Visiting Amish Country in Berlin, Ohio

Ever feel as though busy town life is bringing you down and a break is needed? Why not adventure over to Amish Country for the simpler style of life... Whether you are Amish or not, all people are welcome sun, rain or snow.

Three major roads run through Berlin, Ohio which makes easy access from all over the state. These roads are OH557, OH 39, and OH 62. It is located on the eastern side of the famed Holmes County, aka Amish Country by Ohioans. Once you drive into the area, follow the well laid out signs alongside the roadside and keep your eyes out for the old-fashioned country stores laid out mainly in a straight line down the center of the town.

My family took a two-hour drive down from Cleveland to Berlin. The drive is amazingly filled with mountainous views that allow tourists to appear to be flying through the clouds looking down on the villages deep within the valleys. The drive alone relieves stresses on even the hardest city loving folk. Here are a few attractions to enjoy in Berlin, Ohio: (Please note I have named just a few, there are more attractions in the area that did not make it on this list.)

Despite the fact that Berlin is a small Amish tourist city it does allow tourists to escape the busy lifestyle for at least a few hours. There is a limited amount of free parking spots available so it is best to get an early start to your day in Amish country. In addition, walking around the entire city is one of the main attractions and is encouraged so please remember to wear comfortable shoes and also proper clothing for a full day of fun.

Although mostly designated for adults that wish to shop and preview artwork at the local galleries, I would not highly suggest more than a few hours for younger children. There are no designated areas for children and the shops contain few items for children. It is a good spot for teaching children, and/or teens, about the Anabaptist way of life though. It is not rare to see children in ethnic clothes helping their parents out around the city. In addition, horse drawn buggies are still used today and occasionally one can hear Pennsylvania Dutch being spoken.

Now for how long one should plan for a trip to Berlin, Ohio is a hard question to answer. After growing up just over the boarder from the Old Order Amish communities in Indiana, which happens to be one of the largest communities in America, Berlin is much different than I expected. Berlin, Ohio is a small local community that has been built mainly as a tourist attraction, along with a few stores for locals to purchase necessities. Berlin is unlike the communities in Indiana and can not be compared easily, especially seeing that Berlin is only a fraction the size. For my family it was nice to visit for a few hours but we could not be entertained much longer. We have a strong history and knowledge of the history of the Anabaptists and hence did not find much to do while visiting besides light shopping and dinner. If you are much like my family, you might find a full day to be too much time. If this is your first experience with looking into the Amish lifestyle, I highly suggest planning for a longer period of time.

Nonetheless, every entering the small city of Berlin, Ohio will feel less stress. Even the hardest city folk might find oneself, roaming slowly down the streets casually chatting with other tourists. It is a pleasant city that has an old-fashioned appeal unlike the bustling cities of today.

Things to Do

1. Heini's Cheese Chalet

6005 CR 77, Berlin, OH

330-893-2131

*It is here you can sample various cheeses on display and purchase your favorites. Unfortunately we tried to go on a tour (which was stated to be available) but we were told they do not offer them anymore.

2. Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center

5798 CR 77 Berlin, OH

330-893-3192

*Contains a bookstore, gift shop, and a wonderful setup of displays showcasing living the traditional lifestyle.

3. Berlin Creek Gallery

5042 SR 39 Berlin, OH

330-893-2686

4. Berlin Village Antique Mall

4774 US 62, Berlin OH

330-893-4100

5. Berlin Village Gift Barn & Country Gatherings

4755 SR 39

6. Blue River Gallery

5032 SR 39, Berlin, OH

330-893-2207

7. Country Craft Cupboard

4813 East Main Street, Berlin OH

330-893-3163

8. Gospel Book Store

4900 Oak Street, Berlin OH

330-893-2523

9. Helping Hands Quilt Shop & Museum

4818 SR 39, Berlin OH

330-893-2233

10. Holmes Country Flea Market

4550 SR 39, Berlin OH

330-893-0900

Places to Eat and Drink

1. Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant

4819 East Main Street, Berlin OH

330-893-4000

2. Cindy's Diner

4774 US 62, Berlin, OH

330-893-3400

3. Farmstead Restaurant

4757 TR 366

330-893-4600

4. Java Jo Coffee Bar

4860 East Main Street

330-893-9211

Places to Stay

1. Berlin Village Inn

5135 SR 39

330-893-2861

2. Comfort Suites Berlin

4810 TR 366

330-893-7400

3. The Oaks Inn

4752 SR 62

1-800-246-2504

4. Zinck's Inn

4703 SR 39

330-893-6600

5. Bluebird Inn Bed & Breakfast

5335 CR 626

330-893-2276

6. A Day in the Country

4744 SR 39

888-893-7017

7. Jake 'n Ivy's Bed & Breakfast

5409 TR 356

330-893-3215

8. Lamplight Inn Bed & Breakfast

5676 TR 362

330-893-1122

9. Main Street Lodging

4895 West Main Stret

330-893-1300

10. Coblentz Country Cabins

5130 Somerset DR 330-893-1300