“No Sunday Sales” When you visit Amish Country, you’re engaging an authentic culture with deeply held beliefs. Visitors are sometimes frustrated when that affects their experience in our region on Sundays, when no-Sunday-sales signs abound. Amish folks are known for their work ethic. Whether they’re farmers, wood workers, housewives or shop owners, they work hard to support their families, keep their homes and shops neat and tidy, and follow the will of God. For six days of the week, Amish and Mennonite families follow the biblical teachings that say, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat,” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). The scriptures also command “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). That’s why there’s a feeling of true obligation and responsibility to do a good job, provide high-quality products and work to the best of your ability. However, in Exodus, Chapter 20, the Bible also says, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.” And they take that just as seriously. Therefore, Amish-owned and many Mennonite-owned businesses are closed on Sundays and other holy days. You can expect these businesses also to recognize Old Christmas on Jan. 6; Good Friday; Ascension Day, which is the 40th day of Easter; Thanksgiving; Christmas and New Year’s Day. If you drive through Amish Country on Sunday, you’ll see large gatherings of black buggies at Amish homes. Since church is held in the home, members take turns as the host. With approximately 30 families in a church district, Old Order Amish church is held every other Sunday. The in-between Sunday is reserved for visiting other churches, family time and rest. Mennonite churches also dot the countryside. They hold church every week and welcome visitors. Please feel free to worship with them while you’re here.
24 | Ohio Amish Country ● 2018 Map & Visitors Guide
There’re still lots of fun things to do in our region on Sundays, often without the crowds of Fridays and Saturdays. ● Many of the antique stores and galleries in Historic Downtown Millersburg are open on Sunday. Browse these shops for housewares, tools, cabinetry, garden finds, jewelry and much more. ● The Victorian House Museum, a 28-room Victorian mansion in Millersburg, is a great Sunday afternoon destination. Featured on HGTV and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Victorian House also houses the largest public display of Millersburg Glass. ● Explore the Holmes County Rails to Trails, a one-of-a-kind paved trail that winds through gorgeous scenery and provides passage for Amish buggies, equestrians, bicyclists, hikers, walkers and more. ● Local golf courses Fire Ridge or Willandale provide an excellent Sunday diversion. ● Ride horses at the Amish Country Ridging Stables in Charm. Experienced guides lead you through breathtaking countryside. ● Get your adrenaline pumping in Mohican Country, just to our west. They offer canoeing, kayaking, tubing, zip lining and other outdoor recreation. Don’t miss beautiful Mohican State Park for hiking, picnicking and horseback riding. ● Fuel your Sunday excursion with tasty fare from Bags Sports Pub, Chalet in the Valley, Guggisberg Cheese, Fox’s Pizza Den, Pine Tree Barn, Route 83 Restaurant, Rodhe’s IGA Marketplace, or Tarragon at the Inn at Honey Run. ● Finally, go for an old-fashioned Sunday drive. Nearly every mile of state and federal highway in Holmes County is designated as a National Scenic Byway. That means you can expect spectacular vistas and views of our rolling countryside, no matter what route you take.