Cleveland is home to some unique cultural clusters. There's Little Italy and AsiaTown, and ethnic markets and eateries bring cultures from all around the world to our delightful city. However, some cultural groups appreciated the local landscape but craved a slower pace. This is true of the founders of one Alpine-inspired village that's become known as The Little Switzerland of Ohio, and their legacy lingers in local architecture and tradition. Pack some snacks for a road trip, because we're heading about 90 minutes south of Cleveland.
Today we're traveling south from Cleveland and into Amish Country to explore The Little Switzerland of Ohio.
The Village of Sugarcreek is an absolute diamond among the emerald greenery of Amish Country. The village's Swiss-styled downtown district is unlike anything you'd expect to find in the Northeast Ohio countryside, but it's well worth the drive from Cleveland.
The culture of Sugarcreek is unlike anywhere near Cleveland.
Swiss influences, Amish and Mennonite traditions, and a tourist-fueled culture have helped this small town shape an identity that's uniquely it's own. Each day in Sugarcreek is beautiful and slow-paced, but it's full of opportunity for adventure.
If you're concerned that a village with only 904 households has nothing to do... don't be!
You'll never be bored while you're in Sugarcreek. There are unique shopping opportunities, chances to explore local history, and unforgettable settings worthy of exploration.
At some local attractions, you'll hardly be able to believe your eyes.
Be sure to swing by the David Warther Carvings Museum while on your trip — this is one museum that's worthy of immortalizing in pictures. David Warther II, born in 1959, carved his first ship at just 6 years of age. His parents say he started carving elephant tusk ivory at only 3 years of age. As he grew, his carving talents grew... just as they had with his father and his grandfather. Today the delicate details of his carved ships continue to astound visitors at this incredible museum.
Seriously, some local attractions will make you do a double take.
At the center of town is the iconic Giant Cuckoo Clock, an appropriately-named ginormous and functional cuckoo clock. This clock provides a musical performance to visitors every hour and half hour between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. outside of the winter months.
While you're in Sugarcreek's downtown, you'll be amazed that it seems frozen in time.
Does this photo look antique to you? Believe it or not, it was taken in 1993. Today, you'll find that the perfectly quaint village still looks like a scene from an antique movie.
And you'll doubtlessly fall in love with the old-fashioned attitudes of this picturesque community.
While you're in town, you'll be treated to some quaint sites. The town is overflowing with history, some of which may be revealed if you pick up the latest edition of The Budget newspaper.
The iconic greenery of the rural Amish Country landscape is abundant all over town, reminding visitors that they're free to relax and take a deep breath of the Ohio countryside air.
Sugarcreek is a quaint country town, but it is home to quite a bit of foot traffic. Nonetheless, grass and gardens adorn the landscape, adding natural elements to a more suburban landscape.
Prepare to kick back and relax, because the slow pace of Amish Country is sure to melt your stress away.
Northeast Ohio is overflowing with culture far beyond the borders of Cleveland. Have you ever visited Sugarcreek? What's your favorite attraction in town?
If you love cultural celebrations, just wait until you check out this incredibly festive neighborhood in Cleveland.
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