Travel author visits her favorite stomping grounds in Holmes County for book signing

Kevin Lynch, The Daily Record
·4 min read
Author Brandy Gleason (second from left) and her mother or "personal assistant" Sandy Gordon greet Pat Walker and the Rev. Pam Smith of Canton at Gleason's book signing for her book "100 Things to Do in Ohio's Amish Country Before You Die" on Tuesday at Der Dutchman in Walnut Creek.
Author Brandy Gleason (second from left) and her mother or "personal assistant" Sandy Gordon greet Pat Walker and the Rev. Pam Smith of Canton at Gleason's book signing for her book "100 Things to Do in Ohio's Amish Country Before You Die" on Tuesday at Der Dutchman in Walnut Creek.

WALNUT CREEK - Brandy Gleason began writing books by mistake. The mother of eight, she was blogging about things she liked to do with her family and one thing led to another.

Her first book, "100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die" shares her expertise in all things Holmes County, from where to dine, to where to visit and what to see and do.

Visitors from near and far were on hand to pick up a copy of the book.

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The Rev. Pam Smith from Harter Heights Community Church in Canton was happy to pick up a copy of the book about an area she enjoys visiting, while Ryan Raber of Plano, Texas, was also excited about getting a copy of the book.

Gleason has been coming to Holmes County for more than 30 years. She is a travel writer for TravelAwaits.com, a site for the 50-and-older crowd. She also writes for Ohio Road Trips Facebook groups.

Ryan Raber of Plano, Texas, purchases a copy of "100 Things to Do in Ohio's Amish Country Before You Die" from author Brandy Gleason.
Ryan Raber of Plano, Texas, purchases a copy of "100 Things to Do in Ohio's Amish Country Before You Die" from author Brandy Gleason.

"As I was doing my research for a book "100 Things to Do in Ohio Before You Die," I told my publisher (Reedy Press) I had another book that I always wanted to write, and I am so grateful for this opportunity," Gleason said during her book signing tour stop in Holmes at Der Dutchman Restaurant in Walnut Creek,

Hershberger's Farm and Bakery one place Gleason loves to visit

Gleason had a hard time narrowing down her favorite places to visit in Holmes County, but she did admit to one regular stop.

"Oh my goodness, if I go to one place every time I come to Holmes County, it's Hershberger's Farm and Bakery because I love the fry pies," she said. "It's got to be my favorite.

"If I come for eating, I go to Rebecca's Bistro here in Walnut Creek," she added. "It's farm to table, and it is so quaint. And I come here (to Der Dutchman) for the view."

She laughed, noting, the food at Der Dutchman is pretty good as well.

Gleason loves to see the continued growth and development in Amish Country, including the newest find, the Holmes Center for the Arts, which opened its new building in Berlin this spring. She enthusiastically encourages a visit there.

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Gleason raised conservative Mennonite in Plain City

Gleason was raised conservative Mennonite in Plain City, so she feels right at home on her numerous visits to Holmes County.

Plain City author Brandy Gleason.
Plain City author Brandy Gleason.

"My heart is endeared to my roots," Gleason said. "It's something that never leaves you. Being able to share with people, the positivity, it is wonderful. I gave a big shout out to Behalt at The Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center. If you come to one place in Amish Country, this is somewhere you should go."

Behalt is a 10-foot by 265-foot circular mural on display at the heritage center, another of the can't miss places to visit in Holmes County's Amish Country, Gleason said.

"The cyclorama itself, one of only four in the United States I believe, is a reason to visit," she added.

Ohio's Amish Country, Lake Erie and Hocking Hill top places mentioned on the Ohio Road Trips Facebook group

When looking at things to do on the Ohio Road Trips Facebook group, the top three places mentioned are Ohio's Amish Country, Lake Erie and Hocking Hills.

"I am blessed because I got to write about one of my favorites," she said.

She thanked the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau staff, specifically Shannon Carter, and their many community partners, for helping with her research about Holmes County.

Carter said what a pleasure it was to work with Gleason.

"Brandy approached me with this idea over a year ago, and immediately I wanted to make sure the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau were there to help tell this story," Carter said. "What better way to create brand awareness with helping to create a book titled '100 things to do in Ohio's Amish Country Before You Die.'

"Brandy did most of the heavy work and I was merely a sounding board for helping to connect her locally with business owners and making sure that the information was accurate," she continued. "The hope for this project was to make sure those who were visiting the area can explore confidently and create new memories each time."

Carter reported when the book released in early May, it had sold out on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Target.

"Thankfully it has been restocked since," Carter said. "It has been an honor and pleasure working with Brandy, seeing the book come to life, and watching people across the country fall in love with Ohio's Amish Country."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Travel author Brandy Gleason visits Holmes County