Amish Community in Sarasota – Get ready for a new perspective

Pinecraft is a small Amish and Mennonite community. Though it is nestled snugly in the middle of bustling Sarasota it preserves a peaceful and quaint atmosphere. It allows you to take a breath and step into a simpler environment. It is positioned between Bahia Vista St. and S Beneva Rd.

A mural located on the side of a building in Yoder’s village.

The only time to look down on someone is when you’re bending over to help.

Amish quote

History

To begin, here is a brief and fascinating history regarding Pinecraft. Pinecraft has naturally become a migration location for northern Amish and Mennonites. In Florida, we typically experience the tourism and “snow-birds” escaping frigid weather. They seek the refreshing air of local beaches and pleasant warmth. Pinecraft is no different. They came here to escape the weather and plant winter crops. In the North, these crops would not survive. However, in Florida they thrived. 

To this day, the migration continues. The Amish and Mennonites escape harsh winter and enjoy the Florida air and beaches. Now, Pinecraft is a desirable spot for Amish teenagers. They come here to experience Rumspringa. Rumspringa is a coming-of-age tradition in the Amish Community. During Rumspringa, Amish teenagers may participate in parts of mainstream culture that would normally be forbidden. This means they may drive, drink alcohol and much more. 

Even though Pinecraft has become a popular vacation spot for Amish and Mennonites. It remains the home for many of them also. 

Yoder’s Market located in Pinecraft

Opportunities while in Pinecraft

While in Pinecraft you can heartily enjoy so many unique opportunities. This is ideal for a day trip of experiencing local history and unique culture. You may site-see yourself or take guided tours with history lessons about Pinecraft. You will be able to experience the noble simplicity yet the irresistible charm of their tiny homes. The modest homes are not decorated or extravagant not to express too much pride, but they remain a tremendous site to see.

Unfortunately, the horse and buggies are against city zoning, so you will not get to experience that. However, you will witness many people in the community riding adult tricycles. If you take notice to the tricycles, you will see they are designed for the long skirts the women wear. It is quite riveting.

While taking a stroll through Pinecraft, you can stop at Big Olaf Creamery and grab yourself some fantastic ice cream or stop by Der Dutchmann. Der Dutchmann is a notable restaurant with awesome Amish meals to try. They additionally have almost an entire outlet upstairs. You can absolutely do local shopping all over Pinecraft, including wooden furniture stores. You can pick up some authentic handmade wooden furniture. This furniture is sure to stay in your family for years.

Yoder’s proud sign.

The Yoders Amish Village

Above all, I had to dedicate an entire segment here to Yoders Amish village. This is a small strip located in Pinecraft. It is located next to Big Olafs. In this village, you can take a rest in many of the wooden rocking chairs nestled against the wooden buildings or head inside the various shops. Here they have a phenomenal deli market. You can grab yourself some cut deli meat or browse the shelves for other goodies. They have tons of sweets. So be careful going in there if you have a sweet tooth.

After that, you can walk slightly farther and enter the produce market. This has enormous amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. In either of these shops, you can see the community members shopping for their personal groceries. There is additionally a gift shop that includes more authentic Amish items. From bonnets to wooden toys and dresses.

Dinning at Yoders

Then the most famous of all, Yoders restaurant. This restaurant features a dine-in experience along with pick-up on the side. Their breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all something worth experiencing. The dessert, however, is the best of all. The most famous of the Yoders pies is the Peanut butter cream pie. The slices are generous, and the pies are even bigger. You can order by the pie or the piece. If peanut butter is not your style, do not fret they have 30 scrumptious pie flavors!

The famous Peanut butter cream pie upon pick-up.

Overall, if you are coming to Sarasota you should check out Pinecraft. Even if it is only to try the homemade pie. Though if you come and begin experiencing the unique atmosphere, you may get attracted to everything else it has to offer. Just remember if you visit Pinecraft to remain respectful to the local people, community, and traditions.