The Thrill of the Hunt: Shopping Adventures in Amish Country

If you enjoy the hunt as much as the find, April is the perfect month to visit Holmes County, Ohio. As the countryside comes alive in vibrant green and the days stretch a little longer, the spirit of renewal, spring cleaning, and fresh starts begins to stir. Whether you're chasing bargains, digging through boxes for vintage treasures, or seeking something handmade and meaningful, Amish Country offers countless ways to turn shopping into a true adventure.

Berlin Garage Sales

Some of the area’s most dedicated bargain hunters plan their annual visits around the Berlin Garage Sales—and for good reason. Over three days, nearly 100 sales take place throughout Berlin and the surrounding countryside. A map of participating homes and businesses is available at North Market Variety Store. 

Each stop is different: some are families decluttering for spring, others are local artisans or shopkeepers clearing space. You might find handmade quilts, antique tools, kitchen gadgets from another era, or something special and totally unexpected. 

Berlin Barnstorming

If you like a little fun mixed in with your shopping, Berlin Barnstorming offers a full day of interactive exploration.

More than two dozen local merchants will hide a small wooden barn inside their stores. Find the barn, and you’ll receive a raffle ticket for a gift card or other prizes. Every barn you discover increases your chances of winning the Grand Prize Gift Basket. 

The event (April 26, 2025) runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with prize drawings held at 4 p.m. at the German Village Center. 

Whether you’re a competitive searcher or just along for the ride, the Barnstorming offers a playful way to explore stores you might have otherwise missed.

Get Growing: Spring Plant Sale at Walnut Creek Cheese

The Spring Plant Sale at Walnut Creek Cheese kicks off this month and runs through mid-May, offering a wide selection of plants under the big white tent outside the market. Shoppers will find everything from vegetable starts and herbs to ferns, hanging baskets, and flowering planters—many grown locally and priced competitively. It’s a practical stop for anyone getting their garden ready, and a fun one too. With plenty of choices and a convenient location, the sale has become an annual tradition for many local gardeners and visitors alike.

More To Explore

Even outside the marquee events, Holmes County is a great destination for curious shoppers. The area offers a rich variety of antique malls, thrift stores, and specialty shops—plenty to fill a weekend with relaxed browsing and unexpected finds.

If you’re looking for places to start, Save & Serve Thrift Shop is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. With a constantly changing selection of donated clothing, books, home goods, and vintage items, it’s a local favorite that also supports global relief and development efforts. You can learn more about their story at SaveandServe.org.

Another great stop is Jackson Street Antiques in Millersburg. This well-organized shop features an eclectic mix of furniture, collectibles, and decorative pieces from all kinds of eras and styles. Like many antique stores in the area, it’s the kind of place where you’ll find something you didn’t know you were looking for

Want more ideas? Browse a full list of antique and thrift shops in the area HERE. 

Make It a Weekend

After a full day of treasure hunting, why not make a weekend of it? Holmes County has a wide range of places to stay—from cozy inns to guesthouses, cabins, and hotels—so you can relax, recharge, and be ready to explore even more the next day. Find your home base for shopping, dining, and discovery HERE.