Five new suites at Ohio’s Amish Country’s Main Street Lodge feature gorgeous decor decked out by the designers at Sheiyah Market, just in time for fall color
By Mimi Vanderhaven
The heart of Ohio’s Amish Country is the community of Berlin, and the heart of Berlin is the famous Sheiyah Market, which features 50,000 square feet of retail shopping spread over their expansive campus. Visitors from around the world shop the market’s eclectic collection of gifts, fashions, furniture, and accessories. Here’s how to explore the market—and where to stay.
The Sheiyah Market Campus
Sheiyah, pronounced SHY-yuh, is the Pennsylvania Dutch word for “barn,” and the market features various shopping experiences anchored by the Village Gift Barn—the original structure now home to three floors of home décor, custom florals, accent lighting, gourmet food items, and more.
On the barn’s first floor, be sure to visit Sheiyah Style Boutique, showcasing clothing, fashion accessories and jewelry you won’t find anywhere else. It also includes a large selection of “curvy clothing” dedicated to plus-sized women.
After the barn, make the short walk across campus to Country Gatherings, a more traditional take on furnishings and fashions—from modern farmhouse to vintage to primitive. Then follow the sunshine to The Gardens, an enormous greenhouse packed with hard-to-find houseplants, pots and planters, outdoor furniture, statuary, fairy gardens and clever garden accessories.
Stay Surrounded by Sheiyah
To fully enjoy Sheiyah Market and all that Berlin has to offer, you’ll want to stay close by—close enough to walk to everything without worrying about fighting traffic or finding a parking space.
Thankfully, a new lodging option is now available in the very heart of Berlin located “between the lights.” It’s called Main Street Lodge, and in addition to the popular suites that opened in 2018, there are five brand new suites: Hickory, Barnwood (wheelchair accessible), Sycamore, Maple and Magnolia.
Each with a bedroom plus a sleeper-sofa, the five new suites accommodate up to four guests, all of whom will enjoy a modern kitchen, dining area, and an oversized tiled shower. The living rooms boast 55-inch flat-screen TVs and gas-log fireplaces—perfect for movie night. Three suites have a luxurious whirlpool in the bedroom, while the signature feature of the Maple and Magnolia Suites is a set of panoramic glass doors that fling open onto your own rustic, enclosed patio complete with a personal hot tub where you can relax in utter privacy a mere 15 feet from Main Street.
Sheiyah-Designed Décor
Main Street Lodge owner/host Michael Mast was so inspired by Sheiyah Market that he invited two of its buyers and interior designers—Sandy Miller and Donna Hochstetler—to give each suite the magic Sheiyah touch with furniture, florals, artwork and accessories.
“Thanks to the hard work and talents of Sandy and Donna, our décor is stunning,” Michael says. “It’s modern and fresh, yet still reflects the authentic nature of Ohio’s Amish Country. Best of all, if you like any of the accessories you see in your room, you can walk down the street to Sheiyah Market and buy them.”
Private Numbered Parking
As clean, modern and romantic as the new lodge suites are, the top amenity is actually outside your door: your own private parking space.
“Berlin has a lot to offer, so you don’t want to spend your time stuck in traffic or looking for parking. Here at Main Street Lodge, I assign you a private, numbered space located a few feet from Main Street. That means you can park one time then walk to all the attractions. And with our keyless entry system, you don’t have to worry about keeping track of a key or a key card. This is the most relaxing, stress-free way to enjoy Amish Country.”
Free Passes/Free Advice
As founders of the local newspaper, Michael’s family has deep roots in Amish Country. As a result, Main Street Lodge guests each receive free passes to one show at the Amish Country Theater.
And you don’t even have to research your trip. Once you register for your stay, Michael will send you a personal email with his best recommendations for what to see and do during your visit. You’ll even receive vouchers for free admittance into some of his favorite Amish Country attractions.
Main Street Lodge is located in the heart of Berlin. The GPS address is 4792 East Main Street, Millersburg, Ohio. Suites are available 365 days a year. For more info or to book your stay, visit MainStreetLodgeBerlin.com.