The gateway to Amish Country and a great source of family fun, Wilmot, Ohio is located in the southwest corner of Stark County, an easy drive for anyone in northeast Ohio and beyond. Wholesome Valley Farm, The Wilderness Center, and The Amish Door Village are the major attractions in Wilmot that make it a great day trip or even an overnight destination.
Wholesome Valley Farm is a diverse, sustainable farm focused on foods grown naturally and without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, or growth hormones. On the farm they produce grass-fed beef, pasture raised heritage pork, and free range chickens. The taste of fresh chicken, beef, or pork is far better than something that’s been sitting in the grocery store for weeks, as well as being much healthier for your family. Their retail store is housed in a 19th century barn where you can purchase seasonal vegetables and pasture-raised animal products processed right there on the farm. The barn is also available to rent for private events and weddings. Owner Milo Miller wanted the farm to be a collaborative effort of families in the community. It provides an outlet for other farmers to showcase their many healthy foods to the public.
Wholesome Valley Farm captures their fresh produce and meats by way of an on-site commercial kitchen and cannery where they can, freeze, and ferment items to capture the best of the harvest as soon as it’s picked. With a broad reach, Wholesome Valley Farm products can also be found at Cleveland’s Fresh Fork Market, Ohio City Provisions, and several fine restaurants. The farm also has Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), a program which allows people to pay an upfront cost to receive weekly supplies of fresh vegetables, protein, eggs, bread, etc. You can learn more about the program on their website, sign up online, or call the farm to get involved. Just go to the CSA tab of the website listed below. Educational programs are an important part of the farm and are suited to children, families, or adults. You can schedule half day to full day programs or farm tours. It’s all customizable, perfect for families or corporations. Learn more about the farm at www.wholesomevalleyfarm.com
The Wilderness Center in Wilmot is right around the corner! It’s a place loaded with summer fun and educational opportunities where children and adults alike can learn about the environment. The Wilderness Center has a variety of wetlands that are home to many different plants and animals. Join a guided tour or explore on your own. The first Friday of every month members of the Wilderness Center Astronomy Club present a program about the night sky, and let you observe the constellations through different types of telescopes.
Have you ever wanted to know more about butterflies, birds, reptiles, or bugs? There are guided tours for each of these species to help you explore and learn more about all of those creatures. You can even take a night tour and learn more about the creatures that come out after dark! Mark your calendars for Jun 17th. That’s Founders Day, when you can enjoy hikes, crafts, dip-netting, a farmer’s market, entertainment, food trucks and more. Private room rentals and pavilion rentals are also available on site for a family gathering or a corporate event. To learn more about the Wilderness Center, go to the website www.WildernessCenter.org.
Are you getting hungry yet? Time to explore further with a short drive to the Amish Door Village. The Village consists of a restaurant, banquet center, hotel, bed and breakfast, shopping, and bakery. It truly is a village. The restaurant, originally known as Stucki’s with a 48-seat venue, is now called The Amish Door and can seat 450 people. Their menu consists of Amish-style comfort food that is sure to please the entire family. Don’t forget to save room for dessert; their pies are legendary. The Amish Door also has various dinner theater events scheduled throughout the year for your entertainment. You can find a complete schedule of all of their events online.
Ready to do some shopping? Then head to the Market, the Gallery Gift Shop, or the Bakery. There you’ll find homemade food items, jewelry, décor, purses, and a little something for everyone on your list. My favorite, of course, is the bakery and their homemade pies! Then again, I have purchased some very cute, unique purses there. There are so many choices.
Are you interested in staying the night? You have two options, the Inn at Amish Door or the Hasseman House Bed & Breakfast. The Inn has many standard rooms as do most hotels, but it also has suites with fireplaces and 2-person whirlpool tubs. If you prefer the comforts of a Victorian House, then the Hasseman House Bed & Breakfast might be more your style with its stained glass and antique furniture. What a great getaway! Check out their website for a complete listing of events and descriptions, www.AmishDoor.com
Spending a day or a weekend in Wilmot will feel like a true retreat from your hectic life. This pastural setting has all the creature comforts with the beauty of nature right at your doorstep. It’s a great way for the entire family to learn about farm life, explore nature, and learn about its creatures. One day is not enough. You’ll want to stay and relax in the comfort of the Inn at Amish Door or the Hasseman House and enjoy the famous Amish meals, the scenery, and all the fun of the outdoors. This is truly a unique experience and it’s located just a short drive from home!
Explore Wilmot, Ohio!
