|
If you're a newcomer to Sarasota, you might be surprised to learn that just minutes from downtown, there's a thriving Amish-Mennonite community at the city's edge, Pinecraft. It's a unique and fascinating part of Sarasota's cultural heritage. It's well worth a visit.
Where Bahia Vista Street and South Beneva Road meet, Pinecraft spans over a half-square-mile and is home to only 486 families living there year-round. But approximately 5,000 Amish snowbirds from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana arrive en masse by chartered bus each winter to enjoy the warmer climes. However, after Easter, the community becomes quiet when they return to their northern homes.
The Pinecraft community dates back to the 1920s when Amish and Mennonite farmers were encouraged to settle in Sarasota to cultivate the land. Initially, they grew celery, a common crop among the Amish, but soon realized that the soil needed improvement to grow larger celery crops. Despite this setback, Sarasota's warm and sunny climate enticed the farmers to stay or visit regularly.
Over time, the Pinecraft community has flourished into a unique and tightly-knit community known for its adult tricycles and bicycles—some on golf carts and electric bikes, traditional dress, and strong work ethic.
If you're a food lover, Pinecraft's restaurants serve delicious Amish home-cooked food and baked goods. Der Dutchman Restaurant and Yoder's Amish Village are known for hearty meals, such as slow-roasted turkey and homemade meatloaf.
Yoder's Amish Village is also known for baking more than 100 fresh pies daily, a treat for any dessert lover. If you're looking for something lighter, there's also a deli and produce market that you can visit.
Remember to pick up some handmade gifts and fresh produce while you're there!
| 
