Beachy’s is an Amish Country “can’t miss” Small farms, one-room schoolhouses and quaint shops dot the landscape of the Illinois Amish countryside surrounding the cities of Arthur and Arcola. While Amish families in the region have traditionally been engaged in farming, over the past few decades, many have opened cottage businesses. Some have grown to the extent that they employ other Amish, according to the Illinois Amish Museum’s website. One such cottage business in the area is Beachy’s Bulk Foods, located off Illinois Route 133 between Arcola and Arthur. Locals and tourists alike visit Beachy’s to “find things they can’t find anywhere else,” said Raymond Beachy, an employee and son of the store’s original owners. The shelves are stocked with bulk items, most of which are portioned into smaller plastic containers and twist-tied bags. However, those looking for a 50-
Gospel
By Sarah Miller, JG-TC
destination
pound bag of flour or sugar will find it as well. The bulk items are ordered from Amish and non-Amish wholesalers and then repackaged into smaller portions by the 20 or so store employees, Beachy said. “There are quite a few items we sell
in the 50-pound or in bulk,” Beachy said. “It’s up to the customer, but the best price is if they want to buy it in a large quantity.” Bulk items range from baking supplies, rice, pasta, spices and soup mixes to candies, snacks, cereals, coffees and teas.
book & music store
122 S. Vine St., Arthur, IL Phone: 217-543-2221
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Sat.
Martin Guitars Deering Banjos Kentucky Mandolins Goldtone Dealer • Bibles in major translations and bindings • Books and informational videos on Amish • Gospel CD’s and DVD’s 14 – Getaway Guide
Yoder’s Homestead Shop 117 E. Main St., Arcola, IL 61910 217-268-3841
Calico Workshop 228 South Vine St., Arthur, IL 61911 217-543-2312
www.yodershomesteadfurniture.com
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