November 4, 2008
Hi Lavonne,
I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciated the chocolate candy you gave us. That was so thoughtful of you, and we thank you for your kindness.
Also wanted to let you know how wonderful Mary, our tour guide, was to us. My memory was not correct in that I had never had Mary before and she did a splendid job of informing us about the life of the Amish. She told many stories that I had never heard, and I was grateful to be taken to Amish businesses that I had never seen before. All of our party had a wonderful experience with Mary and at Ada Mae's home for dinner as well.
Mary gave us much insight into the Amish community from her perspective, which was really informing and interesting. She also handled the many questions that our group of tourists fielded her with grace and competence. I would be happy to have her as my guide at any time.
Thanks again for the candy and another wonderful trip to Amish country with your company. You guys are the best.
Sincerely,
Carol Crum
Sept. 30, 2008
Also wanted to let you know - this was our second tour with your group and I loved this one as much as the last! We having been taking a family "all girls" trip for the past 8 years and I can honestly say that in all those years, the 2 years that we took this tour were my favorites! I love the fact that we get to learn about the culture of the area and can ask as many questions as needed without feeling that we are becoming a bother! The lunch was wonderful and the hospitality at the Amish home was great! John's insight was invaluable and I enjoyed the chance to meet and learn so much from him!
Thanks again!!
I would encourage everyone going to that area to take the tour and really get to know and understand more about the Amish culture.
Babs Gross
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My sisters, their husbands and I had a wonderful time on our Back Roads tour last Saturday! Jackie was wonderful and explained so much about the culture and took us to some interesting places.
The families we met were so gracious and such good cooks! I had looked forward to the tour as an opportunity to understand the culture better...and I feel that I did!
Thank you for your wonderful program.
Sincerely,
Jill Brenner
Illinois
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I tried sending a note just a few minutes ago to thank you for our very successful visit to "Amish Country," June 23-26. I'm not sure that it got to you so I thought I had better try again. I'm a little late in getting our THANKS to you, but as they say; "better late, than never!"
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Berlin area and surrounding countryside! Some of the highlights for us were the beautiful accommodations at the Berlin Hotel & Suites and the Back Roads Tour led by "Mary" (I wish we had gotten her last name). Mary did an outstanding job introducing us to all things Amish! As a former member of the Amish Church, she spoke with authority in terms of helping us understand the religious and cultural intricacies of this fascinating group. As an ordained minister of the Gospel, I found this part of the conversation really interesting. We also loved our visit to the Warther Museum in Dover. 'Mooney' Warther was a genius and truly an American Treasure!
Thank you for the welcoming gift of the box of chocolates, too. That was a very nice and thoughtful gesture. We polished off those chocolates pretty quickly!
Perhaps someday we will return to your 'neck 'o the woods,' since we have family living in the Nova, Ohio area. I am recommending your service to my family and friends and hope that they too can enjoy the area like we did.
God Bless You,
Bob and Kerry Burns
Clermont, Florida
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We had a great visit with the Troyer's last week. Atlee and Mary were extremely gracious hosts and went out of their way to see that we had a good time.
They joined us for dinner, which I really appreciated. We talked about how they met, their travels, kids and grandkids [theirs and ours], his work, medical costs, rumpspringer [sp], Sunday services, etc. Dinner included a tossed salad, homemade bread, an excellent chicken casserole and a tasty strawberry pie for dessert.
Highlights of our visit included:
-- Viewing a local Amish softball game at a field down the street [Atlee came with us].
-- Meeting Mary's sister, a son-in-law and others who came by to visit in the evening.
-- Visiting on Tuesday morning with two of their daughters along with four grand-daughters who arrived by hired-car to help grandma. The grand-daughters [ages 4 to 12] were absolutely delightful and adorable. The youngest two [4 and 6?] played with their dolls and books and the older two [8 & 12] helped grandma with the laundry. As none of the grand-daughters have yet joined the Church, photographs were acceptable.
-As an engineer, I enjoyed seeing the pneumatic elevator that Atlee designed and built so that Mary can go up and down to the basement. Ingenious, to say the least. I was also interested in the centrally plumbed gas lamps. and their water and heating system, etc.
As far as accommodations, they were excellent. The large bedroom was upstairs and had excellent flow-through ventilation. We were quite comfortable in spite of the hot/humid weather. There is also a large sitting area with a rocker and sofa and with picture windows looking out over a horse pasture across the street. Very picturesque!
We really had a great time!
Bill and Carol Gates
LaVonne:
Just a note of "Thanks" for a great tour. I got thank you notes in the mailand everyone commented how nice it was and would like to come back next year if you were the "tour guide," I appreciate all the little extras you did.
Also got several calls from people wanting to know if I could find out the name of the Animal Farm, the Route and town it was on. It wasn't named on the itinerary . Several thought that was the "highlight" of the trip. Marvin's boss had that offered to her for her tour in July but she didn't choose it. I am not certain what they are doing but she said Marvin said he had a great time and enjoyed the area very much.
At your convenience, pls email me the farm information.
Thanks again, You did A Perfect Job!
Ruth Maxton
Oct 2007 ~ We have just returned home to Michigan after spending 4 days in Holmes County, and wanted to thank you for the Amish Backroads Culture Tour. We visited the area and took a tour 9 or 10 years ago. This time we brought another couple with us who had never visited before and we wanted it to be a special experience for them. Without a doubt it was! Our guide was Mary, and she did an excellent job. We were especially interested in her Amish background and her present perspective, and she answered all of our many questions in great depth.
As an aside, on our way home we stopped in Kidron and since it was Thursday, the auction was being held. We were fortunate enough to spend a little time in the cattle auction area, and that was of great interest too.
Thank you for the fine service you provide.
Sincerely,
Mike & Elaine Houle
Peter & Ann Cominos
Hi La Vonne ~ I hope you remember us. We took your April 30, 2008 tour with dinner at John JC Yoders. After talking with you prior to the tour, I said it was "required" that you be out your guide. That was a very good decision! I just wanted to let you know that Linda and I loved your tour. It was by far the best thing we did in Amish Country. There is no way we could have experienced as much on our own. Your knowledge and enthusiasms reflect a love of what you're doing and you are very good at it! Dinner at John JC's was wonderful. The food was great and the hospitality warm and friendly. A good selection on your part! Thank you for taking us to visit your friends who were setting up for the wedding the next day! That was so interesting to see all the tables! You have a wonder ful sense of humor as well as warm, charming and very likable!
Thank you La Vonne!
Terry and Linda Matsamuto - California
July 2007 Kelli ~ We loved our tour package, The Lamplight was absolutely incredible. We could sit on the hill and look down and see the peacefulness of a much less complicated life, everything closes down and you can see families sitting on porches and just enjoying time together. My husband and I loved our time together too. We spent hours rocking and sitting on the porch overlooking the country. We had dinner at Atlee and Mary's. What an amazing family.. The food was incredible......I don't know where to start, the mashed potatoes, the peas in sauce/the meatballs the pie!..wow! We met Kim and Willie (Their Horses). Wow, have you seen the size of Willie? 16 1/2 hands! That is a big horse. They will forever be in our hearts. The time we shared will not go forgotten. The Cripes
July 2007 ~ My family and I had a 9:15 tour this past Saturday with John Miller as our tour guide and we just wanted to thank him again for a wonderful day and a very informative tour. He went above and beyond as our tour guide and now new friend. Thank you again. Donna
April 2007 ~ La Vonne ~ I want to say a warm "Thank You" for our wonderful tour experience! I knew my family would enjoy it. My girls enjoyed meeting the Amish candle maker and having the chance to make their own candle! We will definitely book another tour with you...even longer than the 2 hours! The backroad tour is the best way to see the Amish counrtyside. Your tour guide, Mary, was very insightful and informative. Dinner at the Farmstead was great too! The Copely Family
March 2007 ~ Thank you for another wonderful day in "Amish Country. The group enjoyed the carriage maker and furniture maker. The visits and the meals at the Amish homes were enjoyed by all and of course we all gained a few pounds! You are always so informative!
Marge Hensley & The Milford Christian Church
June 17 2006 Thank you for a wonderful experience throughout Holmes County. I've posted several pictures at www.nativecuriosity.shutterfly.com You did a great job educating us about a unique culture. I appreciated every moment. Rebecca West McCormick - Independent Travel Writer
July 28, 2006 Dear La Vonne, Thank you so much for all you did to help make Berlin Creek's show the extra special event that it was. The highlight was the meal at the Amish home! What a very special evening that was. The food was wonderful, and it was so much fun learning and experiencing the culture. Best to you and yours. P. Buckley Moss www.pbuckleymoss.com read about her visit in her newsletter dated July 28, 2006
02-26-06 La Vonne, We spent the past weeks reflecting on the "backroad tour" we went on last Saturday. What a day! You and your profession are a perfect match! Zell and I learned so much and have had fun sharing our experiences with several friends. I couldn't get the fried chicken out of my mind. It was so delicious, so I got the recipes out and tried to duplicate it. Results were "almost"! I haven't figured out what the Runion Mix is so that was a missing ingredient. We would like to visit the basket making family business on our next trip to Holmes County. Thank you for making the day so enjoyable! Zell and Carol ~ Mogadore, Ohio
11/13/05 La Vonne, I am hoping that you receive this e-mail as we have been talking nonstop about the wonderful tour and great information you provided us this past Saturday. You were just great and I wanted to thank you again. You went over and above in providing us with knowledge of the Amish Culture and people. I appreciate your genuine appreciation and respect for their way of life. I am also appreciative of your flexibility when requests were made to make different stops along the way. What a fun day we had. Thank you so much. Marcia Chrupka
11/14/05 La Vonne, Please accept our heartfelt thanks for an absolutely fabulous tour of the Holmes County Amish community yesterday. I was first exposed to the Amish of Lancaster County, Pa., some 55 years ago. During your 12 hour, 4 meal progressive dinner, I learned things I had never heard before. The food was fabulous, the scenery great and your commentary & explanations were wonderful. The addition of several stops "for the guys" ~ the carriage repair and rocking chair shops and the John Deere display were an extra bonus. Our thanks also to Ohio Magazine for making us aware of your tours. You and Ohio Magazine may use our comments as you wish. Craig & Pat Reynolds
9/12/05 "We have visited Holmes county for years and never saw it the way you showed it on your tour! Thank you for your insight and personal attention! CM~Illinois
8/22/05 "La Vonne ~ This is our 6th tour with you and each time we visit, you make it fresh and new. Your love for Amish country shows! The tour of the private, Amish home was a highlight. " TM ~ Indiana
7/10/05 "Our church group is still talking about the wonderful experience you gave to our group. Some people wondered if it would be worth it, but it was more than we anticipated! " KF~ Kentucky
6/23/05 "Thank you for taking our school to the private Amish farm. We always wanted a unique experience with the Amish. Little did we know we could collect eggs from the chicken coop! The students have not had a chance to see farm life and it was exactly what the teachers were hoping to accomplish. You went above and beyond our expectations! Cleveland
5/30/05 "We are in the states for 5 months from Australia. We debated on what Amish Community to tour. You have a wonderful way of teaching the culture and we loved the meal in the Amish home!" LF ~ Australia
5/27/05 La Vonne "Your tours are why we visit Holmes County. We don't care for all the shopping, but we enjoy seeing the backroads. Do you ever get lost? Every time we take your tour, we see something different. Thank you for taking us to the Buggy maker ~ I didn't know they cost that much!" You have a wonderful service and you do an excellent job! CL ~ Pennsylvania
4/05 "We just took your 12 hour progressive meal tour. What a memorable experience we had! The meals were delicious! I didn't know that the Amish would allow us into their homes, but we felt so welcome. I can tell you have a good rapport with them, for it shows. I'm glad we found your website and we hope we can visit again" North Carolina
Thank you to ALL the special people we met on our tours!
Dear LaVonne,
We took the two hour tour and dinner at an Amish home with Linda Yoder on April 17, 2008. Linda made us feel so welcomed and was very informative. We were treated like friends treat friends, not like she was conducting business. She took us to an Amish home for dinner where we ate a delicious dinner with wonderful people. We could not forget how peaceful and quiet the home was despite all the work being done. Linda was able to help us understand the Amish culture to avoid making “tourist” mistakes as we enjoyed their warm hospitality. We are so glad we took the tour and glad that Linda was our guide.
We strongly recommend Linda and your tour company to anyone considering a visit to HolmesCounty.
-Charlie and Denise, Painesville, Ohio
Why do people love our tours?
* We care about our visitors and want them to feel special
*We give you opportunities to visit Amish and personally interact with them.
*We take you to places that the average visitor would not know about.
* We love living here and want to share the area with you!
