If you’re looking for a unique and laid back vacation in Ohio, take a trip to Berlin, the heart of Amish country. You’ll find gift shops, great restaurants, and activities for all ages. Berlin is also home to an extraordinary piece of artwork called Behalt. This unique 10-ft tall and 265-ft. long painted mural-in-the-round attracts visitors world-wide to the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center in Berlin, Ohio. One of only four cycloramas in the United States, Behalt is the masterpiece of the late international artist Heinz Gaugel. Bahalt, which means “to keep” or “to remember” illustrates Amish and Mennonite heritage, tracing their history from 1525 Switzerland to today in the U.S. In a guided tour, visitors learn the story of the Amish and Mennonites as presented on this colorful mural. The oil-on-canvas painting uses distinctive artistic techniques to illustrate multiple stories within a vast timeline. Also at the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center, there is a Pioneer Barn with restored Conestoga wagon and a one-room schoolhouse. The bookstore, gift shop and displays at the Heritage Center support the study of heritage and culture.

Aside from Bahalt, there is plenty more to do in Berlin and the surrounding Amish communities. You’ll find many furniture stores with hand-crafted Amish furniture, a variety of gift stores, and food markets specializing in cheese. If you’re thinking about staying for more than just a day, there are a variety of quaint bed & breakfasts as well as hotels, cabins, and campsites. Depending on what time of year you travel in Ohio, there are a host of annual events you can attend. In summertime there is the Dutch Valley Days, and Doughty Valley Steam Days, which is an antique farm machinery show.

For more travel information in Berlin, Ohio, contact the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center at 877-858-4634 or visit the websites at www.Behalt.com, or www.BerlinOhio.com.