Author: Erik Wesner

Erik Wesner is the creator of amishamerica.com, and author of Success Made Simple: An Inside Look At Why Amish Businesses Thrive. Erik began visiting Amish communities in 2004 – eventually meeting thousands of Amish families while selling books.

He began writing about the Amish on this website in 2006, and is often cited in national media, including USA Today, The New York Times, and others on a wide range of Amish topics. A native of North Carolina, Erik has visited dozens of Amish communities across the country, and loves spending time with Amish friends and discovering new Amish places.

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Injuries Reported in Amish Buggy Crash (Pittsylvania County, Virginia)

Injuries Reported in Amish Buggy Crash (Pittsylvania County, Virginia)

Details are sparse, but there are reports of an Amish buggy crash in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, resulting in injuries to people involved – presumably to the Amish, as is nearly always the case in such crashes. From WSET: PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — An Amish buggy crashed in Pittsylvania County Tuesday morning, according to state police. According to the Virginia State Police, the crash occurred…

Ohio County: The Amish Need To Pay For Damaging The Roads

Ohio County: The Amish Need To Pay For Damaging The Roads

In one corner of the Buckeye State, the matter of paying for road repairs has put the spotlight on the Amish. Williams County, Ohio is seeking to raise funds for road maintenance – via a $5 license plate fee increase. But what about the Amish, who in Ohio – like most states – aren’t required to have plates on their buggies? Williams County locals are…

Storied Amish Company Adopts Robotics – And Remains Amish

Storied Amish Company Adopts Robotics – And Remains Amish

Some of you might be familiar with the name Pioneer Equipment, the long-running Amish manufacturer of horse-drawn farm tools and wagons, based in Wayne County, Ohio. For decades, the Wengerd family operated what was the country’s largest producer of horse-powered machinery — serving Plain communities as well as a robust non-Amish market, in America and around the world, in fact. I haven’t spoken with them…

Inside A “Bare Bones” Michigan Amish Home (25 Photos)

Inside A “Bare Bones” Michigan Amish Home (25 Photos)

When you take the spartan exterior and simple furnishings of this Michigan Amish home together, “bare bones” certainly fits the bill. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a homey place to live. This is a pure Amish shop home if I ever saw one. From the outside it is very functional looking – unpainted metal siding. Inside there is a plain but (relatively) cozy Amish…

Amish Country Music Couple Release New Song Clip: “The Robin & The Eggs”

Amish Country Music Couple Release New Song Clip: “The Robin & The Eggs”

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Amish couple Ben and Rose have just put out a clip of a new song they are working on: “The Robin and The Eggs”. The clip is titled simply “The Robin And The Eggs – Ben & Rose Working On Some New Music”. As in the last teaser clip (“Dream of Me“), they are accompanied by producer Conrad Fisher on guitar and…

Inside A Swartzentruber Amish Home (20 Photos) in North Carolina

Inside A Swartzentruber Amish Home (20 Photos) in North Carolina

Let’s have a look inside an Amish home in the traditional community at Ellenboro, NC. But first – the Swartzentruber Amish came to North Carolina in 2015, becoming the second Amish community in NC (not second ever, but second at that time). Since then, the community seems to have grown a bit, but not at a very fast pace. When I visited there last year,…

Tennessee Amish Country: 10 Things To Do in Ethridge

Tennessee Amish Country: 10 Things To Do in Ethridge

Nestled in southern Middle Tennessee, Ethridge is home to one of the largest Old Order Amish communities in the South, with thousands of Amish residents. Known for its beautiful countryside and deeply traditional Amish lifestyle, Ethridge offers a peaceful and eye-opening getaway from the modern rush. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a deeper experience, here are 10 must-do activities that will give…

6 Money-Saving “Secrets” of Amish Women

6 Money-Saving “Secrets” of Amish Women

What we can learn from Plain thrift and homemaking wisdom When you think of Amish life, you might picture the obvious, external things like buggies, bonnets, and barns. But behind many Amish homes is something less visible: smart, steady financial stewardship—especially by the women who run the household. While the Amish man is ostensibly the “head” of the household, within the home, many if not…

Amish Auction Draws Crowds In Central Michigan (12 Photos)

Amish Auction Draws Crowds In Central Michigan (12 Photos)

On May 24th, many members of the Amish community gathered at a local farm in Gladwin County, Michigan for an auction. As you can see here, dozens of buggies waited as their owners handled their business at the community sale. Auctions are regular affairs in Amish settlements, and may take the form of estate auctions, farm sales, school funding events, or other benefits. Whatever the…

Fresh & Delicious: 10 Amish-Inspired Ways to Use Zucchini & Squash

Fresh & Delicious: 10 Amish-Inspired Ways to Use Zucchini & Squash

Squash and zucchini are staples in the Amish garden. Amish families both can their squash harvests – and use them fresh, to make a variety of recipes. Take some inspiration from this collection of Amish-inspired squash and zucchini dishes for your next meal. ~Erik If you’re looking to spice up your meals with some hearty and delicious Amish-style dishes, you’re in for a treat! These…