Ohio Amish Country Experiences

Volume 002
Issue 001

February 2010

Dear Ohio Amish Country Enthusiast,

We trust everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year's celebration. We now anticipate the romance of Valentine's Day and the great sales of President's Day.

As of our last newsletter we had not had any significant snow in northeast Ohio - well that has certainly changed!

We've had plenty of snow and cold - but that's not all bad either. There are a couple of places in Ohio Amish Country where you can experience the nostalgia of an old-fashioned sleigh ride in the snow.

Supposedly the ground hog will tell us how much longer winter will last - come what may, one sure sign that winter is coming to an end is the beginning of Northeast Ohio's famous maple syrup season.

For now, Amish and English alike make the best of the season. Some enjoy it while others endure it.

But this we know, there's no better place to enjoy and embrace the four distinct seasons of the year than in Ohio Amish Country.

We also know winter won't last forever, so enjoy the strangely unique beauty of winter while it's here - and before you know it - spring will come.

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In this issue we'll be highlighting . . .

1. Our Featured Event of the Month - The Sweetest Northeast Ohio Treat!

2. The Tip of the Month - Take advantage of the great winter rates in Ohio Amish Country!

3. February Events - Find out what's happening - where and when in Ohio Amish Country.

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Featured Event of the Month

Northeast Ohio Maple Syrup Madness

Each winter the cold drives the sap into the ground. And then, each spring as the weather begins to turn warmer the sap once again begins to rise into the tree.

It is at this time - and only this time - each year, usually at the end of February and the first of March, that the maple trees are tapped and the sweet goodness is turned into a delectable syrup.

You can be a part of this experience by watching demonstrations at a number of different locations. There's even a driving tour you can take - just watch for the special signs.

The Burton, Ohio area is particularly well known for maple syrup making and maple syrup products.

Stop by the log cabin on the Burton square and partake of the experiences they offer.

Boiling maple sap into syrup

Check out our Maple Syrup Tour page, there's a list of many of the places you can visit - several are Amish.

There's even a Google map you can link to that will help you better see where you're going!

Check the events list below to see the dates, times and places where you can get in on the fun.

But remember, it only happens once a year for a rather short period of time - so don't miss it!

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Tip of the Month

Amish Country Winter Lodging Rates - are great!

Winter months are traditionally slower in Amish Country - but that's to your advantage. Lodging establishments still need people to stay - and knowing it is a slower time they offer better rates.

Weekends are a little more expensive but Sunday through Wednesday or Thursday nights are a pretty good deal. Most places offer rates that are significantly less than their summer rates - so take advantage of it and visit now!

And while your at it, would you please help us help others? Consider sharing one of your experiences at an Ohio Amish Country lodging establishment by going to our Lodging Review page!

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Calendar of Events

February Events:

February 8 - 13

Annual February Frolic
Get 10% off everything in Sol’s Exchange, Sol’s Palace, and Sol’s Kit & Kaboodle, Sol's Exchange, 4914 West Main Street, Berlin, Ohio 44610. Call 330-893-3134 for more information.

February 10 - 14

Sunrise Farm's Chocolate Covered Strawberry Days
Sunrise Farm dips sweet, luscious strawberries in premium chocolate just in time for St. Valentines Day, order a gourmet box ahead or stop by and pick one up at Sunrise Farm 13115 Kinsman Road, Burton, Ohio 44021. Call 440-834-1298 for more information.

February 10 - 14

Valentines Romance Package
Garden Gate Get-A-Way B&B, 6041 TR 310, Millersburg, Ohio 44654. Call 330-674-7608 for more information.

February 12 - March 24

Quilts 2010
One of Ohio’s finest quilt shows, with more than 250 quilted works on display, featuring works from internationally acclaimed visiting artists and a judged show of quilts completed by regional artists from Northeast Ohio and around the US. Lake Metroparks Farmpark 8800 Chardon Rd. Kirtland, OH 44094. Open Tuesday - Sunday. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Admission: $6; ages 12-60 , $5; Youth 2-11, $4; younger than 2, Free; Farmpark members, free. Quilt Shop Vendors Weekend, February 28 & March 1,. Call 440-256-2122 for more information.

February 13

Tree Tapping Demonstration
Come learn how maple trees are tapped from 9:00 am - 12:01 pm, sponsored by Burton Chamber of Commerce, Burton Square Burton, Ohio 44021. Call 440-834-4204 for more information.

February 19 - 20

Buckeye Tool Show
In conjunction with the Airworks Tool auction, find many vendors who display various tools, no admission fee, Buckeye Event Center, 624 Henry Street, Dalton, Ohio 44618. Call 330-828-2466 for more information.

February 27

Historic Schoenbrunn Village Lantern Light Dinner
McDonald/Marlite Conference Center, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, 5:30pm, tickets are $25 per person. Call 330-339-3636 for more information.

Chili Cook-Off
Family friendly indoor event with individuals and businesses competing for prizes, many freebies and give-aways, musical entertainment, 11:00 am. - 4:30 pm. Middlefield Market Pavilion, 15848 Nauvoo Road, Middlefield, OH 44062. Call 440-632-3196 for more information.

February 28

Pancake Breakfast
All-you-can-eat pancakes featuring Geauga’s own fresh maple syrup, Century Village, Lennah Bond Building, 9:00 am. - 2:00 pm. 14653 East Park Street, Burton, OH 44021. Call 440-834-1492 for more information.

February 28, March 7

Chardon Eagles Ladies Aux. Pancake Breakfast
All-you-can-eat pancakes (plain, apple, blueberry) served with choice of sausage or bacon, eggs, home fries available, open to the public, serving from 9:00 am. - 12:30 pm. Adults $6.00 to $7.00, child. $3.00 to $3.50. Fraternal Order of Eagles Chardon Area Woman's Auxiliary 317 Water Street, Chardon, OH 44024. Proceeds benefit Ladies Aux. Charities. Call 440-286-9921 for more information. _________________________________________________________________

Well, guess that's all for now - hope you find this news helpful and as exciting as we do.

Trust also that you'll have a great Ohio Amish Country Experience - real soon!

Best Regards,

Stuart & Norma Watson