One of my dad’s favorite getaways is Shipshewana, IN. While other retired types talk to their grandkids about trips to Disneyworld, my dad promises his grandkids a trip to Shipshewana, IN. “Wait till you see it; it's a different way of life; there are people in long plain clothing, and they get from place to place via horse and carriage, there’s a flea market, and some Amish style shops, and I know a great restaurant for Amish food…”

He became familiar with the town while shopping for cabinets to remodel his kitchen. Without doubt, the quality and craftsmanship of Amish-made furniture far exceeds many comparable items I might find at IKEA or Target. Then again, the stuff from IKEA and target are put together by me, not a family of Amish craftsmen.

Amish furniture is handcrafted, and powersources are non-electric. Shops are generally run by gas generator, wood burning furnace or solar power. Often times the result is a family- built, one-of-a-kind work that take months to craft, and rarely disappoints.

If you are in the market for Amish furniture, but do not have a trip to Shipshewana planned for the near future, you will want to check out a local store called Amish Tables. Amish Tables has been an Ann Arbor based online distributor of Amish furniture for over 15 years. Just over a year ago they opened a shop in Ann Arbor, and very recently, they have expanded to include a sizeable showroom for some of the most sought after Amish made pieces.

According to marketing director Torie Wyant, “All of the furniture sold by Amish Tables is handcrafted and built to order. Since each piece is built to order, you get a one-of-a-kind piece; no two wood grain patterns are going to be the same. Many of the old world building techniques are still being used: dovetail drawer construction, solid wood drawer boxes, mortise & tenon joinery, etc. Each of our builders specializes in the products they build so you can get the best workmanship for that product.

Wyant adds, “Customers can select the type of wood (we offer 5 different varieties) and stain (22 available) for their piece. Because the furniture is handcrafted, there is a wait time of about 3 months once an order is placed. “

The items in the showroom are really lovely:

All of the items are available online, but the showroom is a great place to check out the workmanship in person. To celebrate their success and to reveal their new look, the company is hosting an open house, January 28 from 11:00 am - 7:00 pm. Light refreshments will be available throughout the day at the open house. Guests will take home a 5% discount coupon and complimentary coffee mug. In addition, guests will be able to enter to win a gift valued at over $500. “We would like members of the community to come and see what’s new and experience what we and the Amish have to offer,” owner Nell Narowski says.

Amish Tables 4844 Jackson Road, Suite 200 Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Phone: 734-997-3201

Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com