In the Heart of Amish Country (Berlin, OH)

We had a truly wonderful time exploring the heart of Amish Country in Berlin, Ohio. Whether you’re planning a relaxing girls’ trip, a family getaway, or a cozy couples’ weekend, this is the perfect destination for a 2–3 day escape. With its slower pace, beautiful countryside, handmade goods, and delicious food, Berlin is a place where you can truly unplug and enjoy simple pleasures.

Travel Tips & Recommendations

1. Avoid Sundays: Most shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed on Sundays out of respect for Amish traditions. Plan for a weekday or early weekend trip (Thursday–Saturday) to get the most out of your visit.

2. Bring Cash: While many places now accept cards, some smaller shops, markets, and bakeries are still cash-only. It’s better to have some on hand.

3. Expect Crowds in October: Fall is peak season in Amish Country—especially during leaf-peeping season—so expect long waits at restaurants and busy shops.

4. Bring a Larger Vehicle: The shopping is abundant so if you are wanting to shop, bring a vehicle that has a larger trunk or space for all the things that you purchase! Also, be prepared to take home some baked goodies.

5. Share the Road: Amish transportation includes horse-drawn buggies, bicycles, and scooters. Be patient, stay alert, and allow extra travel time. The Amish will often put out their hands to signal they are turning- this does not mean to pass by them!

6. Mind the Early Hours: Many shops close by 5:00 PM and restaurants by 7:00 PM. Plan your days accordingly to make the most of your time.

7. Slow Down & Enjoy: Amish Country is best experienced at a relaxed pace. Take your time exploring, talking with locals, and soaking in the charm of the countryside.

8. Gas Before Hitting the Backroads: Gas stations were very far and between (they are there, just not abundant) in Amish Country, so make sure you fill up before you enter or whenever you see one!

   
   

Below is a map of Amish Country and the communities along the route. It will be impossible to hit all of these communities in a 2-3 day effectively and without completely rushing around.

Must-Try Restaurants

1. Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen (Mt. Hope) – A local favorite for homestyle comfort food. The fried chicken is delicious and seasoned well, and you must try the noodles served over mashed potatoes — a true Amish classic.

2. Der Dutchman (Walnut Creek) – Famous for hearty, family-style meals and incredible bakery pies. They do only serve full menu until 3 pm, so arrive before then if you don’t prefer the buffet. Also, their bread pudding is “to die for.”

1. Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant (Berlin) – We did not try this location, but this is a historic local spot known for breakfast and classic Amish lunch specials.

2. Rebecca’s Bistro (Walnut Creek) – A charming breakfast and lunch café with fresh, seasonal dishes. Perfect for a cozy brunch.

3. Park Street Pizza (Sugarcreek) – A hidden gem serving up locally sourced, wood-fired pizzas that everyone says is a “must try.”

4. Charm Pizza (Millersburg)- Another great stop for pizza (offers gluten free as well) and well-frequented by many tourists and locals!

Other popular stops: Berlin Farmstead, Amish Door Restaurant, Table Rock Pizza, Amish Donuts, Miller’s Bakery, Olde World Bistro, East Main Kitchen (Baltic, OH), and Hershberger’s Bakery.

Shopping, Markets & Thrift Finds by Town

Kidron:

• MCC Connections Thrift Shop

• Lehman’s (iconic store for non-electric and traditional goods): It reminds of a smaller version of Jungle Jims (if you know of that store in Cincinnati). It has everything and anything you could imagine, and all organized by type of product (books, root beer, seasonal, clothing, toys). This is a MUST STOP as well! It also features a wonderful little cafe with hot sandwiches, soups, coffee that we thought was great! (Only open until 4 pm)

Mt. Hope:

• The Ashery Country Store (bulk foods & homemade goods)- MUST STOP! They have amazing jams, jellies, breads, salsa, spreads, and anything you could need to take back! Also, they have samples for you to try before you buy of some things!

  

  

  

Millersburg/Charm:

• Goodwill

• Heini’s Cheese Chalet: A local cheese factory with samples, tours, and gift shop.

• Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery: Petting zoo, buggy rides, homemade treats, and seasonal produce.

• Trading Post Thrift Store

• Save & Serve Thrift Shop

• Keim Lumber

• Miller's Dry Goods (perfect place if you like to sew)

• Charm Boots and Harness

Berlin:

• Tis the Season (year-round Christmas store): 3 floors of Christmas decorations with decorated rooms that are themed to give you inspiration.

• Sol’s (handmade crafts & gifts)

• Mission Thrift

• Sheiyah Market (boutiques & home décor): three floors of beautiful clothing, gifts, and decorations.

• Country Gathering

• Ohio Market

• Froman Hill Thrift

Walnut Creek:

• Walnut Creek Flea Market (Thu–Sat only)

• Walnut Creek Antique Mall

• Coblentz Chocolate Company: It offers many delicious chocolates to try what some great history in the Walnut Creek area!

Sugarcreek:

• Harvest Thrift & Home Goods

Entertainment & Tours

• Amish Table Talk: This is a company that allows an experience in the homes and in the culture of the Amish. The contact lady for this is LaVonne DeBois (amishtours@outlook.com). They offer a variety of experiences including bread making, an in-home meal, tours, backroads, buggy experiences. I would HIGHLY recommend. We did the Bread Making Class with Anna and she was truly amazing. This was voted “the favorite part of our trip” by almost everyone in our traveling party.

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Amish Country Theater: Family-friendly live shows with comedy, ventriloquist, magic, singing, and many variety acts to keep you on your toes and laughing! Their main shows are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 7 pm. But, sometimes they have special guest shows on other days! Check out their online calendar for more details. I thought the tickets were totally worth it for $30!

  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

• Country Acres Mini Golf: We did not do this do to time restraints, but they did have a mini golf course that would be awesome for your family or as a fun side activity while visiting!

• World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock (Sugarcreek): A quirky photo stop and must-see landmark. It interacts on every hour and half hour.

  

Where to Stay

• Berlin Encore Hotel: Clean, spacious rooms, central location, indoor pool, and complimentary breakfast. This is a truly magnificent choice for your stay in Berlin, especially if you are wanting to see a show at the Amish Country Theatre. It is attached to the hotel for easy access.

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Lodging tip: Many charming cabins, inns, and bed & breakfasts are scattered throughout the area — perfect if you want a cozier, more secluded experience.

Sample 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

• Arrive early Berlin and check into your hotel or cabin

• Stroll through downtown Berlin shops and grab lunch at Boyd & Wurthmann

• Visit Lehman’s and MCC Connections in Kidron, and other thrift stores

• Relax at your accommodation or catch a show at Amish Country Theater

• Dinner at Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen

  
  

Day 2:

• Breakfast at Rebecca’s Bistro or hotel

• Spend the morning at Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery, or continuing to thrift shop

• Explore Walnut Creek Flea Market and antique shops

• Visit the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock and browse Sugarcreek shops

• Request an authentic Amish Tour through Amish Table Talk

• Dinner at Der Dutchman

• Take in a scenic drive or buggy ride before heading home

Helpful Guiding Link:

https://www.ohiomagazine.com/travel/amish-country/article/amish-country-road-trips

✨ Final Thoughts: Amish Country is a place where time slows down, homemade goods still matter, and hospitality is at the heart of every experience. It’s not about rushing from one attraction to another — it’s about enjoying the simple, meaningful moments along the way.