Offers 26 varieties of pie

Hershberger's has a number of regular customers who keep coming back for fry pies and the other homemade baked goods that are a hallmark of the area. This farm stand is located two and a half miles southwest of Berlin on SR 557. The Hershberger family has been in business at this site since 1986, when Daniel Hershberger's father started selling produce from the 77-acre family farm.

You haven't tasted Amish Country until you've eaten a fry pie. These individual treats are a local pastry that people drive miles to find. A round of pastry is topped with a sweet, thickened fruit filling. Each round is folded in half and crimped into a broad smile. The half-moon is then deep fried for three minutes. Finally, its glazed with a thin sugar frosting. Hershberger's Farm and Bakery Ltd., offers 16 varieties of this tasty homemade regional snack.

Owner Daniel Hershberger said his business has a number of regular customers who keep coming back for fry pies and the other homemade baked goods that are a hallmark of the area. This farm stand is located two and a half miles southwest of Berlin on SR 557. The Hershberger family has been in business at this site since 1986, when Daniel Hershberger's father started selling produce from the 77-acre family farm. Originally, it was known as Hershberger's Truck Patch. Daniel Hershberger said many people today don't know what a truck patch is, so hes changed the name of the establishment. (Farmers used to put out a "patch" to provide extra family income from selling vegetables to city folks).

In early years, the family did their baking in the farm home across the road, but as the business grew, Hershberger decided to build a new building to house the bakery. It currently adjoins the farm market. Baked products are from homemade recipes that have been used in this bakery for decades. Hershberger said bakers at Hershberger's prefer to mix and cook their own fillings from fresh ingredients whenever they're available. They offer 26 varieties of pie in six and nine inch sizes. They also have 27 varieties of noodles.

The farm market is open most of the year. It closes at Christmas and re-opens in the end of March. Hershberger said that at one time, his family produced much of the fresh produce sold at the market. Today, he purchases it from his neighbors, who grow a variety of garden vegetables and fruits. He also sells locally raised hormone-free beef and pork, locally processed meats and cheeses, eggs, and other farm products. The store offers 130 varieties of jams, jellies and canned goods, Ohio maple syrup, homemade noodles and other authentic regional foods - all at competitive prices.

Many people visiting the area stop by out of curiosity and pick up an item or two. There are others who come back regularly to stock up on their favorite foods. The business also has a weekly cookie route to thirteen markets and stores in Canton, Alliance and Cleveland. Occasionally, the business donates leftover products to local charities.

Hershberger said he sees many family groups during the peak season. To make it interesting for everyone, he keeps a small menagerie of animals near the markets parking lot. Children have fun looking at goats and other small farm animals. Seasonally, the market offers wagon, buggy and pony rides for a small fee. Field trips are always welcome at Hershbergers Farm and Bakery.

Fall is the time to bring the entire family to visit the pumpkin patch and pick out your ownright from the field. Also in the fall and early winter, the business will make up gift baskets for a $5 charge. Customers can choose to include any item from the market for a custom selection that is sure to please.

Because this one stop provides so many attractions, Hershberger said hes noticed many families stay a long time, enjoying the leisure of an afternoon in the country. The low-cost attractions are a welcome relief to budget conscious families, too. Lunch is a simple matter as guests line up at the outdoor sandwich stand, where tasty hot sandwiches are assembled from local meats and bakery buns. Other treats include the fabulous kettle corn and summertime fresh homemade ice creamall eaten at the convenient nearby picnic tables.

Hershbergers Farm and Bakery is located on SR 557 just off SR 39. It is two and a half miles southwest of Berlin. The phone number is 330-674-6096. Fax is 330-674-2050.