Written by Terrance Davis
Terrance writes for White Oak Inn, highlighting some of Amish Country’s best sites, attractions, and events.
Welcome to Amish Country, Ohio! Holmes County and its surrounding areas have been home to the local Amish community for over 200 years, and its traditions continue to this day. Beyond being home to one of the largest Amish communities in the world, Amish Country features peaceful rolling hills and working farms, making it a pleasant place to drive around. Explore local traditions as you’re surrounded by horse-drawn buggies and charming local communities. Follow along with this guide to learn what to explore and some useful things to know before your first visit to Ohio’s Amish Country.
For more information on things to do and see near Holmes County, be sure to grab a copy of our free Travel Guide. This digital resource features our recommendations for dining, shopping, exploring, and more. Best of all, you can access it anytime, anywhere.
In this Blog:
- Know the Etiquette
- Start in Berlin and Explore Nearby Towns
- Shop for Handmade Goods and Local Food
- Take a Scenic Drive
- Book a Cozy Rental in Ohio
Know the Etiquette
While the area is friendly and inviting to guests of all types, there are a few things to know about Ohio’s Amish Country due to its culturally specific atmosphere. While visiting, it is important to be considerate of the Amish people and their way of life. Avoid staring or taking unwanted pictures of others, and stay on the lookout for buggies, as they typically move more slowly than cars on the road. Stay off private property without permission, and do not feed horses when you see them out. Some communities close their shops and attractions on Sunday, so make sure to call ahead and plan accordingly.
Start in Berlin and Explore Nearby Towns
Berlin, Ohio, is a great entry point for first-time visitors to Amish Country. It is one of the larger communities in the area. Berlin offers a classic Mennonite cultural experience with local shops, food, crafts, and entertainment. From there, you can explore nearby towns like Walnut Creek, Sugarcreek, Millersburg, Charm, and Mt. Hope. These towns offer more food, shopping, scenery, and local charm.
Shop for Handmade Goods and Local Food
Many local businesses and shops in the area carry goods crafted by hand by members of these communities. Items range from baked goods, furniture, clothing, candles, and charms. One easy stop for local crafts would be Sol’s in Berlin! With over 25 vendors, food, and entertainment, this would make for a great place to explore Berlin’s craft scene.
Book a Cozy Room in Ohio’s Amish Country
Featured: The Poplar Room
Explore the local charm and delights of Amish Country and make your trip complete and book your stay with the White Oak Inn!
Explore curated rooms at our main inn, guest house, or some of our log cabin properties. Whatever you’re in the mood for, our Amish Country accommodations make it easy and convenient to explore all that the area has to offer. Our local staff works to ensure that you will make the most of your trip.
Save big when you book directly with White Oak Inn and enhance your trip with some of our vacation packages and add-ons!