A Sampling of Amana Shops and Factories
Our family really enjoyed the Amana Colonies and could easily go back for another visit. We didn't get to see everything on our "daycation", and some of the museums weren't open yet in early June. However, the shops in today's post are open nearly every day of the year and you can find them in Amana, the main village of the Colonies. (The other towns include West Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, East Amana, South Amana, and Homestead.) One such stop was the Amana Woolen Mill, still in operation today.
One of the first electric-powered looms looked like this. Notice the classic plaid woolen blanket being made. The mill is known all over the country (and world) for its well-constructed woolen and cotton blankets, including being used by the U.S. Army. Ernest Borgnine also was pictured with some of the workers and was a big promoter of Amana blankets ;)
This little Fraulein likes the Amana scarves!
Our next stop that day was the Amana Furniture Shop. Every piece of furniture in there is gorgeous and is handcrafted by ONE man working in their shop, like this guy.
Goldilocks couldn't decide which chair was "just right" ! They were all so darling.
The tourist brochures say that "no trip to the Colonies is complete without a visit to the Amana Meat Shop & Smokehouse." I agree wholeheartedly! If you love that meat locker smell and samples of everything from cheese to pretzel dip to beef jerky, this is the place for you. We purchased some cheese curds for lunch here and give this place 14 thumbs up!
There are several whimsical shops in the Amanas, including Grapevine Antiques. Shae met a new friend there :)
Take a look at the size of that loom! Now that's a LOOMING loom!!
One of the first electric-powered looms looked like this. Notice the classic plaid woolen blanket being made. The mill is known all over the country (and world) for its well-constructed woolen and cotton blankets, including being used by the U.S. Army. Ernest Borgnine also was pictured with some of the workers and was a big promoter of Amana blankets ;)
This little Fraulein likes the Amana scarves!
In addition to their own clocks, there is a whole wall of cuckoos imported from the Black Forest of Germany. A saleslady was kind enough to set most of the cuckoos off for us. It was a treat!
There are oodles of more shops in just the village of Amana alone. We tried to hit most of them, but some have to be left for another day. (And 6 other villages to visit!)
posted by Amy Siegert | 5:25 PM
2 Comments:
Can you buy the blankets that they weave on their looms?
We definitely need to do a Daycation in Amana as I can hear that meat and cheese shop calling our name! LOL!
I love that they're still making stuff- blankets, furniture, whatever else. It's nice to see something that isn't Made in China. ;-)
Yes, it is really all made right there. And you would love the mill, all of the mittens, scarves, blankets etc. plus other clothes. So many designs that I'm sure you would really appreciate!
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home