Experience Winesburg
The "novelty" doesn't wear off in the real Winesburg, Ohio. This historic village was originally plated by William Schmidt in 1832. Schmidt named it Weinsburg, in honor of the town of Weinsburg, Germany. At their father's request, William Schmidt and his older brother, Christian, came to this Ohio region from Germany in 1827 in hopes to found a Lutheran College. They chose this area because it reminded them of their own village back in Germany. A house fire and an apparent robbery destroyed their hopes of building a college here. William had to go elsewhere for finances and eventually founded Capitol University in the city of Columbus, Ohio. Christian remained here, rebuilding his house and a store. The spelling was changed from Weinsburg to its current spelling when an official post office came to town in 1833.
Between 1830 and 1850 many settlers came to the area from Germany and Switzerland. Located in the northeastern corner of Holmes County along State Route 62, the Village has remained un-incorporated with a steady population of around 200. Many of the residents of the village and surrounding area are now Amish. These Amish are craftsmen, merchants and farmers who invite you to experience their quiet way of life that is a testimony to their strength and determination.
Be sure you don't just drive through, stop by one of the many businesses, chat with the locals, browse their stores, get a meal or consider spending the night. They've got an antique store, a general store, a craft store, a hardware, a meat market, furniture stores, a restaurant, a carriage store, a quilt shop, an Inn, a B&B and - so much more! World's Largest Cuckoo Clock
About 2 miles northeast of town, on State Route 62, we've had some great experiences at Grandma's Alpine Homestead Swiss Village. Located midway between Winesburg and Wilmot they are home to the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock as featured in the Guinness Book of World Records. With the help of a special grant, over $28,000 has been invested to restore this special clock for future generations to enjoy. We spoke for some length with owner Ann DeHass as she shared how the former Alpine-Alpa was acquired and how with lots of time, effort and love this landmark facility has been given a new lease on life.
They feature a wonderful Amish-style, home-cooked dinning experience. Partake from over 50 items at their great buffet and you won't leave hungry. While you dine you can also enjoy the beautiful diorama of an authentic Swiss Village. Artist Tom Miller was commissioned by the original owners in 1983 to transform their restaurant into a village from the Arosa Mountains of Switzerland. It took Miller nearly two years to accomplish this pain-staking task. When you're finished eating don't forget to browse through the gifts areas where they still offer a large selection of clocks and other gifts. Handcrafted Furniture
And about 3 miles southwest of town, just off State Route 62, at 6727 Township Road 652 is another one of our special favorites. You'll see a small sign advertising 4-Corner Woodworking. Just beyond the sign is a house a shop and barn all impeccably neat and manicured. Inside this shop is where Andy J. Miller transforms simple boards into custom pieces of furniture and cabinets. And this is where we had our master bath cabinets made to our specifications. They are truly the work of a master craftsman. For more things to see and do in the area, check out the following links: Winesburg ListingsShopsAttractionsRestaurants and DiningLodgings and Accommodations_________________________________________________________________ Historical information adapted from the town's Business Association web site winesburgoh.com
_________________________________________________________________
|
