After 24 years of offering tours to
Ohio’s Amish Country, the number one
question is, “What’s new in the area?” The
answer to that question is now “You can
be your own tour guide.”
Amish Heartland Tours has been the
only longest running local tour company
offering back road tour experiences to leisure travelers.
Owner, La Vonne De
Bois, saw the need over 24 years ago during
her employment of driving local
Amish men to work . “When I was on the
backroads picking up the workers, I kept
saying to myself, the visitors would love
to see our area the same way I get to see it
day after day.” With her years of experience
of driving Amish and learning about
the culture, it didn’t take long until the
tours began trailing through the back
roads.
Amish Heartland Tours have offered in
the past an array of tour packages ranging
from a 2 hour Cookie Tour to a 12 Hour
progressive meal tour. They have also
arranged for private tours, lodging in
Amish homes, private meals with an
Amish Bishop and have hosted thousands
of National and International visitors. De
Bois tunes in to comments and questions
from the visitor. “They are the best tourism
advisor. Travelers to our area know what
they are looking for and they do not hesitate
to ask.“ We have responded to their requests
over the years and now they have
requested once again to have a drive it
yourself packet.”
In July 2014, De Bois published a
unique drive it yourself booklet called
“H.I.T.C.H.” (Helping Individual Travelers Connect with Holmes County). She saw a
need to enable visitor with a means of connectivity
with the area as well as local attractions.
“H.I.T.C.H.” is designed as a
visual GPS booklet with 196 attractions,
restaurants and wineries as well as 13 villages
including Roscoe Village. “Everything
is laid out in order on the road as they
would come up-on it,” says De Bois,
“making it virtually
impossible to
miss or overlook
anything. It has
been a great tool
and the comments
from visitors are very
positive and encouraging.”
“There comes
a season when
you know it’s time for a change,” denotes
De Bois. “I have seen many changes over
24 years. We have had visitors requesting
drive it yourself tours. The new companion
booklet is called “A Taste of the Back
Roads.” Designed with the traveler in
mind, De Bois understands what visitors
are looking for. “ If I was in their shoes,
this is what I would love to have,” she
states . “It is bittersweet, for I have met
some of the finest people through the
tours. Some of our visitors loved the tour
and area so much; they actually ended up
moving here”.
“
A Taste of the Back Roads” is a 48
page, full color publication that has three
25 – 30 mile scenic routes outlined. The
retail value for all three routes would equal
$105.00 per person. With the 2 booklet
packet and narrative on the Amish Culture
included, it sells for a flat fee of $45.00.
Quite a savings! It also includes photos,
mile markers, old fashioned recipes such
as “Rival Soup” and 2 editorials submitted
by local residents of how she, as a young
Mennonite girl, met her then Amish
boyfriend and ended up marrying. ”The
packet is literally error proof” states De
Bois. “Visitors who already bought and
drove the routes have been extremely
happy! They have commented that everything
is spot on, just where you say it will
be. The beauty of the packet is for visitors
to use in the comfort of their own vehicle.
Visitors can do the tour at their own time,
pace and day. The route takes them on scenic
back township roads without the clutter
of power lines, gas stations and commercial
buildings. Observe farmers in the
fields, pull over for photo opportunities, and
stop at your choice
of local Amish Artisans
such as a
basket maker, outdoor,
indoor furniture,
broom maker,
candle maker, etc.
Note: Sundays, the
Amish observe the
Sabbath, therefore, their home businesses
are closed.
Kathy from Pittsburgh has been coming
for the past 4 years. After using the tour
packet, she quotes, “Of all the times I have
visited, I did not see Amish Country like I
did with A Taste of the Backroads. It was
a fabulous experience, easy to use and we
were able to see and learn things that we
never have before.”
It also includes a 26 mile turn by turn
route that takes you to 6 – 8 local Amish
owned greenhouse and nursery’s and a
section of Tailgating and picnicking in
Amish Country. De Bois encourages visitors
to drive all three routes for they focus
on three various sections of Ohio’s Amish
Country.
Amish Heartland Tours is still doing
tours in motorcoach or van tours, and continues with
groups coming in their own vehicles. The packet comes with both
“H.I.T.C.H.” and “A Taste of the Back
Roads” and can be purchased at the
counter at Sols Craft Mall in Berlin, The
Berlin Grande Hotel, The Barn Inn Bed
and Breakfast and through Amish Heartland
Tours at
(330) 893-3248 , visit
www.amishheartlandtours.com or request
one via email at
reservations@amishheartlandtours.com
Written by www.ohacg.com