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.

 

New Health Guidelines for Visiting the Flea Market

We are so excited that The Original Holmes County Flea Market will be reopening Thursday, May 14th! However, it is our highest concern to keep you and our vendors and staff safe and healthy. We have put into place new healthy guidelines so that everyone can enjoy the flea market safely!

1. There are posts on the main entrance doors encouraging everyone to wear a mask. We do realize that it is a personal choice, so it is not a mandate and no one will be removed from the flea market for not wearing one.

2. Roster's Roasters will offer a limited selection of pork rinds, but they will not be serving ice cream at this time.

3. Blessings Cafe will offer a limited take out menu.

4. We will be putting all cafeteria tables and chairs off to the side to help eliminate social gatherings.

5. We expect everyone to follow safe "social distancing" and stay at least 6 feet apart while waiting at a cash register or browsing the aisles.

6. We will be placing hand sanitizers around.

7. We ask customers and guests not to enter if symptomatic.

We will also be conducting daily health assessments to make sure our staff is healthy for work. We will clean and sanitize surfaces throughout day and at the close of business or between shifts.

Regretfully, we have to let you know that in order to keep physical contact down, we have cancelled all of the market giveaways, the car show, and Fall Fest. We are still looking to plan these events for our 2021 season.

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.

We 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.