By  Kevin Williams
So I stumbled upon The Pioneer Place in Smyrna, Maine last week.  The Pioneer Place, owned by Chris Hilty, is sort of the hub of the Amish settlement in Smyrna.  People gather to exchange news and gossip, to meet friends, and pick through the eclectic mix of wares for sale.  Outsiders come to purchase anything from kerosene lamps to trail mix.  Pioneer Place is a true general store serving rural Aroostook County.  If you're expecting baked goods or homemade bread you might be disappointed, the Pioneer Place is not a bakery.  Food-wise they do offer a selection of bulk foods for sale, such as bagged snack mix and some chocolates, but they are not made locally.
The real draw of Pioneer Place is the assortment of hardware and outdoor items (it is Maine, after all) and the fact that it gives you a central point from which to explore the surrounding Amish settlement with its various businesses.
The Smyrna settlement is more progressive than some Amish communities, but they do draw some clear lines such as not using motorized tractors and heating with wood instead of kerosene.
I probably wouldn't plan a vacation around visiting Smyrna, but if you are in the area, the Pioneer Place and other Amish-owned businesses are definitely worth checking out. If you are visiting on a weekday during the school-year the log school-house with children playing ball at recess offers a serene scene and on clear days you can easily see Maine's tallest peak - Mt. Katahdin - off to the southwest. Â The Amish settlement is an easy 5 minute jaunt off of I-95. Â Tomorrow, more from Smyrna!
Here are a few scenes from the Pioneer Place:
http://archive.bangordailynews.com/2006/10/07/building-simply-business-in-smyrnas-amish-community-draws-customers-with-fine-craftsmanship/
Esther
I live in SW lower Mich and have visited Shipshewanna (northern Indiana). I have always enjoyed seeing the horses and buggies, but the best thing is always the wonderful flower gardens of the Amish farmers. The color that is lacking in their clothes is overwhelmingly present in their lovely gardens.
Kevin
Well said, Esther!
brenda
Curious to know how much the general public is encouraged to shop in these stores. Are we welcome or tolerated because they are really there as a service for their community ??
Lisa
We live in Massachusetts, but have land in Island Falls. Maine. It is a short 15 minute trip by car to The Pioneer Place and we are in there all the time. The Amish owners and customers are quiet but very friendly towards us. We feel very comfortable and welcomed there. We are not merely tolerated. The prices are amazing as is the variety of wares they carry.
In the summer months, they have a very well stocked farm stand out front - complete with baked goods, local cheese. eggs and meats.
Next door is Kauffman Metals and Sturdi-bilt Storage Building - both of which are Amish owned. Over the last couple of years we have purchased two sheds from Sturdi-bilt, and are making our larger one (12 X 32) into a cabin. Everyone there is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
Just five minutes away is a shop with beautiful, quality hand-made rustic Amish furniture.
We enjoy the whole area.
Kevin
Lisa, a belated welcome to Amish365.com! And good to know about the farmstand in the summer, that sounds awesome. You are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful corner of the country! - Kevin
nathaniel senderoff
My wife and I love spending time in Island falls..we also shop at the Amish store whenever we are in northern Maine and love Grammys dinner also