The Amish in Maine have attracted attention as their presence has grown throughout the state. Elsewhere in New England, however, the Amish have been slow to plant roots for a variety of reasons. There are no Amish in New Hampshire, Massachusetts Connecticut, and Rhode Island, but Vermont has become home to the Amish since the first families move in in 2015.
✅ Why The Amish Like Vermont
There are many reasons why the Amish might find Vermont appealing. Here are some of my reasons:
Land: rural stretches of land for farming are plentiful and affordable for many Amish.
Maple syrup: Of course, Vermont is known for its near-perfect maple syrup production conditions. Why would this be appealing? Many Amish love to tap trees and make their own maple syrup. Making and selling the syrup can be a profitable side gig for the Amish who like working from home when possible.
Road Safety: Vermont's rural roads mean less traffic which means less chance of buggy accidents. Sure, they can and do still happen, but emptier roads tilts the odds in their favor.
🗺️ Where are the Amish Communities in Vermont?
Well, there aren't "communities" as of 2025 there just one Amish community in the state and it is still pretty small. Several dozen Amish families live near the town of Brownington in what is known as the state's Northeast Kingdom, a largely rural area nestled against the Quebec and New Hampshire borders.
Local resident Jane Greenwood told Vermont NPR: there were three original Amish families to move to the area, and since then, their brothers and sisters and children have gone off and bought individual farms. She estimates there are now around 30 landowners total.
Others with whom I’ve spoken, including Amish people, put the number of families in Orleans County somewhere between 17 and 18.
They now have their own school in Brownington — the only Amish school in the state, according to state education officials. And they’ve gotten to know their neighbors.
🛒 Amish Businesses in Vermont
Because the Amish community is so small and the state as a whole is so small it's not surprising that the number of Amish-owned businesses in the state is sparse. But if you look hard enough around Brownington, and go at the right time, you can still get your Amish fix.
Miller's Baked Goods, 3317 Schoolhouse Rd, Brownington, VT 05860. The "catch" about this place is they are only open on Saturdays (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and only during the Spring, Summer, and into October. So if you are going to be in Brownington during the winter, you are out of luck. But reviewers have kind things to say about this place:
Google review: Stopped here a few weeks ago and bought some delicious donuts, jam, coolies and a pie. The Amish lady was very conversant about their move to Vermont, and the women's sewing/quilting groups all winter. Very kind and industrious people------can't wait to go back.
The Market Wagon: For those wanting a true Amish experience, but can't make it to Brownington and are limited by the Saturday hours that Miller's (above) has, there is another option in Vermont for you.1896 Harwood Hill Rd, Bennington, VT 05201. The store is open 6 days a week (closed Sunday). As many Mennonite markets are, they are known for their delicious sandwich board.
A reviewer says:
I'm so glad we found this place while driving through. The sandwiches are so fresh and the bread is wonderful. The sandwiches are a good size and very filling. No tables inside but picnic tables outside. The shop has a nice selection of snacks, spices, and other goods. I highly recommend stopping in for delicious treats!
📷 Picturing the Amish in Vermont
Vermont is known for its beautiful fall foilage and now Amish buggies are a part of that tableau.
The Amish community is outside the town of Brownington.
📋Vermont's Other Plain People
MENNONITES IN VERMONT: In addition to the Amish community, there is a conservative Mennonite church in Vermont. Here's an excerpt as the writer describes a visit to the Market Wagon, a typical Amish-Mennonite bulk food store and bakery:
Inside, hymns play quietly from a CD player. Women in head coverings and long dresses and lately, cloth face masks, bustle behind a sandwich counter. The shelves and deli case carry groceries from small suppliers — cheese from Maplebrook Farm in North Bennington, jars of peaches and pickled eggs from Amish Weddings in Ohio. Above a display of maple syrup, two sayings are stamped across blocks of wood: “Coffee: It’s always a good idea” and “With God all things are possible.”
Sounds like a peaceful, bucolic community, you can click here to read the whole article.
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