Amish Ohio: A Journey into the Past, Present, and Future of Traditional Living
A trip to Ohio Amish Country is a way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Visit a one-room Amish schoolhouse and country barn or shop for handcrafted furniture made by local Amish.
It is generally safe to travel in the Amish community, as long as visitors exercise caution on narrow country roads and respect the local culture and religion. Bring cash, as many shops do not accept credit cards.
Where to Find Amish Communities
The state of Ohio is home to Amish communities in many of its counties, including the world’s largest Amish population in Holmes County. Known as Amish Country, the area offers tourists a glimpse of a simpler way of life and is a popular destination for people interested in purchasing traditional Amish handicrafts. The most popular activities in Amish Country include shopping for handmade goods, taking a buggy ride or enjoying a meal at an Amish restaurant.
The Amish are a unique group of Christian separatists that follow a strict lifestyle without modern technology or conveniences. They dress simply, do not wear jewelry or other types of adornments and drive horse and buggies instead of cars. They also live on their own farmland and raise livestock and produce milk, butter, eggs and other dairy products. Amish children are typically baptized by age six and attend school through eighth grade.
Those who are interested in visiting Amish Country can enjoy learning more about their beliefs and practices by touring an Amish house, farm or church. For example, Yoder’s Amish Home provides educational guided tours of two Amish residences and farms while Amish Heartland Tours conducts trips that include a visit to an Amish family. Those who want to shop for Amish goods can visit stores such as Lehman’s in Kidron, which carries a wide variety of old-fashioned practical housewares, appliances, tools and supplies.
Visitors may also want to attend a special event, such as an Amish festival or harvest celebration. The Amish are a very community-oriented group and celebrate many of their festivals and celebrations together.
Amish and Mennonites are similar groups that share many religious beliefs, but there are some differences between their practices. For example, the Amish tend to be more restrictive with their use of technology and do not allow their children to have social media accounts. Mennonites, on the other hand, often allow their youth to use modern devices and are less strict about their use of horses.
For those who want to stay overnight in Amish Country, there are numerous campgrounds and RV parks. Some of these provide a rustic setting and feature primitive amenities, while others offer more luxury options with full hookups.
Trip Tips
Known for its lush farmland, serene landscapes and charming Amish villages and towns, Ohio Amish Country offers visitors the opportunity to unwind from daily stresses. Visitors can learn about a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for generations and sample delicious foods, shop at great markets and stay in some of the state’s best overnight accommodations.
To get the most out of your trip, make sure you plan for at least a few days. The area is so large and full of amazing things to see and do, you will need a few days to truly experience the beauty and tranquility of this unique region. It’s also important to visit on weekdays or Saturdays, as many Amish owned businesses are closed on Sundays (this includes their cars, which are usually left at the side of the road for families to use as buggies to travel between church services and family visits).
In addition to the wonderful restaurants and shops in Amish Country, you will find plenty of great places to hike, bike or stroll along a town greenway. Enjoy some peace and quiet while visiting the beautiful Laurelville Arboretum or hike along the Kokosing Gap Trail, which is one of the area’s best kept secrets.
The Amish are renowned for their craftsmanship, with a special emphasis on woodwork and leather goods. You can find handmade items in almost every store in the area, from furniture and jewelry to quilts, leather wallets and hand-sewn clothing. In fact, many Ohioans have at least one piece of Amish-made furniture in their home, such as a wooden bench, table or rocking chair.
While the Amish tend to avoid modern technology, they are adept at embracing it in a way that preserves their traditions. For example, if you want to purchase some handmade crafts or a homemade quilt, be sure to visit the shops in downtown Millersburg and the quaint town of Berlin. You will also find a number of stores, including Lehman’s, that offer a wide variety of Amish-made merchandise.
If you are looking for something a little different, visit the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum. This unique outdoor museum is located on the grounds of the Inn at Honey Run in Millersburg and features incredible works of art that are displayed throughout the scenic property. You can also hike along a swinging bridge or climb a fire tower at nearby Mohican State Park to take in the stunning views of the gorge.
Popular Restaurants
There are so many unique things to do and see when you visit Amish Country Ohio. From handmade craft stores and heirloom furniture galleries to antique malls and flea markets, Amish Country has something for everyone. If you want to learn more about Amish culture, there are tours and eateries that will let you experience Amish life for a day or so.
Amish restaurants are popular amongst visitors because they feature hearty, home-style meals at a fair price. You’ll find plenty of options that will cater to different dietary restrictions as well. Try the all-you-can-eat, hot dinner buffets at Der Dutchman or try a traditional breakfast of pan-fried chicken or tender roast pork.
You should also try some of the Amish-made foods and products on offer. For instance, make sure to get a huge bag of Hershberger’s kettle corn. This snack is one of the best in town and it’s usually served by a friendly Amish man. The bakery at Miller’s is also worth a stop. You’ll find fresh-baked breads, donuts, cookies, and other treats here.
The Amish community is also known for its artisanal cheese and sausages. A trip to Amish Country isn’t complete without a stop at Heini’s Cheese Chalet. It’s a great place to pick up some cheese to take back home for your family and friends.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are several hotels in Amish Country. The Inn at Honey Run is a beautiful, upscale getaway that’s perfect for couples looking to escape to a peaceful setting. The Barn Inn is another great option for a family vacation with large rooms and plenty of amenities for the whole group.
Another great way to get a taste of Amish culture is to visit the Alpine Hills Historical Museum. It’s a fun and educational place for kids as well as adults to learn about the village’s unique European heritage. It’s also located in the charming town of Sugarcreek, nicknamed “The Little Switzerland of Ohio.” This three and a half square mile village is a popular tourist destination where you can shop for handcrafted gifts, enjoy a horse-drawn trolley ride or explore the whimsical world’s largest cuckoo clock.
Stores
Many of the stores in Amish Country feature goods made by local artisans. From roadside stands selling homemade brooms to large retail showrooms harboring acres of Amish-made household furniture, shoppers find unique items for their homes and for gifts for friends.
Amish people are highly skilled artisans who make clothing, quilts, leather goods, food products and all sorts of other goods using traditional methods. They are particularly adept at making hardwood furniture and are often willing to give you tours of their factories to show you the process.
In addition to artisan homegoods, many Amish communities have shops that sell bulk foods, baked goods and handmade cheeses. You’ll also find locally-made jams and spreads, coffee and chocolates as well as specialty items like heirloom quilts.
While Walmart and other big box stores have squeezed out mom-and-pop shops, there are a few Amish businesses that still thrive. Alyssa Eliot, for example, grew up in Sugar Creek and went to Pittsburgh for college but returned to open the European-inflected Cottonwood Shanty store on downtown West Jackson Street. Her shop features a mix of new and vintage pieces, from wood-topped apothecary jars to handmade tea cozies.
Other popular stops include Keim Lumber, a hardware wonderland in Charm, and Kaufmann Lawn Furnishings in Mt. Hope. At the latter, you’ll be able to browse two floors of Amish-made furnishings from dining tables to gazebos.
If you are looking for an unusual gift or item, you can’t go wrong with Lehman’s in Kidron. It is one of the largest stores specializing in non-electric technology and carries a wide range of items including wood-burning stoves, kitchen supplies, soapmaking equipment, cast iron skillets and silicone cooking utensils.
Another great place to find an interesting gift is the Amish Flea Market in Berlin. This huge 35,000 ft. store has everything from organic laundry detergents to Amish-made wooden furniture and even offers classes in baking and canning. There are also lots of little things that you might not expect to see at a store like this, including a selection of pet cages and toys.
