5 Friendliest Amish Communities (and 2 NOT-so-Friendly...)

Which are the most friendly Amish communities to visit? I give you my list of 5 - and tell you why. I also share one well-known community that DIDN'T make the list...plus, 2 not-so-friendly Amish communities :(
Check out the Amish America Patreon for Amish interviews & exclusive videos: / amishamerica
Starting in 2004, I sold books door-to-door to the Amish - and visited over 5,000 Amish homes in the process. Since then I've been to dozens of Amish communities in 16 states. I write about the Amish at amishamerica.com/
Image credits: Richard McMillin, S.I., Jim Halverson
Check out Peter Santenello's Amish video here: • Meeting The Amish - Fi...

[@SrGemmaRose]

I am a Catholic nun in full habit in St Louis, MO The other day I was in Smoothie King. At the front of the line was a young Amish couple, behind them an observant Jew with the tassles and side curls/ yarmulke and behind him me in my nun clothes. I couldn’t help but wonder the odds of all of us being in that store at the same time. No other customers.

[@mariekatherine5238]

In 2005, I was on a guided walking tour in Mammoth Cave, KY. The group consisted of a family of Hasidic Jews, parents and five children, two Muslim ladies, a mother and daughter, a couple that by their tattoos and shaved heads, were some kind of anti-Semitic White supremacists, an older Beachy Amish couple, a family from India, parents and a little boy, all in traditional clothing, and me, traditional Catholic, (I go to SSPV Mass) so I was wearing a longish skirt, not shorts and like most tourists. There were about a dozen “normally dressed” visitors among our group as well. The family from India were given tickets for discounts in the gift shop or cafeteria for being the visitors from farthest away. Everyone chatted quite amicably, even the skin-head couple, although I noticed the Hasidic family kept their distance from them, no surprise as the man had a swastika tattooed on each arm!

[@mariekatherine5238]

P.S. You say you wear a full habit. Would you be from the sisters with the SSPX? (Except I think they don’t use internet. Maybe you were on a home visit!)

[@toomanyaccounts]

you make it sound like you were the setup of a joke.

[@SrGemmaRose]

@@toomanyaccounts hahahahha i Can see that but no. It was real life. That’s what made it funnier.

[@SaintTrinianz]

Better than the odds of meeting in a bar!

[@justme2059]

At the beginning of the pandemic, when things were shut down, we stayed with an Amish family in the Lancaster area as no VRBO or AIRBNB were allowed to take reservations. We were very spoiled with fresh baked bread, homemade peanut butter and fresh milk.

[@KameraShy]

Do the Amish get vaccinated?

[@justme2059]

@@KameraShy the family we stayed with did not agree with vaccination. I can’t speak for all Amish families. I am sure there are many factors…what their bishop says and level of strictness. You have some Amish (Montana) who are allowed to dress more like “English” and are allowed to drive, use electricity for charging power tools…and others who abide by strict dress codes, using gas for refrigeration/to power generators for using washing machine.

[@dialecticalmonist3405]

@@KameraShy They have a special technology called "immune systems". I use one too and haven't been sick in years.

[@agapephilerostorge]

@@dialecticalmonist3405 I have a supernatural technology called Holy Communion. I got hit with covid 2x. The 1st one took me 2 weeks of suffering. The 2nd time I took Holy Communion. Within 24 hours all the symptoms disappeared and felt energetic and resumed life. Praise Jesus!

[@Carolinejoyamico]

@@dialecticalmonist3405 yes, I’ve read statistics about the Amish, when deciding whether to vaccinate my kids, and/or what scheduling to do, for them. The numbers are eye-opening. They are STRONG PEOPLE. They also had (at least back back then) only one autistic child in ALL THEIR COMMUNITIES.

[@richardthurow5346]

I actually talked to an Amish man on the phone today my Mom was drivig him and she had me on speaker-phone, he heard me talking about this post and he said the Amish in his community Dalton, WI area say that Pinecraft, FL is for Newlyweds ad half-deads. Turns out Amish have a sense of humor.

[@mariekatherine5238]

They have a great sense of humor, most of them. There’s always the exception, but don’t judge them all by one negative encounter.

[@limpingoatfarm]

they have a great sense of humor

[@malibudolphin3109]

@@mariekatherine5238 love when people tell others to not judge, as they are judging 🙄

[@joerowland7350]

I use to go a store just out side of green lake nice people I moved to Ms now Amish are over a hour away

[@sharonauker5751]

Born & grew up in Lancaster County around the Amish. Actually worked as an Office Manager & Bookkeeper for a large Amish business. Lancaster County Amish ARE very friendly. However, you get tourists who drive down the roads & stare at them. They're people, just dressed differently & live differently. Don't stare at them, but treat them like a human & you'll have a great time with them. Very good, hardworking people. The "English" can learn a lot from them, in many areas! However, people put them on pedestals like they do no wrong & are next to God. Please don't do this. They're human too!

[@mariekatherine5238]

Treat them as you would want to be treated. You’ll have no problem. Don’t gawk at them, take their photo when they don’t want it, respect their privacy. Respect their culture and beliefs even if you don’t agree. They have a right to live as they like just like anyone else in the USA.

[@Floweroftheprairie2720]

I grew up near there too. I agree with you 100%. I also saw them being mistreated, especially behind their backs. Folks need to remember the golden rule.

[@autumnmoongurl]

My Amish family is from there. Allgyer. I think Lancaster County Amish are very friendly! (I may be biased.)

[@emeyer6963]

@@mariekatherine5238 My parents took mee there over 50 years ago and I still go to Lancaster once or twice a year.We used to stay at the Cherry Lane motel just after it was built.There were a few Amish fellows who would come by and visit with the owner frequently and were very polite and very nice.

[@lauramichael498]

Before I was born, my parents and grandmother went to Lancaster for a trip. There was an Amish run buggy rides for tourists. My grandmother opted to drive the buggy and proceeded to totally bond with Amish there as she was born in 1901 and raised with horses and carriages. She asked questions about the horses and their care. They asked how she learned to drive so fast!

[@ellenw391]

Respectfully, as someone who has gone to Lancaster annually when I was growing up, and a good few times as an adult, I have found the Amish to be Absolutely wonderful people & extremely friendly. The key is very simple. Don't treat them like they are a tourist attraction. Don't point a camera in their face. And don't act like they are pilgrims or people from another time. That is what they are closed to. Simply talk to them as you would another person. As out here in the English, usually those we treat with kindness and respect get the same back. I'll never forget Miss Fanny, an elderly Old Order Amish woman. We ended up in her kitchen and at 1st it appeared like she wanted nothing to do with us. But I asked her about her garden and a stunning Clematis I had never seen before. She became a whole new person and we had the most wonderful gardening conversation, which lead to a long, very lovely & friendly chat!

[@AmishAmerica]

Some of my best friends who are Amish live in Lancaster County. You give good advice here. Nice story and connection over the garden with Miss Fanny. Amish in Lancaster Co. have some impressive gardens and I can see how that topic would have clicked :)

[@bostonrailfan2427]

gardening and the embroidery or clothing designs would be what i’d expect them to be happy that someone took notice of, you found what she’d appreciate you seeing so earned her respect

[@lindenmanmax]

I'm sure I'd commit the ultimate faux pas by trying to start a theological debate. "So whadday think, is Christ truly present in the Eucharist, or what?"

[@queenbee3647]

Theyre not saints so please dont paint them that way. Theyre human. Rude and polite alike. My town borders on Geauga County, one of the unfriendly areas. I worked in a store and when the young Amish women hit town I dreaded it. Married, grown and should know better. Talking to me, a lady old enough to be their mother very nasty. I bit my tongue. They acted like they were raised in the barn!

[@tamedshrew235]

Many years ago when my daughter was a toddler i sat her down while i shopped an Amish produce stand at the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. The older Amish vendor started a conversation with her and as i glanced over i noticed a frightening look on her face. I quickly went over and explained her hesitation to engage because she was strictly told not to talk to strangers. The gentleman was immediately understanding and apologetic obviously aware of the inherent dangers. I felt sad at the fact I had to raise her with such (necessary) precautions and wondered what it must be like to live in a society where innocent human interaction is welcome and healthy.

[@firegirl441fromga6]

My dad used to sell Nature’s brand natural fertilizer to Mennonites in south GA and they wouldn’t pay for it and he would have to go to the church bishop to get paid…the bishop always paid their bills! Near where my grandmother lives in Waynesboro Georgia is a great Mennonite bakery and my grandmother is 95 years old and a Methodist and the Mennonite’s come caroling to her house each Christmas! It means a lot to her! She always has refreshments set out for their expected visit!

[@dj1469]

I grew up near the Volant, New Wilmington Amish Community. Very friendly community!

[@charlene4619]

Shipshewana completely changed my view of the Amish. I didn't know much about them except for generalized, sometimes false, things. They were so welcoming and kind towards me and answered all my questions, and even let me drive a horse and buggy! I thought they wouldn't want to associate with me because I have alot of tattoos, but the Amish I spoke with treated me better than some "English" strangers lol

[@marose9150]

Swiss people in general are not warm and fuzzy. They will accept you and welcome you but it will take a long time... I say that as someone who has lived 30 years in Switzerland. It is a funny thing. They may appear cold but they are not just takes a long time... Love your video.

[@AmishAmerica]

Thank you!

[@alfredbenedek3398]

O - oh, let's say, & it's good for all of us, now these days; they are a little bit, overly cautious? But I agree, I do know, exactly, what you Ma R. described! Take care?!

[@kevinhealey6540]

I was in the army and there was a soldier in the company who was in the Amish. I was familiar about them and I asked him questions. He left the Amish community when he 18 and worked as a carpenter. He's from somewhere in Iowa and they made furniture that would be sold. He decided to join the army. The recruiter told him his score on the Asvab was high, but he needed A GED. It was easy for him to get that. I asked him if he could ever go back to it. He said supposedly no, because if you touch the gun, you're out. But he said he probably could go back to it because he was never baptized, but he had no intention of going back. Amish are not baptized until they're an adult. When he went on leave he would go back and see his family and they would converse. He would talk to other people in the community and it was amicable. I asked him if anyone ever tries to convert to the Amish and he said, "Yes, but it never works out." He said the Amish try to warn the person who wants to do that but they don't listen. After about a week or month or so the person gives up. He said that they have a romantic idea about the Amish but reality sets in after a while. He said that type of life is too difficult for anyone who was not born into it. I asked him about Rumspringen and said he saw documentaries on it and the documentaries on it are blown way out of proportion. He said about 60% of Amish teens don't even do it, especially females. "Oh mother, I could never do that." He said the ones that do do it, go see a film, go bowling, drink a beer, maybe two and that's about as far as it goes. He said that Amish are not as ignorant as believed. They do know about drugs, but have the sense not to take them. He himself did not drink at all because he did not see the sense in it. He was highly knowledgeable about the bible. He said that Amish generally do not speak German with one another but speak English. He thought good of anybody and everybody and was well liked. I never heard him say anything bad about anyone. His opinion was prized because he would tell the absolute truth. He asked me to teach him how to use a speed bag as well as the hard bag of which I did. He told me he needed it for self defense. He told me that he was going to make a career out of the army.

[@smlorrin]

Very interesting! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@Ujuani68]

What is a speed bag/hard bag??🤷‍♂️

[@georgemartin5980]

@@Ujuani68 Boxing practice bags to punch.

[@catwoman6559]

I stuck it out for 8 years, only to be turned away at the end sue to being divorced and remarried. I was allowed to attend but no membership until my 1st husband died. 😔

[@doreengreathead6481]

I am of Swiss German descent growing up in South Africa. My grandparents lived very an Amish way of life here. A non mechanized farm. My grandfather only addressed us in German at the dinner table at night. No electricity. We went to bed at 8 pm. Up at 4.30 am to milk cows.

[@nancyl3843]

There is an Amish community (recommended) in Homer, Michigan (SW Michigan), where I did most of my grocery shopping from a small farm store. These people were a bit stand-offish at first, but as I kept returning, they became friendly and very kind. They also have a simply wonderful general store full of excellent cooking supplies, boots, oil lamps, and many other items, and their bakery, located in their grocery store, is to die for. Lovely people in my opinion. I just subscribed and was so happy to see this.

[@AmishAmerica]

Neat to hear that, I always like stories where things start off a little rough but warm up - and very cool you've gotten to that friendly stage with those folks. I'll make a mental note of Homer. I lived in Three Rivers for a summer and I was once in an Amish home in the Coldwater area I believe.

[@Inamichan]

Didn’t know there were any communities that close to me in Michigan! 😱

[@ifsheisgonetowherethere6259]

@@AmishAmerica Did you ever go to Amish or Mennonite communities in Eau Claire, Chippewa, Clark, or Taylor Counties in Wisconsin? There are a lot of Amish that we like to smile and wave at as they meet us. We wave to each other on County Hwy X. We don't try to push them to socialize as this might be offensive to them. Do you know more about them than that? As horse lovers all our lives, we respect their space out on the road and don't interrupt them as they are busy with their shopping.

[@elizabethbaker2510]

@@AmishAmerica I'm originally from Three Rivers, many years ago, my Mom grew up next to Amish and remained friends with them. I fondly remember going to their home for dinner and playing with all of the children. We also had Amish attending our elementary school.

[@loririce1481]

I’ve lived in upstate New York next to Amish and Mennonite I bought there baked goods enjoyed all of their cookies I’ve seen them in quartzite Arizona in the winter months very friendly they were at burger king

[@annak1371]

My family and I used to visit Shipshewana, Indiana a lot with my family. Most of them seemed friendly. We've since moved to Southern AZ and we see a lot of Mennonites around here. I enjoy being amongst the Amish and Mennonites. I feel a calmness and just watching them mill around and be wholesome and busy, makes me stop and take a look at my life and know that I should try to do more.

[@AmishAmerica]

Very positive takeaway from those experiences. I think you hit on something here that makes the Amish, Mennonites and other plain people appeal to a lot of people.

[@trulaallen5590]

Love shopping in Sheshewana.... I'm happy if I just shop at E&S SELLS.... LOTS of great buys! Folks seem nice. But it is a bit too touristy for me. I'm getting ready to move back to Michigan, I heard about Homer Michigan Amish having stores there. I will be not too far from there. However, I will STILL go shop at E&S SALES ..... a couple times a year.

[@trulaallen5590]

I miss living near the Amish in HILLSDALE COUNTY,MICH..... I miss my farm I had there.(lots of Amish around there) After selling and moving down to the SMOKEY MOUNTAINS of North Carolina (6-14-21)..... I am NOW buying a home back i( CLOSING TOMORROW ... (11-5) on a place back in hillsdale area.... it may be a little bit colder up there. But I think it is over rated and not worth the move down here.... it is beautiful But too built up and touristy for this girl..... hate hanging off the side of a mountain! Hard to work the land! Traffic is AWFUL and the drivers are rude! Especially if going to ASHEVILLE on I-26 😳

[@debbieframpton3857]

I lived in Middlebury Indiana for a few years that was just a few miles from Shipshewana

[@robynperdieu3434]

@@trulaallen5590 Indiana has tbe most courteous drivers!

[@Kelly-qn9tr]

O-H-I-O 🙌 is the place to be. Holmes county is beautiful and the people are always friendly. A little piece of Heaven on earth!

[@THExBLAZEx88]

😂😂😂😂 funny joke

[@farmcentralohio]

@@THExBLAZEx88 You must live in one of the unfriendly communities :)

[@lindagarner781]

Holmes County was always friendly when we stayed there for a week. Beautiful country!!!

[@41sandybeach]

I grew up near Hicksville, Ohio. We owned several acres with woods on it. One summer my dad built a cabin in the woods and also wanted to make some trails out there, so he hired the Amish from Hicksville to cut down trees and to use their Belgian horses to pull logs out of the woods. For pay they did a trade....for pulling the logs out the Amish got to have the logs to use for their furniture business. We have pictures from that day. They were very friendly people and very hard workers. I remember as a kid going to the store in Hicksville and seeing the hitching posts for the Amish horses right next to car parking spots. As a kid it was cool to see and to see the horse and buggies on the roads all the time.

[@AmishAmerica]

Awesome story! Love hearing stories like that

[@robertfuls7737]

I'm

[@shaunhall6834]

The thing I admire most about the Amish is they live by their words. Action speaks louder than words.

[@janedoe805]

I wouldn’t know what Amish Communities to add to your list... Because, the only Amish Community l’ve ever been to is Lancaster, PA numerous times in fact. I don’t know generally speaking, l find the overwhelming majority of people are friendly regardless if they’re Amish or not. As long as you approach them with respect and kindness. I’m genuinely enjoying your videos, thank you for posting them. 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@lovetruthunderstanding5890]

I lived in Lancaster County for 17 yrs and even with all the tourism they still managed to be... if not THE friendliest, one of the friendliest communities I’ve ever known! I have so much respect for them.

[@sallym9769]

Loved the Peter Santenello video!

[@gloriannburick1837]

I live just a few miles from New Wilmington, Pa. It is a small community that has both a university and about 2400 Amish people. An English lady does tours of Amish businesses and some farms with their permission.

[@FLORIDAHOODVLOGS]

Pinecraft is empty in the summer. Its always neat to see then on the beach fully clothed 😊

[@rmalleryjr]

This may end up being long. I was raised in PA and now live in NC. Our family has a hunting lodge on the half the farm my Dad was raised on. An Amish family own the other half and the homestead and all other original buildings. Recently, a murder suspect escaped from the Warren jail. He was headed in the direction of our hunting lodge. There are a large number of Amish in that area. I was extremely worried about the Amish since they had no way to know of the escape. I am very proud of the PA State Police since they went door to door informing the Amish of the possible danger of the prisoner. The escapee was caught with no injuries to anyone about 5 miles from our hunting lodge. I love the Amish and very happy they were not harmed. I am really enjoying your video’s. The Amish are great people. Take care and God Bless you. Rod Eastern NC

[@RVAmerica]

It's neat to hear how you have became close to so many of the Amish. Danny and Lynn

[@colliecoform4854]

I've only been to Lancaster as my daughter lived near by and went to several Amish stores. They deemed very friendly. It is always good if you can opens conversation with a complement and there are many things to appreciate in their stores and farms.

[@renafielding945]

This is a sweet channel for me to happen into this morning. I moved here to southwest Virginia about thirty years ago from Lancaster and Berks counties. My children grew up there. I kept my account at the Blue Ball Bank for a few years after I moved down here.

[@marilyncalhoun2146]

I've seen some in Illinois. Also had Amish come to Black Church. They also sang there. The Amish ladies sung so beautifully.

[@suereese6134]

Well, I live in Lancaster county, PA near Bird-in-Hand, so I agree.......the Amish 🐎 are friendly here. 😊

[@lbbork]

Thank you for your work.

[@robyndalby-stockwell9242]

Thankyou, I love your wonderful videos and am learning so much.

[@andreabowersox6318]

Yay! Somerset County made the list 😊

[@geraldsieber7266]

The Lancaster County Amish are the friendliest of all the communities that I have taken my Amish riders to visit family. They almost always will ask me to have lunch with them. As a driver it tells me a lot about the people when they invite you to lunch.

[@AmishAmerica]

Good point.

[@tinagreen3600]

I grew up in Ashtabula county. There I noticed the Amish were more stand-of fish. I remember buying fruit from them and they wouldn’t smile at all or offer any input about the cost or anything about the products. Homes county was super nice. They loved to talk and tell stories. Really made you feel welcome.

[@americasdream1265]

Holmes County, Ohio

[@mariekatherine5238]

The Swiss Amish are very friendly once they know you’re trustworthy. They tend to be a bit reticent to interact with outsiders because of their history of persecution not only by Catholic Church, governments in Europe, Canada, the US, and other Amish due to doctrinal issues. Earn their trust and they’re good people! The accent you said was southern IS indeed southern because their history includes a sojourn through the south by a group of families in the 1940s. They picked up the accent in English and have maintained it. Their Pennsylvania Dutch is also distinctive among the Amish, and not from Pennsylvania. They call it Swiss-Dutch. It’s closer to Old German from Switzerland with many odd additions from English which are then “Dutchified.” One example would be the noun, ‘chores’. They change it to a verb, add a German suffix, and say, ‘chorah’ with a slightly rolled ‘r’. Another example is the word, ‘without.’ In Penn. Dutch it’s ‘ohne,’ from regular German, pronounced, oh-neh. In Swiss Dutch, they they take the English compound word, split it into ‘with’ and ‘out,’ switch those words to German, and say, ‘mittaus,’ pronounced mit-owz, accent on the last syllable. I do suggest you give them another chance! You just may have met the wrong people. The Amish are like any other group of people, a few bad apples among the good.

[@verenagattikerweilenmann5416]

Tanks Marie Katherine🥰 for your sensitiv coment. I m from Switzerland an no Amish. But this question in Europe with Swiss people and the swiss quality is the same....😊

[@marylee7467]

My husband and I live in VA and only a couple of hours from Lancaster and we have always found the Amish here very friendly. I totally understand them being a bit more quiet at first. We actually plan on retiring to Lancaster County in a few years.

[@AmishAmerica]

Great place to be and I do love that community. Very hospitable especially once you kinda get to know folks.

[@renebrock4147]

Hello! I am so glad to see you back making videos about our Amish neighbors, and to hear mention of our group here in southern Indiana. Yes, Indiana is considered the northernmost of the southern states. I hear some people complain about the Amish, but I have always found them to be friendly, honest (for the most part), helpful people who just want to live their lives. One of my aunts and uncles were on very good terms with the Cannelburg community (not the only local group), hunting and cooking with several of the families, driving for them, and spending a lot of time in each other's homes. I am so glad to hear someone who has been willing to learn about and from them, and give them a fair shake. Again, happy to see your videos again, and I'm looking forward to more.

[@kathrynlivermore5343]

Great information, thanks!

[@SgtRocko]

We go down to Holmes County, Ohio a lot - awesome produce & goods. People are always friendly. We've struck up conversations because my family and I speak Yiddish amongst ourselves, which is surprisingly close to Amish "Deitsch" (the Yiddish word for German is actually Deytsch). One time some boys helping their father run a produce stand heard us speaking and looked nervous. We had to assure them we were NOT "yanked over" and they started talking to us; we showed them how to spell their names in Yiddish (which uses a modified Hebrew alphabet). That led to us having to show them how to spell WORDS - Apple, house, etc. Even the adults joined in and soon we were all laughing and chatting in our mutually intelligible languages - well over 2 hours and it was wonderful. We DID get a lot of odd looks from the other customers!!! LOL

[@paulruhl8614]

This leads to a ? Is any thing of a yiddish dictionary availible and where would I be able to purchase? Thanks .

[@mht5875]

I live in Sarasota. Been to Pinecraft many, many times and patronize their businesses. Most of the Amish here travel by bicycle. We also have Mennonites here too although they do use cars, and computers at the local library.

[@Brian81057]

I’m glad to hear that you found the Amish in Allen County Indiana to be some of the unfriendly I have lived here for over 6 decades and find other Amish communities to be more friendly

[@walteruebelhart6514]

Hello, thank you for all your videos, which are very interesting and instructive. By their way of life, all those Amish communities are eco-responsible, I find that admirable. Also I was surprised to learn that there is a Swiss community. Warm greetings to all of you, from Switzerland.

[@casitacathi]

I can't help but wonder what their opinions/impressions of our communities would be? 😉

[@stylishranchgirl]

Amish have been my largest customer since 2018. I work with one of the largest Amish feed, supplement and farming companies in Lititz. They have had me come speak at seminars where among 400-500 old order, there were only 2-3 English. Their drivers weren't in the seminars. I just got back from Horse Progress Days in Mt Hope, OH. I have learned so much from the Amish. Also, I find they are like sponges, they love to learn. The have been a huge blessing to me. God really opened a door for me the day I got the call from them expressing interest in my product.

[@AmishAmerica]

This is great to hear. That must be a thrill for lack of a better word to speak to such large groups of Amish folks. I once spoke to about 100 Amish and that was quite an experience. Great to hear you've made such a connection with Amish folks, and I bet Horse Progress Days was an event to remember.

[@jerryvincent8402]

I remember as a a child visiting southern MI typically North Adams. The Amish were shamed into moving because of there home schooling didn’t fit the system of the times,very sad. They are al few families back in the Pulaski,Mi area from what I gather they welcome us as costumers of their left over wood. Love and respect the families.🇺🇸🐻

[@michelesinger7283]

I really appreciate your videos. I have visited several Amish communities throughout my thirty four years. My mother’s family comes from Poland, and one of her Uncles lived on a former Amish farm. He grew corn. He grew up speaking Yiddish, but even as an infant I recall him speaking Yiddish to the Amish and them answering in Dutch. This experience helped me to appreciate language. I even learned to walk on his farm. Even after he died we often went back to these places. We went to Pinecraft once. But on a side note. I find these videos very helpful as a novelist

[@Miklos82]

I live in East Central Indiana and frequently shop at an Amish grocery store in Fountain City. It's not a Walmart size store, but it does have a little bit of everything. I particularly love their baked goods-especially their apple & cherry pies and banana bread. Everyone in the store has always been very friendly to me.

[@judymccord871]

My husband and I are from Davies County Indiana area! Thank you for thinking we are very friendly! We love the people! It is a good place to live!

[@keithatkins9783]

I just happened to recognize the fire pit setup and the driveway because I do that driveway every day

[@williambrownjr2346]

I have to ask, who likes to answer their door bell to a Seventh Day Adventist, etc. or anything being sold door-to-door, no matter where or who you are or where you live?

[@AmishAmerica]

So I can understand that POV. Lot of bad salespeople out there. 1. Be easy to get rid of 2.Don't take much time 3.Leave them in a better mood than when you arrived I sold a ton of books to Amish, and good thing. Years and years of value for those families. I don't know anything about 7th day Adventists, or what other religious visitors do.

[@williambrownjr2346]

@@AmishAmerica In many ways I've always thought the Amish and Mennonites living a simple life is much superior to the way we're living in 2021.

[@MsEller316]

It's Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons that go door to door ....

[@williambrownjr2346]

@@MsEller316 I actually realized my error right after I posted it. My mistake.

[@jankitteringham8483]

Very interesting, Thankyou.🇬🇧😊

[@dennisdewolf2937]

When I was a teenager, I was riding my bicycle down the road and went past some of our Amish neighbors (this time in Bradford County, PA) and I rode past a group of young women on a stroll. I was zipping along and waved and then noticed how the three women in white head coverings kind of surrounded the young woman in a black head covering. I learned later that the black head covering meant she was unmarried (or maybe it was the other way around). Kind of funny to think about.

[@gr8flyerfan]

I grew up two hours away from Lancaster County, and I've been going out there practically every year since childhood. As a child they seemed rather reserved and standoffish, but they seem more hospitable as I've grown older. It's like anyone, really, I've come across some who are very pleasant and outgoing, and some who are not. Never was treated badly or rudely.

[@stevefarms7494]

I been to a lot of Amish in Western NY and they are very friendly and they even invited me into their house for lunch and I was shocked because I never had that happen to me before

[@virginiawisdom7170]

At one time I lived in Seymour Missouri and worked at the McDonald's. We had Amish that came in and even through the drive thur. Some more friendly than others thats for sure. I seen that year a blessing to visit with them that I did get to

[@larrymixer144]

I have always seemed to live in areas with the Amish and Mennonite community and cultures nearby. In Western Illinois, Northeast Missouri and South and Southeast Iowa. My grandparents on my dad's side were borderline Mennonite and believed much the same way. They used to dress in plain utilitarian clothes that were not flashy. Painted bumpers on their cars black to cover the chrome. They did have some motorized farm equipment, mostly for saw mills and processing equipment for grain. I can remember when I was young spending time in the summer with them and riding ponies and horses to the field for weeding and clearing water from the fields. When I heard someone ringing the lunch bell would ride the pony back and after lunch would repeat the process. My grandmother had hair nearly to her knees and wore it up in a bun on her head. I don't think either of them were ever naked in their life or at least it seemed like it. They were from German and Dutch background. The church they attended was not considered Mennonite but was called the Church of God, of Independent Holiness People. I think it must have been an offshoot of the Mennonite Church.

[@mattgilly1924]

I am most familiar with the northern IN communities along with the Holmes County community. I would agree that all these communities are very friendly. As we drive around Adams County we constantly are welcomed by warm greetings with hand waves by the whole family in the buggy. The teens are even more friendly as they are curious.

[@maureenterlizzi6594]

I agree with you completely. I am from Lancaster County, Pa. Every settlement you described as friendly was spot on. They are kind and warm and welcoming. The two you mention as basically unfriendly are also what I would call them. We had stopped by an Amishman out on the road to inquire directions because we were lost and he told us “go home”!!! I thought I had misunderstood his left or right and asked again and he glared at us and said “git”!!! I was speechless. He wasn’t unfriendly, he was down right rude. We were not tourists in his community, coming from Lancaster County, we have no need to be tourists. This happened in different forms the entire time in the Geauaga settlement. As far as the last one, an Amish lady explained we don’t want outsiders here. We just want you to go away. Warmth like that is so unbecoming. You got them both right. Blessings to you

[@lordflowerbear6597]

this is a great KZbin series... thanks❤ 3:43

[@joewhitfield9973]

Years ago, I worked the state highway dept in Indiana. Part of the territory included a small town called Milroy. I found them to be funny and friendly, once you got to know them. We had our windows replaced by an Amish company from the same area (windows are large, house built in the 1870's). Outstanding work.

[@bradhenry2383]

I'm from Somerset Cty PA and the Amish here are Great!

[@debbimeyersbrant5752]

I live in Somerset County Pennsylvania and you are absolutely right, actually from the pictures you showed you was not that far from my house

[@AmishAmerica]

Neat to hear that! It was a beautiful area in winter, now I'd like to return in the warmer months.

[@debbimeyersbrant5752]

@@AmishAmerica I hope you do get a chance, where you went through and Springs Crossing at Mennonite church that you passed and your pictures right across from that church that's the Mennonite Church there is a road that goes back and the Amish and Mennonite opened up their spring store it's their Farmers Market last weekend with the opening of it.

[@AmishAmerica]

Great to know - will put it on the list for when I get back. I have had it in mind to return for some time now.

[@tracyflenner]

I've found that the Amish in Marion, KY are very nice. My dad is friends with a few there and I just recently started going there with him when he goes. I've had some really good conversations with some of them. We're buying things from their farms and one Amish man is making new cabinet doors for my kitchen once he gets his mill back up and running. They've all been really nice and one house we go to, an older woman practically runs outside to talk to my dad to see if he wants to order some cheese for when they go to Rockport, IN to bring some home.

[@kellyhanson140]

the amish community around Salem in fulton county AR is amazing. They have chicken dinners for the surrounding non amish community for donations only usually to help with someones medical bills or something in their community. They have several stores and greenhouses that we can buy from and i have really enjoyed any interactions i've had with them since i moved here.

[@delbomb3131]

The Amish I've interacted with in western Wisconsin are extremely friendly but they're very gritty. The way you talked about the Florida one with the bikes was the vibe i got in a town east of Orrville Ohio

[@mq5276]

I am privileged to live in Lancaster county my whole life. I have had my perceptions change in the last ten years as I have gotten to know some people through my daughter, who works with and also drives Amish people. We are surrounded by fields worked by our Amish landlord's family. I sold my computerized sewing machine to my friend, Sadie, who borrows her husband's phone to check KZbin videos when she needs help operating it. We have had some hilarious conversations about how Amish are supposed to behave and that the tourist industry would be destroyed if big city people knew what Amish were really like.

[@kerrykerry5778]

I live there also. In the last few years I've seen too many motorized kick scooters to count. First they were discrete, even hidden, now that cat's out of the bag. I've seen a kid driving a buggy down the street from me in Strasburg, with blue neon "street glow" lighting the underside of the buggy. I've heard several younger guys with booming bass coming out of buggy boom boxes. I've seen plenty of Eagles, Patriots, and other stickers on rear windows of buggies. I've seen many young Amish girls, trying to hide the fact that they are surfing on their smart phone. I watched a young Amish contractor doing an estimate on some exterior remodeling. He would hold his I-pad up to take pictures, then use it to take notes and record measurements. Yea, it can be pretty funny to read online, when somebody who doesn't live with Amish neighbors, describe how they live. They think it's like living in the 1700s, and it's probably best if we let the tourists hold on to that fairy tale, LOL.

[@kimshaw9594]

I grew up next to Holmes County in Ohio. And have lived in Sarasota/ Bradenton for 32 years. I know there is a bus company that buses the Amish down and back in the winter.

[@MJYouAreNotAlone1]

❤️❤️🙏🙏 Thank you!!!!

[@Lady_Chalk]

I miss visiting Sugarcreek, OH. I have a little toy wooden train, just the front of the train and a caboose hooked on back.

[@jerrymcintire7902]

Vernon County, Wisconsin is where we lived for ten years, and we knew many friendly Amish families. Not a large community, but very good neighbors.

[@ratdog3055]

Living in Ashland County, Oh we have always had a large Amish presence here. Mostly old order or "simple" life style type. Interesting is the amount of new Amish who migrated down from Canada. The Amish have turned Holmes County into a shopper's paradise with their many stores. Like many others, there are those that are very friendly and some who are quite standoffish. Interesting video! We also have a store run by a local church that helps Amish women (who wish to leave the order) learn work skills and what it's like to be English..

[@emilybyers629]

I live in Allen County, IN (Fort Wayne) but grew up near Grabill, In.and I work in healthcare so I deal with the Amish of Allen County and Lagrange County on a daily basis. Like all people some are more friendly than others.

[@theeaskey]

I've met Amish in FL, they referred to me as English,,,as an Irish man I informed them this was a deep insult, they apologized and we're not aware of this resentment...

[@maryisabell8760]

They mean U talk ENGLISH - there official language is GERMAN . Why would U be insulted ?

[@bootsieglendinning2775]

@@maryisabell8760 ......seems these days "being offended" is trendy, so certain personality types tend to seek out reasons to "find something offensive". It's gotten ridiculous to be honest. 🤣🤣

[@jillsirignano9676]

My husband and I became friends with a community in Unity Maine we had meals with them and went to their services when there one time we were allowed to stay for their communion service

[@hollyslaughter5505]

I lived in Vernon County WI and there were many wonderful Amish people there.

[@samuelshaver4555]

I am enjoying your videos. I grew up in Geauga County ohio and have family in Holmes County.

[@michellelindsay5727]

My Aunt and Uncle had a place in Spencer, Wisc. Right across the street from a wonderful family of Amish. The group was quite large there and every summer as children some were allowed to visit once their chores were finished. Since my Aunt and Uncle were brother and sister running a business, each neighbor was extremely respectful of one another. I believe that all of us are individuals and are children of God. Remember the Golden Rule, along with do unto others as you would have them do unto you!❤️

[@AmishAmerica]

Well said!

[@sandramiller8183]

It was nice to hear someone say Lancaster correctly. 😀. Funny, I’m from Lancaster County with an Amish heritage. I retired in Somerset County and once a certain family at an Amish store found out who our Amish friends were back home they got quite cold towards us.

[@rodneydavis7958]

Pronunciation of Lancaster is how to tell if they're locals or not.

[@emmamarkel8410]

I love that you mentioned Pinecraft... Floridian here, Iv'e definitely been around the area. It is more of a progressive Amish community, or a combination of Amish community and tourism.... quite literally you'll go from Amish people riding on bicycles to a very crowded tourist metropolis within a few minutes... if you do find yourself there, Yoders is worth the hype!

[@ragheadand420roll]

U do great videos ✌🏻🇺🇸

[@TheShilohdad]

We have never visited Geauga County, but while visiting Holmes County, we ran into several women in a store in Berlin. We didn’t know at first that they were from Geauga County. We asked them a few questions about some of their religious beliefs (after first asking if they would mind talking about them). They were very friendly and open. If one person wasn’t quite sure how to answer, should would recommend talking to another person, who she would call over. It wasn’t until quite late in our conversation that I asked where in Holmes they lived. They then said that they were on a shopping trip from Geauga. They had hired a large van and driver for the trip. Maybe the fact that they were willing to travel a fairly significant distance had some bearing on their openness. Perhaps they, specifically, were more open and friendly. Whatever, we found these women to be quite delightful. However, your comments on the Holmes community we found to be spot on. The people we met were very friendly and open.

[@AmishAmerica]

That is a neat story and I like your analysis as well. I also tend to enjoy hearing about Amish from one community visiting another for some reason. I think it might be in part because Amish people also notice differences between their community and other communities and some probably get a kick out of those sorts of things like I do. Sounds like a really nice bunch that you met. I should also say I did meet plenty of friendly people, or at least not rude ones, in the Geauga County area. It was just that I had an above average number of "rude" experiences for me for an Amish community, which is what I was gauging it by. I was in something of an unusual position because the nature of the job I was doing gave me a large sample size of people that I was meeting over the days and weeks. That helped reduce the possibility that the issue was not them, but me:) (which could be the case if I happened to be having a bad day, for instance, given the truism about the people you meet being a mirror of your own state of mind). One other detail I didn't mention in the video about Geauga County is that there are actually two groups of Amish there, one more progressive and one more conservative. I did not know that at the time, and I have no idea which people I was speaking with - but I am sure it was people from both groups just going by the amount of area I covered. I am glad to hear you found something similar in Holmes County. A lot of people make similar comments about that place.

[@fredkohlman8860]

I used to know and do business with quite a few of the Amish community in Geauga Co. and many I proudly called my friend. Like everything, there is always an exception and anyone, Amish or not can just plain be having a bad day. But I would have to say good people around Middlefield, Ohio and surrounding area.

[@lauraswihart4816]

We drive truck & I just love the Indiana & Ohio Amish! Very sweet 🥧🍰🍭🧁

[@dacoelec]

I'm from Geauga County and your assessment is right on the money.

[@jasonw4053]

Me too. Although if you're part of the community and they know you, they're cool. They're not as touristy as Holmes county and I think that plays a part. I work with some Geauga Amish and they're funny as hell and chill, but if you're not ingrained with them they can be standoffish.

[@keeganyost8123]

I was looking for geaga county becuse i know alot of the comunitu there! Did not expect your take!

[@211212112]

Maybe do a video on how Amish decide to leave an area, pick a new area, the way they move (where they stop to sleep, etc), and how they begin to set up. Also how do the Amish find, buy, and sell land.

[@TicklerDude]

I met some Amish people in Libby, Montana. They were so friendly and they offered to build me a custom log cabin…..for the low price of $400K

[@Studio26A]

I've not been to an Amish community, ever. I admire you and your drive to seek out these communities in relation to your job and say God bless you young man. I did however work with a fellow to which I shall call him "The Judge" We- Him and I worked at a top nationally known business which delt every minute with the public 24/7. The Judge had left the Amish community. This man made an outstanding name for himself and had moved up very well in the world with his skills and abilities. Totally off the wall extremely smart gent with a far above average education. He worked in the Nashville music industry with some well-established artist and top-level performers. He was well known in the News industry also. His sense of humor was over the top and his kindness was beyond most common people. He literally lived in a hotel for years and set up a contract with them to reside there (which he did for 22 years till it was bought out and demolished). He was a true gentlemen's (gentleman) if there is such a thing. Very slick dresser and the words he spoke and how he spoke them was like that of some of best educated world professors. It was a true pleasure working 14 years with the Judge. --A man I will never forget and will always admire. --Simply a former Amishmen that was well above and beyond himself and what most could never imagine. He did visit his former community (Momma & Pops) from time to time. (He was not allowed to stay there overnight, (hold up in a hotel out of town) --he stated each night he must leave the community and return at Sun rise each day for which time he chose to visit). A truly very interesting gent he was

[@wheelmeoutofhere9662]

I'm a pretty unreserved Western woman. However my very very favorite thing to do when I need some peace, is to drive through the little Amish community that is 20 minutes from me. I've been doing this for a year now and finally made the decision to stop into the little market. From what I gather I think they are old order and the girl who works the counter isn't very talkative. However I was looking for non pasteurized eggs and she pointed me to an Amish farm down the road. I was however too nervous to stop at someone's private home especially given that Amish are so private. I just love the community and thankful for their simplicity. I don't understand why I do but I just do. How do I better communicate with in their community? A small town in central MN is the community, is this an Old Order community ?

[@deetngator4191]

In Tennessee there are several Amish areas like Muddy Pond , Deckard, then on the Kentucky border there's another one but I have forgotten the name of the town. All are friendly. Used to take my mustang to Deckard for shoes and training.

[@Thehardscrabblelife]

Daviess County, Indiana 💓💓💓 Beautiful community and wonderful people.

[@MrMockingbird1313]

I have worked in and around many Amish communities. I always had a laugh with these people, like the time an Amish elder offer to help wire an outdoor light on a Mennonite store front. I've been wiring stuff for 50 years and this man didn't even use electricity? But, he meant no harm.

[@nomadboy6084]

hicksville are very nice , they span down to me in paulding . great great people to have work for ya . always on time manners out of the earth , craftsmanship is superb .

[@AmishAmerica]

Nice to hear that you have a similar impression, and sound like you would know them pretty well.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for mentioning Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Several of my ancestors were from Lancaster.

[@americasdream1265]

The friendliest Amish community I have ever been too is Milroy, Indiana and Nappanee, Indiana along with Topeka, Indiana and Paoli, Indiana is all very similar. In Milroy I got very close to a couple familiar with and close too. I am of German descent, and they spoke in very similar as the German Language that I speak, and few Amish girls was speaking in German, and they were quite surprised when I replied to them in my German language.

[@JohnClark-sc8uu]

Hi Eric. Are you sitting at the Lancaster convention center? That brick wall looks very familiar. Thank you for the great videos. We are actually travelling to Holmes county this weekend. Great folks.

[@AmishAmerica]

Hi John, actually not, don't think I ever visited that center but I can see with the prevalence of brick in that city how it might look like it :) Have a good visit in Holmes County, I don't know how well you know the area but if you're hungry I recommend Boyd and Wurthmann in Berlin (though closed Sunday, like a lot of places there)

[@ikn0waplace]

i live very close to Lancaster and drive through the amish country all the time to get to work or go to the city. i didn’t know it was such a hotspot for tourists since they’ve been a regular part of my day to day life. i frequented the local mennonite and amish owned markets growing up. my dad is in construction and has worked with many amish people. he also grew up mennonite, and most of his family still is, so i had a ton of exposure to that culture as well.

[@sfuterfas]

I live in Los Angeles so I totally get where the Lancaster County Amish are coming from. We don't get excited about tourists or film crews either.

[@adelejay7747]

Very friendly community of Amish in Seneca County, NY.

[@tetonhiker]

I'm biased to Shipshewana. Love that place. Many smaller communities in Wisconsin near me, but I haven't had the chance to interact with them like in Shipshewana. I do have some friends in Wisconsin who often buy things and have things built by the local Amish. So there's that.