Best Destination in Amish CountryBy: Mary Malik

What is it about Lehman’s in Kidron that has voters naming it “Best Destination in Amish Country” five years in a row?

Store manager Stephen Lindenberger thinks the reason goes all the way back to the beginning.

“When founder Jay Lehman opened the store in 1955, his goal was to provide the local Amish community with non-electric household goods and also pass along the knowledge and products to create a simpler life,” Lindenberger said. “What started as a hardware store has become a 35,000-square-foot retail space filled with products from farm and garden tools, emergency supplies, stoves, lamps and lighting to home décor, baking supplies, toys and games and much more. Everything we offer still hearkens back to that simpler way of life that Jay was dedicated to preserving.”

The holidays at Lehman’s are particularly special with lots of Christmas trees around the store, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and unique gift ideas for everyone on your list.

“People love it here and keep coming back when they visit Amish Country because of the experience we offer,” Lindenberger said. “There’s so much to see, touch and experience and our staff is extremely knowledgeable about all our products. We’ll have you churning your own butter or making your own candles in no time. And if you’re looking to get the kids off their devices, we have many nostalgic toys that customers recognize from childhood and love introducing to their own children and grandchildren.”

Lehman’s has more than 7,000 Amish-made products in the store for the bakers, farmers, gardeners, DIYers and anyone else interested in incorporating techniques and traditions from the past into their modern lives or reminiscing about the past and sharing it with family. 

“I love seeing families come in together and hear grandparents telling their grandchildren about a tool they used or a game they played as children,” Lindenberger said. “A visit to Lehman’s brings those memories back. It’s wonderful to see.”

A visit to Lehman’s is truly a visit to a simpler life, and everyone there would love to help visitors find their way back — even if it’s just for a short time. 

“First-time visitors often spend several hours in the store,” Lindenberger said. “They look up and see antiques everywhere and look down and see the retail areas. It’s a true experience we are creating here. We look forward to introducing Lehman’s to new customers and welcoming back past visitors.”

Maybe that’s why Lehman’s is the “can’t-miss destination” that appeals to everyone. w

Lehman’s is located at 4779 Kidron Road in Kidron.  Hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call toll free 800-438-5346. Lehman’s is always open online at Lehmans.com.