For an intimate look at a unique way of life in the Enchanted Mountains, travel to another era along Cattaraugus County’s Amish Trail. Take refuge from your fast-paced, hectic life to a place where time flows like molasses. Journey along pastoral roads with peaceful views and discover the original Old Order Amish community in the Conewango Valley.

Take the long and winding road into another era

The Enchanted Mountain region is proud of its cultural richness and diversity. Amish farmsteads dotting the countryside provide an intimate window into an uncomplicated lifestyle honoring family, community and Christian faith.

This Old Order Amish community of about 1,500 was founded in 1949 and is a very conservative, traditional order that shuns the conveniences of electricity, phones, cars and other gadgets that dominate our modern way of life. These “plain” people, as they like to call themselves, intentionally live an uncomplicated life separate from the “English,” as they call us.

Get lost on the Amish Trail

On the scenic 25-mile stretch between Randolph and Gowanda, you will quickly feel the day-to-day stress melt away as you find yourself pleasantly surrounded by fertile fields and gorgeous views. On a blue-sky day, look for shocks of oat bundles, horse teams tilling dusty fields, bonneted women hanging wash on the lines, and laughing children playing in the yard.

Power lines are scarce here and you won’t see the commercialization visible in some of the larger Amish communities in the Northeast. Here, look for hand-painted signs in front of Amish homesteads and businesses indicating they are open and the products they sell.

Appreciate unmatched Amish quality and craftsmanship

Well-known for their work ethic, Amish artisans are also famous for their products’ exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Expect to find colorful handmade quilts and rugs, detailed indoor and outdoor furniture, fun wooden toys, leather harnesses, as well as fresh baked goods, candies, jams and cheese. However, leave your debit and credit cards at home – they only accept cash. Shops are closed on Sundays, some Wednesdays, certain holidays, and for barn raisings, weddings and funerals.

Please remember to respect their privacy and personal property, and don’t photograph them, as it is against their beliefs. As you tour the enchanted countryside, drive cautiously and watch for black, slow-moving, horse-drawn buggies.

Plot your course

Make an adventure out of finding the products you’d like to see and purchase. Download GPS Points of Interest from our website containing the addresses of Amish shops, tourism businesses and trails throughout the county, or call 1-800-331-0543 for a FREE Amish Trail map. Brochures and maps are also available at Amish shops, New York’s Amish Trail partners, tour companies, the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce and the Amish Trail Welcome Center in Randolph.

Directionally challenged? Then sign up for a fascinating tour with an expert guide who will let you in on a few local secrets. Book your tour with Randolph Area Community Development Corporation Tours at (716) 358-9701 ext. 208, or make a reservation with the Leon Historical Society by calling (716) 296-5709.

More than 100 shops dot miles of winding roads

While you’re in the area, make impromptu stops at Murphy’s Wine & Gourmet Shop, The Depot, Hog-Shed Studio Pottery, Jesse’s Toy Box, The Pickle Barrel or Simply Natural Alpaca Gift Shop for unique toys, gifts, locally made products and Amish goods. Shop for the motorcycle of your dreams at Gowanda Harley-Davidson and see Amish country from a fresh perspective.

Savor the flavor of Amish Country

Take a break along your countryside tour and eat at one of the many charming, family-friendly local restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Stop at The Mustard Seed Restaurant for dinner made with whole foods, or bring your family and your dog to watch a plane land at the small airstrip behind Racer’s Restaurant as you enjoy a casual meal.

Check out barn quilts

Look for the latest colorful addition to the Amish Trail – barn quilts. These “quilts,” measuring 8-feet by 8-feet and smaller, are popping up all along the trail and throughout surrounding communities thanks to the Barn Quilt Project. The quilts are actually single block patterns that are enlarged and painted on a weatherproof board that can easily be mounted to any outdoor structures like barns, buildings and garages. Pick up a free Barn Quilts Along NY’s Amish Trail brochure, which includes an easy-to-read location map. (Look for barn quilts locations on the free Amish Trail Map, along with a brief history of each barn and quilt pattern.) If you are interested in ordering a barn quilt, please call (716) 358-2082 for more information.

Uncover hidden finds along the Amish GeoTrail

Use your savvy gaming, social networking and treasure hunting skills to navigate the Amish GeoTrail and find 12 cleverly planted geocaches. Be sure to bring your GPS unit and a camera to document the keyword on each find. For each cache, receive a free Amish GeoTrail button. Locate at least 10, you’ll receive a special commemorative New York Amish GeoCoin free. To view the buttons, go to www.amishtrail.com/geotrail where you will also find detailed instructions.

Round out your visit with museum stops

Turn a dull rainy day into an interesting adventure with a visit to one of the many area museums. See history come to life at the American Museum of Cutlery, the Leon Historical Museum, Salamanca Historical Society Museum or the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum.

Make it a long weekend

Stay and relax at the Amish Cottage Bed & Breakfast, originally an Amish cottage that once housed Amish couples and their babies. Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay at Cherry Creek Inn complete with tasty sweets made by Amish bakers. Remember to save some time to pamper yourself at Senn-sations Salon & Day Spa, housed in one of the area’s historic homes. Rather camp? Then reserve a relaxing spot at Pope Haven Campground or rent a deluxe cabin at Aim High Outdoor Adventures.

Wave a friendly hello and you’ll be sure to get one back

Include cruise along the Amish Trail in your next trip to the Enchanted Mountains. For more information, visit www.amishtrail.com, call 1-800-331-0543 or pick up a free Amish Trail brochure and map at sponsoring businesses and visitors’ centers. Find more fun things to do in the Enchanted Mountains at www.enchantedmountains.com.