Virginia is a state where I think you'll see the Amish go and grow over the years ahead. But up until now their presence in the state has been inexplicably sparse. I say that because it seems like, at least on paper, that Virginia would be a perfect fit for the Amish.
✅ The Amish and Virginia, Pros and Cons
There's no easy answer to why the Amish population took so long to take root in Virginia. Or maybe there is. The reality is that Pennsylvania's huge Amish population has, through the years, generally stayed in Pennsylvania. If they haven't, they've moved westward instead of southward. There has been some "spillover" into Maryland. Maryland has generally served as a "buffer" for Amish wanting to go south to Virginia.
You also have the sprawling District of Columbia area and its suburbs which makes a lot of NE Virginia unappealing.
Over the past decade, though, the Amish have 'discovered' Virginia and the population is now rapidly increasing with new churches take root as the Amish are attracted by the temperate climate and areas of the state with cheaper land.
🗺️ Where Are The Amish Communities in Virginia?
New Amish communities are cropping up, so if you know of any Virginia Amish communities not on this list, shoot us a note and we'll add!
Pearisburg: I have been to this community, nestled in the history-soaked hills and mountains of southwest Virginia. Years ago I attended a benefit auction held in the settlement. Here is what I wrote:
There is a lot of work that goes into preparation for these events, so I tried to make myself useful by helping to carry in and set up some tables and joined in to erect a huge tent which was going to be used to hold the bake sale outside. Meanwhile, a chicken and fixin's lunch would held inside the school-house. A couple of ovens on the school's porch were going overtime churning out confections like homemade cinnamon rolls, pies,and breads. The homemade tomato bread looked intriguing. And back at their homes some women were busy making homemade fried pies dipped in a sugar glaze.
The Pearisburg Amish settlement is a fascinating community on many levels. Horse-drawn buggy is the local mode of transportation or hired drivers to go into town. But even those trips are relatively rare because it does take about 30 minutes by car to reach the nearest non-Amish settlements. I had to run an errand into Pearisburg to a Food Lion to find a battery for my camera and that trip took 26 minutes. And I was booking it. So the Amish here are very self-sufficient. I was struck by how much the community resembled Rexford, Montana in lay-out and physical geography, something that others who have been to both have apparently noted. Pearisburg features some stunning mountain vistas.
Bland: Not far from Pearisburg is another small, more traditional, Amish settlement.
Rural Retreat
Nathalie
Charlotte County - This is actually Virginia's largest Amish community
Farmville
Meadows of Dan
Warsaw-St. Mary's
There are also a number of Beachy-Amish Mennonite churches in the state in places like Stuart's Draft, and Rural Retreat. The Beachy Amish Mennonites dress plainly but are more progressive than the Amish or Mennonites.
📋 The Old Order Mennonites of Dayton, Virginia
The Old Order Mennonites, with their horse and buggies and plain ways, are often mistaken for the Amish. But they are a distinct group all their own. The breath-taking emerald hills are outside of Dayton, Virginia home to a hospitable and sprawling Old Order Mennonite community.
The settlement is sandwiched between two mountain ranges. The land around Dayton is generally flat, except for the "Mole Hill", the worn stub of an ancient volcano, one of the last active "hot zones" on the East coast when it ceased smoldering millions of years ago. Now the Mole Hill is just a picturesque place from which to view the pastoral Old Order Mennonite farms below.
Small stores dot the landscape: a buggy shop, harness shop, bakery, and in town is the "Mennonite Mall", an indoor market where some plain people sell their wares.
🛒 Amish and Mennonite Businesses in Virginia
Dayton: Rocky Cedars Enterprises, 2140 Country Store Ln, an old-time fabric and sewing emporium owned and operated by two Mennonite sisters.
Rural Retreat: Dutch Pantry, 6891 W Lee Hwy, a classic Amish bulk food store and sandwich board.
Pearisburg: Walker Valley Market, a wonderful classic Amish market with all sorts of goods.
Nathalie: King's Kountry Store, 1211 Hunting Creek Road, an authentic Amish country store with hunting and canning supplies.
Nathalie: Hill Top Foods, 3090 Hunting Creek Road, bulk foods, spices, cheeses and meats.
Warsaw: Amish farm stand, 10111 History Land Hwy, baked goods and produce. A yelp reviewer: the pies and the breads are beyond delicious
📷 Photos of The Virginia Amish and Mennonites
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