Spring in Amish Country: Fresh Air, Fresh Flavors, and a Fresh Start

Feeling like  winter has overstayed its welcome? As the season shifts, Amish Country, Ohio trades quiet snow-covered fields for green pastures, blooming gardens, and the familiar stir of life returning. Here are some ideas to shake off the cold and ease into the rhythm of spring.

Savor Local Maple Syrup

When the ground thaws and the days grow longer, sap begins to flow in Amish Country. Cold nights and warmer days create the perfect conditions for tapping maple trees, a tradition passed down through generations. Farmers collect the clear, slightly sweet sap and boil it down in steaming sugar shacks until it transforms into golden maple syrup. This short season fills the air with a rich, woodsy aroma, signaling the true arrival of spring. Even after the last boil, locally made maple syrup is available year-round at farm markets, country stores, and roadside stands.

Visit Family-Owned Greenhouses

Spring in Holmes County invites you to get your hands in the soil. Farming runs deep here, and family-owned greenhouses across the countryside offer vegetable starts, heirloom seeds, and the first bright blooms of the season. Even if you’re not ready to plant, visiting a greenhouse is refreshing—rows of petunias, geraniums, and hanging baskets fill the space with color and the scent of damp earth. It’s also the perfect time to welcome back the birds with fresh seed and new feeders, bringing more life into your backyard.

Tackle Your Outdoor Projects

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home and garden, and Amish Country has everything you need to get started. Lehman’s Hardware in Kidron offers everything from hand tools and garden supplies to outdoor décor and old-fashioned homesteading essentials, all wrapped in the charm of simpler living. Keim Home Center in Charm is a woodworker’s and builder’s dream, featuring high-quality materials, expert advice, and a beautifully designed showroom filled with project ideas.

Discover Hidden Gems in the Countryside

Amish Country is full of hidden gems waiting to be explored this spring. In Sugarcreek, the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum offers a rare glimpse into the golden age of railroading. Open seasonally from April through November, the Age of Steam Roundhouse is home to the largest private collection of steam locomotives in the world, this working roundhouse brings history to life with guided tours that take you up close to these massive machines. For those who prefer a quieter escape, the Holmes County Trail stretches for 15 scenic miles through rolling farmland and wooded valleys. Open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders, it’s a peaceful way to take in the fresh air and unhurried pace of the countryside. And if you’re looking for a taste of Amish Country, Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery is a must-stop. Their shelves are stocked with fresh-baked pies, homemade donuts, and locally grown produce, while the petting zoo—featuring everything from goats to giant draft horses—is a favorite for families.

Stock Up at Local Butcher Shops

As the weather warms and backyards come back to life, it’s time to fire up the grill. There’s no better place to find quality meats than the butcher shops of Amish Country. Butchery here is a tradition rooted in the region’s deep agricultural heritage. Family-owned shops take pride in sourcing from local farms, offering fresh, expertly prepared cuts full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for hand-cut steaks or house-made sausages, these butchers know their craft. Many also carry smoked meats, specialty cheeses, and pantry staples that can turn a simple cookout into something special.

One standout is Winesburg Meats, a family-owned business since 1959. Founded by Ukrainian immigrants Walter and Katherine, they brought European sausage-making traditions to Ohio. Today, Winesburg Meats offers a wide range of products, including smoked sausages, bacon, bratwurst, and more. Their commitment to quality and tradition ensures that every product is made with real ingredients, free from gluten, soy, MSG, and preservatives. 

Extend Your Stay

If winter has you feeling stuck, consider making a weekend of it in Amish Country. Staying overnight allows you to slow down, explore without rushing, and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. Book a cozy inn, a cabin, or a farm stay, and wake up to birdsong instead of an alarm. With more time, you can take scenic back roads, visit markets when they’re less crowded, and truly embrace the unhurried pace of life here. Start planning your trip today: Find your stay in Amish Country.