PINECRAFT, FLORIDA

Pinecraft, Florida By  Mike Miller December 16, 2024

Pinecraft, Florida is a small neighborhood of 3,000 people in the heart of Sarasota. It is a unique winter vacation destination for Amish and Mennonite families who typically hail from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.

Pinecraft Horse and Buggy Exhibit

It is located just a few miles southeast of downtown Sarasota, bounded by Beneva Road to the west, Bahia Vista Street to the north, and Philippi Creek to the south.

Pinecraft Cyclist

This small community has a distinct charm, drawing visitors with its relaxed atmosphere, local businesses, and strong sense of tradition.  It is a great place to visit.

Pinecraft's origins date back to the early 1920s when a group of settlers from Ohio came to the area in search of affordable land and warmer winters.  They hoped to grow celery, but that didn't work out because of poor soil conditions.

While the early residents were not exclusively Amish or Mennonite, over the years, the community became a popular winter retreat for these groups, especially for those seeking to escape the cold northern climates.

Pinecraft Women Talking

The subtropical climate of Sarasota, with its mild winters and year-round greenery, makes it an ideal destination for Amish and Mennonite visitors who typically come from wintry snowy places like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.

Pinecraft differs from other Amish and Mennonite settlements in that it isn’t a strictly religious or agricultural community.

Unlike the more traditional Amish villages in the North, you won’t see horse-drawn buggies here other than one stationary exhibit.

Many residents ride bicycles, often equipped with small baskets or wagons for groceries or other items, adding to the area’s quirky charm.

Pinecraft Cottage

Pinecraft provides a rare opportunity for Amish and Mennonites to relax in a vacation-like setting without completely leaving behind their values or way of life.

Many families visit during the winter months to avoid the harsh winters in their northern communities, and they enjoy the warmer climate, socializing with friends and relatives from other parts of the country.

For some, Pinecraft offers a break from the hard work of farming or construction, with the chance to experience a slightly different way of life while maintaining their core values.

Here, the restrictions on modern conveniences are often relaxed compared to more traditional Amish settlements. It’s common to see Amish and Mennonite visitors using public transportation or even electric scooters.

Pinecraft, Der Dutchman

A visit to Pinecraft isn’t complete without sampling its local restaurants and shops. The most popular dining spots often feature hearty, home-style cooking reminiscent of traditional Amish and Mennonite recipes.

Pinecraft, Der Dutchman Interior

Der Dutchman, a well-known restaurant in the area, serves up comfort food staples such as fried chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade pies, and fresh-baked bread. For breakfast, try their pancakes, eggs, and sausages, all made from scratch.

Local shops and markets sell handmade goods, quilts, baked goods, and fresh produce.

Pinecraft, Yoder's Amish Village

Yoder's Amish Village is another staple in Pinecraft, offering a bakery, gift shop, and restaurant. The bakery’s pies and donuts are famous, and the gift shop is full of handcrafted items, from wooden toys to intricate quilts.

Pinecraft, Yoder's Interior

The best time to visit Pinecraft is during the winter months, typically between November and March, when the community comes to life with seasonal visitors.

This is when Amish and Mennonite families flock to the area, making it the most vibrant and active period of the year.

You’ll find local events, community gatherings, and church services during this time, making it a great opportunity to experience the culture and hospitality of the area.

Pinecraft, Yoder's Meals

Many Amish and Mennonite families rent or own small cottages or homes while they are in Pinecraft. These cottages are often grouped together in small neighborhoods, providing a friendly and social atmosphere.

The cottages typically offer basic amenities, allowing guests to relax while maintaining the simple, modest lifestyle they are accustomed to.

You can stay at the nearby Carlisle Inn for your trip, which is just a few blocks from the center of town.  It has a swimming pool, but no bar. 

Pinecraft’s blend of tradition and relaxation makes it a charming stop for anyone exploring Sarasota, especially if you're curious about Amish and Mennonite culture in an unusual setting.

The Amish and Mennonites are known for their skilled craftsmanship.  You could furnish your entire house, patio, and garden with the items available in the gift shops.

You can learn about these shopping opportunties at

Pinecraft Amish Handcrafted Furniture, Decor & Crafts