Everything You Want to Know About The Amish in Pinecraft

Seth Carter 02/05/2025

The Amish in Pinecraft have created a unique community in Sarasota, Florida. In this article, we examine how this neighborhood became a popular winter destination for Amish and Mennonites, what distinguishes it from traditional settlements, and what visitors can expect from life in Pinecraft today.

The following section was written on December 4th, 2013 by DutchCrafters CEO Jim Miller, sharing his firsthand knowledge of the Amish and Mennonites in Sarasota.

Pinecraft is a neighborhood of about 3000 Amish and Mennonites in Sarasota, Florida. It’s a tourist destination for Amish and Mennonites from all over North America, in addition to being a point of curiosity for other visitors to Sarasota who might do a double-take when they see an Amish boy roller-blading down Bahia Vista Street or several Amish teenagers walking back from the bus stop with a brand new tan from a day at Siesta Beach.

History of the Amish and Mennonites in Sarasota

The Amish and Mennonites have been coming to Pinecraft since the 1920s. In the early days, they farmed the celery fields east of Cattleman Road. By the 1930s, several groups of Amish and Mennonites purchased tracts of land in what is known today as Pinecraft. They worshiped together at The Tourist Church, which still stands on Bahia Vista Street.

During the 1940s and 1950s, the Virginia Mennonite Conference, the Ohio Mennonite Conference, and the Lancaster Mennonite Conference all established congregations within Sarasota, which had the effect of decreasing some of the interaction between the Amish and Mennonites. Many Amish and Conservative Mennonites remained in Pinecraft, while more moderate and progressive Mennonites dispersed to other locations where the various congregations met.

Sarasota served as the hub of the Amish and Mennonites in Florida for many years to come. The Southeast Mennonite Conference was established, displacing the involvement of other Mennonite conferences. Over the years, the Southeast Mennonite Conference helped to plant new churches throughout Florida, including many ethnic minority congregations in Tampa, Miami, and the Fort Myers area. Today, the Southeast Mennonite Conference is one of the most ethnically diverse Mennonite conferences in North America.

Pinecraft is a Winter Destination for the Amish

Pinecraft, however, remains a favorite winter home and popular destination for Amish and Conservative Mennonites. Because Pinecraft is essentially a Sarasota neighborhood, the Amish who winter there have made some compromises in terms of lifestyle. While they do not drive, neither do they have horses or buggies. Instead, many Amish of Pinecraft use bicycles or public transportation to get around. Likewise, there are no houses in Pinecraft that do not have electricity, so the Amish have accepted the use of electricity as a necessary compromise.

The Amish of Pinecraft enjoy the warm weather, gathering at the park, catching up with friends and relatives on the back streets behind the post office, and like many visitors to Sarasota, eating good food at Yoders Restaurant or Der Dutchman.

-Jim Miller, DutchCrafters CEO

FAQs About the Amish of Pinecraft

Do the Amish go on vacation?

Yes. Many Amish, especially from northern states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, travel to Florida for vacation during the winter months. Pinecraft is a popular destination because it offers community, relaxation, and warm weather while maintaining cultural connections.

Where is the Amish neighborhood in Sarasota?

Pinecraft is located just east of downtown Sarasota, primarily along and around Bahia Vista Street. It includes residential streets, small shops, and well-known Amish restaurants like Yoders and Der Dutchman.

Why do Amish go to Florida?

Many Amish visit Florida to escape the cold northern winters. Pinecraft offers a break from farm work, time with friends and extended family, and a chance to enjoy leisure activities while remaining among others with shared values.

Was Breaking Amish filmed in Sarasota?

Yes, some scenes from TLC’s Breaking Amish and Return to Amish were filmed in Sarasota and Pinecraft. The shows portrayed some of the cultural tensions experienced by Amish youth exploring life outside their communities, although they were excessively dramatized for entertainment purposes, as most reality television shows are.

How do the Amish get to Pinecraft in Sarasota?

Most Amish and Mennonites travel to Pinecraft by charter bus. The Pioneer Trails bus line runs routes from Amish communities in Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania directly to Sarasota. These buses are well-known and often fill up quickly during peak winter months. Some Mennonites may also travel by car or plane, depending on their community’s practices.

Is Pinecraft a town?

No. Pinecraft is a neighborhood within the city of Sarasota, Florida. While it has its own distinct character and identity—especially among Amish and Mennonite visitors—it is not an incorporated town.

Do non-Amish live in Pinecraft?

Yes. While Pinecraft is widely known as a seasonal hub for Amish and Mennonite communities, it is also home to non-Amish residents. The neighborhood includes a mix of full-time locals and winter visitors of all backgrounds.

How much do homes cost in Pinecraft?

Home prices in Pinecraft can vary depending on size, location, and condition. As of recent listings, homes typically range from $150,000 to over $400,000. Many are smaller, modest single-story homes or mobile homes. Due to limited inventory and high seasonal demand, prices in this area can be surprisingly competitive.

Are there Amish restaurants in Pinecraft?

Yes. Two of the most well-known Amish-style restaurants in Pinecraft are Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village and Der Dutchman. Both are popular with Amish and non-Amish visitors and serve hearty, traditional fare including fried chicken, mashed potatoes, fresh-baked pies, and more. Old Order Amish do not typically run these restaurants, but they reflect Amish and Mennonite culinary traditions and are closely tied to the community.

Many of the builders we work with across Amish country come to Pinecraft on vacation and stop by our showroom to work with our staff personally. That’s one reason DutchCrafters has such highly-trained furniture experts.

If you have any questions about the Amish in Pinecraft, leave them in the comments below, and we’ll be happy to answer!

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About the Author

Seth Carter
Seth Carter
Seth Carter has been with DutchCrafters since 2020. Seth has won multiple awards for his work in Amish furniture while with DutchCrafters. He has advised and partnered with more than 150 Amish wood shops on furniture presentation, design, industry trends, product options, and the development of exclusive products. He is originally from Indiana and even lived in Amish country (LaGrange, Indiana) for an extended period of time while working with DutchCrafters. Seth was previously in charge of DutchCrafters' Amish bedroom furniture category. He was eventually promoted to lead the team that managed every product in DutchCrafters' world's largest online collection of Amish furniture.

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