Winter in Amish Country has its own particular wonders with woodlands and hills often decked out in absolute snowy white wonder. A good December, January, February winter getaway during these months can give you nothing short of luxe coziness. Here’s why:
- Practice Hygge - Hygge is a Norwegian concept meaning cozy, safe, and with a quality of personal well being. And that’s what’s happening when you take a winter break, especially if you are staying at Donna’s Premier Lodging and Cabins in Berlin, Ohio. Select breakfast-in-bed options for at least two nights to enjoy the ultimate in Hygge. (Order “The Little Book of HYGGE” to read while there. It’s the real thing written by the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, Copenhagen.
- Celebrate Winter Birthdays - We can’t help it if birthdays fall during Christmas events. Change it up and make December and January birthdays particularly celebratory by scurrying off to a luxurious experience such as Donna’s Premier Lodging. It’s an amazing way to celebrate your loved one’s winter birthday. This will be one birthday they won’t forget because you created a unique getaway just for them.
- Celebrate Winter Anniversaries. Maybe you proposed or got married in the winter. This too gets just a dinner out which melts into the past. Change it up and give a special anniversary a memory that will be happily recalled because you designed a romantic getaway where they were the spotlight. Sit together fireside sipping hot chocolate then be sure to add on all the extras such as appetizers, chocolate covered strawberries, even an in-room massage.
- Honeymoon in a Secluded Cedar Cabin in the Woods. You can choose one near a waterfall with a Jacuzzi and a fireplace.
- Shop for Local Amish-Made Products in Berlin and four miles away in Walnut Creek.
You’ll find unique boutique shops filled with locally made products - everything from soup to quilts to Amish crafted toys. Berlin is a fun walking village and perfect for Instagramming Christmassy scenes.
Winter Breaks to Berlin, Ohio Give You Hearty Fare
This is the perfect season to indulge in prime roast and mashed potatoes in one of the Dutch/Amish restaurants on a Friday or Saturday or both nights. You will want to top this off with their peach pie. One recent visitor claimed to have it three times in one day. “the prime rib was extremely tender and well seasoned. The fresh peach pie was enjoyed at three meals! Would we go back while in Berlin in the future - in a heartbeat. Well done folks!”
Bring home some Amish recipes to remember your getaway. Sign onto Donna’s newsletter to receive their letters and you’ll normally find a lush bit of inspiration that includes the inn’s recipes. For now try their peanut butter sandwich cookie. But also visit Amish365 - a local news source for everything Amish. Here’s how to make Amish Guilt Free Fudge.
FAQs
What Would Be the Most Fun In Winter When I Come to Berlin and Amish Country?
The most unique thing to do is to book a buggy ride in an authentic Amish buggy with Mel’s Buggy Rides in Millersburg. You can do this twice - the first day book a ride in one direction and the next day try another direction. Just sitting in what they call a “Surrey” and listening to your driver is a quick snap out of your daily reality into a new and fresh experience. Buggy rides are subject to weather conditions so if you’ve got the right climate act fast.
Are there any winter farm experiences to be had in Holmes County?
The best bet is to take a quick drive to Hershberger's Bakery and Farm Store in Millersburg. There you'll find wonderful cheeses and gifts for any December, January or February special days. The Farm Store is open every day except Sunday and offers handmade leather purses, toys and many other gifts. You’ll be sorry if you leave without buying a fry pie or three. (Ask if you can feed the giraffes while you’re there. That’s what I’d do. It’s not really a winter thing, but I’m sure those giraffes have to eat.)
What else can I do for an Amish experience?
Be sure to try and arrange a dinner with an Amish family. Call the chamber and if you can try two separate family dinners. That way you’ll have double the experience because no two Amish families are the same even if the recipes are. These dinners are commonly offered during tourist seasons so be prepared to ask around. Start with the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce but you can also ask your innkeeper.
This part of Ohio is cherished by those who value Ohio’s nature and history. If you get snow you will be rewarded with the thrill of mystical woodlands and follow your bliss whether in a cozy restaurant or on a perfect hill for sledding.






