Lancaster vs Holmes county, Oh
 

Hi everyone, I've got a question. I go to Lancaster several times a year and I always enjoy the get away, but I've been thinking of visiting the Holmes county, Ohio area. Is anyone familiar with both areas? I'd love to hear a compare and contrast. I know they are both tourist areas with many Amish businesses for quilting, furniture etc. On one hand I'd love to try something different, but on the other at least Lancaster is familiar. I guess I'd hate to drive out to Ohio and be disappointed, but I would like to see something different too. Help me decide which place to visit!

Thanks in advance!

I have only been to Holmes County Ohio. It's about an hour or less away. Love it!!! Just have to remember to take lots of cash. So much to see.

what's special about Holmes county? i'm assuming you mean Lancaster county, PA--guess it depends on what exactly you are looking for......?

Holmes County is in the heart of Amish country in Ohio. There are several fabric shops there plus restaurants and other shopping. Google Holmes County Ohio and you will get the information you are looking for. If you travel a few counties farther west of Holmes County to Richland County, there is a wonderful fabric shop owned by a Mennonite family called Country Fabrics. http://countryfabrics.net/ This may be farther than you want to travel, but like their site says, it's worth the trip.

Quilt shops everywhere in Holmes county. There are many "touristy" spots, but go off the main roads and you will find so many quaint places. Take your GPS, just in case. A few years back hubby had to be in Columbus on Thursday afternoon. We normally would go together, but I had an appointment on that day and could not leave until Friday morning. I decided to take the back roads through Amish country and see what was out there. By myself. I had a ball. I found so many small quilt shops and even though I was the only "English" woman in the shops, I was treated as a friend. I truly enjoyed the company and felt honored when one shop owner asked me to sit and have a glass of iced tea with her and a few other ladies. I live about an hour north of Holmes county. I had left my house at 7 am and I arrived in Columbus almost 12 hours later. Some of the roads I traveled were gravel roads that passed beautiful Amish farms. I did get a few strange looks as I passed by, since some of these roads may not have seen motorized vehicles very often.

how much will it cost you to get to lancaster vs. how much to holmes? then, are you saving that much money on fabric if you are spending it on gas, hotel, wear and tear on the car. be surprised if you went to martin's in lebanon.

It is very much worth the trip! I'm near Columbus and a group of us went up there a couple months ago, first time I had been there, they have LOADS of fabric and the prices are better than what you normally find in a local quilt store. A friend and I also found a great B&B about 10 miles away if you decide to make the trip. It was called College House and caters more the groups of friends, instead of a romantic getaway. Here it is: http://www.collegehousebb.com/

sorry, I guess I thought it would be obvious since this is a quilting forum. Holmes county is known for their Amish community and from what I understand, they are similar to Lancaster (yes, county, PA). I am looking for information about how these two places are similar and how they are different. They both have fabric stores galore and quilt shops etc, but since I've never been to Holmes county, I am seeking first hand knowledge from others. I can only research on the internet so long and it all starts to blur together.

I'm interested in the total experience, shops, restaurants, scenery, etc., not so much how to save money.

If you are adventurous try something new. If not, stick with the familiar. Sounds like a short vacation to me, I go where I've "never gone before." You don't have to ever go back if you don't like it.

I went to Holmes county a couple of years ago with friends. They stopped at all the quilt shops for me! I started taking pictures while we were traveling, but I just couldn't get over how beautiful the landscapes were, the little towns, all the buggies. I loved it. I'm trying Lancaster county PA this year. I'm SOOO looking forward to it!

I've been to both, several times each. I find Lancaster to be more commercial overall than Holmes County. We always stay in Berlin in Holmes County, and venture out from there. Tons of places to shop, not only for fabric, but for decorator items too. Lancaster is more "spread out" I think. Maybe it's just because there is so much more traffic. Go to Holmes County if you've never been, and you decide which you like more. I think I prefer Berlin, but that's because I meet my friend there every year for 3 or 4 days. It's a half way point for both of us. Wherever you go, have fun!!

My husband and I went to Charm, OH a few years ago. We found the people there very friendly. While my husband went into a store, I saw a horse and buggy that was parked along a side road. I know better than to take pictures of Amish people, but I thought it'd be okay to take a picture of the horse and buggy. The owner walked up to me and started chatting. He actually gave me a ride in the buggy! I was thrilled, and you should have seen the look on my husband's face when he walked out of the store and saw me in the buggy.

been to both, love them both but Lancaster has more fab. shops but don't miss Ohio for the fun.

I highly recommend country fabrics. It is an outstanding place. I live just east of mount vernon, ohio and I am looking forward to going there again. I plan on going the middle of July. I broke my foot memorial day and have been in a cast. I go to the orthopedic surgeon on Monday and hopefully will get the cast off and wear a boot for 4 weeks. I am hoping it will give me a little more mobility as to where I go shopping. I am off work for 3 months. Long summer :( to be laid up

Thank you all for your input. I think I might try to get to Ohio later this summer or early fall. I love going up to Lancaster, but it's always nice to have new experiences too and from what you've said, it sounds like I'll enjoy this. I'll probably ask more specific questions when it gets closer to my trip.

Again, thank you. I really do enjoy the kindness I find on this board.