Step Back in Time

Since the Industrial Revolution, the Amish have been largely known as the hardworking, devoutly religious faction that eschews most types of technology. There are a handful of Amish communities south of Cleveland in Geauga, Holmes and Tuscarawas counties. But if you want to check them out — and you totally should — just put your cellphone away. You’re probably not going to need it.

• No, the Amish don’t just sell pies and quilts. They certainly do sell those things, and, like many of the Amish wares you’re likely to find in Geauga, Holmes and Tuscarawas counties, they are without equal. But shopping is one of the best parts about driving the 90 or so minutes it takes to get there. Whether it’s the abundance of family farms that sell fresh produce, preserves (and yes, pies and quilts), or expertly crafted furniture and other woodworks, you’ll find it impossible to come home empty-handed.
• Amish theater. Yes, really. The Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek keeps a regular schedule of all sorts of family-friendly programming, which includes Amish-inspired musical and dramatic performances.
• What do we know about the Amish, really? We’ve seen the buggies, we’ve eaten the pies, we’ve seen that Harrison Ford movie from the ‘80s. But there’s a lot to learn from their history and way of life. It’s Amish country, so there’s not an app for that, but there is the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center in Berlin, Ohio. Part-living-museum part-historical-center, take a guided tour, here, to answer all of your Amish-related questions. You know you have some.

It’s not always easy to know exactly where to go on a day-trip out to Amish country, because there isn’t much of an online footprint identifying what to do or where to do it. So, be sure to connect with the travel experts in Geauga, Holmes and Tuscarawas counties to get some help planning your Amish country journey