1. Where to Find Amish Communities in Finger Lakes NY (Penn Yan, Dundee & More)

So, where do you even start? Honestly, most folks don’t realize just how many Amish communities in New York State are tucked around the Finger Lakes. There’s no flashy entrance sign that says “Welcome to Amish Country NY.” You just have to know where to look.

Here’s where you’ll find the biggest clusters of Amish towns in New York:

Penn Yan Amish (Yates County – the hub, packed with authentic shops and markets)
Dundee
Branchport
Romulus
Ovid

The largest Amish community in Finger Lakes NY is in Penn Yan, with smaller but thriving groups in these nearby towns.

These villages are the backbone of Amish country in New York. They’re not flashy, and that’s the point. One minute you’re on a winding road, and the next—boom—a hand-painted sign that just says “Quilts” or “Bread Today.” That’s your clue.

👉 Want it simple? Pop “Amish store in Seneca Falls NY” or “Amish market in Penn Yan NY” into your GPS and you’ll be on the right track. Once you hit one Amish market, the rest fall into place like dominoes.

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2. Top Amish Towns in Finger Lakes NY (Penn Yan, Dundee & More)

You’re not gonna see every Amish town in one day, so here’s where to focus. These are the Amish towns in Finger Lakes NY that are absolutely worth the gas money (and the photo—without people, of course).

Penn Yan – The hub of Amish communities upstate NY, packed with quilts, preserves, and the famous Windmill Farm & Craft Market. Penn Yan is also one of the best spots for Amish markets in Finger Lakes.
Dundee – Low-key but authentic. Think butter, leather goods, and homemade jam. The best finds here don’t always make it online—but that’s the charm.
Branchport & Naples – Great for handmade wooden toys, heirloom veggies, and small Amish stores in upstate NY.
Romulus & Ovid – Off the beaten path with more buggies, more roadside stands, and even honor-system markets. Drop your cash in a box and go—old-school trust at its best.

👉 The main Amish towns in Finger Lakes NY are Penn Yan, Dundee, Branchport, Naples, Romulus, and Ovid—each with its own flavor of Amish country charm.

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3. What to Expect Visiting Amish Communities in Upstate NY

Look—this isn’t a museum. The Amish in NY aren’t putting on a show. This is their real life, and you’re just a guest. Act like it.

👉 When visiting Amish country in New York, expect buggies instead of cars, no power lines, handmade goods, and a slower pace of life.

Here’s what you’ll see (and not see):

What you’ll see:

No electric lines going to houses—lamps and solar batteries instead.
Buggies, not cars (yes, even in the snow).
Kids in straw hats, barefoot and helping in gardens like it’s still 1890.
Clotheslines everywhere—and none of it name-brand unless “hand-stitched with love” counts.

What you won’t see:

Cell phones (maybe one tucked away in a workshop, but rarely).
Big store signs—most Amish stores in upstate NY are simple, almost hidden.
Self-promotion—Amish families are humble to a fault.

And one more thing—don’t expect deep conversations. Some folks will be open, some will nod politely and move on. Just appreciate the stillness. You’re in a world that makes its own rules.

4. Amish Markets & Stores in Finger Lakes NY (Penn Yan & Romulus)

Let’s talk about the good stuff—the food, the crafts, and the random things you didn’t know you needed until now.

👉 The best Amish markets in Finger Lakes NY are The Windmill in Penn Yan, the Seneca Produce Auction in Romulus, and countless roadside stands. If you’d like a seasonal breakdown of where to go and what to buy, see my guide on Best Amish Markets in Finger Lakes by Season.

The Windmill Farm & Craft Market (Penn Yan)
This place is legendary. It’s basically the Disneyland of Amish markets in Finger Lakes, except instead of rides you get:

Fresh-baked pretzels
Handmade baskets
Custom wooden rockers
Jars of jams, relishes, and baked goods you won’t find anywhere else

It’s also one of the best-known spots for Amish food Finger Lakes NY, so come hungry. Visit The Windmill Farm Market »

Seneca Produce Auction (Romulus)
Less touristy, more real. Local Amish farmers bring in crates of produce, and buyers bid auction-style. You don’t need to participate—just grab a coffee and watch. It’s a slice of Amish country New York life you won’t find in guidebooks.

Roadside Amish Markets
Drive any backroad and you’ll spot them: tomatoes in baskets, fresh flowers, maybe a pie or two. Payment? A rusty box labeled “Pay Here.” No cameras, no cashiers. Just trust. That’s what makes Amish stores in upstate NY so refreshingly unique.

5. Must-Visit Amish Stores in Upstate NY

Wondering where to find an Amish grocery store in upstate NY? Here are a few hidden gems worth the drive:

Hollow Creek Groceries (Seneca Falls): Flour varieties and pantry staples you won’t find at big-box stores.
Miller’s Bakery (near Penn Yan): Cinnamon rolls so good, people drive hours just for them.
Roadside Amish shops: Any small Amish store in New York will likely offer soaps, jams, baskets, or quilts—those unexpected items you didn’t know you needed.

These Amish shops may look plain outside, but inside they’re fragrant, authentic, and packed with charm.

6. Amish Food & Baked Goods in Finger Lakes NY

Let’s be real—this could be an entire article by itself. The Amish food in Finger Lakes NY is unforgettable. Warm, gooey, homemade comfort food that ruins you for anything store-bought.

👉 The best Amish baked goods in New York include shoofly pie, whoopie pies, soft pretzels, fresh breads, canned goods, and egg noodles. For a full tasting guide with the top pies, breads, and pastries, check out Top Amish Baked Goods You Must Try.

What You Have to Try:

Shoofly Pie – molasses-based with a crumbly topping. Looks strange, tastes heavenly.
Whoopie Pies – giant cake sandwiches. Get two, minimum.
Soft Pretzels – salty, buttery, fresh from the oven.
Homemade Breads – you can smell them before you even see the stand.
Canned Goods – jams, relishes, pickled veggies in reused mason jars.
Egg Noodles – drying on racks in kitchens like it’s no big deal.

Most of these come from Amish homestead farm kitchens. There’s something deeply wholesome about handing over a few bills and leaving with a still-warm pie.

You’ll find them at:

The Windmill Farm Market (Penn Yan)
Seneca Produce Auction (Romulus)
Miller’s Bakery (near Penn Yan)
Roadside stands in Amish towns in NY

Pro tip: carry small bills. No Venmo in Amish country New York State.

7. The Finger Lakes Produce Auction in Penn Yan NY

Ever been to an Amish produce auction in New York? The Finger Lakes Produce Auction in Penn Yan NY is where it all happens—and it’s unlike anything else you’ll find in upstate.

What It’s Like

Picture this: it’s just after sunrise, and you’re under a wide pavilion while wagons, buggies, and pickup trucks all roll in. Men in suspenders unload crates, kids help stack boxes, and an auctioneer rattles numbers faster than your brain can catch up. It’s loud, a little chaotic, but oddly soothing—kind of like farm life set to a beat.

What to Expect

📍 Location: Just outside Penn Yan, along Rt. 14A.
⏰ When: Early mornings (arrive before 8 a.m. or you’ll miss the best produce).
🍅 What’s Sold: Mountains of sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, crates of flowers, even Amish-made furniture sometimes.
💵 Pro Tip: Bring cash—this is as traditional as it gets, no cards or apps.

Why It’s Special

This isn’t some tourist gimmick. This is how Amish communities in upstate NY do business. Farmers bring their best goods, buyers wave paddles, and everyone walks away with something fresh. And here’s the best part—you don’t need a ticket or credentials to join in. Just show up, grab a coffee, and watch.

I’m not gonna lie, half the fun is just people-watching. Locals in straw hats and suspenders bidding on tomatoes like it’s the Super Bowl—it’s a vibe you won’t forget.

👉 View the Finger Lakes Produce Auction on Google Maps

Travelers on TripAdvisor call it one of the most authentic Amish experiences in New York. And after standing there with the smell of fresh-picked produce all around you? You’ll get why.

8. Scenic Drives Through Amish Country in NY State

Let’s talk road-tripping. If you’re even halfway interested in gorgeous views, quiet backroads, and the occasional buggy traffic jam, you’ll want to carve out time for these drives.

Best Scenic Routes

Route 14A (Penn Yan to Dundee): Straight out of a calendar. Buggies, barns, and rolling farmland that’ll make you slow down and actually enjoy the drive.
County Route 36 (Naples to Prattsburgh): Snaking curves through wooded hills, especially magical in the fall. Bring a thermos of cider and just soak it in.
West Bluff Drive (along Keuka Lake): Picture-perfect mix of lake views and Amish farmland. Pack a picnic—you’ll thank yourself later.

What You’ll See

Laundry lines stretching between two massive oak trees.
Kids barefoot in the garden, working side-by-side with parents (no screens in sight).
Roadside signs scribbled with words like “Eggs” or “Quilts”—simple, honest, and impossible to ignore.
Farm furniture sitting on someone’s lawn like it’s just waiting for you to pull over.

And here’s the kicker—some of these spots don’t even exist online. No Yelp, no Instagram tag, not even a GPS listing. If you find them, it feels like stumbling into a secret.

Why These Drives Matter

These routes are part of what locals sometimes call the New York Amish trail (though no one puts up signs about it). It’s not a formal path—it’s a “follow your gut” kind of thing. And that’s the beauty of it. You’re not rushing to get somewhere; you’re letting the scenery do the work.

👉 Explore Scenic Amish Drives on Google Maps

9. Best Times to Visit Amish Country in NY

Okay, so you’re hyped. But when should you actually go? Short answer: pretty much any time you need to chill. Long answer? It depends on what you’re looking for—Amish country in New York has a different vibe each season. To plan your trip around the perfect season—spring blooms, summer harvests, fall quilts, or cozy winter markets—read my Seasonal Guide: Visiting Amish Finger Lakes Throughout the Year.

🌱 Spring (April–May)

Spring feels like waking up after a long nap. Fields start greening, roadside stands creak open again, and baby goats wobble around in farmyards (no joke, you’ll see them).

Seedlings, lettuce, and early produce start showing up in baskets at farm stands.
Muddy boots and freshly tilled fields—this is planting season, so expect to see families out working together.
Perfect time to grab fresh-baked bread before the summer crowds arrive.

💡 Insider Tip: Stop by The Windmill Farm & Craft Market as it reopens for the season. Early spring weekends are less busy, which means more time to chat with vendors about their craft.

☀️ Summer (June–August)

This is peak Amish season—think buggies on every road and markets at full swing. The air smells like pies cooling on wooden racks, and you’ll find produce so fresh it still has dew on it.

All markets are open, roadside stands spill over with tomatoes, berries, and flowers.
Saturdays in Penn Yan? Forget your afternoon plans—just wander the Amish market and snack your way through.
The best pretzels, pies, and baked goods tend to sell out by noon, so come early.

💡 Insider Tip: Bring small bills—most Amish stores and stands in upstate NY don’t take cards. $1s and $5s go fast when you’re buying pies, jams, and bread on repeat.

🍂 Fall (September–October)

If you want the full storybook version of Amish country in New York, this is it. Crisp mornings, fiery hillsides, and wagons stacked with pumpkins line the roads. It’s also when Amish families prep quilts and crafts for the holidays.

Roadside carts overflow with apples, cider, and gourds.
Scenic drives hit their peak—County Route 36 and West Bluff Drive are made for fall cruising.
Holiday-prep quilts start popping up, perfect for a one-of-a-kind gift.

💡 Insider Tip: Pair your visit with the Naples Grape Festival in late September. Amish baked goods show up right alongside local wineries—basically a fall dream in the Finger Lakes.

❄️ Winter (November–March)

Sure, it’s quieter—but winter in Amish country NY is its own kind of magic. Imagine snowy buggies rolling past red barns, smoke curling from chimneys, and quilt shops glowing with lamplight.

Roadside stands mostly close, but quilt shops and general stores stay open.
Snowy buggies are a vibe—bundle up and bring cocoa in a thermos.
Perfect time to buy a handmade quilt or blanket that will actually keep you warm.

💡 Insider Tip: Sundays are basically a ghost town in Amish country New York. Most shops and stands close as families take their day of rest, so plan your trip around Friday–Saturday if you want to catch markets.

👉 View Amish Markets & Routes on Google Maps

10. Amish Communities in Upstate NY & Beyond

Think the Amish are just a Pennsylvania thing? Nope—not even close.

New York actually has a surprisingly large Amish presence, especially tucked around the Finger Lakes. But here’s the kicker—they’re only part of a much bigger network across the U.S. If you Google “where are the Amish in which states?” you’ll quickly see they’ve spread far beyond PA:

Amish communities in Arizona: yep, even in the desert.
Amish in New Hampshire: newer and sometimes stricter groups.
US Amish communities overall: more than 30 states and still growing.
Amish in New York City? Nah. That’s a myth. You won’t see horse-and-buggies down Broadway.

What Makes NY Amish Special?

So, why visit Amish country in New York instead of (or in addition to) Pennsylvania or Ohio? Here’s the difference:

Farming roots first. The NY Amish are farmers before anything else—land, livestock, crops, and roadside stands drive their way of life.
Balance of tradition + practicality. They follow old customs but adapt just enough to keep things running (think solar panels instead of grid power).
Deep ties to the Finger Lakes economy. Their quilts, crafts, and produce aren’t just “souvenirs”—they’re woven into the region’s farm-to-market culture.

And maybe the most important part? They don’t put on a show. Amish families in upstate NY aren’t trying to be an attraction. They’re not seeking attention, not staging “performances” for tourists. But when you step into their world—buying bread from a handwritten sign or quilts from a farm porch—you’ll carry that memory long after the trip.

Top 5 Amish States in the USA (and Why NY Deserves a Spot)

The Amish may be rooted in Pennsylvania, but today their communities stretch far beyond. Here are the top states you’ll hear about when people talk Amish life in America:

Pennsylvania – The Classic.
Lancaster County is the one everyone knows. Buggy rides, shoofly pie, and rows of quilts on clotheslines. It’s historic, but also more tourist-heavy than other places.
Ohio – The Big One.
Holmes County has the largest Amish population in the country. You’ll find rolling farmland and markets that make you feel like you’ve stepped back 150 years.
Indiana – The Quilts & Barns State.
The Elkhart-LaGrange settlement is famous for quilt shops and big red barns. It’s a little less commercial than PA but still welcoming to visitors.
New York – The Hidden Gem.
Upstate NY (especially the Finger Lakes and the North Country) has been growing fast. You won’t find flashy “Amish tours” here—it’s farmstands, roadside pies, and a whole lot of authenticity.
Wisconsin – Dairy Country with a Twist.
Wisconsin’s Amish blend right into its cheese-and-farming culture. Drive the backroads and you’ll see buggies parked next to dairy barns.

11. How to Support Amish Communities in New York

So you’ve bought the pie, maybe a basket or two. But supporting the Amish Finger Lakes New York communities is about more than snagging a jar of jam—it’s about respect.

Here’s how to do it the right way:

✅ DO:

Buy Direct: Stop at a local Amish farm stand. Pay in cash. Enjoy the awkward-but-sweet silence.
Go Small: Those tiny Amish stores in Upstate NY are where your money really counts.
Respect the Pace: Don’t rush them. Their life runs at buggy-speed.
Talk with Kindness: Be curious, but don’t get nosy.
Thank Them: A smile and “thank you” go a long way.

❌ DON’T:

Haggle. Seriously, don’t. It’s not a flea market.
Snap photos (especially of people). Amish people in New York see this as intrusive.
Ask invasive questions about religion or personal rules. If they want to share, they will.
Treat Them as a Tourist Attraction: This isn’t a zoo. Respect privacy—it’s their daily life.

Buying that loaf of bread? You’re not just filling your pantry. You’re helping a family raise six children, keep their farm running, and maintain a simple life apart from the modern, technology-driven world.

12. Cultural Influence of the Amish in New York

What’s wild is that even if you never talk to a single Amish person on your trip, you’ll still feel their presence everywhere in Amish country NY.

Their Influence? Quiet—but deep.

Building Style: Simple, functional, and timeless. Drive through the Finger Lakes and you’ll spot barns and houses shaped in that unmistakable Amish style—copied by non-Amish folks for generations.
Craft Culture: Many local builders and artists learned their techniques from Amish families, passing down skills like woodworking, quilting, and blacksmithing.
Food Systems: The whole farm-to-table movement? The Amish were doing it long before it had a hashtag. Fresh, local, seasonal—that’s just daily life for them.
Community Spirit: From auctions to roadside stands, even pulling over to let a buggy pass—it all shapes a slower, kinder rhythm in Upstate New York Amish communities.

It’s not flashy, but it’s real. Amish New York culture layers tradition and care into everyday life—something modern towns often lack. And honestly? That’s why it feels so grounding to visit.

13. Conclusion: Planning Your New York Amish Tour

So, here’s the deal—if you’ve read this far, chances are you’re already curious about experiencing Amish life in the Finger Lakes. And honestly? You should be. This isn’t a theme park stop; it’s a window into a community that’s been living its own rhythm for centuries.

Here’s what to keep in mind before you go:

Go slow. The backroads here aren’t for rushing—soak it in.
Bring cash. No cards, no apps, just simple cash.
Be mindful. Leave the camera in the car, especially when people are around.
Follow the signs. Handwritten “Eggs” or “Quilts” is all the direction you’ll get.
Talk to locals. A short chat at a farmstand might teach you more than any guidebook.

What makes it special is that these moments don’t feel staged. You’re not buying souvenirs—you’re helping a family keep traditions alive, eating food that came straight from the field, and stepping into a slower, kinder version of life.

👉 Want to plan your route? Explore Amish locations on Google Maps and build your own day trip through Penn Yan, Dundee, Romulus, and beyond.

If you want to keep it simple, I’ve put together a downloadable Amish Finger Lakes travel itinerary (markets, scenic drives, and best food stops) so you can just print it and go.

14. Lodging & Local Events Near Amish Finger Lakes New York

If you’re planning to stick around for a weekend—or longer—you’re gonna need a cozy place to crash. Good news? There are a handful of peaceful, charming spots just a stone’s throw from the best Amish country in NY.

Where to Stay (Real Reviews, No Fluff)

🛏️ Los Gatos Bed & Breakfast (Penn Yan)

Quaint, cozy, and super close to Amish markets.
Homemade breakfast that rivals any pie stand (okay, maybe not the pies).

🛏️ Finger Lakes Farmhouse (Dundee)

It’s in the middle of quiet farmland.
Close enough to Amish store in Penn Yan NY and a perfect base for road trips.

🛏️ Black Sheep Inn & Spa (Hammondsport)

Slightly more “upscale rustic,” if that’s a thing.
They’re all about sustainability and are located near Amish homestead farm areas.

You can also find off-the-map gems on Airbnb or upstate NY Amish region inn directories. Just make sure to book early in fall—things fill up fast once the leaves start changing.

Local Events Featuring Amish Crafts & Culture

No, the Amish don’t throw raves or fireworks shows. But their crafts and food often pop up at some surprisingly cool local events.

🎪 Windmill Craft Festival (Penn Yan)

Happens a few times a year.
Mix of Amish and non-Amish vendors—quilts, leatherwork, furniture, jams.

🍇 Naples Grape Festival

Not run by Amish, but you’ll find plenty of Amish communities in NY selling goods there.
Grape pies, crafts, live music—worth a detour.

🎨 Keuka Arts Festival

Features high-end crafts, some Amish farmland touches.
Great for snagging gifts and soaking up the small-town vibe.

Even if the events aren’t explicitly Amish, you’ll spot their work—quietly holding its own among the flashier booths. It’s kinda perfect that way.

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15. Photography Rules and Respectful Touring in Amish Country

Let’s be honest—if you’re anything like me, you see a horse-drawn buggy rolling through golden light, and your hand just instinctively grabs your phone. But in Amish country NY, that’s one of the few things you really, truly shouldn’t do.

Why No Photos?

It’s not about shyness. For most Amish communities in NY, photography is tied to religious beliefs. Specifically, the idea that images of people can encourage vanity—or go against Biblical teachings about graven images. Sounds old-school, right? But if you’re stepping into their world, it’s only fair to respect it.

Here’s How to Handle It:

📵 Don’t photograph people, even from afar.
📸 Do take photos of scenery, barns, and roadside stands (as long as no one’s in the frame).
🤳 Skip selfies with buggies unless they’re parked and empty.
🤝 If unsure, ask—but be prepared for a polite no.

What’s Okay to Capture?

A landscape shot of amish farmland
Your pie haul from an amish market in Penn Yan NY
A buggy in the distance on a scenic road

And here’s the upside: not worrying about documenting every moment means you’ll actually be in the moment. And that? That’s the real gift of visiting Amish Finger Lakes New York.

Exploring the Amish in Finger Lakes, New York: Markets, Culture & Scenic Trails