New York has the fastest-growing Amish and Mennonite populations in the country. There’s a combined population of the two religious groups of around 25,000 throughout the state. Many people outside of the communities don’t know much about them or their beliefs. They have fascinating communities with really unique atmospheres. Their slow pace of life is something we can all learn from in today’s hectic society. One small Mennonite and Amish town in New York where you can immerse yourself in this distinctive culture is Penn Yan.

Penn Yan is just north of Keuka Lake, one of the Finger Lakes. Its population is around 5,000. In the late 20th-century, many Amish and Mennonite families began purchasing farmland in the area.

Doug Kerr/Flickr Like all cultures, there is extreme variance within the Amish and Mennonite faiths. Both groups shun various forms of technology and aspects of modern life. Many Mennonites are immersed in American culture, whereas the Amish tend to be more insular.

Horses and buggies are a common sight in Penn Yan. The town’s name is said to be a combination of “Pennsylvania” and “Yankee.”

Steve Guttman NYC/Flickr

We’ve written about The Windmill Farm And Craft Market before: this place is a true delight!

The Windmill Farm & Craft Market/Google Maps The Windmill Farm & Craft Market, 3900 NY-14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527, USA

There are so many things to browse through here. There are Amish vendors selling delicious baked goods and homemade wares, plants, toys, furniture, crafts: pretty much anything you can think of is sold here.

Walter Santelli/Google Maps The Windmill also hosts a variety of restaurants, so be sure to grab a delicious snack!

Another great spot to check out in Penn Yan is Weaver-View Farms. They have an Amish shop that sells quilts, baskets, and all kinds of goodies.

Deon Roth/Google Maps

This 85-acre farm also has a guesthouse, so if you decide you want to make a weekend of it, feel free to ask about staying the night.

Christine Nunziato-Bonenfant/Google Maps For more information about Weaver-View Farms, visit their website. 386 NY-14, Penn Yan, NY 14527, USA

To cap off your day in Penn Yan, visit Oak Leaf Cafe. This delicious Mennonite cafe sells sandwiches and coffees.

Oak Leaf Cafe & Bakery Penn Yan/Google Maps Oak Leaf Cafe & Bakery Penn Yan, 3173 NY-14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527, USA

Penn Yan is such a beautiful little town and one of our favorite day trips in New York. The unique atmosphere of the Amish and Mennonite communities is so interesting for an outsider to observe.

Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr Keuka Lake, New York, USA

 

New York has the fastest-growing Amish and Mennonite populations in the country. There’s a combined population of the two religious groups of around 25,000 throughout the state. Many people outside of the communities don’t know much about them or their beliefs. They have fascinating communities with really unique atmospheres. Their slow pace of life is something we can all learn from in today’s hectic society. One small Mennonite and Amish town in New York where you can immerse yourself in this distinctive culture is Penn Yan.

Doug Kerr/Flickr

Like all cultures, there is extreme variance within the Amish and Mennonite faiths. Both groups shun various forms of technology and aspects of modern life. Many Mennonites are immersed in American culture, whereas the Amish tend to be more insular.

Steve Guttman NYC/Flickr

The Windmill Farm & Craft Market/Google Maps

The Windmill Farm & Craft Market, 3900 NY-14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527, USA

Walter Santelli/Google Maps

The Windmill also hosts a variety of restaurants, so be sure to grab a delicious snack!

Deon Roth/Google Maps

Christine Nunziato-Bonenfant/Google Maps

For more information about Weaver-View Farms, visit their website.

386 NY-14, Penn Yan, NY 14527, USA

Oak Leaf Cafe & Bakery Penn Yan/Google Maps

Oak Leaf Cafe & Bakery Penn Yan, 3173 NY-14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527, USA

Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr

Keuka Lake, New York, USA

As with any town, remember to be respectful of the communities that live in the area when you are visiting. Have you been to Penn Yan in New York? Share your experiences in the comments!

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Address: Penn Yan, NY 14527, USA

As with any town, remember to be respectful of the communities that live in the area when you are visiting. Have you been to Penn Yan in New York? Share your experiences in the comments!