The setting is absolutely beautiful with its rolling hills and well-manicured farmland. While there are nearly 12,000 residents, the town has managed to maintained its reputation as one of simplicity with homecooked meals, hard work and hospitality. Predominantly Amish, the lifestyle is laid-back and genuinely organic, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The early settlers arrived in during the Civil War and began to build a community. The first resident documented to have settled here is Stephen Yoder and his son, who both farmed the land and owned a blacksmith shop.
The settlement’s first name was Stevenson , so named because when asked about the town’s location, people often answered “down by Stephen’s son,” and the name stuck. Unfortunately, the name had already been taken when they decided to incorporate, so they named the town, Charm. Don’t be surprised if the locals reference Charm as “Putschtown.” While rarely used, it is derived from a Pennsylvania Dutch word “putscha”, meaning “small clump” referencing its small space down in the valley.
As many Americans began to make their way out west, several Amish families settled in the hills of Holmes County and acquired most of the land in Charm. Even today, they continue to farm hay, barley, corn, flax and oats. During the harvest season, the farming families gather together to help each other gather their grains and process them. They have managed to maintain a lifestyle similar to American life when it was first settled.
While I am drawn to the slow, relaxing atmosphere of Charm, I would be lying if I didn’t admit that the food is also a major reason to visit. My favorite place to stop for a meal is Grandma’s Homestead Restaurant and I love the traditional American meals like meatloaf and fried chicken. In addition to their stick-to-your-ribs meals, the hitching post behind Grandma’s is packed with horse and buggies at dinnertime, a reprieve for the local farmers.
The cheese shops are also a great stop in Charm as well. I recommend stopping after a meal so you won’t want to bring home every cheese available. I highly recommend bringing a cooler. Guggisberg is Charm’s historic cheese shop which was opened in 1947 by Swiss-born Alfred and Margaret Guggisberg. Alfred is credited for making the “Baby Swiss” cheese which is a miniature of the absolutely amazing Swiss.
Finally, another recommendation for shopping in Charm is Keim’s Home Center, which has been a building and furniture supplier since 1911. You will find everything you can imagine including some of the best nostalgic snacks and drinks. I never leave here without a Nehi Peach Soda.
Have you visited Charm, Ohio? What locations did you visit? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my exciting weekend in Amish Country and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
The Charm School
4416 Stroute 557
Charm, OH 44617
Keim’s Home Center
4465 OH-557
Millersburg, OH 44654
Telephone: 330 893 2251
Guggisburg Cheese
5060 State Route 557
Millersburg, OH 44654
Telephone: 330 893 2500
Where to Stay:
6838 Co Rd 203
Millersburg, OH 44654
Telephone: 877 674 7600
Where to Eat:
Grandma’s Homestead Restaurant
4450 State Route 557
Charm, OH 44617
Telephone: (330) 893-2717
What to Eat:
Home-cooked Meals such as Erie Lake Perch, Fried Chicken, Meat Loaf or Roast Beef with Mashed Potatoes, Chicken n’ Dumplings and lots of dessert options!
What to Read:
- Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio by Annalisa Daughety
Photo Guide to Charm:
- Grandma’s Homestead Restaurant for the Horse Buggies