In the wintertime, there’s just a tremendous amount of activity in Pinecraft, Florida. This is the time of year when Pinecraft comes to life.
Buses come from the north with Amish couples. The town comes alive as old friends meet and new friendships are made.
I generally describe Pinecraft as an Amish and, and conservative Mennonite enclave within Sarasota county. Most visitors come for the food, especially those Whoopie Pies, but hang out for the people watching.
Most people that you will see people with distinctive garb are old order Amish or very conservative Mennonites. Most Mennonites can’t be distinguished and live in Pinecraft year round.
People don’t come to see the Mennonites. They come to see the Amish and to eat at an Amish Restaurant.
The Amish population swells in the winter from those traveling down from Northern communities and their history in this area can be traced back to 1931.
There were farmers from the north who wanted to do something in the wintertime. They came to Venice and planted, watermelon and a few other crops like that. The Land wasn’t suitable there. So they moved farther north to Sarasota.
It was very inexpensive land. They could build small houses. Some of the early people that came to the area actually lived in tents until, until they had little cottages built.
Now nearly a hundred years later, they come for a different reason. Sunshine, definitely sunshine. It’s good for the soul.
The homes in Pinecraft have electricity and many of the residents have cellphones and electric appliances.
Some people would say, no Amish should have cell phones. Well, some Amish do they, they will use electricity. They’ll go back north. And most of the old order Amish would not use electricity when they go back north. So there are some things that are different here. That’s just been accepted over time.
You won’t see horse and buggy travel here. Folks walk throughout the small community or ride bicycles.
In the evening, the community comes alive with folks walking and biking through the streets. As they go, they stop at various homes and speak with their neighbors sitting on the porch.
The shuffleboard court is always crowded and is alive with friendly competition and conversation.
Next time you are near Sarasota, take time to visit Pinecraft.