A Taste of Germany in the Midwest

I am counting the days until our upcoming trip to Europe, which will include a few days in Germany. But did you know that you can get a taste of Germany right here in the Midwest?!

Earlier this year we were traveling through Ohio, and we made a point to spend a few hours in German Village. It was our second time exploring this quaint community just south of Columbus, Ohio.

We absolutely adore German Village!

In the early 1800’s German immigrants began settling in this area of central Ohio. An explosion of German immigration occurred and by 1865, Columbus’s population was 1/3 German.

The area went through decline during years when sentiment towards all things German was not so positive. But the area received a rebirth of sorts in 1960 when a man named Frank Fetch created the German Village Society and preservation of the German heritage began to take off.

Today, the area is filled with adorable homes that butt right up to the cobblestone walkways and streets. Don’t confuse “adorable” for inexpensive as home prices in German Village are anything but!

Many homes feature flickering lamps near the front door, making you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

You won’t find any high rise hotels or big box stores in German Village…but the booming metropolis of Columbus is just blocks away. What you will find are quaint shops, eateries, and watering holes with a distinct German flare.

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant

Arguably the centerpiece of German Village is Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. For the perfect souvenir, take the obligatory selfie with your faces in the wooden cutout of a classic German couple just outside. (Admire our photo below!)

While we didn’t take time for dinner at Schmidt’s on this visit, we did pop in to breathe in the distinct smell of German cooking.

A popular dining option, Schmidt’s always seems to be busy, so be prepared to wait for a table. While waiting you can drool over the dessert cases.

And peruse the varieties of German sausages!

Schmidt’s Fudge Haus

Never one to pass up a fudge shop, we popped into Schmidt’s Fudge Haus. Inside you are greeted with the intoxicating aroma of chocolate.

In addition to sweet treats, you can also pick up a variety of German souvenirs. Ranging in price from very affordable to quite salty, you can find German beer steins, kitschy collectibles, and hand-carved creations.

The Red Stable

More shopping opportunities await just across the street at The Red Stable. This unique shop is packed with both German and Ohio themed decor and gifts.

From vintage Nutcrackers and cuckoo clocks to jewelry and home decor.

The Red Stable is the perfect place to find one-of-a kind gifts and and creations made by over 100 local Ohio artisans. Make sure you venture up to the second floor, which houses the art gallery.

Hausfrau Haven

After strolling down several blocks in this charming neighborhood, we popped in to Hausfrau Haven. Just in time for happy hour! This wine shop with adjoining bar was the perfect spot to rest our feet and savor a glass of the house red wine.

When we first arrived the bar and nearby tables were sparsely filled, but before long the place was hopping with both locals and tourists. Everyone was partaking in friendly banter as well as the wide selection of beer and wine.

After finishing my wine, I left Brent at the bar to savor a glass of German beer. I wanted plenty of time to get lost in our last stop in German Village.

The Book Loft

 

If you love books like I do, then you HAVE to experience The Book Loft! We visited this massive bookstore on our previous stop in German Village, and a return trip was an absolute must for me.

With 32 rooms of books, this bookstore is literally a maze of literature. I can only imagine how many people have gotten lost in this place!

I thoroughly enjoyed winding up and down the various floors, hallways, rooms, nooks, and crannies that make up this unique shop. Each area houses a different genre of literature, but you may need a map to locate a specific book on your shopping list!

I just took it all in…roaming through room after room of books on romance, travel, biographies, and everything in between.

Seriously, book lovers…make a beeline to The Book Loft!

While many large bookstores have gone by the wayside as digital media has taken hold, I sincerely hope The Book Loft will be serving up literature for decades to come. That’s high praise for someone who publishes her writing online!

Next Up, Germany!

While I do adore German Village in Ohio, now I’m ready to pack my bags and head overseas to explore Germany! Stay tuned for details on Traveling Tanya’s upcoming European Adventure.

Have you visited German Village, Ohio? If not, be sure to put this charming community on your next Midwest travel itinerary!

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

P.S. Want to join Traveling Tanya’s Tribe?! Subscribe to my email list (at the top of the screen) and never miss any of my exciting excursions and travel tips!

Pin It For Later!