Florida is not known for its Amish population. But it does have one small enclave in the city of Sarasota plays host to thousands of Amish "snowbirds" every winter. This neighborhood- a small square mile section of Sarasota - is known as Pinecraft.
🌴 A Place Called Pinecraft
One of my favorite Amish settlements is the winter enclave of Pinecraft, Florida. Twenty years ago few people outside Plain circles had heard of this Amish paradise. Now this corner of Sarasota – while still quaint – is filled with sprawling Amish-style restaurants and shops. Yes, the Plain people still come to escape the winter chill, but so do a lot of other people. Twenty years ago there were fewer Amish people in general everywhere (some researchers estimate the Amish population doubles every generation, fueled by high birthrates). So Pinecraft was a sleepy corner of Sarasota where Amish people descended to play shuffleboard and spend the winter. Despite the increased spotlight, the village still holds a certain charm and mystique.
The Pinecraft, Florida Amish community has its own charm and customs, it's own cuisine and color. Sample the settlement at Yoder's Restaurant, which offers amazingly authentic Amish cuisine and then visit Pinecraft Park and watch the locals and Amish mingle over shuffleboard. You also need to plan on visiting nearby Siesta Key Beach, one of the best beaches in the USA!
📷 Pictures of Pinecraft
🛒 Amish Businesses in Florida
Alma Sue's Quilts - here is an interview with the Amish owner:
Check out Alma Sue's website here!
AMISH365.com How has Pinecraft Changed?
Alma Sue's Quilts: Increased traffic but suspect not due to Pinecraft but due to folks learning about and liking Sarasota. Pinecraft itself has increased in size since the Amish population in general has increased and more come to Pinecraft in the winter, both the aging folks for their health, and the young folks for the social and recreational aspects.
AMISH365.com Has Recent Media Glare Impacted Life in Pinecraft?
Answer: It hasn't really impacted the Village. Most of the footage filmed in local establishments was left on the cutting room floor. For instance, four hours were spent filming in my shop, the shop was not mentioned in the show. Same thing for other establishments. Some residents were offended and had a strong reaction against the filming, others were neutral. Those who were most strongly offended and vocal were the folks who do not have TV and did not see any episodes. The actors repeatedly told us they had a "script" to go by and often had to act out and say things they did not like and normally would not have said. My objection is that the show had an opportunity to portray Pinecraft in a positive light and they did not do that. Excessive filming was done in bars and night clubs which is not the normal routine for these folks or for those in Pinecraft.
Amish365: Do you worry that Pinecraft will overdevelop and lose charm?
Don't think charm will be lost as long as Amish come to Florida for the winter, and I do not see that decreasing. The city is actively trying to retain the good parts of Pinecraft. The Sarasota tourist bureau this year is promoting Pinecraft as a Sarasota destination. Not sure what will happen if hoards of busses arrive. Most of the folks from busses come to eat at restaurants and shop in restaurant gift shop. My quilt shop gets some spillover from restaurant, but not a lot. Unfortunately most folks shop in the restaurant gift shops where ALL the products are made in China! Many do not realize the cheap quilts they buy there are from China or India. The Amish furniture store next to restaurant does same thing. Sells cheap quilts from China to put on their expensive hand made beds. I think this is misleading the customers because they ASSUME because it is an Amish village and beds are hand made then the quilts are also made here. My pet peeve.
We are the only place in Pinecraft where quilts and other textiles are made by local or nearby Amish and Mennonite ladies.
Don't think it will lose charm like Berlin in Ohio since there are not that many places for tourists to shop. Essentially they come here to eat.
Favorite aspect is the friendliness and kindness of the folks who quilt at my store and the quilters who shop here. Also nice because I have many cousins scattered around the USA, and I never visit with them until they spend time in Florida then we get to catch up. Like the aspect of meeting many people from around the world, especially Canada, the UK, Europe and now more and more from South America. Pinecraft is a true melting pot. Different Amish sects who cannot agree on religious fine points up North all meet in Florida and worship together and the religious differences don't seem to matter here.
Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village: 3434 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239...No stop to Pinecraft is complete without stopping here for some amazing fried chicken, peanut butter pie, or pumpkin pancakes!
Big Olaf's Creamery: 350 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239: Another must-stop for some delicious Mennonite-made ice cream!
📋 Other Plain Presence in Florida
Knaus Berry Farm:15980 SW 248th Street, Homestead, FL 33031 This place - famous for their strawberry shakes and homemade cinnamon rolls - has been run by the same family since the 1950s.
This is a business run by German Baptist Brethren, a sect similar to the Amish in dress and values, but they come from a different theological background.