Tag Archives: Holmes County

Sugarcreek: The Little Switzerland of Ohio

Sugarcreek, Ohio is such a small town you could easily miss it.  At 3.79 square miles and a population of 2,100,  many tourists visit to see its large, Swiss cuckoo clock in the center of downtown and Alpine architecture.  Known for its production of cheeses, Sugarcreek hosts its annual Ohio Swiss Festival in September, with food, music and games.

Sugarcreek (initially East Shanesville) was first settled in 1814 by the Amish making it the “Gateway to Amish Country.”  As immigrants from Switzerland began arriving in the 1830s, they partnered with the Amish to produce cheeses.  After several cheese factories began to open around town, Sugarcreek soon became known as “Little Switzerland” and began a thriving tourist business in the early 1970s.

,The town was also known for its steam engine passenger train which operated under the Ohio Central Railroad transporting guests from Sugarcreek to Baltic.  Unfortunately, the train ride is no longer available.

Today, tourists come to Sugarcreek to visit the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock.  In 1972, Alpine Alpa restaurant commissioned Karl Schleutermann to the project of building a 23-foot tall and 24-foot wide cuckoo clock. While it took twelve years to complete, it has been named the largest of its kind in the Guinness Book of World Records.  The clock entertains visitors every hour with a series of Swiss characters popping out of the miniature doors for a short, entertaining show.

While walking around Sugarcreek we happened upon the Lieutenant General Donald L. Putt Memorial.  Donald Leander Putt was born in Sugarcreek on May 14, 1905.  He was a retired lieutenant general in the US Army Air Force and Former Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Development.  He graduated in 1928 from the Carnegie Institute of Technology with a degree in electrical engineering and later pursued a Master’s Degree at CalTech.  He became Chief of the experimental bomber branch which developed various B-bombers.  After leaving the Armed Forces with 30 years of service, he joined United Aircraft and later founded the Chemical division in Sunnyvale, California.  He died on November 24, 1988 at the age of 83.  He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

The memorial measures 14 x 19 feet and took 4,234 bricks to create.  Construction of the memorial began in 1992 and was built on land once owned by the Putt family. In front of the memorial is a replica of a solid rocket engine.  The model is about 1/10th the size of the actual booster which are 12 feet in height.

Strolling Main Street, we noticed the Alpine Hills Museum.  The museum’s mission is to preserve the beautiful history of this unique blend of cultures of the Amish and Swiss which has made an enormous impact on Holmes County, Ohio.  Full of historical documents, maps and genealogies, the museum takes you back in time with its interactive displays and photographs.

Most of the residents in Sugarcreek speak English, but there is also a small population that speak German, Pennsylvania German and Pennsylvania Dutch.  Nearby restaurants and tourists shops allow visitors to see firsthand, the Amish culture and community.  A very reserved and private settlement, outsiders can enjoy their home-cooked meals and experience their simplistic lifestyle.

Have you visited Sugarcreek and to see the Cuckoo Clock or take a ride on the railroad?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Thank you for reading about my visit to Sugarcreek, Ohio and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sugarcreek Cuckoo Clock
Corner of Main Street and Broadway
Sugarcreek, OH  4468`

Admission:  Free
Hours of Operation:  9AM to 9PM, April through November (weather permitting)

Alpine Hills Museum
106 West Main Street
Sugarcreek, OH  44681
Telephone:  330 852 4113;  888 609 7592
Website:  https://alpinehillssugarcreek.com/

Hours of Operation:  Monday – Saturday from 9:30AM to 5PM;  from Memorial Day to Labor Day;   Closed Sundays, July 4th,

Lieutenant General Donald L. Putt Memorial
Corner of West Main Street and North Broadway Street

Hours of Operation:  24 / 7, Year Around
Admission:  Free

Where to Stay:

The Red Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast

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

The Amish Town of Charm, OH

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:

The Red Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast

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

The Barn Inn in Amish Country, Ohio

Mom and I planned a long weekend in Holmes County, Ohio and it would be my first visit to learn more about the Amish community.  We agreed to stay at the Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast in Millersburg as Mom had stayed there in the past.  She explained that the owner had grown up Amish and decided to leave as an adult.  With her knowledgeable insight, we would learn more about the Amish customs, culture and religious practices.

After driving a couple of hours out of Columbus, we finally arrived at The Barn Inn, easy to find with its beautiful barn red exterior. Stepping inside, I was amazed with the open floor plan and rustic design   The upstairs bedrooms can be accessed by stairs that follow the edge of the large room.  We reached our respective rooms and unpacked before wandering the beautiful grounds.

At the time of check-in, we learned about the resident goat and llama.  Of course, I couldn’t wait to visit the dynamic duo within the enclosed fence.  We made a quick stop before driving into town that afternoon.

The hotel staff is extremely knowledgeable with a list of great recommendations for the area.  We requested a restaurant for later and some options for shopping the next day.   I was interested in booking a horse and buggy ride over the weekend while Mom inquired about the bakeries.

We walked the surrounding grounds which pristinely manicured.  A path led to the garden where we found a darling gazebo and small pond.  I imagined that this was the perfect spot for weddings, special events and prom photos.

The fountains scattered within the property are well-maintained.  Sitting next to the trickling water was relaxing and therapeutic.

Mom and I had a wonderful day in the surrounding Amish towns outside of Millersburg.  We shopped for baked goods and unique grocery items such as Nehi Peach soda. We wanted to travel back to the bed and breakfast before dark so we could enjoy sitting on the deck and turning in for bed early for a full day.

I slept so well the previous night and loved the beautiful room set up….very Fixer Upper.

In the morning, we met Michelle, the Inn-keeper.  Over breakfast, she presented the highlights of Holmes County, an overview of Amish traditions and a list of places to visit.

Breakfast included homemade French Toast, breakfast casserole and a side of oatmeal.  Such an incredible selection as guests could also order eggs, bacon or sausage.

Where my seat was located, I could see the beautiful stone fireplace that was the gorgeous centerpiece of the great room.

Before checking out of The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast, I toured the upstairs of the property.  What a great view from the second level where there was so much space with additional rooms and public space.

The Barn Inn is an historic Bed and Breakfast that offers next-level service from its gourmet, scratch-made breakfasts and homemade country-style dinners, some of their famous meals include stuffed French toast and stick-to-your-ribs casseroles.  From the beautiful accommodations, peaceful property with walking paths and the exceptional service, The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast is the perfect location to explore Holmes County, Ohio, the largest Amish community in the United States.

Where to Stay:

The Red Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast

6838 Co Rd 203
Millersburg, OH 44654
Telephone: 877 674 7600

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