by Tom Bastek
Last updated: 11:00 PM ET, Wed January 28, 2015
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
The Old Order Amish, or what the genereal public typically thinks of when they hear the word, are a group of traditional Christian fellowships that believe in simple living and dress, while shying away from many conveniences of modern technology. In the modern day world of being connected all of the time, whether through smartphone, tablet, or computer, we can learn much from these beautiful people.
The highest concentrations of Amish communities in the country are in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvainia and Indiana. There are smatterings of them in other states and even one settlement in Florida which serves as part vacation destination and part southern Amish outpost.
Many people have seen, visited, and interacted with the Amish people through the sale of Amish goods and services. The Amish provide some of the best quality wood craftsmanship, carpentry and food found in the country. Their goods can normally be purchased at local markets and some communities even have restaurants. But what if you wanted to find out more of the way of life?
Stay for a Longer Visit
Photo of Beacon Hollow Farm courtesy of Hanson Web Design.
The Beacon Hollow Farm Guesthouse is an actually Amish working dairy farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. They have a guest cottage that you can rent for $85 a night for two people, $10 extra per head and sleeps up to six. Breakfast is served everyday except for Sunday. Cash, travelers checks and personal checks sent in advance are welcome and if you are worried about no electricity, don't be: the cottage has electricity.
Also located in Lancaster County is the Country Lane Guesthouse, which contains many more amenities including a full kitchen with stove, refrigerator and microwave. For $100 a night you receive accommodations but no breakfast. However, if you are willing to help gather eggs from the farms resident chickens, you are welcome to help yourself to some.
Other Options
Amish America, a website dedicated to the communities, is run by Erik Wesner. He is "English" (that is what the Amish call the non-Amish) but has been working and living among the Amish for more than ten years. As you can probably guess, there aren't a lot of websites dedicated to places willing to have you stay, but there are a few places that you can find telephone numbers online to reach out and contact them.
Erik's recommendations for trying to spend a week with the Old Order Amish and trulylive among them, is to visit and make friends. But there are plenty of Amish areas, tours, businesses and auctions that are available for you to meet and get to know Amish people.
Erik also recommends you do your research, "Remember however that Amish value modesty in dress, appreciate family and community, are church-going and live by the dictates of the Bible. This does not mean that Amish are particularly stuffy, however, and appreciate a good joke and warm companionship as much as anyone else. Spending some time reading non-fiction books and learning more about Amish culture can also help you when trying to understand and relate to Amish."
So dress down and have good values and you can probably make a friend or two. For those of you who don't have the ability to visit often enough to build a relationship think about some of the other options. Many Amish serve meals in their homes for a fee, and the meals are always large, locally sourced and absolutely delicious. Many offer buggy rides and tours of their areas, where the history of their town and its people is told about with normally a stop at an authentic Amish barn or home.
So if you are looking to get away from it all, the Amish might be a way to help you explore that desire. Or you could try it at your own home. No electricity, no TV, cell phone, or other modern conveniences. Simple dress and subdued actions with attention to God. It does sound relaxing. Have you ever made a friend with the Amish? Have a favorite Amish store? Let me know below.
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