A Fall Weekend in Amish Country, Ohio

We have all had quite the year, haven't we? I'm not sure about you, but I definitely need a vacation! Now is the perfect time to come to Amish Country in Ohio. The weather is not hot anymore, and the snow hasn't yet started falling either. The colors of fall are starting to show and you can see the Amish out working their fields for harvest. It's just a really peaceful time, and isn't a little peace what we are all seeking right now?

Let's plan out a sample fall weekend in Amish Country that you can follow exactly or let your eyes carry you where they will when you get here! We recommend that you check for availability and make reservations if necessary beforehand!

First, coming in on a Friday evening, you'll be hungry and ready for a great meal. Lucky for you, we have no shortage of great places to eat! Feed whatever craving you have.

We have tons of places to spend the night in Amish Country too! Want a bed and breakfast, we got 'em! Want a luxurious hotel? We have it. Want a secluded romantic cabin? It's just a few clicks away for reservations!

Saturday morning and you've got a hankering for a big breakfast! Try the Honey Bee Café and Bakery,  known for their award winning Honey Walnut Baklava. But don't stop there, you've got to try their delicious specialty drinks and made-from-scratch baked goods! 

Now, it's time to walk off that breakfast with a stroll through Millersburg. We can't even list all the unique boutiques you'll see because there are so many. Needless to say, you'll have a blast and you'll be hungry again before you know it!

Spend your Saturday afternoon at The Original Holmes County Flea Market. Start with lunch at the Flea Market's exclusive Amish Wedding Cafe. Then, with over 60 vendors to see, you'll be able to find everything you want from unique treats and snacks, to clothing, home decor and seasonal items that you can only find during the fall. Plus, don't forget the Amish Pickers Antique Mall that is part of the Flea Market! Find your next great treasure there.

Saturday night and what to do? If you think we shut down at 5, no way! Grab a couple tickets to the Amish Country Theater and laugh your head off to their hilarious antics. Your kids will love it and you'll love their clean comedy. Note: you can order tickets ahead of time, but you will be seated as "best available" when you arrive to comply with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

After another great night's sleep, it's time to enjoy the quiet because on Sunday almost all of Amish Country is closed for a day of rest. There are no shortage of trails to take you through the beautiful countryside from Holmes County Rails To Trails.

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.

Finding Great Antiques!

Ever wonder how some people get those fantastic (and valuable) antique finds? It takes time, a good eye, and a little bit of RADAR! We'll explain the acronym in this blog.

Rarity

What makes something a rarity? That kind of sounds like a silly question, but it actually is not. If no one else on your block owns one, you know that it’s worth something. If no one in your zip code has one, it might be worth even more. And if no one in your area code has one, chances are, you have a piece that’s pretty valuable.

Of course, something might be rare because it just didn’t make it in the marketplace. The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. Still, if you like it, well, this aspect of rarity can work to your advantage.

Aesthetics

This is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty and taste, as well as the philosophy of art. When you can look at an item without wanting to change anything, when all the elements of it blend together in perfect harmony, and when it has an overall pleasing appearance, then that item really has it in the aesthetics department.

Desirability

How much is this item in demand? Items from Tiffany's have a large desirability, but this is one where trends are key. Pay attention to what styles, colors or brands people want.

Authenticity

This one is where it might be a little more difficult to know. Is that lamp a real Tiffany or is it a knock-off from China? Part of the mystery and fun of antiques is separating truth from fiction. As technology and the ability to reproduce items become more advanced, identifying the authentic antique becomes more difficult. Study up on books and pictures of actual pieces so you'll get good at recognizing the real thing.

An object with a Tiffany signature is worth more than an object without one. However, a signature is not in itself enough to authenticate a piece. Here’s where your specialization comes in: You need to know the types of pieces Tiffany made — the texture of the glass, the colors, and the styles — and make sure that all the elements make sense before you can believe the signature.

Really Great Condition

Here’s the rule as far as value goes: The less that was done to the original item to alter it, the more it’s worth. That is, the fewer the additions or deletions over the years, the better.

Flea markets are a great place to find antique items, and our Amish Pickers Antique Mall at The Original Holmes County Flea Market is a paradise of antiques! Antiquers are often found wandering through looking for items. Smaller pieces of furniture, hand tools, dolls, toys and dinnerware are common antique items that can be found at flea markets. The prices are also usually much less than what you’d pay at an antique store.

Ready to plan your bus group trip to Amish Country, Ohio, but not sure where to start? We can still take groups, but you need to call ahead! We are 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.

Why Going to the Flea Market is So Much Fun!

You are probably reading this blog because you like flea markets already, so we're going to talk about some of your favorite things! Feel free to drop a comment about why you love The Original Holmes County Flea Market!

1. Bargains. This is generally the main reason people live for going to flea markets. They are looking for bargains. That is the big selling point of flea markets. They’re similar to a giant garage sale with all the items organized on different tables. Some of the vendors are selling new items but many of them are selling used items in good condition.

3. Variety. You never know what you are going to find at The Original Holmes County Flea Market but you can be guaranteed that the products will cover a wide spectrum. You’ll usually find clothes, housewares, décor items, tools, toys, books, antiques and crafts. What is found on those tables one week will be totally different than what you might find another week. So the variety that exists is also always changing.

4. Collectibles. Collectors of all types of items will be found roaming through flea markets. They’re looking for rare pieces and parts that can’t be found anywhere else. For auto enthusiasts it may be a hood ornament or another original piece for their current restoration project in the antiques area. Dinnerware collectors are looking pieces to finish out their sets. Art collectors are looking for that rare piece of pottery or a painting of great value that has yet to be discovered. We also have vendors selling sports memorabilia and more.

5. Antique lovers. Flea markets are a great place to find antique items, and our Amish Pickers Antique Mall is a paradise of antiques! Antiquers are often found wandering through looking for items. Smaller pieces of furniture, hand tools, dolls, toys and dinnerware are common antique items that can be found at flea markets. The prices are also usually much less than what you’d pay at an antique store.

6. Food! We would be remiss if we didn't talk about food, because we have a lot of it. Between vendors with wonderful Amish canned goods, popcorn of all flavors, candy, snacks...there's just too many delicious things to list. You will definitely find that one-of-a-kind flavor or a brand new favorite treat when you come to the Flea Market.

Ready to plan your bus group trip to Amish Country, Ohio, but not sure where to start? We can still take groups, but you need to call ahead! We are 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.

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.

Amish Country Food

One thing that Amish Country, Ohio is never in short supply of is FOOD! From down-home Amish cooking to wineries and chocolatiers, you will find exactly what you are craving when you visit. This blog is going to introduce you to a few of our favorites, and it is by no means an extensive list. So do not be afraid to try another place that is not on this list. We know you will leave Amish Country satisfied!

Guggisberg Cheese

1. Guggisberg Cheese, Inc. This world famous and award-winning dairy is renowned for their premium Swiss and original Baby Swiss cheeses. If you don't find a favorite cheese here, then it doesn't exist! It's located at 5060 State Route 557 Millersburg, Ohio 44654.

2. Troyer's Country Market If you were looking for the perfect store to find all your Amish Country favorites, as far as the edible ones go, this is the place you must go! Troyer's proudly carries many of the places that we mention in this blog, along with their own delicious foods. Fresh butter, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more are found in abundance here. They are located at 5201 CR 77 Millersburg, OH 44654

Troyer's Country Market

3. Walnut Creek Cheese Another market filled to the brim with deliciousness! Walnut Creek makes their own cheeses, and has a fresh meat market. But what is probably their biggest draw is the HUGE ice cream cones they sell. So if you need an ice cream fix, stop by 2641 State Route 39 Walnut Creek, OH 44687. They also have a location in Berlin as well!

Roster's Fudge at The Original Holmes County Flea Market

4. And don't forget the food vendors at our very own The Original Holmes Country Flea Market!  Spend the day with us. Shop over 300 local vendors with unique items, sweets and treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Visit our 2,000 square foot antique wing for authentic antiques, collectibles, and vintage finds. After a fun filled day of shopping enjoy lunch at our full service cafe. Take a seat in our large dining room and enjoy a sweet treat. We're located at 4550 SR 39 Berlin, OH 44654.


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.

Holmes County Flea Market 101

We are so proud of the way The Original Holmes County Flea Market has grown over the years! It's exciting to see new and wonderful vendors find their home with us. We also love it when our beloved return guests bring new friends with them to experience all that we have to offer!

But what if you are new to the Holmes County Flea Market? What should you expect? This little blog post is going to be your primer on how to have the most fun at the flea market!

First of all, you've got to be prepared. We open at 9 a.m., so if you are coming right away in the morning, you want to make sure you had a great breakfast! There are many delicious restaurants in Amish Country that you can be sure to find one that suits your tastes! Wear comfortable shoes. The flea market does have a large dining area where you can find a place to rest, but this is probably not the place where you want to wear your stylish stilettos!

Second, don't rush! We like to use a food analogy when talking about shopping (because we love both!). Some stores you go into are like a butcher or a baker, you find one specialized good there, so it's a pretty quick trip. Just in and out. The Holmes County Flea Market, however, is like the biggest buffet ever! We don't recommend you trying to take it all in in one trip! You'll be overwhelmed! 

We have so many awesome vendors (over 300!), that if you try to get to all of them in one day, you will definitely run out of time! To continue the food metaphor, take the time to savor all the flavors at the flea market. Browse each one of our vendors. You'll be amazed that the selection of goods you will find!

Ready to plan your bus group trip to Amish Country, Ohio, but not sure where to start? Visit The Original Holmes Country Flea Market and spend the day with us. Shop over 300 local vendors with unique items, sweets and treats, and one of a kind gifts. Visit our 2,000 square foot antique wing for authentic antiques, collectibles, and vintage finds. After a fun filled day of shopping enjoy lunch at our full service cafe. Take a seat in our large dining room and enjoy a sweet treat. 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.