Dutchman Hospitality becomes a destination for everything Amish Country
Almost 40 years ago, in a small brick building in the tiny village of Walnut Creek, Der Dutchman Restaurant began serving up hearty meals of Amish-style cooking.
Word soon spread that portions were generous, food was made from scratch, people were friendly, and the area was rich in local color. It wasn't long until the restaurant was attracting out-of-state attention and loyal customers.
From that beginning, the company has grown to offer a wide spectrum of Amish Country hospitality, including beautiful inns, multiple restaurants, gift shops, furniture stores, and a specialty foods market.
Dutchman Hospitality is in the business of making guests feel welcome, comfortable, and pampered. Two locations in the heart of Amish Country are perfect for quiet getaways or as a home base for exploring the surrounding area. One location is in the hilltop village of Walnut Creek; the other sits in the rolling landscape just east of Sugarcreek. The ultimate goal of both is to provide guests a memorable stay. But convenience is also thrown into the package; inns, restaurants, and shops are all adjacent. Once visitors have arrived, they never need to get back into their car.
Der Dutchman Restaurant has grown considerably over the years but still serves the same good food that earned it fame. Dutch Valley Restaurant, in Sugarcreek, recently underwent a total renovation but it's still casual, friendly, and serving traditional Amish-style food. Both restaurants have bakeries that offer fresh mouth-watering pastries.
The gift shops, furniture store, and specialty market offer shoppers high quality goods, whether it's meats and cheeses or home decor and gifts. Visitors will find everything from jewelry to garden accessories, from local food specialties to beautiful furniture.
Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek and Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek have perfectly blended traditional quality and modern luxury. Amenities amaze first time visitors, but returning guests know they will find immaculate, beautiful rooms. Many longtime guests plan a Carlisle Inn getaway several times a year.
The last half of the year is a favorite time to be in Amish Country. Autumn brings its riches to the hills and valleys and woods, and visitors savor a wealth of harvest, glowing colors, and crisp weather. Autumn gives way quickly to the holiday season, when every village and shop brims with activity and holiday spirit.
Carlisle Gifts in Walnut Creek and Dutch Valley Gifts in Sugarcreek are welcoming autumn with a Share the Bounty wreath giveaway during September and October. Just stop in the gift shops for details and to fill out an entry form.
All of the Dutchman Hospitality businesses are preparing for a Holiday Open House Nov. 7 and 8. Visitors will find special sales, refreshments, and new decorating ideas for every home during the holidays.
Plan now for a holiday getaway. Enjoy the inns and shops beautifully decorated for the season. Walk to the restaurant for dinner. Come "home" and relax by the fireplace.
Reserve a spot for the popular New Year's Eve "Party with a Purpose" at the Dutch Valley complex. The event includes dinner and a concert by Mark Schultz, a Christian music artist and Mencer, White and Cheney. Find more details on the Web site, at www.dhgroup.com.
Visitors should also mark their calendar for the annual Valentine's Day Dinner Concert, which will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, at the Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek.
In 2009, Dutchman Hospitality will celebrate their 40th anniversary. Watch the Web site and local publications for events and specials throughout the year in celebration of this milestone.
Whether an old friend or new, Dutchman Hospitality welcomes everyone to Amish Country.
Dutchman Hospitality also operates Der Dutchman Restaurant, Carlisle Gifts, and the Dutch Kitchen in Plain City; Der Dutchman Restaurant and Carlisle Gifts and Furniture in Waynesville; a sister location in Middlebury, Indiana, Essenhaus Restaurant and Conference Center. More on these locations can be found on the Web site at www.dhgroup.com.
