Welcome to Ohio’s Amish Country! It’s a multi-county destination that offers a multitude of activities, lodging and cuisine. There is way too much to cover in just one post, so this article will present to you a two- day itinerary for you to implement. I’ve been to the area several times, and each time I find something new and different. I’ve put together a few of my recent favorites.
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Two things to keep in mind.
- You will want to bring a cooler and ice packs. Ohio’s Amish Country is a prime location to pick up a variety of delicious cheese, snack sticks and/or wine.
- You will most likely be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. The atmosphere is very laid back and casual.
Day 1
Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery
A great way to start your visit includes the ever popular Hershberger’s. I’m not a huge animal person, but I thoroughly enjoy my time here. Seeing the GIGANTIC horse, watching the goats walk across the roof and viewing the unique variety of farm animals was well worth the small entrance fee. You also have the option to buy food to hand feed the animals. I highly recommend this as it adds A LOT of laughter to your visit. Pony and buggy rides are available as well.
Next to the barn is a large store featuring Amish made crafts, furniture, yard décor and such. On the other side of the store, you will find a very large produce market. One of the coolest things to purchase is a head of lettuce from Chef’s Harvest – a local, hydroponic farm. The greens are displayed in a slotted tub of water so they can be sold to you as fresh as possible. You won’t believe the deliciousness!
Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery 5452 SR 557 Millersburg, Ohio
Berlin, Ohio
From here, I suggest driving to Berlin. Once you get to the downtown area, look for the parking lot sign about one block east of the main stop light. This lot offers free parking and will put you in a centralized location.
Ginger House Coffee
By now it is probably getting close to lunchtime. Ginger House Coffee serves some amazingly delicious salads and power bowls. Their greens are sourced from a second, locally owned hydroponic farm – Greenleaf Acres. I’m not joking when I say you can literally taste the freshness. You’ve got to try it to believe it.
Be sure to walk over to the wall that has the outline of Ohio on it with the words – Embrace Your Story /Live Your Story /Share Your Story. This project is in conjunction with the Share Your Story Foundation to honor Halle (Hershberger) Temple’s battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma.
Ginger House Coffee 4860 E. Main St. Berlin, Ohio
Shopping
From here, you are in the perfect spot to walk the town and pop into all sorts of interesting stores. There is literally something for everyone: furniture, bulk candy, home décor, fairies, plants…
The Buggy Brew Coffee Co
Have you ever sat in an Amish buggy? There is a full fledged buggy just outside of Country Gatherings for you to get into, but better yet, you can sit in a comfy, double buggy while you savor your favorite drink from Buggy Brew. I think the logo is just the cutest and the buggy seating takes it to the top for a fun experience.
They serve an empowering mocha latte that will have you zipping through the stores. Besides coffee, they also have iced teas, lemonades, protein balls and pastries.
The Buggy Brew Coffee Co 4755 State Route 39 Berlin, Ohio
For me, the Country Gatherings line of merchandise is my favorite in all of Berlin. There is SO much to see. It is all so nicely displayed, and the garden portion is incredibly cool.
Dutch Valley Restaurant
If you’re going to come to Amish Country, you’ll need to eat a good, hearty meal like grandma used to cook. Don’t even worry about the calories because you’ve been walking, laughing and shopping and have worked up an appetite.
The country buffet at Dutch Valley Restaurant has been serving up American country soul food since the 1970s, which tells you they know what they’re doing. From your first bite into that fluffy homemade roll, to the flavorful, gravy topped mashed potatoes, to the homemade fruit pie at the end, you will be satisfied with every bite. I get hungry just writing about it! To make it even better, you will be served by the sweetest staff you could ask for. My waitress has been serving customers in this restaurant for over 50 years!
When you’re finished eating, head on over to the market and you can easily load up on all of your favorite cheeses, meats and wines.
Dutch Valley Restaurant 1343 Dover Rd., Old Route 39 Sugarcreek, Ohio
Ohio Star Theatre
Now, on with the show. A highlight of my trip to Amish Country was watching a hilarious live show at the Ohio Star Theatre. It was a packed house the day I went, so you’ll want to get your tickets in advance. The actresses and actors were so good and everything about the facility was comfortable and clean. It was the absolute best way to end our day in Berlin.
Shows run for a few months at a time, so check their website to find out what is showing during your visit. There is a concession stand available if you need some munchies.
Ohio Star Theatre 4985 State Route 515, Millersburg, Ohio
Lodging at a Tiny House
Have you ever stayed in a tiny house? They are so quaint and cozy. The Klein Haus (can be found on VRBO) goes above and beyond to make it a special oasis for you by providing comfy outdoor seating and a firepit allowing your ‘living space’ to be that much bigger. The country setting is ideal for relaxing. We enjoyed sitting around the firepit and sampling our wine and cheese we had gathered during the day.
There are hiking trails just down the road you’ll have access to while staying. They lead to a nice sized pond which is fun to hang out at and nature watch. If you want a short drive, you can head to the local nature preserve and hike to the waterfall. The creek bed is stunning with large boulders and fallen timber.
Klein Haus Navarre, Ohio
Day 2
Beacon Café
In the morning, head to Winesburg and let the mouth watering flavors of more Amish cooking greet you at the Beacon Café. Coffees, skillets, paninis, and more will be waiting. I will tell you, this breakfast bowl is one of the best breakfast meals I’ve ever tasted. A waffle bowl filled with all things breakfastie. (I just coined that word) If calorie count is not an issue, go for it!
Beacon Café 2157 W. Main St. Winesburg, Ohio
Stone Cottage
This cottage ranks as one of my favorites when it comes to overnight lodging. History reigns with this home. The stone architecture is truly something to be admired. Once a decrepit home on the verge of being torn down, the current owners stripped the home down to its bare bones and began refurbishing. The end result is amazing!
Inside, it’s as cozy as could be. What I loved was sitting on the comfy couch listening to the clip-clop of the horses walking by as they pulled their Amish buggies through town.
The cottage is located next to the Beacon Cafe. We loved walking down to the old general store to look at its ware, grabbing a late-night pizza and just admiring this quaint little village.
If you have additional time, visiting one or more of the adorable little towns is always an option. Each one is home to adorable stores and friendly people. You just never know what you’ll come across on any given day.
There is an endless number of things to do and see while in Ohio’s Amish Country. I’ve only begun to showcase them. Check back often to see additional articles detailing where to go to get delicious wine, cheese, and meats. In addition, I will have a post completely devoted to Ohio Amish Country lodging.
*Please be respectful while visiting Ohio’s Amish Country and do not take front facing Amish pictures. *
