The Amish are known for their fresh foods and meticulously made handicrafts. While their religious observances make it difficult for them to travel easily from their Lancaster, PA homes, several groups arrange transportation so they can trek to Delmarva every week to two markets -- one on Easton, the other in Laurel, DE. We should say a quick prayer of thanksgiving that they do.

The Easton Market -- the formal name is Amish Country Farmers Market -- is far and away the larger. Held inside a former grocery store on Marlboro Ave., it's a wonderful maze of individual stands stocked with fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, sausages and bacon, fudge, relishes, pickles, chow chow, hand rolled soft pretzels, BBQ chicken and ribs. Are you salivating yet? You'll also find hand crafted accent pieces and furniture, clothing and gifts. Not all of the merchants are Amish, but they've all worked together for years, and the feeling is of a very large family gathering where all of the relative actually like each other.

It's open Thurs 9-6, Fri 9-7, and Sat 9-3. Breakfast is served on Saturdays starting at 8 am. On Fridays, All-you-can-eat platters are available from 5-7 p.m. Check the website: www.amishcountryfarmersmarket.com for coupons and specials.

Much smaller, but with a good selection of meats, cheeses, baked goods, and staples like noodles, flours, and condiments is the Dutch Country Market in Laurel, DE. It's at 11233 Trussum Pond Rd. off the northbound side of Rt. 13. The cozy store has an even more family feel than the Easton market. The staff knows all of the regular customers and most of them know each other, too, so there's a lot of chatting and visiting and sharing 'favorites.' First-timers will find no end of suggestions as to what they really need to buy. You'll find some hand crafted items in the store, but across the parking lot, there's the Dutch Country furniture store, which has a big selection of Amish made indoor and outdoor furniture, sheds, and outdoor children's play sets. Both businesses are open Thurs -Fri 9-5 and Sat 9-6. 302-875-1678