By NICK SABO
Giving directions from the Carlisle QuickMart to Walnut Creek's many shopping, dining and overnight accommodation options isn't too difficult.
The service station and convenience store sits at the intersection of state routes 39 and 515, and Owner Greg Yoder need only point up one street or down another to help travelers get their bearings.
"We get people in here a lot, asking for directions," Yoder said. "They ask where Coblentz Chocolate is-Go three feet to the end of our drive, and you can see it. Der Dutchman? It's just up the road there, on your left."
Within a two mile radius, Walnut Creek packs in specialty shopping in an environment without losing its rural, small town charm. Even when it is bustling with shoppers on a summer day, it still manages to exude a sense of quiet and tranquility.
The town is home to many landmark businesses, including Coblentz's Chocolates, Walnut Creek Cheese and Dutchman Hospitality. Offering Amish Country hospitality and food or locally produced candy and food products, a shopping trip to Walnut Creek presents a variety of unique opportunities, uniquely displayed.
At Coblentz's Chocolate for example, candies made in house are displayed in old fashioned glass and wood candy counters in tempting rows of chocolate truffles and chocolate covered pretzels and nuts. Gummy bears, jelly beans and wrapped candies are dispensed from a rack of glass candy jars, or are available bagged throughout the store, nestled between specialty gift items for the home and garden.
Among the 11,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles at the Walnut Creek Mall, Manager Leroy Raber can't put a figure on the number of items for sale. He can tell you you're likely to find a bargain from any one of the 40 vendors if they follow his advice and keep prices competitive.
"My slogan is, lets sell, not run a museum," Raber said. "There's all kinds of people coming through here looking for different things. There's not one specific item people are looking for, and we give them plenty to look at."
The mall has everything from traditional antiques and jewelry to pop culture collectibles; you're likely to see you're favorite cartoon character from the 1960s smiling from a glass case across from a table of farm tools that pre-date the Civil War.
There's a lot to offer off the beaten path as well. R. W. Leather, located on a dusty farm lane about a half mile from town off County Road 114, is the kind of owner operated country shop that is seeing more business from people seeking quality, individually crafted items. At R. W. Leather, Roy Wengerd turns out handcrafted belts, purses and wallets in a shop visible from the showroom. Customers can see their purse or wallet being made, or choose from the showroom. The belts are not punched or sized until a customer brings it to the counter.
Don Burke, of Strongsville, stopped in for a new belt exactly like the one he'd purchased years ago.
"I liked the belt so much that I want a new one. I come here quite a bit, buying coin purses or belts for gifts or myself and my wife," Burke said. "Once, Roy made me a wide belt for a Santa Claus costume. We come here for our leather goods."
The shop has the scent of freshly tanned leather among its displays of sleigh bell straps, pet collars and leashes, purses and leather treatment products.
Lodging opportunities in the area abound, from traditional lodging offered at the Carlisle Inn to a variety of bed and breakfasts. Under new management is Premier Carriage House Cottages, which offers luxurious lodging for families, couples, and families traveling with friends.
Carriage House co-owner Tatiana Wilkins said that the cottages, which sleep anywhere from two to eight, are frequented by people looking for a get-a-way.
"Our guests say they are looking for a retreat from the hustle and bustle of life," Wilkins said. "We have a lot of friends traveling together who will share a cottage, and still have the privacy of their own bedrooms and bath. We also get a lot of birthdays, anniversaries and honeymoons."
Each cottage features fireplaces, private baths and a Jacuzzi, as well as full kitchens and living rooms. A continental style breakfast with hot waffles is served daily.
For the most part, the town closes down Sunday-even the gas station. There's not a lot going on, Greg Yoder said, but that's the beauty of it.
"The evenings are quiet, the view from the Carlisle Inn is fantastic," Yoder said. "You can understand why people come here to get away. It's a small community and everybody knows everybody, but its very relaxed, very laid back."
Reporter Nick Sabo can be reached at 330-674-1811 or e-mail nsabo@the-daily-record.com