Exploring Three Unusual Amish Communities: Off-the-Beaten-Path Traditions and Treasures
For many travelers, the word “Amish” conjures images of Pennsylvania’s rolling farmland, black buggies, and classic red barns. But beyond the well-trodden paths of Lancaster County, there are Amish communities that defy expectations—places where tradition mingles with adaptation, and where local color adds a unique twist to Amish life. Join us as we journey to three of the most unusual Amish settlements in North America: Pinecraft, Florida; Rexford, Montana; and Unity, Maine. Each offers a distinct slice of Amish culture, local flavor, and memorable experiences for curious visitors.
1. Pinecraft, Florida: The Amish Winter Retreat
Nestled in the heart of Sarasota, Pinecraft is unlike any other Amish community in America. Here, palm trees line the streets and bicycles outnumber buggies. Pinecraft is a seasonal haven, where Amish and Mennonite families from the Midwest flock each winter to escape the cold and enjoy the Florida sunshine.
A Community on Vacation
Pinecraft’s year-round population is modest, but during the winter months, it swells with thousands of visitors. “It’s our time to relax and see friends from all over,” says Ruth Miller, a regular winter resident from Ohio. “We play shuffleboard, eat ice cream, and go to the beach. It’s not what most people expect from the Amish!”
Local Businesses and Island Flavors
The heart of Pinecraft is Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village, famous for its mile-high pies and hearty breakfasts. “Our coconut cream pie is legendary,” boasts manager Linda Yoder. “People drive hours just for a slice.” Next door, Der Dutchman serves up classic Amish fare, while Pinecraft’s ice cream parlors and bakeries offer sweet treats with a tropical twist.
A Blend of Traditions
Pinecraft’s relaxed atmosphere means you’ll see Amish women in bright dresses and men in straw hats riding three-wheeled bikes, chatting with locals and tourists alike. “It’s a place where we can be ourselves,” says Eli Stoltzfus, who organizes community volleyball games. “We hold onto our values, but we also enjoy the sunshine.”
2. Rexford, Montana: Amish Life in the Shadow of the Rockies
Far from the cornfields of the Midwest, the Rexford Amish community sits in the rugged beauty of northwest Montana, just miles from the Canadian border. Established in the 1970s by families seeking affordable land and a quieter life, Rexford’s Amish have adapted to a landscape of towering pines, mountain streams, and snowy winters.
Living Close to Nature
“Montana is wild and beautiful, but it’s not easy,” says local Amish farmer Samuel Hochstetler. “We heat with wood, grow what we can, and help each other when the snow comes.” The Rexford community is known for its resourcefulness, with many families running sawmills, greenhouses, and small farms.
Local Businesses and Mountain Crafts
Visitors can stop by the Rexford Amish General Store, where shelves are stocked with homemade jams, handwoven baskets, and woolen goods. “We get a lot of hikers and campers coming through,” says store manager Naomi Fisher. “They’re always surprised to find Amish here, but they love our bread and quilts.”
A Unique Blend of Cultures
The Rexford Amish have close ties with their non-Amish neighbors, often trading goods and labor. “They helped us build our barn last spring,” says local rancher Tom Peterson. “Their work ethic is amazing, and their craftsmanship is top-notch.”
3. Unity, Maine: The Progressive Amish
In the forests of central Maine, the Unity Amish community stands out for its openness to innovation and environmental stewardship. Founded in 2008 by families from Kentucky and Missouri, Unity’s Amish have embraced organic farming, alternative energy, and a spirit of cooperation with the wider world.
Green Living and New Ideas
“We use solar panels for our dairy and cheese-making,” says Sarah Troyer, who runs an organic goat farm with her husband. “It’s important to care for the land, and Maine’s people respect that.” Unity’s Amish are known for their willingness to experiment with new crops, such as blueberries and cranberries, and for their participation in local farmers’ markets.
Local Businesses and Community Spirit
The Unity Amish Market is a must-visit, offering everything from fresh goat cheese and maple syrup to hand-carved wooden toys. “Our customers are a mix of locals, tourists, and college students from Unity College,” says market co-owner John Miller. “We love sharing our way of life.”
Bridging Two Worlds
Unlike more insular Amish groups, Unity’s Amish are active in local environmental groups and community events. “They’re part of our town,” says Unity librarian Emily Carter. “They host workshops on canning and gardening, and their kids play on the same soccer teams as everyone else.”
Quotes from Locals and Group Members
- “People come to Pinecraft expecting to see buggies, but they leave with a new understanding of Amish life,” says Sarasota resident Bill Anderson. “It’s a vacation spot, but it’s also about community.”
- “We’re proud to call the Amish our neighbors,” shares Tom Peterson from Rexford. “They’ve taught us a lot about hard work and helping each other.”
- “Unity’s Amish are different—they’re open to new ideas and care deeply about the environment,” says Unity College student Rachel Nguyen. “They’re a real asset to the area.”
- “We may live simply, but we’re not cut off from the world,” says Sarah Troyer in Unity. “We want to be good stewards and good neighbors.”
What Makes These Communities Unusual?
Each of these Amish settlements breaks the mold in its own way:
- Pinecraft is a seasonal, vacation-oriented community where Amish traditions meet Florida’s laid-back lifestyle.
- Rexford is a remote, mountain community where adaptation to harsh conditions has shaped a unique Amish identity.
- Unity is progressive, environmentally conscious, and deeply engaged with the broader community.
For travelers, these places offer not just a glimpse of Amish life, but a chance to see how tradition evolves and thrives in unexpected settings.