Mel’s Buggy Rides in Berlin paint a unique memory of Amish Country

There are many reasons to come to Holmes County, the heart of Amish Country, and experience everything Amish Country has to offer.

The rolling landscape to the lush farmlands, countless shops, Amish hardwood furniture, Amish fry pies, noodles and other tasty foods, and the serenity of the area make for an inviting stop.

However, there is always one fascination that seems to draw the most attention, that being the quaint Amish buggies that adorn the byways of Amish Country.

Seeing this form of transportation dotting the landscape always draws plenty of views and photos, but why look at the buggies when you can take an actual ride and tour the area around Berlin in one?

Thanks to Mel’s Buggy Rides in Amish Country, which begins behind Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant in the heart of Berlin, visitors can experience Amish Country in a unique way.

An experience with Mel’s Buggy Rides in Ohio’s Amish Country feels like stepping into a slower, simpler world where the pace of life isn’t determined by a clock.

Mel Gingerich isn’t just a tour guide; he is a wealth of local information who provides insight into the Amish and Mennonite lifestyle and adds depth to the beautiful scenery. And thanks to his endless array of jokes, he leaves visitors with a warm sense of what Amish Country is all about.

“I want to give people a true picture of what our area is like and give them some insight into the Amish lifestyle and the people because that is what they are most interested in learning about,” Gingerich said.

As visitors settle into the two-seat buggy — which is heated — they’re transported along quiet country roads lined with rolling hills, open farmland and picturesque Amish homesteads, giving them a front-row view of a lifestyle rooted in tradition and simplicity.

Leading the way is Joe, Gingerich’s faithful Standardbred horse, who knows the routes almost as well as Gingerich.

The ride is typically relaxed and personal, often with Gingerich sharing friendly conversation and humorous local stories that make the journey feel welcoming and authentic.

“People are always amazed at the beauty, and they always talk about how peaceful and quiet it is,” Gingerich said. “They are often very inquisitive about the Amish community and ask a lot of questions.”

In addition, Gingerich talks about how caring and helpful the community is, discussing everything from church services and barn raisings to meals, Rumspringa, typical daily life of the Amish community, and how the English and Amish coexist.

Plus, the fact that Gingerich seems to know everyone in the area personally and tells stories about the various farms, houses and businesses people pass as they travel only adds to the authenticity of the ride.

Gingerich started giving buggy tours nine years ago, and during that time, he has given rides to people from around the world.

Mel’s Buggy Rides offers a couple different tours: an hour tour that meanders through the countryside and passes by Heini’s Cheese and a half-hour tour that heads east toward Behalt. The tour is only $40 per half-hour, making it an inexpensive venture for a family or couple.

While the tour is wonderful for couples, it is especially enjoyable for the kids, who might even get a chance to hold the reins as everyone soaks up the experience.

Whether it’s a cool day with a blanket over your lap or a sunny afternoon breeze, the experience blends natural beauty, nostalgia and a glimpse of Ohio’s Amish Country in a way that will create lasting memories.

“People often comment that they get to see and experience so much more than just driving around, and many of them have never experienced a real buggy ride,” Gingerich said.

Gingerich not only gives rides around the Berlin area, but his tour also travels. People have called and rented his services for parties, proms and all types of events all over Ohio.

However, there are people who live in and around Amish Country who have never been on a buggy ride, and Gingerich said the tour will be just as enjoyable and informational to them as it is for visitors to the area.

Mel’s Buggy Rides gives people a unique look into Amish Country that is as entertaining as it is educational. It all adds up to a memorable experience.

To book a ride with Mel’s Buggy Rides, call 330-275-7896.