MEET OUR SHEEP
Out of all the activities and amenities at The Inn at Honey Run, guests are always especially curious about our sheep. We’ll admit that it’s maybe a bit unconventional for a boutique hotel to keep a flock of sheep, but we can explain: with 56 acres of property in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, these fluffy friends fit right in. Their barn is a favorite stop on our walking trails, and they appreciate visitors just about any time of day. Here’s the full story on the Honey Run flock. If you have any questions about or photos of our sheep, share them with us on Facebook or Instagram!
HOW IT ALL BEGAN.
Animals have been a part of The Inn at Honey Run since we opened in the 1980s — after all, we’re surrounded by farms. The founding owners kept sheep, goats, and cats on the property. When Jason took over in 2009, he was greeted by one sheep and two goats. Though the goats are no longer with us, the sheep remain a staple of The Inn at Honey Run experience.
Jason began to grow the flock in the fall of 2013. Longtime guests Sam and Diane, who had moved into their dream retirement home just on the other side of the hill, helped set the plans in motion. They keep sheep of their own and offered guidance and experience. Sam and Diane’s number one tip? Raise Tunis sheep.
NOT JUST ANY SHEEP. TUNIS SHEEP.
We’re glad we took Sam and Diane’s advice — our Tunis sheep are fantastic. They get their name from Tunisia in northern Africa, where the breed originated. That background means they’re more accustomed to heat than others. While other sheep slow down in the midsummer heat, Tunis sheep are as friendly and energetic as ever.
Tunis sheep can be raised for both meat and wool, though we wouldn’t ever think of eating ours. The Honey Run sheep are our friends, not our food, and besides, they have a special role beyond just mingling with visitors.
Stop by our Gift Shop during your visit to find specialty items made from our very own Honey Run Flock sheep’s wool.
