WALNUT CREEK Brandi Gleeson started writing books by mistake. A mother of eight, she blogs about things she loves to do with her family and one thing that leads to something else.
Her first book, “100 Things to Do in Amish Country Ohio Before You Die,” shares her expertise on 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.
more:Westminster Community Church in Canton holds final farewell mass
Reverend Pam Smith of Harter Heights Community Church in Canton was happy to pick up a copy of the book about the area she enjoys visiting, while Ryan Rapper of Plano, Texas, was also excited to get a copy of the book.
Gleeson has been coming to Holmes County for over 30 years. She is a travel writer for TravelAwaits.com, a site dedicated to those 50 and older. She also writes for Ohio Road Trips groups on Facebook.
“While I was doing my research for ‘100 Things to Do in Ohio Before You Die,’ I told my publisher (Reedy Press) that I had another book I’ve always wanted to write, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity,” Gleeson said during her book signing tour. I stopped in Holmes at Deere Dutchman Restaurant on Walnut Creek,
Hirschberger Farm & Bakery is one place Gleeson loves to visit
Gleeson had a hard time narrowing down her favorite places to visit in Holmes County, but she admitted to one regular stop.
“Oh my God, if I go to one place every time I come to Holmes County, it’s Hirschberger Farm and Bakery because I love frying pancakes,” she said. “It has to be my favourite.
“If I came to eat, I would go to Rebecca’s Bistro here in Walnut Creek,” she added. “It’s farm to table, and it’s very attractive. I came here (to Dutchman Abbey) for the view.”
She laughed, noting that the food at Der Dutchman was good, too.
Gleeson loves to see the continued growth and development of Amish country, including the latest discovery, the Holmes Center for the Arts, which opened its new building in Berlin this spring. She enthusiastically encourages a visit there.
more:Senator Hottinger, Representative Keck and Representative Brett Heller were among state officials at the opening of the HCA
Raised a conservative Mennonite Gleason in Blaine City
Gleeson grew up in the conservative Mennonite area of Blaine City, so she feels right at home during her many visits to Holmes County.
“My heart is loved by my roots,” Gleeson said. “It’s something that never leaves you. Being able to share it with people, and the positivity, it’s amazing. I made a big shout-out to Bhalt at the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center. If you come to one place in Amish country, this is the place to go.” mechanism “.
Gleason said Behalt is a 10-foot by 265-foot circular mural on display at the Heritage Center, one of the can’t-miss places to visit in Holmes County’s Amish County.
“Cyclorama itself, one of only four in the US I think, is a reason to visit,” she added.
Amish Country Ohio, Lake Erie and Hawking Hill are some of the best mentioned places in the Ohio road trip collection on Facebook
When looking at the things to do in the Ohio Road Trips group on Facebook, the top three places mentioned are Amish Country, Ohio, Lake Erie, and Hocking Hills.
“I am fortunate to have been able to write about one of my favorite things,” she said.
She thanked Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism office staff, specifically Shannon Carter, and several of their community partners for helping with her research on 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 wanted to make sure the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism office was there to help tell this story,” Carter said. What better way to create brand awareness than by helping create a book called “100 Things to Do in Amish County, Ohio Before You Die.”
She continued, “Brandy did most of the hard work and I was just a sounding board to help connect them locally with business owners and make sure the information was accurate.” “The hope with this project was to ensure that those who were visiting the area could explore with confidence and create new memories each time.”
Carter reported that when the book was released in early May, it was sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Target.
“Fortunately, it has since been restocked,” Carter said. “It has been an honor and a pleasure working with Brandy, seeing the book come to life, and watching people across the country fall in love with the Amish country of Ohio.”