Come Visit Ohio's Amish Country! We Are Open!

It has been a rough spring for everyone...pretty much all around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic came along and shut everything down just as spring was starting to show. In May, businesses and restaurants in Ohio have gradually begun to open. Amish Country, Ohio, has been no different. While our businesses were closed (you can't stop spring planting and other necessary farm work from happening!) for a couple months, Amish Country is starting burst forth again with life.

Visiting Amish Country will look a little different for the time being with necessary health precautions as directed by Governor Mike DeWine and Director of Ohio's Department of Health Amy Acton. Since every business has made their own determinations about what they feel safest about (or have the ability to do), it is a good idea to call ahead to ask about what to expect when visiting and plan ahead for your day. You don't want to show up to your favorite Amish Country shop or restaurant only to find out they have limited hours and you just missed them!

These are the restaurant guidelines handed down by the state, but be aware individual businesses could have more stringent guidelines.

• Symptomatic customers are not allowed in any establishment.
• Dine-in places must allow for social distancing between parties.
• Maximum party size is 10.
• Self-service buffets are prohibited.
• Encourage reservations (this is why planning ahead is a GREAT idea!).
• Encourage masks, except for when eating.

Here are retail store guidelines, and again each business may have their own interpretation, so be aware and be considerate!

• Symptomatic customers are not allowed in any establishment.
• Limit capacity to 50% of the fire code. (this means a store could be open, but full and you might have to wait to get in.).
• Ensure 6 ft social distancing in lines.
• Specify hours for at-risk clientele.
• No food samples or self-service food stations.
• Food courts are closed (this does include the seating area at The Original Holmes County Flea Market.).
• Encourage masks, but they are not required by patrons. Employees are required.

If you have questions about how to protect yourself, the Ohio Department of Health (OHD) can provide answers. The ODH call center can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). ODH staffers operate the center seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, including weekends. Call center staff includes licensed nurses and infectious disease experts. They are available to answer questions and provide accurate information about COVID-19, the risk to the public, and the state’s response.

The Original Holmes County Flea Market can still take groups, but you need to call ahead! Ready to plan your bus group trip to Amish Country, Ohio, but not sure where to start? We are now taking reservations for bus groups. We specialize in groups of any sizes and can help you book your trip. 

Ask about our discounted rates and coupons for our bus groups! For more information and discount rates, call us at 330-893-0900.