As any Ohioan knows, the weather in this state between Thanksgiving and Easter is unpredictable at best. And last years heavy snows may have done well to feed the myth that "Amish Country closes for the Winter."
According to Paul Miller, executive director of the Amish Mennonite Heritage Center, many tourists have a "leaf peeper" mindset that "October is the all-time high month" and "when the leaves fall, the attractions will close."
In reality, nearly all the attractions and shops remain open year-round, along with many special events that take place only at this time of year. The weather outside may or may not be be frightful, but Amish Country in wintertime is delightful!
If you love the country but want to avoid the summertime crowds, January through March is the perfect time to visit. Not only are the streets, shops and restaurants less congested, but many establishments hold after-Christmas sales and not-to-be-missed clearances during this time.
If youre looking to spend the night, some inns and motels offer lower winter rates, and several establishments have special packages and tours only available in wintertime.
Carol Steffey, the innkeeper at Garden Gate Get-A-Way BB, is planning several "wintry" tour packages in conjunction with Amish Culture Tours. Themed weekend-long excursions include "Hands-on with the Amish," a "ladies-only" spa get-a-way and the delectable-sounding "Taste of Holmes County" tour. Another weekend package includes "progressive meals" in five Amish homes -- sounds like a tough job, but somebody's got to eat the roast beef, chicken, mashed potatoes and noodles (and, ahem, PIE).
Lastly, in this writers humble opinion, Amish Country is most uniquely beautiful in the cold weather months. Sure, there may be slush and mud at times, but theres also a quiet, almost noble charm in the winter countryside, the breath of the horses rising up in little clouds, mirroring the tufts of woodsmoke wafting from houses and one-room schools.
If youre in the mood for a quieter, cozier retreat to Amish Country, nows the time.