The 3 Must-Visit Amish Communities in North and South Carolina
From lush farmland to charming roadside stands, Amish communities offer something truly special in the Carolinas! Whether you seek homemade breads, unique crafts, or the brisk hospitality of old-world rural America, get ready to discover three communities and their most memorable businesses, addresses, quotes, and traveler tips. Let’s hit the back roads and see why these are the must-visit Amish destinations in North and South Carolina!
1. Union Grove, North Carolina
Location: Union Grove/Hamptonville, Yadkin County, NC
Business Example:
- Wholesome Country Creamery
6400 Windsor Rd., Hamptonville, NC 27020
(336) 468-1520
What’s Unique:
Union Grove is the largest and best-known Amish community in North Carolina, famous for its progressive approach and “New Order” traditions. Here, the Amish use rubber wheels, gas tractors, and even grid electricity! Farming and dairying are at the heart of community life. Expect cheerful attire (women wear colorful dresses) and a strong sense of local identity. It’s not uncommon to see barn raisings and friendly roadside markets. tracyfredrychowski+2
Must-Visit Stops:
- Wholesome Country Creamery: Fresh dairy, old-fashioned ice cream, local eggs and cheese.
- Union Grove General Store: Local groceries, handmade jams, bulk foods.
Reviews and Quotes:
- “Incredibly friendly, genuine folk…the ice cream is a dream and the country scenery is gorgeous.”
- “We loved seeing the vibrant dresses at market—Union Grove feels welcoming in a way you want to see repeated everywhere.”tracyfredrychowski
2. Ellenboro/Polkville, North Carolina
Location: Polkville & Ellenboro, Cleveland and Rutherford Counties, NC
Business Example:
- Hershberger Buggy & Repair / Porch Rockers & Cutting Boards
2982 Hollis Road, Ellenboro, NC 28040 - Gingerich Patio & Lawn Furniture / Soaps & Lotions
2874 Hollis Road, Ellenboro, NC 28040
What’s Unique:
Founded by the “Swartzentruber Amish,” the Ellenboro community is famously conservative—horse-and-buggy travel only, strict traditional dress, and no grid electricity. The area boasts woodworking shops, sawmills, soap makers, and hickory rockers. Home businesses dot the roads, with signs for fresh produce, furniture, and crafts.
- Porch Rockers & Cutting Boards: Hand-crafted rocking chairs and goods from a classic barnside shop.
- Gingerich Soaps & Lotions: All-natural body care and rustic gifts for your home. amishamerica
Reviews and Quotes:
- “Stopped for a rocker and left with jams, honey, and conversation. It’s friendly, plain, and so authentic.”
- “We watched a barn going up in a single day—it’s humbling how hard-working and welcoming everyone is.”
3. Blackville, South Carolina
Location: Blackville, Barnwell County, SC
Business Examples:
- Miller’s Bread Basket
483 Main St., Blackville, SC 29817
millersbreadbasket.com - Swartzentruber’s Bakery
1194 Solomon Blatt Blvd., Blackville, SC 29817
(803) 284-3553 - Healing Springs Country Store
259 Springs Ct, Blackville, SC 29817
(803) 300-1052
What’s Unique:
South Carolina’s Amish presence is rooted in the Beachy Amish tradition—it’s a bit more progressive than the Old Order, with car usage and openness to “English” visitors. Blackville is tiny but vibrant, featuring a church, Amish schoolhouse, bakeries, country stores, and the legendary God’s Acre Healing Springs—a spot where people come from miles for “miracle” artesian water! kicks99+1
Must-Visit Stops:
- Miller’s Bread Basket: Southern-infused Amish cookery, homemade fresh-baked bread, famous fried chicken and pies.
- Healing Springs Country Store: Sandwiches, sodas, and the one-of-a-kind springs.kicks99
- Swartzentruber’s Bakery: “Baked goods worth driving for, friendly staff…you can gain 5 pounds just looking at them!” amishamerica
Reviews and Quotes:
- “The bread at Miller’s is heavenly—and don’t leave without pie!”
- “Healing Springs is an adventure. Locals swear by the water; the country store makes lunch even better.”
- “Blackville’s Amish bakeries are a rare treat. Everything is super fresh, and the folks are warm and eager to chat.”
The Carolinas’ Amish communities are small but mighty—highlighting southern hospitality, handcrafted goods, and flavors you’ll crave again and again. From Union Grove’s dairy delights, to Ellenboro’s rockers and soaps, to Blackville’s legendary healing water and fresh-baked bread, these destinations are must-visits for any traveler hungry for the real rural South!
- https://tracyfredrychowski.com/a-visit-to-the-union-grove-hamptonville-nc-amish-community/
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/north-carolina/union-grove-only-amish-community-nc
- https://amishamerica.com/amish-union-grove-north-carolina/
- https://amishamerica.com/nc-amish-community-ellenboro-polkville/
- https://kicks99.com/2024/08/19/small-amish-community-in-south-carolina/
- https://amishamerica.com/amish-south-carolina/
- https://amishamerica.com/north-carolina-amish/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frNaiI4Iv9E
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESUsGZ14s8s
- https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Amish&find_loc=Charlotte%2C+NC