Amish of Hart County

The Amish community of Hart County began when seven families moved from Geauga County, Ohio in the spring of 1989.  They were followed by 19 more families in the fall and winter of that same year, to make a total of 26 families in the first year. They have, over the last 31 years, been given the title of the “fastest growing Amish community in America.” 

In those 31 years, their community has spread to include 18 church districts on both the north and south sides of the Green River – which splits the county.  The Amish families have also opened several businesses over the last three decades, including R&S Salvage, Hart County Produce Auction, Detweiller’s Country Store and Farmwald’s Dutch Bakery – just to name a few.

R&S Grocery & Bakery and Farmwald’s Dutch Bakery are two of our most visited businesses in the county.  As soon as you step through their doors and smell the delicious aroma of freshly baked goods, you’ll understand why. 

R&S Grocery boasts a bakery that includes fried pies, doughnuts, baked bread, cakes, pies and more.  They also sell ice cream by the scoop and offer soft serve ice cream and sundaes as well. They are located just off Highway 31W in between Horse Cave and Munfordville and are open six days a week.

PRO TIP: If you’re hankering for a fresh sliced deli sandwich on freshly baked bread, head straight to the deli counter when you arrive.  Their deli stays busy all day long so sometimes that sandwich takes awhile to prepare!

Farmwald’s Dutch Bakery is also one of our most visited businesses, Amish or English!  They are open from 5:30 am to 6 pm, six days a week, and they serve a hearty breakfast until 11 am.  After that they serve soups, sandwiches, subs, paninis, and various specials of the week. They also make doughnuts and fried pies fresh, as well as cakes, pies, cupcakes, cookies and more.  They are located right off exit 58 on Interstate 65, right across the street from the Love’s Truck Stop and in front of Kentucky Down Under.

The Hart County Produce Auction, offers summer and fall sales of fresh produce three days a week.  There are large, bulk lots – but there is also a section of the auction reserved for smaller lots as well.  Maybe you don’t need 260 pounds of tomatoes, but if you are interested in canning salsa, then maybe the 50 lb lot would work for you. Or better yet, bring a friend that is willing to split some items with you.  That same strategy might also work in the fall with 30 pumpkins!

Detweiler’s Country Store is a bit more tucked away in Cub Run, but definitely worth the drive through the country.  If the Amish Community had their own WalMart, it would be Detweiller’s. You can grab a sandwich or some ice cream and shop through aisles of fabric, canning supplies, meat grinders, cooking utensils, pots, pans, children’s toys, hats, books and so much more. Detweiler’s is a hidden gem filled with things you can’t find just anywhere.