Photo courtesy of Holmes County Tourism Bureau
Holmes County, Ohio, best known as Ohio’s Amish Country, is full of rich culture and unique experiences. Originally a group tour marketer for the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, Tiffany Gerber is now the organization’s executive director. Group Tour recently spoke to Gerber about what makes Holmes County such a special destination for group tours.
Q. How would you describe Holmes County to someone who has never visited before?
A. As one of the largest Amish settlements in the world, our area blends the Amish values of placing God, family, and community first with old-fashioned country work ethic to provide an authentic and leisurely getaway for groups of any size. We are able to provide experiences that go “beyond buggies” to include culinary, recreation, and shopping experiences as well.
Q. What makes Holmes County a great place for group tours?
A. In addition to celebrating the Amish way of life with backroads tours, meals on Amish homesteads, and shopping for everything from bulk foods to furniture, we have a growing wine and beer trail, wonderful ladies’ clothing boutiques, live theater, and farm experiences. We are also home to unique attractions such as the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum, the Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens, “Behalt” at the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center, a one-of-a-kind Coleman lantern museum, the David Warther Carvings gallery and museum, and live theater at the Amish Country Theater and Ohio Star Theater.
Q. How does Holmes County help tour operators plan their group tours?
A. We are blessed to have professional receptive operators in the area, and our office can make that connection for tour planners. We also provide photos, videos, suggested itineraries, and individual FAM tours on request.
Q. Are there areas, themes, or activities you would like to promote to group tours?
A. The Ohio Star Theater at Sugarcreek will be featuring a new show in 2025: “The Road to Damascus.” Our local receptive operators can create make-and-take tours, Amish home visits, behind-the-scenes adventures, and themed scavenger hunts. For the more adventurous groups, our outdoor offerings such as e-bike rentals, waterfalls, historic covered bridges, and horseback riding add a fresh way to experience Amish Country. Dining options from gourmet pizza and fresh-baked goods to family-style traditions and locally made cheeses and bulk foods offer delicious options for a Taste of Amish Country adventure. Themed itineraries can be custom-made by our staff, but we recommend working with a receptive operator to add a step-on guide to be sure you find just the right lodging option for your group.
Q. What’s your long-term outlook for group tours to Holmes County?
A. It is important to us to continue to offer traditional Amish experiences while developing new and unique experiences to keep Ohio Amish Country itineraries fresh and interesting. There are many exciting additions planned for the area in the near future. We also recognize the importance of reminding group tour planners that there are Sunday and evening options in our region.
Q. Is there anything new or upcoming in Holmes County that group tour planners should know about?
A. The Walnut Creek Market now has a winery and craft brews on-site, and there is a new permanent exhibit at the Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens, including new programs and hands-on activities.
Q. Is there anything else our audience of tour operators should know about Holmes County?
A. We are located just an hour from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and under two hours from Cleveland and Columbus. We make a wonderful addition to a city lights/country life itinerary.
Learn More
Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
visitamishcountry.com
Lead image:
Photo courtesy of Holmes County Tourism Bureau
