How to Enjoy Ohio's Amish Country

For those looking for a great place to visit, shop, and eat, the Amish Country of Ohio is definitely one of the best places to go to. Although it lies a little off the beaten path, this particular region of Ohio is well worth the extra trip, and there are a number of suggestions that will allow even the most cynical visitor to have a good time.

Those visiting the Amish Country of Ohio should, if possible, avoid some of the more tourist-driven areas. Although these places do have a lot going for them, they don't allow visitors to get a true glimpse into the day-to-day workings of the Amish people and the many trades they practice. However, for those who want to visit these tourist places, the best place to start is Berlin, Ohio. The main road goes straight through the center of town, and provides access to a number of excellent antique shops and other businesses.

For the truly adventurous, however, there are also a number of side-roads that make for excellent visiting. Of particular note is Guggisberg Cheese, located in the charming town of Charm. If you're looking for the finest in Amish Cheese, Guggisberg is definitely the place to stop. This particular cheese factory is especially fascinating in that it lets you actually see some of the cheese actually being made.

There are also a number of places scattered throughout the Ohio Amish Country that come highly recommended. If you are looking for the best in food, try one of the many restaurants. Of course, the most famous is the renowned Der Dutchman Restaurant, which is well known for its extensive menu and generous portions. There are several Der Dutchman locations, most of which are close to major roads, so they are definitely easy to locate. However, Der Dutchman does tend to be somewhat crowded, due to the fact that it is one of the most popular restaurants in the Ohio Amish Country.

For those who desire something a little more cozy and private, Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen, located in the quaint city of Mount Hope, is the ideal location. Although they offer a wide variety of menu items, the lunch buffet is my own personal recommendation, as it offers a wide variety of foods (including a delicious roast beef,) without the high price of some of the other more famous restaurants.

Although it might be tempting to visit some of the more famous parts of the Ohio Amish Country, taking a trip on one of the side roads that run throughout this part of Ohio is well worth the extra effort. Even more importantly, it's almost impossible to get lost, as a great many of those side roads eventually connect to the main road that runs throughout most of Amish Country. So, whether you're adventurous or a little more conservative when it comes to vacations, you're sure to find something that fits your special tests in that unique part of the country known as the Ohio Amish Country.