Guide to Pinecraft: Sarasota's Snowbird Amish Community

Just a few miles from downtown Sarasota and the area's award-winning beaches lies one of Florida's most unexpected cultural experiences. Pinecraft is a small working neighborhood that draws Amish and Mennonite visitors and part-time residents who flock to our winter haven, escaping the harsh weather of Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and other northern states, and as far as Canada.

Whether you're stopping in for a slice of legendary pie, browsing handmade furniture and gifts, or simply watching the steady stream of tricycles roll by, Pinecraft offers visitors a glimpse into a slower pace of life rooted in hospitality, tradition and pastimes without Wi-Fi. 

Why Visit Pinecraft?

In the 1920s, Amish and Mennonite farmers were persuaded to come to Sarasota to use the land for agricultural purposes, primarily to grow celery, a common Amish crop. When they arrived, they found the soil was not suitable for extensive celery crops, but the weather enticed them to stay … or at least visit on a regular basis.

They set up the community of Pinecraft, a quaint area of residential homes and small businesses in a planned grid at the intersection of Beneva Road and Bahia Vista Street. Today, thousands of Amish and Mennonite visitors return each winter, making Pinecraft one of the country's best-known Amish snowbird communities.

Pinecraft Dining & Cuisine

Yoder's Amish Village & Restaurant

A handful of Amish restaurants serve up delicious home-cooked "comfort food" all day Monday through Saturday (note that all Amish businesses are closed on Sundays). Perhaps the most famous of these is Yoder's Amish Village, a Sarasota tradition since 1975 that regularly boasts lines out the door. Yoder's Restaurant features delectable pot roast and some of the best (and biggest!) fried chicken you've ever eaten, but it's really best-known for its incredible homemade pies – even garnering the attention of The Food Network to this unassuming dining establishment. 

Yoder's makes more than 100 fresh pies every day (more than 25 different varieties) still using Mrs. Yoder's original recipes. Don't leave without getting a piece of Mrs. Yoder's decadent and famous Peanut Butter Cream pie, an amazing close-your-eyes-and-savor-it concoction served with generous dollops of fresh whipped cream. You'll dream about this pie long after you leave Sarasota.

Yoder's Pie Craft Coffee Co.

For a modern twist on a Pinecraft tradition, visit Yoder's Pie Craft Coffee Co., where handcrafted espresso drinks pair perfectly with the village's famous homemade sweet and savory pies. The bright, welcoming café serves specialty lattes, cold brews and seasonal beverages alongside fresh-baked pie by the slice and miniature hand pies, making it an ideal stop for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat while exploring the neighborhood.
 

Der Dutchman Restaurant

Just to the east is the Der Dutchman, also famous for its hearty, home-cooked meals and baked goods. Enjoy full service or the buffet dining featuring authentic Amish kitchen cooking for both breakfast and dinner – from a Dutch Haus Breakfast Sandwich and stacks of fluffy pancakes to broasted chicken, homemade meatloaf and its signature "Noodles Over Mash" (Essenhaus noodles served over cheesy mashed potatoes). 

Der Dutchman was voted as a top ten Best Buffet by USA Today readers in 2023 and 2024, and Best Bakery by locals. Find a generous selection of freshly baked pies, pastries and cookies in the lobby where the bakery is located for take-home treats. 

Ice Cream Shops

For dessert, check out Pinecraft Ice Cream Shoppe for a scoop of homemade ice cream, shakes and malts. The busy parlor always has a line for a reason! 

Additionally, just down the road is Scoops & Sprinkles Creamery, the perfect sunset stop for flavored soft serve in a waffle cone or an old-school ice cream sundae. 

Yoder's Fresh Market & Deli

Take a taste of Pinecraft home with a stop at Yoder's Fresh Market & Deli, a favorite for both locals and visitors. The market is stocked with fresh-baked breads, cookies, whoopie pies and mini cream pies, alongside Amish pantry staples, locally sourced goods and convenient take-home meals – hot and cold. The deli counter prepares made-to-order sandwiches piled high with freshly sliced meats and cheeses, while soups, salads and family-style entrées make it easy to pack a picnic or enjoy a comforting meal back at your hotel. 

Shop for Handmade Goods & Amish Crafts

Yoder's Gift Shop

After dining at one of the Yoder's eateries, shop around at The Village Gift Shop for one-of-a-kind handmade treasures, includes roasted coffees, jams, soaps, toys, quilts, treats and more. 

Carlisle Gifts

Located above Der Dutchman Restaurant, Carlisle Gifts is a treasure trove of thoughtfully curated finds. Browse boutique clothing, jewelry, home décor, kitchen accessories, children's gifts and seasonal treasures, along with keepsakes that blend timeless craftsmanship with a touch of coastal Florida charm.

DutchCrafters Amish Furniture

While not technically in the Pinecraft walkable area, you can find high-quality rocking chairs and wood furniture that the Amish are known for at retailers like DutchCrafters Amish Furniture, just a short drive away. 

Various Local Merchants

Within walking distance, visitors will find a great deal of local retailers and boutiques – ranging from a bridal consignment shop, a fabric and quilting store, a golf shop, an Amish shoe store, a barbecue supply store and more! 

Recreation Around Pinecraft

A few blocks behind Yoder's Amish Village lays a hidden gem: Pinecraft Park is a hub of outdoor activity, with matches of shuffleboard, horseshoes, basketball and sand volleyball going on much of the day. It also has family-friendly basics like slides, swings and a playground. Often enough, the local residents are found here, donning their traditional Amish attire, with crowds forming around a suspenseful game of bocce ball or shuffleboard.

Continue your adventures with a jaunt on the Phillippi Creek. Located alongside Pinecraft Park, it's a fantastic place to launch kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, or just fish. The water is brackish, a diluted version of the saltwater coming into it from the Gulf, so you may spot native wildlife like manatees, otters, snook or alligators. Shorebirds and raptors surround the waters, looking for goodies. This far north, motorboats are not permitted, so it continues the quiet nature of the Pinecraft community where you began.

A convenient terminus for the popular Legacy Trail is also nearby. Take a stroll or rent bicycles from Lapp's Bike Rentals to cruise down the multi-use trail and explore the surrounding neighborhoods and nature.

Where to Stay in Pinecraft

Carlisle Inn Sarasota

Immerse yourself in Pinecraft's welcoming hospitality with a stay at Carlisle Inn. This family-friendly inn blends the simple charm of Amish and Mennonite traditions with modern comforts, offering spacious guest rooms, handcrafted furnishings, a complimentary hot breakfast, an outdoor pool and easy access to Pinecraft's restaurants, shops and parks. 

It's the perfect home base for travelers looking to experience one of Sarasota's most unique communities while remaining just a short drive from downtown and the area's award-winning beaches.

Take an Amish Experience Tour

For a deeper understanding of Pinecraft's history and traditions, hop aboard the Amish Experience: Bridges to Understanding tour with Discover Sarasota Tours. Led by local guides with personal connections to Amish and Mennonite communities, this 90-minute air-conditioned trolley tour explores the unique story of Pinecraft while making stops at local favorites like Alma Sue's Quilt Shop, Carlisle Inn and Der Dutchman Restaurant, where guests can enjoy a signature pie sampler. 

It's an engaging way to learn about the customs, culture and seasonal lifestyle that make Sarasota's Amish and Mennonite community unlike any other in the world

Local Tips for Visiting Pinecraft

• Best time to visit: December-April
• Respect privacy when photographing people
• Park and explore on foot or by bicycle
• Visit early if planning to eat at Yoder's or Der Dutchman