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ARTHUR: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Amish Culture, Unique Shopping Abound In ‘Friendly’ Arthur And Surrounding Countryside
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hroughout the village of Arthur and its surrounding area, visitors will find a friendly, slowpaced atmosphere that lends itself to the town’s adopted motto, “You’re Only A Stranger Once.” With a population of only 2,300, Arthur possesses many distinctive qualities. Located less than 10 miles west of Interstate 57, Arthur provides a wonderful centerpiece for those looking for unique shopping or the enriching cultural experiences offered in the surrounding countryside. This includes the fourth-largest settlement of the Old Order Amish in the United States, and the largest such settlement in Illinois. The Illinois Amish community has been central to life around Arthur for more than a century. The Amish, who dress conservatively, travel in black buggies and work the soil the old-fashioned way by horse-drawn implement, own many farms and businesses around the Arthur area. Visitors travel from across the globe to experience the Amish lifestyle and enjoy the charm of Arthur’s many locally owned shops and cottage industries.
While the Amish community enjoys its privacy, all are invited to enjoy a whole separate world of commerce that springs to life early each morning. Many Amish families own specialty shops creating handmade quilts, crafts and rugs, baked goods, handmade solid wood furniture, lawn furniture and outdoor buildings, milling shops, pallet shops, buggy shops, canvas shops, butcher and poultry processing shops, food and spices in bulk and health food stores. Some of these shops are wholesale only, while many are open to the public. The Amish have large gardens and will share their bounty at roadside stands or through local auctions. Some have made a business with orchards, greenhouses and truck farms. They raise all kinds of farm animals and sell them at weekly auctions at the local sale barn. Visitors also come to Arthur to partake of delicious Amish foods, such as cinnamon rolls, breads and other delicious baked goods available at local bakeries and at the many benefit sales and auctions that fill the Arthur calendar. For a
What happens in Amish Country usually doesn’t stay in Amish Country...
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$rthur & Illinois Amish Country make an easy & fun day trip.. just a short trip away! Festivals, sales, markets, auctions, benefits, and other special events and activities fill our calendar from February to Christmas and you are invited to join us! Add in the good country food and all the unique places to shop and you’ll see what people are talking about. And why they want to tell their friends!
You’ll be telling your friends about the fun you had in Arthur...
www.
ArthurFestivals.com
IllinoisAmishCountry.com
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Arthur-Amish Country Welcome Center PH 800-72-AMISH (722-6474) 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 25