COSHOCTON, Ohio — Brandy Gleason showed off a special place to learn about Amish culture.

“We are at Behalt. It's the Amish and Mennonite Heritage center,” Gleason said.

What You Need To Know

  • Holmes County, Ohio is home to one of the country's largest Amish settlements

  • Brandy Gleason said she jumped at the opportunity to write the book because of her roots
  •  She comes from a conservative Mennonite family and says she often visited the county with her parents

The Behalt cyclorama illustrates the history and heritage of the Amish and Mennonite people. It’s one attraction that she encourages people to visit in her latest book, 100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die.

“There's so much to do here in Ohio's Amish country. So I had to come up and stay for a whole week and do research," Gleason said. "I actually stayed and did all the tourist things. So, everything that there is to do in Ohio's Amish country, I did during that week, and then I just went slowly through and picked out my favorites."

Standing in the center of Tis the Season, Ohio’s largest year-round Christmas shop, Gleason said she jumped at the opportunity to write a book about Ohio’s Amish country.

“My heart is endeared to this area. My parents brought me here when I was a little girl. I was raised conservative Mennonite and so my roots just were deep in this community,” Gleason said.

Gleason added that she’s always been passionate about travel within the state.

“Ohio can keep you busy,” Gleason said. “From the shores of Lake Erie, all the way down to the banks of the Ohio River.”

Gleason said she showcases other sights to see in the Ohio Road Trips Facebook group. It’s a group that she started and the page now has over a half of a million members.

“I was in the throes of [COVID-19], and like everybody, we had to pivot and change. And I’m a travel writer and we were stuck at home for eight weeks. And so I thought, ‘How can I give people information and share with people things to do as the state opens back up?’ So, I started Ohio Road Trips just to share the information that I had and give people an opportunity to share what they knew about Ohio,” Gleason said.

If you’re interested in planning a road trip yourself this summer, Gleason gives these travel tips.

“Number one this year, please pack your patience. Be really thankful that people have shown up to work there. They're providing the services that we need as we travel," Gleason said. "So, tip your servers well. Tip the people who are helping you while you're traveling. I also would recommend planning in advance. This is the year of revenge travel and so people are out exploring."

Her book 100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die is available on Amazon.