Craving a getaway to zoom out of life’s hustle-bustle?
Think of Ohio’s Amish Country as your overdue retreat to a simpler, more wholesome time. We’re talking horse-drawn buggies, organic, farm-fresh fare, and gently rolling hills that incite tranquility as you meander from town to town.
The best place to start? Dover, of course. This town of 12,000 people is the center of everything Amish Country has to offer, including historic villages, Amish country farms, outdoor activities, and delicious, organic food. Plus, it’s under a 2-hour drive from both Columbus and Pittsburgh.
Here at Your Family’s Place, we’ve hosted hundreds of families over the last decade, big and small, in our multi-generational homes in this slice of paradise in the midwest. We’ll walk you through the best things to do on your Dover vacation.
1. Perfect Your Swing at the Zoar Village Golf Course
- Website: zoarvillagegolf.com
- Address: 8229 Dover Zoar Rd NE, Dover, OH
Fancy a game of golf?
All you need to do is drive a mere 7-minutes from our Dover vacation homes to Zoar Village Golf Course. A staple in the neighborhood, this golf course has been around for ages, hosting beginners, experts, business groups, and even kids, as they offer children’s golf training.
Even if you think you’re an expert, we recommend the course’s full swing analysis—a full-hour evaluation of your current skills along with tangible, guided advice to improve your sequencing and mechanics. Golf trainer Richard J. Essik has 35 years of experience as a golfer and 10 years of experience in the professional athletic golf world!
If you’re planning a long vacation, you might even take advantage of their 4-week comprehensive golf training, which would make for a memorable family experience.
2. Burn Off Energy at Tuscora Park
- Website: tuscorapark.com
- Address: 161 Tuscora Ave NW, New Philadelphia, OH
Did the kids pack their favorite frisbee? They can toss it around in the expansive backyards of one of our properties.
But if you want to see some more friendly faces in Dover with a side of water parks, arcades, and amusement park rides, pack the frisbee and gather the kiddos for a trip to Tuscora Park. An afternoon here is an exciting yet affordable outing, with three swimming pools, ample tables for picnics, and abundant trees to marvel as you reconnect with nature and family.
The backdrop? Lush greenery that pours over from the shaded trees and surrounding hills. We’d recommend the go-karts and airplane rides if you’re traveling with children —- they’re always a hit and sure to tire them out once you get home.
Don’t forget about the indoor dining hall and outdoor shaded pavilions, which can be reserved up to one year in advance. Host a grandparent’s birthday, graduation celebration, or even an intimate, mindful dinner with your most cherished loved ones.
3. Step into the 1800s at the Historic Zoar Village
- Address: 198 Main St, Zoar, OH
- Website: historiczoarvillage.com
Any budding historians in the house? You might wonder what life was like before electricity, TV, and TikTok entered the chat. In fact, that’s a common attraction to Ohio’s Amish Country to all of our guests.
While the Amish people culturally avoid modern technology, this pastoral area was once even more traditional. Stroll back to 1835 to the Historical Zoar Village, where you’ll find fully preserved homes from the 1800s, as well as adult—and family-friendly activities and lessons, like blacksmithing, pretzel baking, needle pointing, and forging.
You can also book a 10-person tour with a historical guide in full 1800s attire for around $8 per person.
4. Enjoy Art and History at the Ernest Warther Museum
- Address: 331 Karl Ave, Dover, OH
- Website: thewarthermuseum.com
Another slice of history is The Ernest Warther Museum, of course. The museum is based on the life and works of Ernest “Mooney” Warther, a carving and whittling artist who lived in the early 1900s. Your kids will love this historical enlivening of their favorite toy trains, as Mooney primarily carved pieces related to the steam engine.
You can also trust that the staff and owners are super knowledgeable about any questions you might have about the history and grounds. After all, they’re third- and fourth-generation family members of the Warthers themselves!
5. Explore the Victorian Era at The Reeves Victorian Home
- Address: 325 E Iron Ave, Dover, OH
- Website: doverhistory.org
A final historical destination? The Reeves Victorian Home —- the almost entirely preserved family home of Jeremiah E. Reeves, a 20th-century industrialist. Imagine yourself in the 1920s as you meander through each room, dance a pirouette in the preserved top-floor ballroom or 1920s carriage and buggy in the Carriage House behind the property.
This impressive home was built in 1901 and features Victorian-style architecture, like white pillars, hexagonal rooms.
Plus, the grounds are surrounded by well-kept gardens and overflowing blooming roses in spring and summer.
6. Taste the Finer Things in Life at the Swiss Heritage Winery
- Address: 6011 Old Rte 39 NW, Dover, OH
- Website: swissheritagewinery.com
Traveling with your sweetheart? We can’t think of a more romantic activity than an indulgent afternoon at the Swiss Heritage Winery. And if you’re a cheese enthusiast, you’ll enjoy this winery’s rich history as a cheese house (for decades) until they introduced wine to the mix.
Imagine a blush wine that reflects the fruity notes of the harvest around us —- rick blackberries, refreshing watermelon, dutch apple, and deep cherry are all flavors you can pick from. And if you crave a refreshing peach ripe off the tree? Try the natural peach wine varietal. Rest assured, all these wines are blended perfectly on-site by the winery’s second and third-generation winemakers, Chad and Carson Schindler.
Opt for an afternoon of wine and cheese tastings, or bring a few bottles home to your spacious vacation rental. Our properties include ample outdoor green space and porch spots to sit with a glass of vino and take in the natural surroundings.
7. Taste the Local Brews
Beer aficionados might also consider Dover’s breweries. Many breweries also host events and tastings, providing a perfect opportunity to mingle with locals and sample seasonal offerings. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs or smooth stouts, Dover’s breweries are sure to impress. Check out our favorites below.
Hoodletown Brewing Co.
- Address: 424 W 3rd St, Dover, OH
- Website: hoodletown.com
The brewery emphasizes community by sourcing ingredients from local farms, ensuring that each pint reflects the unique flavors of the region. The 8 Lakes IPA and Kayakers Kolsch are favorites.
Lockport Brewery
- Address: 10748 Wilkshire Blvd NE, Bolivar, OH (10 minutes from Dover)
- Website: lockportbeer.com
Lockport Brewing Company is another must-visit destination for craft beer lovers in Dover. Their flagship beers, such as the crisp and flavourful Lockport Lager and the robust Porterhouse Stout, are standouts. This spot has a spacious taproom and outdoor seating options.
Enjoy Your Dover Vacation at Your Family’s Place
The bottom line? There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Dover. Booking with Your Family’s Place will put you at the center of Ohio’s Amish Country and its rich history and activities.
Whether you’re craving an escape from Cleveland’s traffic or simply want to introduce more wholesome outdoor activities on your vacation this time around, we welcome you to our comfortable, expansive, and nature-enveloped vacation homes.