10 Signs of the Amish

One of the sure signs you've arrived in Amish country is the...well, signs.  Most Amish businesses don't have big advertising budgets.  Some larger Amish businesses do have such budgets.  There is a billboard along I-275 in the eastern suburbs of Cincinnati for Miller’s Bakery & Furniture, an Amish-owned business in Adams County, Ohio.

 But such ostentatious signs are the exception among the Amish, not the norm. For the most part, Amish-owned mom and pop businesses have to rely on often hand-scrawled or crudely constructed signs.

 But this simplicity plays into the public perception of Amish simplicity, so sometimes these simple signs do more for a business than a huge marketing budget would.  Here are some signs from Amish businesses that I have taken over the years.  Perhaps you live near some of these signs….

I love following the signs which almost always lead me on some new adventure and often lead me to new friends.  Interestingly, some signs reflect the region they are in.  Note the last sign in this selection has sort of a "west" feel to it.  Those are signs to Amish businesses around Rexford, Montana.   The really peeling paint sign near the Route 506 marker in Ohio points the way to a Swartzentruber owned business.   And the "slat signs" are really neat and functional.  As different seasonal products come and go, the Amish entrepreneur can switch up the signage.  The bottom sign photo was taken in Hardin County, Ohio.