Travel in Ohio's Amish Country to experience a glimpse into a different culture.

A drive-worthy destination. European connections. A step into the past. Perfect for the entire family. That’s Holmes County, aka Ohio’s Amish Country. Travel in Ohio’s Amish Country to experience a home to the Amish for almost 200 years. This region is only an hour or two from most locations in the state. The Amish settled here because they liked its similarities to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania and before that, their Swiss homeland.

Along with offering a glimpse into a different culture—including a foreign language, the Pennsylvania Dutch spoken by most Amish—travel to Holmes County is a remarkable value. Food, lodging, activities, and shopping prices are very reasonable, and if you plan ahead you can reserve a night or two at one of the many nationally ranked bed and breakfasts for a quite agreeable price.

The region’s scenic beauty and its peace and quiet, often broken only by the clip-clop of horse and buggy, are free for the taking. Just being there is a favorite activity for many, especially photographers. In every season, Amish Country offers rustic landscapes, quaint scenes of work in the fields with horses and chance meetings with Amish families.

Amish Country has always been known for the hearty, homestyle food found throughout the county. Broasted chicken. Noodles on mashed potatoes. Apple dumplings. Several restaurants and food stores have reinterpreted this culinary history with a focus on gourmet and organic fare, which, with so many local farmers, is only natural. As well as eating at local restaurants, visitors have been known to bring coolers in order to bring fresh meats, cheeses and produce back home.

From town to town, there are plenty of unique stores offering items not found anywhere else. Amish Country is a haven for quilters with quilt workshops and supplies. The many furniture stores sell genuine hardwood sets, manufactured locally and built to last several generations. Much of the furniture has handcrafted characteristics, just like the work created by the area’s artisans. Pottery, woodwork, metalwork and stone sculptures are some of the specialties from the region.

For those with children or who just want to experience the culture, there are plenty of options. Kids often enjoy visiting one of the several Amish homesteads designed to show what life is like on a farm, taking care of animals daily and living without electricity. New visitors to the area will want to stop at Behalt, the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center, a one-of-a-kind museum that tells the history of these two groups.

On the western edge of Holmes County is Mohican State Park, a favorite location for camping, canoeing, hiking and other outdoor activities. Or bring your clubs and enjoy a round of golf at Fire Ridge or at the renowned Black Diamond, recognized by Golf Week Magazine as one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the country.

Ohio’s Amish Country has something for all tastes. Call 877-643-7874 for free, customized information packets for couples, families and groups. Or see us on the web at www.visitamishcountry.com.