The Perfect Ohio Getaway To Take If You Have Been Dreaming Of Europe
By Sarah McCosham|Published March 04, 2024
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Ohio might seem worlds away from a Europe, but you can indeed have a European holiday here in the Buckeye State. Hailed as the Little Switzerland of Ohio, Sugarcreek is an impossibly charming and unabashedly nostalgic slice of the Old World. The town’s annual Ohio Swiss Festival is *the* must-attend event of the year, but Sugarcreek holds so much magic the other 51 weekends (and weeks!) of the year, too. If you’ve been dreaming of Europe, I have the next best thing: the perfect Ohio getaway in Sugarcreek, Ohio.
A destination affectionally referred to as Ohio’s Little Switzerland, Sugarcreek was established by Amish, Swiss, and German immigrants in the 1800s and these influences make up the town's very distinct and delightful identity.
The Swiss immigrants brought with them their cheese-making heritage, and slowly, small cheese factories began to open in the area. It wasn't long before Sugarcreek became known as a bona fide Swiss cheese-making hub, and the downtown area took on an Alpine-style architectural appearance in kind.
Today, Sugarcreek is home to a population of around 2,300 and is a celebrated tourism destination in Ohio. Conveniently located just two hours from major cities such as Cleveland, Columbus, and Pittsburgh, the town of Sugarcreek, Ohio, makes for an exciting getaway any time of the year.
Every fall, Sugarcreek hosts the Ohio Swiss Festival, which has been a favorite celebration since 1952. The Ohio Swiss Festival is a weekend-long celebration of all things Swiss that might just make you think you've traveled to the Old Country. From wine and cheese samplings to races, contests, and parades, the Swiss Festival offers something for everyone!
This charming small town in Ohio positively sparkles during the winter months, with twinkle lights adorning the local shops and holiday fun in the form of carriage rides and visits from Santa sure to put visitors in the proper Christmas spirit!
The town's walkability lends itself to springtime strolls and summer street fests, and the iconic Cuckoo Clock -- the world's largest, in fact -- which sits in the square and plays a jovial jig at the top of every hour, is an experience sure to put a smile on your face.
When your belly starts rumbling, delicious dining spots can be found all throughout town, each boasting unique ambiance, exceptional hospitality, and oodles of Old World charm. Amish Country Donuts is known for its generously sized baked goods and brews (the lunch menu is superb, too!); Esther's Home Bakery is hailed for its fry pies; and Swiss Village Bulk Food stocks European cheeses, meats, spreads, and dried fruits and nuts that make putting together a picnic lunch easy peasy!
Amish Country Donuts & Cafe, 522 Dover Rd NE, Sugarcreek, OH 44681, USA
Of course, for a proper sit-down dinner in Sugarcreek, Ohio, Dutch Valley Restaurant is a must. This longtime favorite specializes in home-cooked fare that blends American country classics with Swiss flavors -- the Dutchman Burger is a perfect marriage of sirloin and Swiss cheese, while the Trail Bologna and Swiss is a Dagwood-perfect sandwich served hot or cold with Troyer’s Trail Bologna and Guggisberg Baby Swiss.
Dutch Valley Restaurant, 1343 Old Rte 39 NE, Sugarcreek, OH 44681, USA
To turn your day trip into a proper European holiday, book a stay at one of the town's many charming accommodations. The Carlisle Inn is a lovely property in town that has a charming gift shop, Amish restaurant, and family-friendly amenities like a playground and indoor pool. Those looking for a larger, "home away from home" (or "ski chalet away from home") experience, meanwhile, should definitely consider the The Overlook @ Brandywine Grove, a luxurious Airbnb just minutes from this charming Swiss town.
Have you visited this delightful Swiss village in Ohio? Sugarcreek is a true Europe getaway right here in Ohio, and it’s one of those picture-perfect places that’s sure to sweep you off your feet by its unabashed romance and charm.
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