The landscape is changing across the Midwest as fall sets in: Long summer nights have been replaced by misty mornings. Farmers are harvesting their crops, and the leaves are turning from green to gold, orange, and fiery red.
The transition is more subtle in sunny Sarasota, Florida: A cool evening breeze; white pelicans congregating around the bay; earlier, more vibrant sunsets.
Whichever Dutchman Hospitality campus you choose to visit, you’ll find plenty of ways to experience the beauty and abundance of harvest season:
Ohio Amish Country
What to Expect:
Rolling hills, rural charm and fantastic fall foliage
Where to Stay:
The Carlisle Inns at Sugarcreek and Walnut Creek offer modern amenities, countryside views, delightful décor, and easy access to area attractions. Learn more and book your fall stay at CarlisleInns.com.
Where to Eat:
Enjoy traditional Amish kitchen cooking and delicious pumpkin-flavored baked goods at Der Dutchman Walnut Creek, Dutch Valley Restaurant, and Berlin Farmstead Restaurant. All three of these popular eateries feature an all-you-can-eat buffet filled with Amish comfort food favorites like broasted chicken, fluffy homemade noodles, and real mashed potatoes.
Seasonal Events & Activities:
Fall Theater Shows – Spend a relaxing autumn afternoon or evening at Ohio Star Theater enjoying uplifting live entertainment. Performances include:
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- Now through Nov. 5: Elijah: Prophet of Fire (Musical Theater)
- Oct. 8: The LeFevre Quartet (Southern Gospel Group) – 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.
- Oct. 16: The John Denver Experience with Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon (Tribute) – 1 & 7 p.m.
2026 Ohio Swiss Festival – Oct. 1-3 in downtown Sugarcreek: This three-day celebration of the village’s unique heritage includes a yodeling contest, grand parade, and Steinstossen (stone-throwing) competition. Check out the complete schedule of events at OhioSwissFestival.com
Apple Butter Stirring – Oct. 10, 17 & 24 at Yoder’s Amish Home: Experience a harvest-season tradition as Uncle Andy, Aunt Mattie, and their boys prepare traditional apple butter, the old-fashioned way. Take a turn stirring the kettle, and try a free sample.
Dutch Valley Gifts 2026 Fall Fashion Show – Nov. 3 beginning 11:30 a.m. at Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek: Enjoy an afternoon of fashion, food, and fun with runway shows, home decorating tips, prize giveaways, and a catered lunch from Dutch Valley Restaurant. Tickets are required and can be purchased from Dutch Valley Gifts, by calling 330-852-4926 and online at DHGroup.com.
Must-See:
Adorned in over 150 colorful mums, the Dutch Valley Fall Archway (pictured above) provides the perfect backdrop for a selfie or family photo. Visitors are encouraged to post their archway pics on social media with #DutchValleyArch.
One of the incredible autumn views at Mohican State Park. Photo courtesy of Mohican Visitors Bureau.
North Central Ohio
What to expect:
Family-friendly fall fun and scenic outdoor adventures
Where to eat:
Located a short drive from Mansfield, Lexington, and Mt. Vernon, Der Dutchman Bellville
Seasonal Activities & Events:
Ohio Bird Sanctuary Fall Festival – Oct. 10 from 10 am to 4 pm: Enjoy pumpkin painting, candle making, bird encounters, food trucks, face painting, games, and more. Admission is $20 per vehicle and supports the sanctuary’s rehabilitation efforts. Learn more at OhioBirdSanctuary.com.
Trunk or Treat at Der Dutchman Bellville – Oct. 22, 2026, 4:30 to 6:30 pm in the parking lot: Bring the kids to collect candy and make a small fall-themed craft. Enjoy free hot cocoa and apple cider.
Carlisle Gifts Bellville Fall Gathering – Oct. 27, 2026, beginning at 11 am at Der Dutchman Bellville: Check out the latest clothing and home décor trends, just in time for the holiday shopping season. Attendees also enjoy special discounts, prize giveaways, and a catered lunch from Der Dutchman. For tickets, stop by the gift shop or call 419-886-7080.
Must-See:
With over 1,000 acres of dense hardwood, winding trails, and scenic overlooks, Mohican State Park is an ideal destination for fall leaf-peeping. For the best views, check out the Clear Fork Gorge Overlook or ascend the eight-story Mohican Fire Tower.
South Central Ohio
One of the seven covered bridges throughout Union County, Ohio. Photo courtesy of Union County Tourism
What to expect:
Fun festivals, fall flavors, and enchanting experiences
Where to eat:
Experience the peace and simplicity of Amish Country minutes from Ohio’s capital city at Der Dutchman Plain City. This popular restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat buffet of traditional Amish fare, an attached bakery stocked with yummy seasonal treats, and an on-site gift shop with stylish fall clothing and home décor.
Seasonal Activities & Events:
Carlisle Gifts Plain City Fall Gathering – Oct. 19-20, 2026, beginning at 11:30 am at Der Dutchman Plain City: Enjoy runway shows featuring the latest boutique fashion trends, home decorating tips, prize giveaways, exclusive deals, and a traditional Amish Kitchen Cooking from Der Dutchman for lunch. Tickets can be purchased at the gift shop, by calling 614-873-1332, and online at DHGroup.com.
2026 Circleville Pumpkin Show – Oct. 21-24 in downtown Circleville: Hailed as the “Greatest Free Show on Earth,” this four-day celebration of all things pumpkin attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Festival highlights include the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-In and the Miss and Little Miss Pumpkin Show Contests.
Harvest Blooms – Open through Nov. 4 at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Explore vibrant displays of autumn color with thousands of pumpkins, chrysanthemums, cabbages, and more.
Must-See:
For a truly unique fall experience, take a scenic drive along Union County’s Covered Bridge Trail. Maps are available at the Union County Welcome Center and online at UnionCountyOH.com. The route features seven covered bridges and takes under 90 minutes to complete.
Indiana Amish Country
What to expect:
Scenic drives, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fall fun
Where to Stay:
Essenhaus Inn & Conference Center provides warm hospitality and Midwestern charm in a wholesome environment with a miniature golf course, ice cream shop, and an indoor pickleball course.
Where to Eat:
No trip to Indiana’s Amish Country is complete without a stop at Das Dutchman Essenhaus – Indiana’s largest restaurant. Whether you’re settling in for a hearty meal or picking up seasonal treats from the onsite bakery, there’s no better place to savor Autumn’s bounty.
Seasonal Events & Activities:
Fall carriage rides – Take in the beautiful fall scenery at Essenhaus from a horse-drawn carriage. Rides are weather permitting and can be reserved at the inn. For details, stop by the front desk or call 800-455-9471.
Explore the Pumpkinvine Trail – Spanning over 17 miles, this railroad corridor turned multi-use nature trail weaves through the Northern Indiana countryside, offering spectacular seasonal scenery and incredible views of the surrounding Amish farmland. Check it out on foot, or rent a bike from Essenhaus Inn.
Holiday Home & Fashion Show – Oct. 28-30, Essenhaus Inn & Conference Center: See the latest seasonal looks from Essenhaus Village Shops on the runway, get gift ideas, and receive holiday decorating tips while enjoying exclusive deals, prize giveaways, and a delicious catered lunch from Das Dutchman Essenhaus. Tickets start at $48, available from Essenhaus Village Shops, by phone at 800-455-9471, and at Essenhaus.com.
Must-See:
Don’t miss this year’s straw bale art installation at Essenhaus: “Eggs & Haus” (pictured above), featuring two adorable, hand-painted chickens. Middlebury artist Annette Jones created this larger-than-life seasonal sculpture, which measures 9-feet tall and16-feet across. It’s one of more than 30 straw bale art installations throughout LaGrange County on display through October 24. See them all at VisitShipshewana.org.
Sarasota, Florida
What to expect:
Sunny skies, sandy beaches, and gorgeous sunsets
Where to Stay:
Located in the peaceful Pinecraft community, the Carlisle Inn Sarasota offers luxurious suites, exceptional service, and timeless charm, minutes from several top-ranked beaches. Book your stay now at CarlisleInnSarasota.com, and see why this family-friendly retreat has won TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award three years in a row.
Where to Eat:
Voted the #2 buffet in the nation by USA Today readers, Der Dutchman Sarasota has been serving up traditional Amish cuisine and delicious homemade baked goods since 1985. Allow time to visit the gift shop upstairs, where you’ll find charming keepsakes, stylish clothing, and seasonal décor with a coastal flare.
Seasonal Events & Activities:
2026 Water Lantern Festival – Oct. 17 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park: Gather with loved ones for a memorable evening of music, food, and fun before the 600-acre park is illuminated in paper lanterns. Personalize your lantern with a message or intention, then at sunset, release your lanterns together across the water in a powerful shared moment. Tickets typically sell out quickly. Get them while they last at WaterLanternFestival.com.
30th Annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival – Oct. 17-18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Selby Five Points Park: Explore a diverse selection of artisan goods including jewelry, ceramics, photography, clothing, handmade soaps, and more. Admission is free, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Pumpkin Patch Express – Oct. 17-18, 24-25 at Florida Railroad Museum: Take a relaxing train ride to a pumpkin patch, where children can pick a pumpkin, hop on a hayride, get creative with arts and crafts, and more. For tickets and additional information, visit FRRM.org.
Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival – Nov. 13-16 at Siesta Beach: Watch 24 talented sculptors transform mountains of pristine Siesta Key sand into extraordinary displays of art and vote for your favorite. Tickets are available at the gate and in advance at SiestaKeyCrystalClassic.com.
Must-See: Florida is known for its incredible sunsets, and they’re even more beautiful in the fall. For the best views, head over to the bay or one of Sarasota’s legendary beaches.