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