THE PINECRAFT AMISH COMMUNITY

Pinecraft is a community sitting on the edge of the city of Sarasota, Florida. During the heat of the summer, Pinecraft is home to several hundred Amish people who call the place home. During the cooler winter months, Pinecraft comes alive with thousands of Amish visitors who are seeking a break from farming or building furniture in their northern communities. During December, January, and February, Amish from all over the United States and Canada, call Pinecraft home for a little while.

 A taste of Pinecraft, FL:
Simply Delicious Amish Cooking: Recipes and stories from the Amish of Sarasota, Florida (The Pinecraft Collection)

Amish visitors from northern communities arrive in Pinecraft in a variety of ways. Some of them buy Amtrak tickets, others pay long-distance taxis to drive them down in a van. The majority of the Amish, however, arrive via the Pioneer Trails busline.

In Pinecraft the Amish don't use horses and buggies for transportation. Pinecraft is a small community and the Amish prefer to walk when they can. If it's a little too far too walk, many of them will use two-wheeled or three-wheeled bicycles to get around. When heading to the beach, they might hire a taxi or take a ride on a city bus.

Many Amish visitors enjoy spending time at the local park. While the older men play shuffleboard, the teenagers and young adults enjoy playing volleyball or basketball. A pavilion in the back hosts many barbeques and sometimes Amish or Mennonite singers.

In the evening Amish and non-Amish alike will gather at local family restaurants to enjoy a delicious Amish-style meal.