Many people take long weekends when they want a quick getaway. Have you ever considered taking a long “weekend” in the middle of the week? A midweek Ohio Amish Country getaway can be the perfect vacation. Arrive at Donna’s Premier Lodging on a Monday. Spend Tuesday and Wednesday exploring the sites. Head home on a Thursday before the crowds arrive. Of course, that is just a rough suggested itinerary. You can plan your trip however it works best for you. Here are five reasons you should plan your midweek getaway now.

One of the best reasons to visit Ohio’s Amish Country is the food. The Amish are known for hearty, delicious, family-style meals. At weddings they often dine on fried chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, salad, cake or cupcakes, fruit, and ice cream. With just a few recipes, you can enjoy Amish cooking in your own home. Here are a few to get you started. Donna’s Premier Lodging includes an authentic recipe every month in their newsletter. Sign up here to add to your list of Amish cooking recipes.  When you stay at Donna’s Premier Lodging, you are treated to a hot Amish-inspired breakfast every morning. Recreating these recipes together at home is a great way to remember all the fun you had on your Ohio Amish Country getaway.

When people picture Ohio’s Amish Country, they see Amish markets and buggies and bucolic barns. Those are truly iconic features of the area. However, when some people go on vacation, they want to squeeze as many unique activities as possible into their getaway. They want history, culture, food, theater, shopping, and fun exercise. That last desire is why we recommend some spectacular activities that will bring you closer to nature. Rails to Trails can be accessed in Millersburg, OH approximately 10 minutes from Donna’s Premier Lodging. 23 miles of paved trails run through Holmes County as part of the Great American Trail Rail. The Great American Trail Rail is 3,700 miles of trails connecting Washington state with Washington D.C. The trail is used by hikers, bikers, and walkers. An adjoining lane is used by horse and buggies. The 15-mile Fredericksburg to Killbuck part of the trail runs directly through Millersburg. Guests can access the trail at the historic Hipp Station train depot. The Hipp Station is the headquarters and visitor center for the Holmes County portion of the trail. The visitor center features wildlife displays, trail information, restrooms, and a covered picnic area. Scenery along the route includes scenic swamplands where visitors may spot turtles, snakes, and birds. The trail also uses old railroad bridges to cross over streams. Guests who want more mileage can travel to the Glenmont to Brinkhaven section of the trail. At this time, the 7.5-mile section is not linked directly to the Fredericksburg to Killbuck section. Beach City Wildlife Area is approximately 20 minutes from Donna’s Premier Lodging. The highlight of the 393-acre state wildlife area is Dundee Falls. The 15-foot falls can be enjoyed year-round. Do not forget to look down into the rocky gorge below the falls. This stunning view can be missed if hikers focus only on the streaming water. The trail to access the falls is approximately one mile. The trail is an easy hike but can be slippery if it has recently rained. Bring your camera so you can take sweet selfies together by the waterfall.  The Wilderness Center is approximately 20 minutes from Donna’s Premier Lodging. There are lots of trails to hike. Most are a mile or less so you can combine multiple trails to see a large portion of the Wilderness Center. The Wildlife Observation Room boasts a wall of windows overlooking multiple feeders and a water feature. Visitors are almost guaranteed to spot birds at the feeders but other animals occasionally visit the area. Want a guaranteed animal spotting? Visit with the rescued animal ambassadors including a couple turtles. Visit on the first Friday of each month when the Astronomy Club sets up multiple telescopes. The digital planetarium will aid in your enjoyment of the vast evening sky. For those looking for a romantic picnic there are lots of picnic areas. Create your own picnic or request a snack basket from Donna’s Premier Lodging. Up for a little friendly competition? There are scavenger hunts that you can complete both inside the Interpretative Building and outside on the trails. Be sure to check the events calendar for upcoming activities during your Ohio Amish County getaway. Recent events include a chance to sip local beer while learning about plants, a group of knitting/crocheting enthusiasts who met in the Wildlife Observation Room to work on their individual projects, and a 5K or 10K run along the trails. If you are traveling with children, the Nature Playscape is a playground built with natural materials. It is the perfect spot for kids to strengthen their imagination. The TWC Interpretative Building is open Tuesday through Saturday. The trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. Mohican State Park is approximately 30 minutes from Donna’s Premier Lodging. The park boasts three distinct fishing areas where anglers can find the favorite catch. Clear Fork River is stocked with brown trout. Smallmouth bass frequent Wolf Creek. All the other streams in the area are home to largemouth bass, bluegill, and white crappie. Several hiking trails are available for all abilities. Get striking views of the lake along the easy 0.75-mile Pleasant Hill Trail. Take photos at two waterfalls along the moderate 2-mile Lyons Fall Trail. Reward yourself with a covered bridge at the end of the difficult 2-mile Hemlock Gorge Trail. National Geographic Explorer Magazine has designated the 25-mile Mohican Mountain Bike Trail as a “must ride” trail. This is another great place for a picnic at one of the park’s six picnic areas. The Mohican River is a popular spot for water activities such as tubing, canoeing, and kayaking. Several equestrian trails meander through the park.

We often times get guests wondering how Donna's Premier Lodging started. I sat down with Donna Marie this week and got the scoop...

Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday in 2024. That means you have two weekends plus an entire set of weekdays to arrange for fun and romantic activities. Berlin and Ohio’s Amish Country is a quaint place to revel in the love you have for each other. Add one or all these activities to your romantic getaway for a memorable time with the person who means the most to you. 1. Have a friendly competition to see who can be the thriftiest. Ohio’s Amish Country is a hub for thrift stores. Go out in search of a gift for each other using your own set of rules. Maybe you must find a gift that matches your partner’s favorite color. Maybe you have a set dollar amount you can spend. Maybe you find the funniest or sexiest or cutest gift and see who wins. Try any of these nearby stores. · Berlin Village Antique Mall – Since there are two floors here, you can split up and each search on a separate floor. · Carlisle Antiques & More – Look for the big buffalo to know you have found the right spot. · Trading Post Thrift Store – This store depends on donations and volunteers. Your purchases will go to a good cause because all proceeds benefit the Ohio Wilderness Boys Camp. · Save & Serve Thrift Shop – This shop is affiliated with the Mennonite Central Committee and strives to fund community initiatives. · Starlight Antiques and Gifts – Note that this location is currently operating on winter hours and is open Friday – Sunday until April 1. 2. Participate in a local special event. There is always something fun to do in Berlin and the surrounding area. This list is just a sample of the events you can find on the shoulder weekends and week of Valentine’s Day. · Ernie Haase and Signature Sound Valentine’s Show – The multi-Grammy nominated group performs songs of love from throughout the decades. They are known for their intricate harmonies and unique arrangements. They are performing at The Ohio Star Theater on February 9 and 10. · Diamonds Are a Crook’s Best Friend Mystery Dinner – Get dressed up in your fanciest attire and see if you can solve the mystery before the answer is revealed. A three-course dinner is included with your ticket to the show. Head to the Amish Door Village on February 10 for this fun evening. · Berlin’s Sweet On You – Berlin loves Valentine’s Day and the town celebrates with sales and special deals all week long. The fun-filled event lasts from Tuesday, February 13 until Sunday February 18 allowing for multiple days to find the perfect spot in your celebration schedule. · Free Live Music at Sunny Slope Winery – Sip local wines while you listen to live music every Friday and Saturday night at the winery. Be sure to try their Strawberry Wine. It is released only three times a year, one of those times being Valentine’s Day. · Valentine’s Spectacular – Ready to tickle your funny bone? The annual comedy show is a driven by choices from the audience. The two-hour performance is on Valentine’s Day, February 14, at The Amish Country Theater. · Custom Snow Globe – Be creative together when you make your own snow globe tumbler. This imaginative event will be held at Sunny Slope Winery on February 15. · Only Yesterday: Carpenter’s Tribute – The iconic duo is brought back to life with the vocals of Haley Gaglione and the keyboarding and vocals of Danny Bunnelle. The show is being performed at The Amish Country Theater on February 16. 3. Book a room at Donna’s Premier Lodging. Our rooms exude passion with a plethora of romantic amenities and special add-ons. · Choose between two guest room locations. There are secluded cabins in the woods for the couple who wants to get away from it all. There are also suites, cottages, and villas in town for the couple who prefers the convenience of walking to downtown. · All rooms boast a jacuzzi for two and a remote-controlled gas log fireplace. Soak your cares away after a day of sightseeing or curl up with a glass of wine by the crackling fire. · You will have everything you need for a cozy night in with the Date Night In Package. We take care of all the details including DVDs, board games, popcorn and snacks, and a chilled bottle of white wine. · Step into a lover’s paradise when you add a dozen roses, candles, champagne, bubble bath, or chocolate covered strawberries to your reservation. You can build your perfect evening with our Add-Ons options .

Let us set a Valentine’s Day scene. You and your favorite person in the world are in Berlin, Ohio. You have spent the last hour soaking in a heart-shaped jacuzzi for two. Now you are snuggled under a blanket together beside a gas log fireplace while you listen to the soothing sounds of an indoor waterfall. You are sipping on wine from a bottle that you purchased earlier in the day at a nearby winery and nibbling on chocolate-covered strawberries. The next morning, you stay in your pajamas as you enjoy a full breakfast that has been delivered right to your door. This may sound to good to be true but it can be reality with a stay in the secluded Romancing the Stone cabin at our inn. All of our cabins, chalets, cottages, and suites boast jacuzzis for two, fireplaces, and special add on options. In addition to chocolate-covered strawberries and breakfast in bed, we can offer appetizer platters, a cake for two, a dozen red roses, in-room massages, and more. Take the stress out of Valentine’s Day and focus on what really matters – the person you are with. At Donna’s Premier Lodging you do not even have to make the bed. Just sit back and enjoy your time. You never have to leave the inn if you want a quiet getaway all to yourselves, however, there are many romantic date ideas for the surrounding area if you want to add more to your Valentine’s Day date. The way to everyone’s heart in through their stomach: o Breitenbach Wine Cellars makes unique wines including a Dandelion wine. The café is open year-round if you want a wood-fired pizza to pair with your wine. Be sure to purchase a bottle of your favorite wine to drink later in your room. Actually, pick up two bottles and enjoy one when you return home as you reminisce about your trip. There are 20+ more wineries in the area if you want to create your own wine country tour. o You can sample over 60 different cheeses at Guggisberg Cheese . Arrive in the morning Monday through Friday to watch the cheese being made. Maybe it will even encourage a new hobby of cheese making that you can explore together. Self-guided cheese tours are also available at Bunker Hill Cheese Company . The third-generation, family-owned company, also known as Heini’s, was established in 1935. o Don’t forget sweets for your sweet. At Coblentz Chocolate Company you can enter the viewing gallery to see how the chocolate is made. Afterwards, create your own box of tempting dark, milk, and white chocolate creations. Add some culture to your getaway o There is something so romantic about getting dressed up for a show. The Ohio Star Theater features a Valentine’s Special on February 10 and 11. The show includes heartfelt messages through country and bluegrass gospel music. Celebrating your valentine on a different weekend in February this year? The theater has a different show every weekend of that month. o They say that laughter is the best medicine. It is also one of the most beautiful sounds in the world. The Amish Country Theater hosts a Valentine’s Spectacular that is sure to tickle your funny bone. Be sure to get tickets for this one-of-kind, two-hour show on Saturday, February 11. o Imagine seeing a piece of art on your wall every day that reminds you of your love for each other. Stop by the Berlin Creek and Blue River Galleries to browse for something that speaks to you both. The gallery boasts paintings by local artists, homemade pottery, exotic jewelry, and handblown glass. Gifts for your sweetie o Berlin celebrates Valentine’s Day with a special “ Sweet on You ” event each year. Multiple shops throughout town have sales on items just because of the holiday. The dates for the 2023 event are February 13-18. Set out together to find a gift your can share or split up for a couple hours in order to surprise each other with something unique and unexpected. o Sol’s in Berlin is the area’s largest arts and crafts mall. Considered by many to be a one-stop shop for handmade gifts, a visit to Sol’s is an adventure. Want a preview of what you may find there? Check out the booth gallery . You can even make a game out of the visit. Each of the booths is numbered. Pick a number before entering, then choose a gift for your sweetie from the booth with the matching number.

Ohio’s Amish Country is ripe with culture ranging from Amish and Mennonite history to a glass plant to pro football memorabilia. This post features 13 different museums and historical sites. Even if you visit two a day, you will still need an entire week to see them all. Of course, you can always plan multiple little trips throughout the year to see them all. Each museum or historical site is listed below, in alphabetic order, with three reasons why you should add that location to your Ohio Amish County vacation. Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum The museum features locomotives, railroad cars, tools, and machinery. The building is also an active roundhouse specializing in the preservation of railroad history. Since it is a working museum, visitors are allowed onsite via guided tours only. However, the guided tours guarantee behind-the-scenes information. Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center The highlight of the center is Behalt, a 265-foot circular mural depicting Amish and Mennonite history. The center also features a pre-civil war, one-room school house and a pioneer barn with an Amish buggy display. Stop into the bookstore and gift shop for local crafts, handmade baskets, and a selection of books about Amish and Mennonite culture. BibleWalk Ohio’s only wax museum features 325 wax figures portraying 100 biblical scenes. The interactive exhibits include sound effects and dialogue. While parts of the museum have fees, there are free exhibits including a rare bible collection, Christian art gallery, and American votive folk art. David Warther Carvings The exhibit includes more than 90 carvings made from antique ivory, ebony wood, and abalone pearl. David Warther works in his on-site workshop daily. There is a high chance you will get to see him working on a piece when you visit. The carvings depict the “History of the Ship.” The museum has five rooms focusing on different eras of shipbuilding. Erb’s Coleman Lantern Museum Erb services Coleman lanterns and started a collection three decades ago. The museum houses more than 3,000 Coleman items. Along with lanterns, visitors will see gas cooking stoves, ice chests, irons, hot plates, and advertising. Ernest Warther Museum and Gardens The museum includes hand-sculpted pieces that focus on the steam-engine. The museum is owned and operated by third and fourth generation family members and it includes the Warther Family Home, “Button House,” Ernest’s workshop, and an arboretum. Ernest Warther was David Warther’s grandfather (see David Warther Carvings above). German Culture Museum Visitors are treated to a snapshot of life in Holmes County and Walnut Creek Township during the 19 th and 20 th The museum features artifacts relating to Joseph Stutzman, the “Father of Amish Country.” Exhibits include a surrey which is a doorless, four-wheeled carriage. Historic Roscoe Village The town, along the Ohio & Eric Canal, was originally built in 1830 and restored 50 years ago. Self-guided living history tours are available daily from 10am until 4pm. See the city along a unique horse-drawn canal boat ride. Killbuck Valley Historical Society and Museum Learn about the natural and cultural history of the region. Venture into the taxidermy section for birds and small game native to the area. Every visit is different because the museum features rotating displays. Millersburg Glass Museum The museum features Millersburg Carnival and Crystal glass made between 1909 and 1912. Visitors can also learn about the history of the local glass plant. The glasswork is cherished by collectors. Some of the items on display are on loan from private collections. Open Air Art Museum The museum features art created by local and regional artists using a variety of mediums. The Haiku Walk boasts 30 large stones with gingko leaf-shaped steel plates engraved with haiku poems in both English and traditional Japanese characters. Woven is a massive installation that used materials found on the grounds of the Open Air Art Museum. Pro Football Hall of Fame Learn about each hall of famer by using the kiosks beside each bronze bust in the Hall of Fame Gallery. See one-of-a-kind artifacts and championship rings in the Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery. Upgrade to the “Insider’s Tour” to learn background about the exhibits that is not included on the captions. Victorian House Museum The home is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is a 28 room Queen Anne style home that spans 7,000 square feet. The home was featured on HGTV’s “Victorian America.”

You will see many Amish furniture shops on your next visit to Ohio’s Amish Country. People from all over the country and the world visit the area to explore and experience Amish culture. That lifestyle is strongly represented in their traditions of quality furniture making. If you are looking to furnish your home, we recommend using Donna’s as your home base while you visit all the shops. If you are not currently looking for new furniture, we still recommend stopping into a few shops to witness the value and features of Amish made furniture. Why should you purchase Amish made furniture? It is made from ethically sourced hardwood. Most Amish furniture makers use real hardwood from North America. In comparison, chain furniture stores often feature engineered wood. Making furniture from engineered wood makes it cheaper to purchase but it is also cheaper in quality. Furniture made from real hardwood is more exquisite. The dining room tables boast the beauty of the natural knots and grain of the wood. Everything they create is a unique, one-of-a-kind masterpiece. The Amish are master woodworkers. Since they do not use electricity, their woodworking techniques are meticulous. The time and effort spent results in sturdy craftsmanship. You will be supporting fair labor wages and safe work environments. Oftentimes you will meet the actual person or people who make the furniture. Amish furniture is often custom-made. We all know the trouble of having specific room dimensions and then looking for a piece of furniture that will fit. The dining table you end up choosing might not be your favorite style but at least it fits in your breakfast nook. And there is never the option to simply request a table that is two inches shorter. When you work with an Amish furniture marker, you can pick the design, the wood, the varnish, and the size. In the end, you have a piece of furniture that is perfect for your style and perfect for the size of your home. Amish furniture is meant to last a lifetime or more. When you purchase Amish furniture, you are buying an heirloom that can be enjoyed for generations to come. What are some of the best shops to visit for furniture in Ohio Amish Country? Dutch Craft Furniture of Berlin – The showroom features 10,000 square feet of furniture for every room in your house from the nursery to the kitchen to the office. Their white glove delivery service is available in all 48 of the contiguous states. Talk with them about custom cabinets for your laundry room or closet. Berlin Furnishings – Want to watch furniture being made while you shop? Visitors can watch the on-site builder in action from the comfort of the show room. You can purchase furniture and decor directly from the showroom or have a custom piece designed for you. Pleasant View Furniture – What started as a small two-story building in 1993 has grown to a third-generation run 20,000 square foot showroom. Everything in the store is made in Holmes County. The solid hardwood is harvested by local suppliers. Everything can be customized to match your style. Have a color you need to match? They are happy to help out. They even carry locally made upholstered furniture. Schrock’s Heritage Furniture – The entire line of furniture here is made by hand by Amish craftsmen. Want an easy sign of the quality of their pieces? The backing on their furniture is always wood, not cardboard. Choose from a variety of species of wood including oak, cherry, quarter sawn oak, maple, Ambrosia maple, walnut, and hickory. Their website features a page of color options if you want to start thinking about your room design before you arrive. Little Cottage Co. – Why should the inside of your home have all the fun? Little Cottage Co. specializes in Amish made outdoor structure kits. Check out their line of sheds, playhouses, greenhouses, chicken coop, and dog kennels. Your dog will feel like a king or queen in their own Victorian cozy kennel. Troyer Furniture – Troyer takes pride in educating their customers so everyone knows that the best choices are being made. They built their business on Amish made furniture and also feature the highest quality upholstered furniture they can find. Amish furniture styles in the showroom include Mission, Shaker, and Craftsman. Want the best furniture you can find but need a little help paying for it? Troyer’s can offer financing, including 90 days same as cash. Honestly, there are so many shops to visit while in Ohio Amish Country. Stop at one, two, or ten. Be sure to tell us your favorites so we can share with other guests.

The temperatures outside have shifted to romantic cuddle weather. Grab a cozy sweater, a cup of tea, and bask in the warmth of a fireplace in one of our log cabins. Before you get too comfortable, remember that the change in the weather also means that the winter holidays are right around the corner. Luckily there are many local shops and artisans in the Berlin area. You can find a gift for everyone on your list (and perhaps a few things for yourself as well) and still have plenty of time for an evening of snuggling. When you shop in Ohio’s Amish Country you know you are supporting the creative energies of a real person or family rather than a huge corporation. So many of the shops have been owned by the same families for generations. That energy and devotion is reflected in the quality of the gifts you will find. Here are a few places that we recommend for all of your gift shopping needs while on your next getaway to Donna’s Premier Lodging. Amish Country Soap & Candle Co. Amish Country Essentials has been in business since 2005 but the family ties go back much further than that. The process of making natural soap can be traced back for 200 years in this family. The current owner and his wife learned the process from his grandmother. Today they make handmade soap, lotion, organic shampoo, lip balms, deodorants, salves, moisturizers, and more. Think these types of stores only have gifts for women? Think again. There is a section for men including old fashioned shave soap. Troyer’s Sweet Shop Did someone say chocolate? This third-generation chocolate shop still uses grandma’s original recipe from 1960 for their caramel. You will find everything from classic turtles to orange truffles to peanut butter fudge. The inn loves this shop so much we use them for our romantic hand-dipped chocolate add-on . This is definitely the shop where you need to budget a little extra to pick up something for yourself. If you are traveling with a group of ten or more, you can take part in the process and dip your own buckeyes. Call in advance for the unique and tasty experience. David Warther Carvings This is a two-for-one stop with a museum of delicate ivory carvings and a fine gift shop. The museum collection houses 80 miniature carvings of sailing ships from throughout history. All of them are created from legal antique ivory and ebony wood. David Warther carved his first ship at age six and has not stopped yet. The gift shop is known for its unusual and ever-changing assortment of products with an emphasis on home decor. Mixed among the Amish brooms, glassware, and pottery are quirky children’s toys, puzzles, and jewelry. P. Graham Dunn The 20,000 square foot retail store is located within the manufacturing facility. There are windows and viewing areas throughout the store that allow visitors to get a birds-eye view of the entire production process. P. Graham Dunn started as a family-owned business in 1976. In 2019 it transitioned to become an employee-owned business. This is a great spot to customize gifts; they have lasers in the store and can do custom engravings on the spot. Personalizable gifts include mugs, photo frames, ornaments, pizza cutters, key chains, cutting boards, and multi-tools. The shop also boasts collections of home decor, housewares, outdoor decor, and Christmas-themed gifts. The Pottery Niche This women-led, veteran-owned, and second generation-owned shop specializes in hand-crafted and hand-painted pottery from Poland. Every item in the store is beautiful and also practical. Have you ever purchased a gorgeous serving bowl only to let it sit unused in a cupboard for fear of breaking it? The glaze used on this pottery makes it chip resistant and easy to clean. The kitchenware is also microwave, oven, dishwasher, and freezer safe. Honestly, you may choose to replace everything in your kitchen with pieces from this shop. You will find traditional patterns like “Peacock” as well as more intricate designs that have been signed by the artist. Holiday items from Christmas to Easter to Halloween are always on display regardless of the season. Guggisberg Cheese As the saying goes… “often imitated, never duplicated.” Guggisberg is home of the original baby swiss cheese. The second-generation company has grown and now distributes throughout the United States. We suggest stopping in for yourself to sample one (or many) of their 60 types of cheese. Do not worry about keeping the cheese fresh yourself. Guggisberg can ship throughout the country. Everyone loves getting food as gifts and you can be confident that you are gifting quality because you have personally tried the product.