Eight great gift ideas for the holidays from Holmes County

Kevin Lynch, The Daily Record

December 13, 2021 at 5:29 AM·5 min read

Olivia Kaesberg arranges a display of handmade bracelets at White Raven in Berlin.

As we close in on Christmas, and the pressure mounts to find just the right gift for someone special, Holmes County, famous for its many tourist attractions, is also an ideal place to find some unique gift ideas.

More: Amish Country is home for actors at Ohio Star Theater

Following are eight suggestions of a variety of Amish Country attractions, ranging from tasty treats to practical items to memorable moments that are only available in Holmes County.

1. Meats and cheeses

Holmes County is famous for its numerous award-winning cheese houses, such as Guggisberg and Heini's. A wheel of Guggisberg baby swiss cheese is a delicacy that goes with several other options, like Troyer's trail bologna, made in Trail between Walnut Creek and Winebsurg.

Troyer's trail bologna and Guggisberg baby swiss cheese, food products made and marketed in Holmes County, are a winning combination and a tasty treat to give as a gift.

Both cheese and meat selections that are made in Holmes County are available at the locations where they are made, but also can be found in local grocery stores. A wheel of cheese, a ring of bologna, a box of crackers and a bottle of wine fit nicely into a gift basket and are sure to be appreciated by the recipient.

2. Millersburg Brewing Co. gift certificates

If you are shopping for someone who is a craft beer enthusiast, the Millersburg Brewing Co., located on 60 E. Jackson St., in Millersburg, offers gift certificates for any amount.

Wild Rosie is the logo that is found on Millersburg Brewing Co.'s crafted beers.

Millersburg Brewing Co. was established in 2012 with the goal of creating classic brews for today’s taste, with a huge selection of seasonal and traditional favorites.

A tasty cheeseburger with a locally crafted beer from the Millersburg Brewing Co., are a gift option that display great taste.

The brewery recently expanded to include a restaurant that features appetizers, soups and salads, and mouth-watering burgers and other sandwiches.

3. Coblentz chocolates

From the moment you walk in the door of the Walnut Street store in Walnut Creek, and the aroma of all the sweet, delicious chocolate treats envelopes your senses, you know this is a can't lose gift.

A wide variety of delicious chocolates from Coblentz Chocolates is a gift that can't be beat.

Signature chocolates, available in milk, dark and white, include caramels, almond bark, cherry cordials and peanut clusters, which have all been favorites since Jason and Mary Coblentz opened Coblentz Chocolate Co. in 1987.

The sign welcoming visitors to Coblentz Chocolate Co., in Walnut Creek.

Prepackaged gift boxes of assortments or one of the signature choices, or a build your own box of the many varieties are available. There is even a sugar free chocolates option.

4. Tickets to live entertainment

Holmes County features two venues for regular live entertainment in the Amish Country Theater and Ohio Star Theater, and tickets to a show are a gift that is sure to be a hit.

Amish Country Theater, located in Shrock's Heritage Village on state Route 39, across from Hiland High School, is a hilarious variety show that features a ventriloquist and his cast of misfits, along with other enjoyable entertainers, including magicians, singers and comedians.

Tickets are available online, as well as the lineup of future shows, at: https://amishcountrytheater.com/ and gift certificates are available.

Cast members take a bow at the end of one of the musical productions at Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek.

Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek features musical comedies, concerts, musical tributes and special events. A list of upcoming shows and events is available online at www.OhioStarTheater.com, as well as ticket options.

5. An Amish Country getaway

The Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau used to promote a visit to Amish Country as a trip into the past. A gift certificate to one of the many hotels, inns or bed and breakfasts is a gift that creates memories that can last a lifetime.

The interior of one of the rooms at Donna's Premier Lodging in Berlin. All the rooms feature a Jacuzzi and fireplace.

Donna's Premier Lodging in Berlin has suites and villas in town, within walking distance of many of the great shops and restaurants in the area.

Donna's also offers chalets and cabins in the country on six wooded acres, offering secluded, romantic settings.

"All of our units have a Jacuzzi, fireplace, a full kitchen or kitchenette and sitting areas for the summertime," said Donna Marie Golden, owner-operator. "We offer extras, like a full, hot country breakfast that we deliver in a basket right to your unit. We also offer in-room massages, meat and cheese platters, and whatever we can provide to make a nice experience for a couple to get away."

For availability and rates at Donna's Premier Lodging, go to: DonnasOfBerlin.com or call 330-893-3068.

For a list of the many fine places to stay in Holmes County, check the Chamber of Commerce website, https://www.holmescountychamber.com.

6. Farmhouse Frocks handmade clothing

Farmhouse Frocks, located at 45 W Jackson St. in Millersburg, offers a wide variety of tops, bottoms, layering pieces like jackets, sweaters and kimonos.

Farmhouse Frocks in Millersburg offers a selection of locally made clothing, as well as accessories for the home.

If those items aren't what you're looking for, the store has a wide variety of unique gift ideas, like beaded bracelets, up-cycled leggings, stackable cowhide cuffs, leather hand straps or winter headbands.

"My two daughters and I create with Amish seamstresses in the heart of Amish Country, to bring forth quality handmade clothing for all sizes," said Lena Schlabach. "We have created clothing that fits comfortably and looks fabulous."

Joan Mishlan of Sandusky looks over some clothing items while doing some shopping on a visit to Holmes County.

Farmhouse Frocks also carries a full line of home goods, from carpets to accessories, like pillows.

7. White Raven jewelry

This specialty store on Main Street in Berlin features a wide selection of Native American jewelry made in America.

Like the sign says, White Raven is the most unexpected shop in Berlin, and features many unique gift ideas.

"What makes our pieces unique is they are handmade here in the U.S," said Olivia Kaesberg, store proprietor.

The store has a choice of earrings, rings, bracelets and other decorative apparel. And there is also a selection of knives for the guys.

8. Village Toy Shop toys and games

The Village Toy Shop at 121 W. Jackson St. in Millersburg is a store that inspires fun, laughter and learning.

A full line of Melissa & Doug toys and games are among the many gift ideas at the Village Toy Shop in Millersburg that are sure to please.

At the Village Toy Shop, you can find a full line of toys and games by Melissa & Doug, an American manufacturer of children's toys, including wooden puzzles, arts and crafts products, plush toys and educational toys.

Lauri Kline of Millersburg was shopping local this year for Christmas, and glad to find so many things right here in town.

Lauri Kline looks over a selection of items that would make great stocking stuffers at the Village Toy Shop.

"Shopping for my grandkids, I found everything I was looking for right here," Kline said. "I think it's important to promote and support local businesses."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Christmas gifts unique to Holmes County

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