Holmes County Ohio is a particularly lovely part of the world. And the town of Walnut Creek seems to have sprung up within the folds of its rolling farmlands as naturally as the weeping willows that line the creek banks. Just as the trees instinctively situate themselves to take advantage of sun and water, the Carlisle Inn is planted in the perfect spot.

A Room with a View

The Carlisle Inn gracefully stretches out atop the gently sloping ridge that leads into the village of Walnut Creek, affording guests a remarkable view of the Ohio countryside.

To the south are the green pastures, grazing horses, and three-rail fences of Mud Valley, which is a great deal more picturesque than its name implies. To the north is the picture postcard landscape of Genza or Goose Bottom Valley and its bustling Amish farms.

A Place with Tradition

While the natural features of this charming country landscape shaped the inn’s design, the labor and craftsmanship of the industrious people who live here built it.

The building of the Carlisle Inn was a community effort, employing many of the county’s Amish woodworkers and carpenters. Their painstaking efforts are evident everywhere you look, from the oak and cherry wood trim to the sweeping curved staircase and wonderful handcrafted furniture. As construction began, orders were placed with local craftsmen for more than 75 wooden beds to place in the guest rooms. Quite possibly the most beautiful beds you'll ever sleep on in a hotel, you’ll still find these solid oak and cherry bedsteads as beautiful and sturdy as the day they were made.

A Peaceful, Comfortable Stay

The entire Inn is decorated to emphasize the beautiful setting and quaint character of Walnut Creek. Each spacious guest room has its own style. Pastoral scenes captured by Holmes County photographer Doyle Yoder brighten the Inn’s wide hallways and cozy little sitting areas. Additional welcome touches are found in the Carlisle’s meeting and banquet facilities.

The experience of staying at the Carlisle Inn also emphasizes warmth, rural charm, and small-town hospitality. Carlisle staff members consider it a privilege to get to know our guests and go out of their way to make each stay a truly memorable one.

Dining: A Taste of Amish Country

One of the nicest parts about staying at the Carlisle Inn is dining with our next-door neighbor—the original Der Dutchman Restaurant—and enjoying its authentic Amish Kitchen Cooking. The menu offers exactly the kind of simple, satisfying cooking you’d expect to find in a farmhouse kitchen—big country breakfasts, hearty homemade soups, a bountiful all-you-can-eat salad bar, kid-pleasing favorites, and generous home-style entrees served with a choice of sides, including real mashed potatoes smothered in gravy. And don’t forget about dessert! Homemade pies and pastries from Der Dutchman Bakery always leave diners with a sweet taste in their mouths.

An Abundance of Things to Do (or not!)

We think the Carlisle Inn is the ideal “home base” from which to discover all the simple pleasures of Amish Country. We get you off to a delicious start with a complimentary, country-style continental breakfast served in our sunny, second-floor sitting room.

Just across the street, you’ll find one-of-a-kind shopping experiences at Carlisle Gifts. We even offer an opportunity to see Walnut Creek the way the Amish do—from the seat of a custom-made, horse-drawn buggy. Purchase your ticket at the hotel and head over to the hitching post next to the shops.

Come Stay with Us Soon

Just be sure to make your Carlisle Inn reservation well in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak seasons. That’s when many guests and groups return to the Carlisle Inn year after year.

Special winter rates are available for Sunday through Wednesday nights, from November 1st through mid-May, offering a wonderful opportunity to discover the delights of this festive season in Amish Country—from watching school children sled down the hillsides to leisurely holiday shopping. Even when it’s snowing outside, it’s as warm as wool by the fireside at the Carlisle!

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A Word from Our Guests

“We could not have been treated more like royalty anywhere. The hotel is truly beautiful, and the staff was ready to accommodate our every need. Shops and restaurants are right next door or across the street, which makes for real convenience.” Dadeville, AL

“Very relaxing place to stay. Well-appointed rooms and great service. We love staying here when we visit Ohio Amish country.” Pittsburgh, PA

“My husband and I have stayed at the Carlisle Inn nearly every year since it opened. It has become our favorite get-away place and it feels like home. The Inn is immaculate and beautifully furnished. Everyone is so friendly and helpful.” Watsontown, PA

We have celebrated our anniversary for the past two years at the Carlisle Inn, Walnut Creek. We have the same beautiful, romantic room each time. We especially like the cleanliness along with the triple sheets used for the bed. We have been in more expensive hotels and have never been offered this. Thank you Carlisle Inn for many precious memories, and hopefully we’ll see you again next June.” Blacklick, Ohio

“We have vacationed often in this beautiful part of Ohio. We usually stay in Berlin, but decided to stay somewhere else for a change. Since my parents had never been to this part of Ohio, we took them with us for an overnight stay in July of 2005. We were all amazed at what a beautiful place the Carlisle Inn was. A balcony for each room, great location, beautiful views! We can't wait to go back, and best of all, the price is just right!” Montpelier, Ohio

“My wife and I recently stayed overnight at the Carlisle Inn at Walnut Creek. I just wanted to contact you and compliment you on the quality of your facility. This was one of the finest inns we have stayed in. I was impressed with how quiet the inn was. The night we stayed, there was a huge snowfall that shut down much of the area. Imagine my surprise when one of your employees spent the next morning in the parking lot shoveling snow from the sides of each guest's vehicle so they could get to their car without walking through a foot of snow—very impressive. I have spent the entire week telling my friends and co-workers what a beautiful place the Carlisle is. You can be certain that we will return again. Thanks for your hospitality and for providing such a wonderful retreat.” Lowellville, Ohio

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