Ohio Amish Country Experiences

Volume 02
Issue 02

March 2010

Dear Ohio Amish Country Enthusiast,

Well, if you live in the Northeast - or the Midwest for that matter - you've certainly had plenty of snow! Some areas are starting to run out of room to put it.

Yet, there's still a unique beauty in a good old-fashioned snow storm. The countryside is glistening white.

The winds howl outside but the home fires are burning inside, keeping folks cozy and warm.

As they say, "neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow" will stop - in this case - time from continuing on and daily chores from needing done.

And so, like everywhere else, life in Ohio Amish Country just keeps going on. There's always something to do and somewhere to go.

Cows need milked, wood needs split and brought in and even some corn shocks are gathered from the fields to feed the horses and other animals - regardless of the weather.

But, don't let the weather stop you or hold you back either. Winter is a great time to book a cabin or cottage with friends or family.

Most of the shops are open, the roads are generally good, the deals are great, the time is right.

Besides, the snow won't last forever. The robins will soon find their way back . . . and the tell-tale flowers of spring will make it all just a distant, fading memory!

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In this issue we'll be highlighting . . .

1. Our Featured Establishment of the Month - Berlin Hotel & Suites

2. The Tip of the Month - Get some great tasting Amish Country meats!

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

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Featured Establishment of the Month

Berlin Hotel & Suites

If you're looking for a great place to stay in the Berlin, Ohio area - we've found a place that may just be what you've been looking for!

The Berlin Hotel & Suites is a newly-remodeled, family-friendly facility with lots of great amenities.

They've added some beautiful, new, finely-appointed suites and upgraded their other rooms.

Within the complex, they have a 26 seat private movie theater that features two hundred plus movies.

They also feature an indoor swimming pool and a 24 hour fitness facility with weight machines and lots of exercise equipment.

Best of all, it's just a short walk down the hall from your room - you never leave the building.

Many rooms have a private balcony or porch where you can relax, unwind and enjoy a beautiful sunset - or sunrise.

Outside, there's also a stream, pond and beautiful gazebo for your enjoyment.

It's a great place for a weekend get-a-way or even a business retreat. They have private meeting rooms and a helpful, friendly staff to care for your every need.

They are located on the corner of CR 201 and SR 39, just about 1 mile west of downtown Berlin.

You may contact them at:

Berlin Hotel & Suites
5330 CR 201
Millerburg OH 44654
800-935-5218

Check out their site www.berlinhotelandsuites.com for more information or to reserve your stay now.

Photos courtesy of Berlin Hotel & Suites _________________________________________________________________

Tip of the Month

Get some great tasting Amish Country meats!

It may just be our imagination - but we always seem to have a whole lot more stuff to bring home than what we take.

There are so many little shops, roadside stands and markets that we just have to take advantage of the great deals and stock up on lots of food and goodies.

You'll almost always find good sales on cheese, fresh produce, homemade baked goods, bulk foods and Amish Country meats.

Shop around for groceries, deli meats and food staples - the selections are wonderful and the prices are very competitive. But, don't forget to bring your cooler! _________________________________________________________________

Calendar of Events

March Events:

March 4 - 6

Amish Country Spring Home Show
Get a jump start on your home and garden needs for the upcoming summer months, seminars on decorating and cooking, featuring handcrafted furniture, landscaping, lawn care, and much more, admission charged, Buckeye Event Center, 624 Henry Street, Dalton, Ohio 44618. Call 740-397-7788 for more information.

March 7

Sap's-A-Risin' Maple Sugaring Celebration
Visit Geauga Park District’s own sugarbush, sugarhouse and lodge for a walk through time and a sweet taste of how the maple sugaring industry has evolved from its Native American beginnings to modern methods. Help gather sap with a sap sled; enjoy historical interactions with costumed interpreters, see sap being boiled in the sugarhouse and even sample the taste, live music and maple treats in the lodge. Hours from 12:00 pm. - 4:00 pm. Geauga Park District - Swine Creek Reservation, 16004 Hayes Road, Middlefield, Ohio 44062. Call 440-286-9516 for more information.

March 7, 14

Pancake Breakfast
The 58th year serving all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts, world famous omelets also available, 8:00 am. - 1:30 pm. Berkshire High School, 14510 North Cheshire Street, Burton, Ohio 44021. Call 877-283-3496 for more information.

March 11-14, 18-21

East Central Ohio Building Industry Association
Spring Home & Garden Show, New Towne Mall, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, Thursday-Saturday 10 am.-9 pm., Sunday Noon-6 pm., admission is free. Call 330-364-3598 for more information.

March 12 - 14

Maple Camp
Join a traditional Ohio Maple Sugar event, 4-H Camp Whitewood, 7983 South Wiswell Road, Windsor, Ohio 44099. Call 440-272-5275 for more information.

March 13, 14

Maple Sugaring Weekend
Witness the entire maple production process as sap is collected, boiled, and turned into maple syrup and other products. See how trees are tapped in the amazing network of the more than 1,000 trees for the Farmpark maple sugaring collection. Hands-on activities include: drilling holes to start tapping trees, sampling maple syrup, learning how to make maple syrup in your own backyard, making a maple leaf craft, sampling freshly made maple candy, making maple flavored ice cream, and much more. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm each day. Pancake breakfast will be served between 9:00 am. and 1:00 pm., no reservations needed. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Chardon Road, Kirtland, Ohio 44094. Call 440-256-2122 for more information.

2010 March Maple Madness Drive-It-Yourself Tour
2010 March Maple Madness Drive-It-Yourself Tour sponsored by the Ohio Maple Producers Association, Geauga OSU Extension, and Maple Producers across Ohio. A great family day in the country learning where pure maple syrup comes from, no admission fees, 10:00 am. - 5:00 pm. Get March Maple Madness tour maps at Richard's Maple Products, Burton Log Cabin, County Libraries and Geauga OSU Extension. Call 440-834-4656 for more information.

March 20

Sunrise Farm's Easter Eggstravaganza
Annual Easter Eggstravaganza Easter egg hunt at 11 am. Children will enjoy searching for colorful Easter eggs in our Glasshouse Pavilion, adults will enjoy the market filled with beautiful spring home decor and of course lots of delicious Easter candies and beautiful Easter baskets. Sunrise Farm, 13115 Kinsman Road, Burton, OH 44021. Call 440-834-1298 for more information.

March 20, 21

Maple Madness Bus Tour
Be taken on the back roads to at least 4 interesting Maple Sugar houses, learn the process of taking sap from only certain trees, and turning it into delicious maple syrup, sign up individually or with companions, must have at least 6 on the bus to conduct the tour, max is 17. Pre-registration is preferred but walk-ups can be accommodated if there is room. Two tours per day: 10 am. and 1:30 pm. Log Cabin in Burton, 14590 E Park Street P.O. Box 537, Burton, OH 44021. Call 440-834-5050 for more information.

March 27

Sage's and Fruit Tree Pruning
Learn how to prune all kinds of fruit trees and brambles. Bring your pruning gear for a day full of fun and learning. Eric Draper, Geauga County's Horticulture Extension Agent will be available to answer questions. Dress to be outside! To register call the Geauga County Extension office 440-834-4656, 440-285-2222, or 440-564-7131 ext.5260. Registration also available at the door. Hours 8:30 am. - 1:00 pm. Sage’s Apples 11355 Chardon Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Call 440-286-3416 for more information.

Customer Appreciation Day
Refound Treasures is having their 2nd annual customer appreciation day with balloons and face painting for the kids, free snacks, and beverages, featuring Sheri from "Rocky Mountain Wood Carvings" a well known local artist chain saw carving her creations live. Bring your friends and family and enjoy the show. Refound Treasures, Inc. 11777 Mayfield Road, Suite A, Chardon, OH 44024. Call 440-285-7071 for more information.

March 28

Train and Toy Show
Train and toys for all ages, layouts throughout the show with over 300+ tables of trains and related items, admission is charged, Buckeye Event Center, 624 Henry Street, Dalton, Ohio 44618. Call 330-262-7488 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