Amish Experience Tour in Sarasota: Bridges To Understanding
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour 45 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, as most of the tour is seated on the trolley with minimal walking.
Overview
Explore Sarasota’s Amish and Mennonite cultures on a 105-minute trolley tour through Pinecraft. Savor local pies, shop unique crafts, and gain genuine insights into a treasured community.
Amish Experience Tour: Bridges To Understanding
Visit Pinecraft, the Amish and Mennonite Neighborhood!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Discover the unique Amish and Mennonite cultures in Sarasota's Pinecraft community on this engaging 105-minute tour. Led by expert guides, you'll explore local shops, savor delicious pie, and gain insights into their rich traditions and values. Experience a rare vacation spot for these communities and deepen your understanding of their way of life.
Experience the Amish neighborhoods of Sarasota
Duration
105 minutes in peak season
About
Discover with expert guide Kendra Cross why Sarasota is the only place in the world that the Amish and Mennonite communities come to vacation en masse.
On this tour, the goal is to create a “bridge of understanding” about these wonderfully unique and close-knit communities. You will learn about the history of their religious beliefs, values and traditions and how they are practiced in daily life.
During the one-hour-and-forty-five-minute tour, you will visit the Pinecraft community, where more than 500 Amish and Mennonite families live year-round and where more than 5,000 return as tourists each season from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana to vacation.
In Pinecraft, enjoy the tour stops at Alma Sue’s Quilt Shop, The Carlisle Inn and Der Dutchman Amish Kitchen Cooking Restaurant for shopping and a pie shooter — a sample of their delicious pie!
Gain a new appreciation for and an understanding of the rich culture of Sarasota’s Amish and Mennonite communities on this Certificate of Excellence Tripadvisor rated tour. Book your tickets online today!
ALL guests must be 12+. No children under 12 allowed except on family tours designed for children—The BooMobile and Christmas Carol Trolley. Every guest must have a paid ticket in order to board.
Tour ticket includes FREE Parking! This is a tour where you get off the vehicle, so you must be able to walk a short distance.
Departure/Return Location
1826 4th Street in Sarasota (behind The Breakfast House off Fruitville)
Arriving
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour leaves, to check in and visit our gift shop while you wait to board. Trolleys leave at your scheduled time. If you don't arrive within 5 minutes of departure time, we reserve the right to resell your ticket.
Parking
FREE on-site parking is available!
Things to Note
- This tour stops at Der Dutchman Amish Kitchen Cooking and Carlisle Gifts for browsing, shopping—and pie!
- No coolers or personal alcohol are allowed on our tours. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the trolley.
- Visit the Trolley Cottage Gift Shop, offering unique Sarasota merchandise while waiting to board.
- We also offer group tours of 20 or more for any regular tour—or let us create a custom tour for your group!
Adventure Tips
Book your tour in advance
This popular trolley experience often sells out, so reserve your spot early to ensure availability.
Wear comfortable shoes
Though trolley-based, some walking at stops is involved; comfortable footwear will enhance your experience.
Bring cash for local purchases
Many shops and pie vendors in the Amish community prefer cash payments for their handmade goods and treats.
Respect cultural norms
Photography of people should be done respectfully—always ask before taking photos of residents or inside shops.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern gray squirrels
- Various native songbirds
History
Pinecraft became a popular winter retreat for Amish and Mennonite families starting in the early 20th century, preserving their traditions in a warm climate.
Conservation
The Sarasota area promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging respectful cultural interactions and minimizing impact on local communities.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sarasota
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
For short strolls at stops and exploring shops comfortably.
Light jacket or sweater
Evenings and mornings can be cool in fall and winter; layering helps maintain comfort.
fall specific
Sun protection (hat and sunscreen)
Protect yourself from Florida's strong sun during afternoon tours.
summer specific
Cash for purchases
Many vendors in the Amish community prefer cash over cards for their handmade goods.