Looking for some place to travel where you can enjoy real life culture with individuals? Look no further than Penn Yan, a small town in the heart of the Finger Lakes that is home to a large population of Mennonites and Amish. If you have never been around Mennonites or Amish, I strongly encourage you to come and explore their unique ways of life.

Mennonites and Amish are religious individuals who have extremely strong beliefs and practices. They typically have large families that involve the male children working on the farm and the female children working inside doing household chores. One of these chores includes making clothing for their family; Mennonites and Amish have stern dress codes. These children also attend a one room private school; however, they only go to school until they have completed eighth grade. Mennonites and Amish believe that technology can weaken their family structure; therefore they choose not to use electricity, televisions, automobiles, telephones and more. As you can see, they live a much different lifestyle without many of the conveniences we take for granted today.  

By simply driving through Penn Yan it is clear to visitors that this is partially a Mennonite and Amish town. It is hard to drive down the road without seeing a horse and buggy or a Mennonite or Amish individual on their bicycle. Throughout Penn Yan there are horse and buggy signs, and some stores even have horse and buggy only parking. Once you get out onto country roads, you’ll find many Mennonites and Amish houses and schools, along with considerable amounts of farm land.

There are several Mennonite and Amish businesses right in Penn Yan.

• The Windmill Farm and Craft Market includes numerous Mennonite and Amish vendors that offer a large variety of unique shopping and delicious foods. I always love to go to The Windmill a few times a year for the wonderful experiences. Go ahead, and start planning your trip: The Windmill is open every Saturday starting on April 30th.

• When I go to The Windmill, I also always stop at Oak Hill Bulk Foods right up the road. Oak Hill Bulk Foods sells meats, cheeses, bakery items, dried foods, produce, candy and more at reduced prices. All of the employees at this store are Mennonite or Amish. Every time I have gone there, there has been a friendly and helpful Mennonite or Amish cashier in her dress and bonnet.

• Hillcrest Bulk and Natural Foods is very similar to Oak Hill Bulk Foods. However, Hillcrest Bulk and Natural Foods also sells herbs, tea, organic produce and nutrition supplements.

• The Quilt Room offers hundreds of handmade quilts made by Mennonite and Amish women. You will simply be amazed by the beauty of the patterns, colors, and details that are put into the quilts, pillows, and wall hangings. Simply beautiful!

These are just a few of Mennonite and Amish-run stores that I have been to and enjoyed.
I recommend any curious visitors to come and explore the culture, history, and uniqueness Penn Yan has to offer.

Hollie