Monday, January 19, 2009

Visiting Amish Country in Holmes County
By Will Allensworth

The Ohio General Assembly established the area that today is
known as Holmes County, Ohio in 1824. Named after Andrew Holmes,
an officer who died in the War of 1812 during an attack on Fort
Mackinack in 1814, white German immigrants first settled the
area between 1809 and 1810. At about this same time, smaller
groups of eastern Pennsylvanian Amish Mennonites traveled across
the Alleghenies in to settle near the Village of Sugarcreek,
Ohio in Tuscarawas County near the Holmes County line.

Today, the area now has the largest population of Amish people
anywhere in the world with nearly 18,000 out of 40,000 residents
in Holmes County being Amish. While you're visiting the area,
make sure that you take in the picturesque scenery. Spend time
enjoying the county's relaxing pace and wander down the winding
country back roads of yesteryear. You'll quickly discover that
every major road through the area could be designated as a
scenic drive.

The Amish People of Holmes County

The common misconception, which is totally false by the way, is
that the Amish people are called as such due to their religious
beliefs. The truth is that they are called Amish because of the
oral traditions of their religion, called Ordnung, which has
been passed down from generation to generation. Ordnung is a
behavioral set of guidelines that they are committed to living
their lives by. This lifestyle ethic is illustrated by their
artwork, furniture, handmade quilts, and toys that can be found
in the communities of Berlin, Millersburg, and Walnut Creek.

There will be some variance in culture and tradition depending
on the community that you visit. Dating, dress, marriage, roles
of both the man and woman in the community and households, as
well as how much modern technology is acceptable will vary. The
Amish have always believed that they are equal in the eyes of
God and that all things are done for His glory and to serve no
other purpose.

Things to Do in Holmes County

Vacationing in Holmes County will afford the traveler with a
wide variety of dining, lodging, sightseeing, and shopping
opportunities unlike anywhere else in the United States. If you
want to relieve your stress, a trip to Holmes County and Ohio's
Amish Country is just what the doctor ordered. Those who have
grown weary of the din and stressful pace of city life in the
larger metropolises can escape from it when they visit Holmes
County. Here are a few recommendations for things to do while
visiting there.

Amish Country Hot Air Balloon Rides - one hour flights by
reservation only

Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center - features a bookstore,
Conestoga wagon, gift shop, local crafts, and a one-room
schoolhouse

Amish Country Riding Stables - Amish Country Riding Stables
located at the Guggisberg Swiss Inn feature horse and buggy
rides, as well as sleigh rides in winter (weather permitting)

This is just a small sample of what awaits you when you visit
Holmes County. For more information on attractions, dining,
local events, lodging, and shopping, there are a number of
websites available online that are filled with all the
information you need.

About the Author: William Allensworth is a very dedicated
author, mainly writing about the Amish Country lands which is
mostly centered around Holmes County Ohio and Berlin Ohio.
Detailed summaries express his experiences and true love with
this area. http://www.graystone-cottages.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=338762&ca=Travel

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