Amish Country and Find Your Vibe

Why You Should Travel to Amish Country

Amish Country isn’t just a place; it’s a way of experiencing America’s rural beauty and heritage in an unhurried, mindful way.

• Unique Cultural Immersion – Experience a living culture that has resisted modern conveniences for centuries while thriving economically and socially.

• Handcrafted Everything – Furniture, quilts, cheeses, baked goods — all made with precision and care.

• Slow Travel Appeal – Forget constant notifications; here, you’ll hear the clop of horse hooves and the wind over cornfields.

• Sustainable Travel – The Amish way naturally supports eco-friendly living, from farming methods to transportation.

Travel Tip: Bring a good quality travel journal to jot down your impressions of Amish Country — these moments will feel too special to forget. Our Favorites: https://amzn.to/4oHzprd (ad) and https://amzn.to/4lqskYY (ad) and https://amzn.to/3HyXFuG (ad)

Major Amish Destinations in the USA

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

The unofficial capital of Amish tourism, Lancaster County offers endless farms, markets, and buggy rides. Visit the Amish Farm and House for guided tours or wander through the Central Market for fresh produce and crafts.

Holmes County, Ohio

Home to one of the largest Amish populations in the world, Holmes County is dotted with quilt shops, bakeries, and woodworking studios. Don’t miss the rolling hills and backroad drives.

Shipshewana, Indiana

Known for the Midwest’s largest flea market and strong Mennonite community presence. The town’s charm lies in its combination of old-world craftsmanship and community events.

Sarasota, Florida (Pinecraft)

Yes, there’s an Amish community in sunny Florida! Pinecraft is a winter haven for Amish snowbirds, offering a unique blend of tropical scenery and traditional values.

Travel Tip: Pack comfortable walking shoes — Amish towns are best enjoyed at a slow stroll.

What to Do in Amish Country

For Children & Families

• Buggy Rides – Kids will love trotting through the countryside behind a gentle horse.

• Petting Zoos & Farms – Many Amish farms welcome visitors to feed goats, lambs, and chickens.

• Interactive Tours – Learn how butter is churned or bread is baked from scratch.

For Adolescents & Young Adults

• Antique Shopping – Vintage treasures await in roadside shops.

• Photography Tours – Capture scenic barns, fields, and sunsets.

• Cycling Trails – Many Amish areas have low-traffic backroads perfect for biking.

For Singles

• Craft Workshops – Meet like-minded travelers while learning quilting or woodworking.

• Local Festivals – Fairs and barn dances often welcome visitors.

For Couples & Romance Seekers

• Carriage Rides at Sunset – The perfect slow-paced date.

• Quiet Inns – Cozy up in restored farmhouses.

• Countryside Picnics – Buy homemade cheeses, breads, and jams from a roadside stand.

For Seniors

• Guided Tours – Enjoy cultural commentary without strenuous walking.

• Farm-to-Table Dining – Relax over hearty, comforting meals.

• Scenic Train Rides – Some Amish regions have heritage railways through farmland.

Travel Tip: Bring a folding picnic blanket for impromptu countryside stops. Our favorite: https://amzn.to/45NPlAt (ad)

Must-See Historical Sites

• The Amish Village (Lancaster, PA) – Preserved homesteads and schoolhouses.

• Yoder’s Amish Home (Ohio) – A historic farmstead with authentic demonstrations.

• Menno-Hof Museum (Indiana) – Tells the story of Amish and Mennonite faith and history.

• Heritage Trail (Elkhart County, IN) – A scenic driving route with historical markers.

Travel Tip: A guidebook to Amish Country can help uncover hidden historical gems.

Fun Things to Do

• Flea Markets & Auctions – Shipshewana’s flea market is legendary.

• Quilt & Craft Fairs – Marvel at artistry that’s taken months to complete.

• Culinary Classes – Learn to bake shoofly pie or make Amish noodles.

• Nature Trails – Hike in serene state parks near Amish regions.

Travel Tip: A reusable shopping tote is a must for market days.

Romantic Things to Do

• Lantern-Lit Dinners – Some inns offer meals by candlelight or oil lamp.

• Private Barn Concerts – Folk music in an intimate setting.

• Hot Air Balloon Rides (Lancaster, PA) – Glide over farmland at sunrise.

Amish Cuisine: What to Eat

Signature Dishes

• Shoofly Pie – A molasses-rich dessert.

• Chicken Pot Pie – Made with thick, hearty noodles.

• Whoopie Pies – Soft cake sandwiches with creamy filling.

• Fresh-Churned Butter & Cheese – Farm-fresh and flavorful.

Best Places to Eat – Luxe to Budget

Luxe

• The Log Cabin Restaurant (Lancaster, PA) – Upscale farm-to-table dining.

• Troyer’s Dutch Heritage (Ohio) – Elegant Amish-style buffets.

Mid-Range

• Good ‘N Plenty (PA) – Famous for family-style meals.

• Der Dutchman (OH, IN, FL) – A chain offering hearty portions.

Budget

• Roadside farm stands – Fresh baked goods and produce at unbeatable prices.

• Amish bakeries – Cookies, bread, and pies for a few dollars.

Travel Tip: Bring a small cooler bag to take home perishables. Our favorite: https://amzn.to/3JcPiWd (ad)

Unique Cultural Blend

Amish Country isn’t entirely cut off — it coexists with surrounding English (non-Amish) communities, creating fascinating overlaps in markets, fairs, and commerce. Visitors get to experience a rare balance of preserved tradition and modern hospitality.

Seasonal Travel Guide

Spring (March–May)

• Temperatures: 45–70°F (7–21°C)

• Activities: Wildflower walks, planting season views.

Summer (June–August)

• Temperatures: 70–85°F (21–29°C)

• Activities: County fairs, outdoor markets, cycling.

Fall (September–November)

• Temperatures: 50–70°F (10–21°C)

• Activities: Harvest festivals, leaf-peeping drives.

Winter (December–February)

• Temperatures: 25–40°F (-4–4°C)

• Activities: Cozy inns, sleigh rides, winter baking workshops.

Travel Tip: Layer with a packable down jacket in winter and a light rain jacket in spring.

Transportation & Getting Around

• Airports – Philadelphia International (PA), Cleveland Hopkins (OH), South Bend International (IN), Sarasota-Bradenton International (FL).

• Public Transport – Limited; best to rent a car for flexibility.

• Popular Modes – Biking, walking, and guided buggy tours.

Travel Tip: A GPS device or offline map app is essential; cell coverage can be spotty.

Cannabis Laws in Amish Regions

In most Amish-populated states, marijuana laws vary:

• Pennsylvania – Medical marijuana legal; recreational illegal.

• Ohio – Medical legal; recreational legalized in late 2023 with regulated sales starting.

• Indiana – Illegal in all forms.

• Florida – Medical legal; recreational illegal.

Amish communities themselves generally avoid its use regardless of state laws.

Accommodation Options

From luxury inns with clawfoot tubs to budget motels near markets, Amish Country offers stays for all budgets:

• Luxury – Lancaster Arts Hotel, Carlisle Inn (OH).

• Mid-Range – Countryside bed-and-breakfasts.

• Budget – Chain motels or Airbnb rooms on working farms.

Travel Tip: Bring a sleep mask — some Amish lodgings rely on natural light and minimal electric lighting. Our favorite: https://amzn.to/4fBuCmJ (ad)

Conclusion

To sashay into Amish Country is to step into a living postcard — one with soft sunsets, home-baked pies, and stories whispered through wooden beams and quilt stitches. It’s not about checking off attractions at lightning speed; it’s about slowing down, savoring, and finding your vibe in a place where life has its own rhythm. Whether you come for romance, family fun, or quiet reflection, Amish Country is a destination that will linger in your heart — long after you’ve unpacked your bags and returned to the rush of the modern world.

We're always respectful no matter where we travel. Just like our family and friends, we want them to be glad to see us when we return.