crappie, black and white bass, sunfish, sauger, and catfish. The large mouth bass fishing is outstanding enough to attract several local and national bass tournaments. The angling possibilities are wide enough in numbers and variety to satisfy the most demanding fisherman. For easy access to the river, boat ramps with ample parking are located.
Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake, within 20 miles of Marion, offer some of the best crappie, bass, catfish and bluegill fishing in the nation. Professionals and amateurs alike enjoy the vast fishing opportunities these great lakes have to offer. Click Here for More Hunting Information
Marion's annual Big Buck competition attracts hunters from across the nation!
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources,
1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601.
Public Hunting Areas
Wildlife management Areas operated by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife in the region provide a variety of game, but hunting is often under special regulations and seasons.
Located in Henderson County and Union County:
Sloughs Wildlife Management Area is 10,000 acres of mostly Ohio River bottoms in four separate units is home to upward of 30,000 geese and thousands of ducks winter here annually. Hunting opportunities also include deer, turkey, swamp rabbit, coyote, squirrel, quail and dove. Contact Mike Morton at 270-827-2673
Located in neighboring Union County is the Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area, 5,424 acre area provides a variety of public hunting opportunities including deer, dove, rabbit, quail, squirrel, woodcock, turkey, fox and coyote.
This area also offers ten miles of hiking trails as well as 18 miles of roads including many old roads which may be hiked and an 80 acre lake with two smaller lakes. Camping and picnic areas are available.
There are also wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities with more than 135 species of birds, including dove, quail, woodcock, turkey and bald eagles.
Coyote, deer, red and grey fox, rabbit, raccoon, groundhog, and red, grey and fox squirrel have been also been sighted here.
Boat Ramps:
Click here for the Hunting Lodge Directory
The Ohio River provides a wide variety of species, including crappie, black and white bass, sunfish, sauger, and catfish. The large mouth bass fishing is outstanding enough to attract several local and national bass tournaments. The angling possibilities are wide enough in numbers and variety to satisfy the most demanding fisherman. For easy access to the river, boat ramps with ample parking are located.
Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake, within 20 miles of Marion, offer some of the best crappie, bass, catfish and bluegill fishing in the nation. Professionals and amateurs alike enjoy the vast fishing opportunities these great lakes have to offer. Click Here for More Hunting Information
White Tail Deer are Kentucky's favorite game animal, and Crittenden County ranks second in the state for the number of deer harvested. Seasons for archery, muzzle loaders, and modern firearms are scheduled between September and January. Regulations vary year by year and county by county; they are outline in the current Deer Guide available from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Marion's annual Big Buck competition attracts hunters from across the nation!
Wild Turkey. Kentucky's turkey restoration program has become a model for the nation over the past decade and a half. Crittenden County has both a Spring and Fall Turkey Hunting Season. Some of the best gobbler hunting in Kentucky is found in Crittenden County. An annual guide to turkey hunting is published by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources,
1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601.
Crittenden County Conservation Officer: Randy Conway, 270-965-3049
Public Hunting Areas
Wildlife management Areas operated by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife in the region provide a variety of game, but hunting is often under special regulations and seasons.
Located in Henderson County and Union County:
Sloughs Wildlife Management Area is 10,000 acres of mostly Ohio River bottoms in four separate units is home to upward of 30,000 geese and thousands of ducks winter here annually. Hunting opportunities also include deer, turkey, swamp rabbit, coyote, squirrel, quail and dove. Contact Mike Morton at 270-827-2673
Located in neighboring Union County is the Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area, 5,424 acre area provides a variety of public hunting opportunities including deer, dove, rabbit, quail, squirrel, woodcock, turkey, fox and coyote.
This area also offers ten miles of hiking trails as well as 18 miles of roads including many old roads which may be hiked and an 80 acre lake with two smaller lakes. Camping and picnic areas are available.
There are also wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities with more than 135 species of birds, including dove, quail, woodcock, turkey and bald eagles.
Coyote, deer, red and grey fox, rabbit, raccoon, groundhog, and red, grey and fox squirrel have been also been sighted here.
Contact Scott Buser at 270-389-3580
KY Basic
Fishing Guide |  |
KY Basic
Hunting Guide |  |
- E-town Landing, Highway 297
- Cave in Rock Ferry Landing, Highway 91 N
- Dam 50, Highway 387
Friday, January 23, 2015
The Amish in Crittenden County
When you visit, you will see their meticulous care of the land, their craftsmanship in cabinet and furniture making, along with their artistry in handmade quilts and other crafts.
Make Your First Stop in Marion The Welcome Center located at 213 South Main St., Marion KY 42064. Contact the Tourism Office by phone at 270-965-5015 or by e-mail.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Fohs Hall Community Arts Foundation
The arts can allow all people to express themselves by developing special talents, to become more aware of themselves and their feelings, to become more sure of themselves, as well as becoming aware of their potential, to more effectively and positively communicate with others, and to develop better attitudes toward the quality of life that the community offers.
Fohs Hall Community Arts Foundation, which is located in historic Fohs Hall in Marion, Kentucky has a stated purpose to encourage an appreciation of the arts and to motivate an active involvement with the arts by the people of Marion and Crittenden County. This is accomplished by offering these individuals convincing and wide ranging experiences with the arts, varying from dance and drama to crafts and photography. Relative to this, CAF promotes the ongoing development of a strong arts curriculum within the schools and a structured means for coordinating and utilizing community resources, as well as its most important resource – the people – in developing a lasting arts program.
Make Your First Stop in Marion The Welcome Center located at 213 South Main St., Marion KY 42064.
Contact the Tourism Office by phone at 270-965-5015 or by e-mail.
Friday, January 9, 2015
Grace House
Grace House is a family-operated, family-friendly, modern, brick, ranch home located on the quiet main street of Marion, Kentucky.
Grace House is a family-operated, family-friendly, modern, brick, ranch home located on the quiet main street of Marion, Kentucky. We're close to antique shops, the Amish community, and only 30 minutes from Barkley and Kentucky Lakes.
Casual bedrooms feature ceiling fans, TV/DVD, and some refrigerators. Breakfast is served at your convenience. Come as guests, leave as friends.
Make Your First Stop in Marion The Welcome Center located at 213 South Main St., Marion KY 42064. Contact the Tourism Office by phone at 270-965-5015 or by e-mail.
Casual bedrooms feature ceiling fans, TV/DVD, and some refrigerators. Breakfast is served at your convenience. Come as guests, leave as friends.
Make Your First Stop in Marion The Welcome Center located at 213 South Main St., Marion KY 42064. Contact the Tourism Office by phone at 270-965-5015 or by e-mail.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to the historic city of Marion, Kentucky, located in western Kentucky along the Ohio River, heart of the Amish country, and the Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce. Marion was first incorporated in 1851 and named after General Francis Marion, a Revolutionary war leader from South Carolina.
Mission Statement: The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization of diverse economic interests, unified to provide services to its members and leadership in promoting economic development in Marion, Crittenden County and to develop and maintain a viable business community.
Vision Statement: We are a membership driven organization that builds strong relationships with government, education, and community to create a prosperous business climate for Crittenden County. As the voice of business for Crittenden County, we the Chamber will work to ensure the region is a vibrant and prosperous place to carry on business. The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce furthermore, seeks to maintain and enhance a strong socially responsible business climate based on the principles of free enterprise and fair profit. We are committed to advancing existing businesses and attracting new economic opportunities and constructively influencing public policy to support healthy private enterprise system. We value the regions historical character, cultural and diversity while embracing economic prosperity and innovation as key components to the quality of life we enjoy.
The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce has a membership of over 130 members that live and do business here as well members from the surrounding communities. Our Chamber of Commerce is made up of nearly 90 percent small business, with the majority of those having four or fewer employees. The Chamber of Commerce is the ultimate business resource in our area. Membership is open to all businesses that maintain an annual dues investment. Benefits of membership include networking opportunities, community involvement, image enhancement, political advocacy, information access and benefits and heightened credibility.
Through words and the pictorial development of this website the Chamber of Commerce will try to convey the intangible yet vividly apparent spirit of the people of our community, their optimistic outlook tempered with acknowledgement of reality, their generosity blended with a belief of self-reliance and their unfailing faith in family, friendships and the grace of God.
The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors is an extraordinary group of people who dedicate their time, talents and civic concern to development of the area’s economy and quality of life. By being active in partnerships with governmental agencies, educational facilities, and other civic groups, they work to bring the county to full realization of its limitless potential. As a group and along with members of the Chamber of Commerce, the Board assists in attracting new business and supporting growth and expansion of existing businesses.
The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors maintains a group of committees who further help and assist in business concerns of the community. Those committees include but are not limited to: membership, constitution & bylaws, business recognition, festivals, business after hours, awards, marketing, finance, nominations, leadership, government advocacy, business days, A.P.E.S. (American Private Enterprise System & Youth Development) and fund-raising.
In addition to the many high profile events that the Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce hosts such as the Pumpkin Festival and the Annual Banquet, many smaller occasions for getting together are held throughout the year. The Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheons, Business After Hours and 1st Dollar Presentations are held to provide networking opportunities by Chamber of Commerce members and their guests.
Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce Benefits – What’s in it for you? The benefits make it an easy decision. For less than a dollar for each work day on average, your return on investment is assured.
BECOME A MEMBER NOW!
Click on the Membership Button to download your application!!
Mission Statement: The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization of diverse economic interests, unified to provide services to its members and leadership in promoting economic development in Marion, Crittenden County and to develop and maintain a viable business community.
Vision Statement: We are a membership driven organization that builds strong relationships with government, education, and community to create a prosperous business climate for Crittenden County. As the voice of business for Crittenden County, we the Chamber will work to ensure the region is a vibrant and prosperous place to carry on business. The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce furthermore, seeks to maintain and enhance a strong socially responsible business climate based on the principles of free enterprise and fair profit. We are committed to advancing existing businesses and attracting new economic opportunities and constructively influencing public policy to support healthy private enterprise system. We value the regions historical character, cultural and diversity while embracing economic prosperity and innovation as key components to the quality of life we enjoy.
The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce has a membership of over 130 members that live and do business here as well members from the surrounding communities. Our Chamber of Commerce is made up of nearly 90 percent small business, with the majority of those having four or fewer employees. The Chamber of Commerce is the ultimate business resource in our area. Membership is open to all businesses that maintain an annual dues investment. Benefits of membership include networking opportunities, community involvement, image enhancement, political advocacy, information access and benefits and heightened credibility.
Through words and the pictorial development of this website the Chamber of Commerce will try to convey the intangible yet vividly apparent spirit of the people of our community, their optimistic outlook tempered with acknowledgement of reality, their generosity blended with a belief of self-reliance and their unfailing faith in family, friendships and the grace of God.
The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors is an extraordinary group of people who dedicate their time, talents and civic concern to development of the area’s economy and quality of life. By being active in partnerships with governmental agencies, educational facilities, and other civic groups, they work to bring the county to full realization of its limitless potential. As a group and along with members of the Chamber of Commerce, the Board assists in attracting new business and supporting growth and expansion of existing businesses.
The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors maintains a group of committees who further help and assist in business concerns of the community. Those committees include but are not limited to: membership, constitution & bylaws, business recognition, festivals, business after hours, awards, marketing, finance, nominations, leadership, government advocacy, business days, A.P.E.S. (American Private Enterprise System & Youth Development) and fund-raising.
In addition to the many high profile events that the Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce hosts such as the Pumpkin Festival and the Annual Banquet, many smaller occasions for getting together are held throughout the year. The Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheons, Business After Hours and 1st Dollar Presentations are held to provide networking opportunities by Chamber of Commerce members and their guests.
Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce Benefits – What’s in it for you? The benefits make it an easy decision. For less than a dollar for each work day on average, your return on investment is assured.
BECOME A MEMBER NOW!
Click on the Membership Button to download your application!!
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