Amish Country Road Trips: Walnut Creek
The area Jonas Stutzman and and his wife settled in 1809 is now a tourist destination known for its restaurants, shops and opportunities to take in the Amish way of living.
Jonas Stutzman was Walnut Creek’s first permanent settler, traveling to what is now the eastern portion of Holmes County from Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in 1809. He and his wife were of the Amish faith, and today the area the couple called home has become a tourist destination known for its restaurants, shops and opportunities to take in the Amish way of living. Tour a farm or visit the German Culture Museum, a free attraction in the lower level of the local community center that teaches visitors about the beginnings of the Amish faith.
Coblentz Chocolate Co.: Indulge your sweet tooth at this old-fashioned store featuring hand-dipped chocolates and hand-rolled truffles. No matter your tastes, you’ll find something to love among the more than 100 varieties. The shop’s signature creations range from caramels, creams and clusters to toffees, truffles and barks. Gourmet nuts, fudge, caramel corn and coffee are also among the offerings. 4917 St. Rte. 515, Walnut Creek 44687, 800/338-9341, coblentzchocolates.com
Der Dutchman Walnut Creek: Dutchman Hospitality operates five restaurants throughout Ohio, with three of them located in Holmes and Tuscarawas counties. Many diners opt for Der Dutchman’s famous buffet so they can try a little of everything: country-cured ham, roast beef, the list goes on. And, like its sister location Dutch Valley Restaurant, Der Dutchman has an on-site bakery so you can take some sweets home with you, too. 4967 St. Rte. 515, Walnut Creek 44687, 330/893-2981, dhgroup.com/restaurants
Rebecca's Bistro: Since 2002, this small breakfast and lunch spot has offered something just a bit different when it comes to Amish Country dining: the menu changes biweekly. Offerings range from French toast, omelets and pancakes to salads, sandwiches and soups. If you don’t get to try the restaurant’s signature tomato basil soup, don’t worry. You can buy a quart of it to go. 4986 Walnut St., Walnut Creek 44687, 330/893-2668, rebeccasbistro.com
Walnut Creek Antique Mall: A perfect destination for those interested in discovering items from days gone by or locating a lost toy from their childhood, this antique mall offers an ever-changing lineup within its 11,000 square feet. The shop’s packed front porch is filled with items for sale, and once inside you’ll find stalls from nearly 50 vendors. It’ll all keep you busy browsing for a couple hours. 4872 McKinley Place Dr., Walnut Creek 44687, 330/893-4010
Carlisle Gifts Walnut Creek: Located across the street from Der Dutchman and owned by Dutchman Hospitality, this shop located inside a Victorian-inspired home offers three floors of elegantly organized gifts, ranging from vibrantly colored Vera Bradley handbags to skincare products from The Naked Bee to a variety of boutique clothing brands. Shoppers will also find a selection of seasonal home decor, American-made products and locally crafted Amish wares. 4962 Walnut St., Walnut Creek 44687, 330/893-2535, dhgroup.com/shops
Walnut Creek Cheese: Shop this large food market for meats, cheeses, produce, bulk foods and other ingredients that’ll bring country flavor to your kitchen. You can also grab a bite at the Mudd Valley Cafe and Creamery, which offers specialty sandwiches like Trail Bologna & Swiss, creative burgers (the Sweet & Sow features an apple butter barbecue sauce) and build-your-own bowls, wraps and salads. 2641 St. Rte. 39, Walnut Creek 44687, 330/852-2888, walnutcreekcheese.com
The Farm at Walnut Creek: One doesn’t expect to spot a giraffe in Amish Country, but this farm with more than 500 animals offers the chance to learn about species from around the globe. (You can hand feed several on the horse-led wagon or traditional driving tours.) Tour the petting zoo, barns and houses to learn what it takes to keep an Amish farm running smoothly. 4147 County Rd. 114, Sugarcreek 44681, 330/893-4200, thefarmatwalnutcreek.com
Nearby 3 Miles | Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market: Located between Walnut Creek and Sugarcreek, this flea market offers a sprawling 55,000 square feet to explore. (They’ll even give you a ride from your spot in the 5-acre parking lot to the flea market’s front door if you need one.) The market is air-conditioned and pet friendly, and a map aids in helping visitors find their way around the stalls of the more than 50 vendors who sell their wares here. 1900 St. Rte. 39, Sugarcreek 44681, 330/852-0181, walnutcreekamishfleamarket.com
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