You’re driving through North Georgia, maybe headed toward the outlets or just wandering the backroads of Banks County, and you see it. It isn't a massive, neon-lit supermarket. It’s David & Katie’s Amish Store, and honestly, if you blink, you might miss the turnoff on Historic Homer Highway.
But people don't miss it. They come from Atlanta, Greenville, and everywhere in between. Why? Because in a world of plastic-wrapped, flavorless grocery store "food," this place feels real. It’s a literal time capsule that smells like smoked ham and sharp cheddar.
What's the Deal With the Amish Store in Homer GA?
Let’s clear something up right away. The owners, Bo Garrison and his family, aren't Amish themselves. They’re locals who have spent years building relationships with Amish communities in places like Ohio and Pennsylvania to bring those specific, high-quality goods down to Georgia.
It started back in 2005. Bo wanted to give the community access to the kind of stuff you just can't find at a big-box retailer—bulk spices, real deli meats without the weird fillers, and those heavy, solid-wood toys that actually last more than a week.
The vibe inside? Kinda like a general store from a movie. It’s quiet, organized, and remarkably personal. You aren't just a number in a checkout line here.
The Deli is Basically a Local Legend
If you ask anyone why they make the trek to the Amish store Homer GA, nine times out of ten, they’ll mention the deli.
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We’re talking about Troyer’s meats and cheeses. If you know, you know. Their Swiss cheese actually tastes like cheese, not rubber. People swear by the off-the-bone ham and the souse. You can get it sliced however you want, and the prices? Usually way better than what you’d pay for the "premium" brands at a standard grocery store.
- Bulk Goods: This is where you save the real money. Spices come in those little clear bags for a fraction of the cost of those tiny glass jars.
- The Butter: Have you ever had real rolled butter? It’s a game-changer for baking.
- Snacks: Chocolate-covered ginger, yogurt-covered pretzels, and those massive bags of popcorn that actually taste like corn.
Honestly, the bulk section is dangerous. You go in for a bag of flour and leave with three types of local honey, a jar of pickled quail eggs, and enough apple butter to last a decade.
Why This Place Survives in the Age of Amazon
Homer is a small town. It’s the kind of place where the local hardware store is still a social hub. In recent years, as the area around I-85 and Highway 441 (Banks Crossing) has exploded with chain restaurants and hotels, the "downtown" part of Homer has fought to stay rural.
David & Katie’s Amish Store is part of that resistance. It represents a slower way of doing things. You won't find a self-checkout kiosk here. You will find people who know how to suggest the best seasoning for a pot roast.
What You Should Actually Buy There
If it’s your first time, don't get overwhelmed. Stick to the hits.
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- The Jams and Jellies: Look for the F.R.O.G. jam (Fig, Raspberry, Orange, and Ginger). It sounds weird; it’s incredible on a biscuit.
- Handmade Toys: If you have kids or grandkids, the wooden marble runs and puzzles are indestructible.
- Baking Supplies: They carry things like Clear-Jel (the secret to perfect pie filling) and high-gluten flours that make your homemade bread actually rise.
The "Is It Actually Amish?" Question
I’ve heard people argue about this in local Facebook groups. "They have electricity! They have a website!"
Yeah, they do. As mentioned, the store is locally owned by the Garrisons. It’s a retail bridge. It’s an Amish store in Homer GA in the sense that the inventory is sourced from Old Order and Beachy Amish producers who don’t have their own storefronts in Georgia. It’s about the product, not a reenactment of 18th-century living.
Planning Your Trip (The Logistics)
Don’t show up on a Sunday. You’ll be sitting in a silent parking lot looking at a closed sign. They take their "closed on Sundays" rule seriously, just like the producers they buy from.
Address: 969 Historic Homer Hwy, Homer, GA 30529
Phone: (706) 677-3646
Typical Hours (though always call ahead if you're driving far):
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- Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
One thing to note: the store is very accessible. There’s plenty of parking, and it’s wheelchair friendly, which isn't always the case with older "rustic" shops.
The Bigger Picture: Supporting Banks County
Shopping here isn’t just about the cheese. It’s about keeping money in Banks County. When you buy a jar of honey or a hand-carved rocking chair, you're supporting a chain of small-scale producers and a local family business that has been a staple for nearly twenty years.
In a time when every town is starting to look exactly like the last one—same Five Guys, same Starbucks, same Target—places like David & Katie’s give Homer its soul.
It’s worth the detour. Even if you just go for the $2 bag of spices, you’ll probably walk out feeling a little bit better about the world. Or at least, you'll have some really good snacks for the ride home.
Your Next Steps for a Homer Visit
- Check your pantry: Make a list of spices and baking staples you’re low on; the savings here on bulk items are the main draw.
- Bring a cooler: If you’re driving more than 30 minutes, you’ll want it for the Troyer’s deli meats and that rolled butter.
- Combine the trip: If you're coming from out of town, hit the store in the morning, then head 12 miles south to Banks Crossing for the outlets or a meal at a local spot like Tiny Town Restaurant.