Travel the scenic byway in Ohio's Amish Country

By Kyle Valentini
March 20, 2012
645

The scenery in Ohios Amish Country can be breathtaking with wooded landscapes filled with majestic oak and cherry reminiscent of an Ohio of the past, undisturbed marshes overflowing with wildlife and the native plants that help sustain them and the finely maintained farms scattered across the rolling hills that are the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Once inhabited by Native Americans who followed the trails of the bison, the region is now home to the largest population of Amish people in the world. The region is also a destination for visitors longing for a slower pace and a quieter setting in which to relax, get inspired and learn about the devoutly committed people that live by the principles of faith, family and community. Dont expect to be in a hurry when you visit Ohios Amish Country. Driving through the region must be done slowly and with caution. The Amish do not use motorized means of transportation and it is necessary to share the roads with walkers, cyclists and most notably, the horse-drawn carriages we call buggies that only travel around 5 miles an hour. Day 1 Begin your journey by road in the village of Sugarcreek at the western most portion of Tuscarawas County on St. Rt. 39. Called the Little Switzerland of Ohio because of the Swiss and German heritage of its residents, Sugarcreek was originally called Shanesville after its founder, Abraham Shane. Formed at the intersection of two Native American trails, Sugarcreek grew considerably when the railroad was introduced. Veer off Rt. 39 and venture into downtown to the Alpine Hills Museum on W. Main St. where you can learn more about this charming village and the people who call it home. Visit some of the family-owned restaurants, shops filled with bulk foods, crafts and antiques while you stroll along the streets of Swiss Village. A short drive west on Rt. 39 will put you in the small town of Walnut Creek. Founded in 1809 by Amish pioneer and eccentric, Jonas Stutzman, Walnut Creek has much to explore despite its tiny size. The businesses of the town reflect the families who live in the region. Large portions of comfort food can be found in the eateries and award winning meats and cheeses are available at Walnut Creek Cheese where the locals shop for staples to fill their pantries. Delicious homemade candy can be found at Coblentz Chocolates and there is even a working farm where visitors can see plowing, planting, milking and harvesting. The Farm at Walnut Creek is unlike most Amish farms in the region as it contains more than 500 animals from six different continents. You can see and feed the animals by hand from your own vehicle or take a leisurely wagon ride with other visitors. Day2 Sometimes it is more fun to venture off the beaten path and discover the roads less travelled. From Walnut Creeks Walnut St. or St. Rt. 515, a five minute drive north will put you in the tiny village of Trail. In these parts there is a chunky bologna made from coarse cuts of meat. Named for this small town that is easy to miss if you are driving too fast, Trail Bologna is a sought after product made by the Troyer Family for four generations. In case you miss Trail, Trail Bologna is available at many retailers along the byway in Amish Country. Continue north to U.S. Rt. 62 to the northeast corner of Holmes County to the historic village of Winesburg. This community has never been incorporated so no one is quite sure where it begins or ends. The canal and railroad never made it to Winesburg and for this reason the village stayed small and isolated until the modern paved road was established. Today Winesburg is a charming stop for visitors interested in a bite to eat or a place to shop. Visit Hostetlers Farmall Tractor Museum or the Winesburg Carriage Museum. South on Rt. 62 through Bunker Hill to Berlins village square where youll want to park the car and stretch your legs in this tiny but bustling village filled with shops, places to eat and accommodations if you choose to spend the night. Holmes Countys oldest settlement, Berlin was founded by John Swigert who hailed from the German town of the same name. Residents of Berlin, Ohio accent the first syllable whereas Germans accent the second syllable when pronouncing the name. The picturesque drive southeast on St. Rt. 557 to Charm will give visitors a glimpse of what rural life must have been like a century ago. Enjoy a stop at Guggisberg Cheese where you can see how their internationally known award winning cheese is made. Day 3 Historic Millersburg is literally the center of Holmes Countys Amish Country. The Rt. 39 byway will take you through downtown where you can enjoy the 19th century architecture, unique shops and friendly people. Millersburg serves as the county seat for this rural community that thrives because of the support the residents receive from one another. Enjoy the nearly 20 miles of rural farmland north on Rt. 83 to the city of Wooster where you will find a fantastic downtown shopping district complete with bakeries, coffee shops, art galleries, the Rubbermaid Store and Local Roots Market and Café, a unique venue for local farmers and producers can sell their products. Fresh seasonal produce, artisan baked goods, gourmet cheeses, mustards, candles, original art and the regions only vertical sun dial can be seen in this progressive community.