West of Dover, DE is an area where two worlds meet and coexist: the world of the average American - the secular - and that of the Amish. Despite the marked differences between the two cultures, secular folk (or "English," as the Amish like to call us) are welcome to tour throughout the Amish countryside, which is now the location of a favored bike trail. The Amish are also open to commerce, and we were invited along the road to see what they had to offer.

Standing as the bridge between the "English" and Amish society is Byler's Country Store, the last stop before entering into the countryside. Often mistaken as an Amish store, Byler's is actually secular, though they do hire many Amish workers, and the Byler family has Mennonite roots. Irma, daughter of the founder of the store, said her father had a knack for finding bargains during his trips to Philadelphia, and decided to set up the store.

Now, people looking for bargains and closeout items can find great prices at Byler's. The country store also has an involved bakery, and every year they make about 1,000 pies for the annual Bike Tour.

Next on our journey through the rural scene was Rose Valley Greenhouse, where we met Mrs. Rachel Yoder whose family grows and sells plants of all kinds. Customers can purchase annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs to take home and replant in their own gardens. Going to the greenhouse is the only way you will see the Yoder family in person, as well, because Amish beliefs forbid them from being photographed – a sentiment we were quick to abide. This is all part and parcel to eschewing modern technology, however it only applies to the people, so you can still see pictures of the flowers!

At the greenhouse, they also provide mulch for home gardens, and Mrs. Yoder emphasized their avoidance of chemical fertilizers and pesticides as well. "We don't like that chemical stuff," she said. The business season for the Yoders is vastly different from most companies, because when they've sold all the mums in the fall, they close until April when more flowers have grown. One might say they run the business, the business doesn't run them.

Just a hop and skip down the road from the greenhouse, Daniel Yoder, brother-in-law to Rachel, runs a furniture store from his home. Oak, cherry, hickory, maple, walnut, distressed finishes, paints and rustic, essentially anything you might need he can get for you. Daniel started the business making furniture by hand, but now to keep sales going, he mostly resells stock. That doesn't mean he isn't still working by hand though.

The buggies driven by the Amish aren't made in the Ford factory among secular industries, but they have to come from somewhere.

These were all made by Daniel, keeping his skills honed, and giving his community a means for getting around town.

While the Amish are devoted to a simplified lifestyle, it doesn't mean they don't created beautiful works of art, and their staple art form is in quilting. It is a craft requiring months of tireless work and a knowledge on how to work with color. Varying stitch patterns can add complexity to the look of the piece as well as the work process.

The quilt shop at Shady Lane Selections sported many different levels of complexity and styles, from muted earthy color themes, to the more vivacious.

Quilts in this store were worth from $800-1,200, which is a value you don't give to just any household item, but to an heirloom. People who don't know the value of the quilt may abuse it, and it will wear out in a few years. Others take care of it, and pass it on for generations. Also available at Shady Lane were materials for making one's own quilts.

Before this trip, I had never met any member of an Amish community, let alone been in the midst of their grounds, but I must say the life of simplicity has its draws. To be free from the rat-race, free from TV and internet-bound distractions, and living in the quiet country-side are all noble ideals. While an "English" person such as myself may never fully be able to become a part of such a world, it's good to know that I would be welcome to pass through from time to time and enjoy a little bit of clear air.

Written by Erik Yount. Photos by Errol Webber.