Tag Archives: Amish community

Guggisberg Cheese in Amish County, Ohio

On our way to Guggisberg Cheese Inn in Holmes County, Ohio, we noticed several beautiful Amish countryside scenes.  From horse and buggy rides to working in the fields, I admire the Amish simplicity and hard-working way of life.

Before entering the Guggisberg Cheese shop, we strolled through the beautiful garden with its bear fountain…

train car and…

rock sculpture.

We were excited to sample the world-famous Baby Swiss and learn more about the Guggisberg family and to sample some of their amazing cheeses.

Alfred Guggisberg began his passion of making cheese at the young of fifteen working in the Swiss Alps. He attended the famous cheese maker’s institute, “Molkereishulle” and traveled throughout Europe and Africa before leaving his home of Switzerland to Holmes County in the US, the year of 1947.  Guggisberg dreamt of making a name for himself by making cheese in the New World.

By 1950, Alfred reputation for quality cheeses made him sought after by the Amish community.  He settled into Holmes County, Ohio using the fresh, sweet milk of the local cows.   This lead to Alfred’s invention of the Baby Swiss cheese, which is known for its milder flavor and smaller holes. These cheese varietal is known throughout the US as the “Best Cheese in the Country.”

In 1985, Alfred passed away and left the company to his son, Richard, current President of Guggisberg Cheeses.  Since taking over, Richard has expanded the cheese operations growing the company into  one of the country’s largest manufacturers of cheese with additional shipping capabilities to Europe.

By 2019, Guggisberg was awarded the US Grand Champion at the US Championship Cheese Contest and also took first place with their Premium Swiss.

Entering the Guggisberg Cheese Inn, we passed through the large windows where we watched the production of cheese and had the opportunity to try samples of each.  In addition to cheese, the Inn sells cheese accessories, European style meats and Swiss Cuckoo Clocks.

We purchased several items for a charcuterie-style picnic to hold us over until returning to the Chalet in the Valley Restaurant, which was once operated by Margaret Guggisberg using her authentic recipes.  We were excited to feast on Austrian and Swiss cuisine and start with a fondue appetizer.   We just can’t seem to get enough of the Guggisberg cheese.

Have you visited Guggisberg Cheese Inn and/or the Chalet in the Valley Restaurant?  What was your favorite location?  I would love to hear about your  your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my visit to Guggisberg Cheese in Amish Country in Holmes County, Ohio and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Guggisburg Cheese
5060 State Route 557
Millersburg, OH  44654
Telephone:  330 893 2500

Where to Eat:

Chalet in the Valley
5060 State Route 557
Millersburg, OH  44654
Telephone:  330 893 2500

What to Eat:

Cheese Fondue!

What to Read:

  • Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio by Annalisa Daughety

 

Visiting Lehman’s Store in Ohio’s Amish Country

Fascinated by a simpler way of life, I was excited to visit Ohio’s Amish Country in Holmes County, Ohio.  Sharing the road with horse and buggies, one of my first stops was Lehman’s Hardware which caters to the local Amish community.

Pulling in to the big red barn, I had created a list of items that I wanted to seek out while in the store.  Wood burning stoves, custom-made furniture and old fashioned treats were a few of the interesting goods that were available for sale.

Lehman’s first opened in 1955 in the town of Kidron and has continued to grow reaching nearly a quarter of a mile for those who explore every department of the store, measuring 35,000 square feet.  The store has become a worldwide phenomenon for providing non-electric goods.

Most fascinating was the incredible art installation by Paul Weaver.  Weaver’s large-scale wood carvings are displayed at Lehman’s and his 3-D masterpieces are remarkable.  He has an incredible talent for depicting simple, everyday scenes of the Amish as well as spiritual settings.  Perfecting his craft for over forty years, Weaver is also a furniture maker.  Many of his furniture pieces are sold at Lehman’s as well.

I spent over an hour exploring all of the fascinating merchandise at Lehman’s and if I would have purchased all of the items that day, they would not have fit into my car.  Luckily, Lehman’s offers a catalog for orders, so I look forward to browsing their items and placing in order after returning home.

Have you visited Lehman’s in Ohio’s Amish Country?  Did you purchase anything?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Lehman’s and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Lehman’s
4779 Kidron Road
Kidron, OH
Telephone:  800 438 5346

Where to Stay:

The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast
6838 County Road 203
Millersburg, OH  44654
Telephone:  330 674 7600

Where to Eat:

Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen
8101 State Route 241
Millersburg, OH  44654
Telephone:  330 674 0922

What to Read:

  • The Photograph, by Beverly Lewis
  • Fall from Pride, by Karen Harper
  • A Simple Christmas Wish, by Melody Carlson
  • 100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die, by Brandy Gleason

Photo Guide for Amish Country:

  • Horse and buggies
  • Amish Families (ask permission)
  • Amish Countryside
  • Amish Furniture
  • Amish Food