Take a Great Ohio Road Trip to Ohio Amish Country

There are plenty of memorable experiences to be had in Holmes County, but one that particularly suits this season of sunshine is a day spent exploring wineries and shopping destinations. Take time to relax and unwind among the rolling hills, fields and farmhouses with a shopping bag or glass in hand.

Shopping Trips

Since it opened, bfearless. has provided customers with a one-of-a-kind shopping experience as a women’s boutique that encourages self-confidence and empowerment. Items in the store span a variety of sellers, from regional artisans to big-name brands such as Birkenstock, Fossil and Steve Madden, and include clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry and more. bfearless. also offers a program called Style Ready that allows customers to enjoy a personalized shopping experience with fashion assistance from an expert stylist. bfearless. at HOME is the boutique’s sister store and offers all things home. From furniture to lighting to decor, products sold in the store span a wide range of styles, making it easy to find items that will blend seamlessly with your home’s style, whatever it may be.

With over 50,000 square feet of shopping shared between four stores, a coffee shop and an outdoor courtyard, Sheiyah Market’s campus provides a unique shopping destination in the heart of Amish Country. Each store offers something different, so whether you’re looking for trendy boutique clothing, jewelry and accessories, farmhouse furniture and decor, or plants and gardening supplies (above), you’ll be sure to find everything you need and then some. When it’s time to take a break from shopping, stop by Buggy Brew Coffee Co., Sheiyah Market’s on-site cafe to enjoy a coffee and locally made pastries.

Amid the hustle and bustle of life in Amish Country, Carlisle Gifts, located just across the street from the Der Dutchman restaurant in Walnut Creek, provides a laid-back and relaxing shopping experience. Every item sold in the store is handpicked by the staff, from handmade quilts to clothes to self-care and spa products to kids toys, providing a high-quality selection with something to suit any taste.

Originally opened in 1979, Creative Outlet in Loudonville focuses on supporting Native artists through its selection of jewelry, crafts, crystals, rocks and other items. Twice each year, the owners travel to reservations in New Mexico and work directly with artists to handpick pieces that will end up in the store, bringing a unique perspective to this Ohio shop and its customers.

Specializing in leather apparel and accessories, A.C. Leather in Berlin is a must-visit for those looking for high-quality leather goods or biking gear. Items sold in the store range from leather wallets, purses and bags to earrings, wristbands and belts that are made on-site, with many other products coming from local makers.

Winery Experiences

When French Ridge Vineyards opened in 2001, it was Holmes County’s first and only wine producer to grow its own grapes. Starting with just two grape varieties, the winery has evolved over the years to grow 14 different types of grapes across 23 acres, making it one of the largest vineyards in the region. French Ridge Vineyards also grows apples, peaches, blueberries and other fruits that are used in making its 22 wines. Visitors to the winery can also enjoy a stay in one of the guest cabins on the property, which each come equipped with a queen-size bed, full bathroom and kitchenette. 

Sunny Slope Winery began as a way for husband-and-wife duo Tom and Tara Bright to bring their humble home-winemaking operation to the wider Holmes County community. While looking for a place to set up shop, the couple came to inherit Tom’s family business — the nearly 100-year-old Sunny Slope General Store — in 2015, and after some extensive renovation work, the winery opened two years later. Today, there are a handful of wines available year-round, with rotating varieties offered seasonally.

A staple of the Walnut Creek community for over 10 years, The Walnut Creek Marketplace’s newest addition, Winetagous, is an on-site wine producer and distributor offering a range of wines and beers to enjoy while shopping at the marketplace. The winery has both an indoor and outdoor seating area, each providing picturesque views of the valley either through the large front windows or from the sightseeing deck.

Located inside a historic, turn-of-the-century flour mill, Baltic Mill Winery (above) provides a cozy wine-tasting experience in a one-of-a-kind location. The winery produces 14 different wine varieties as well as a line of hard ciders that can all be enjoyed inside the rustic taproom, which is accented by exposed bricks and wooden beams. The top two floors of the building still contain some of the mill’s original machinery, and visitors are welcome to explore its history between sips.

Among the wineries in the region, the name Ugly Bunny Winery (above) certainly stands out. And that’s exactly the point. The Loudonville winery seeks to offer visitors a unique wine-tasting experience on its 5.5-acre vineyard. The recently added tasting room and patio overlook the vineyard, which grows eight different grape varieties. The winery also produces craft beers and contains an on-site kitchen that serves locally sourced pizzas, sandwiches and appetizers.

For more information about these and other Ohio Amish Country destinations, go to visitamishcountry.com.