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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10 Delicious Amish Valentine’s Day Desserts

10 Delicious Amish Valentine’s Day Desserts

If you’re wondering if the Amish celebrate Valentine’s Day, the answer is YES. Amish Valentine’s Day traditions include schoolchildren exchanging Valentine’s cards and themed lunches, and Amish couples gathering for special Valentine’s Dinners where ALL the food is a shade of pink or red (not just dessert). For something sweet this Valentine’s Day, try one of these delicious & eye-pleasing Valentine’s-themed desserts. ~ Erik Red…

10 Cozy Amish-Inspired Bedroom Designs

10 Cozy Amish-Inspired Bedroom Designs

Just like the Amish themselves are not all the same – the styles of Amish homes can really vary as well. Some are extremely plain and spartan. Others are filled with warm accents and cozy furnishings. From patchwork quilts to Shaker-style furniture to wooden flooring and large windows, these home designs capture select elements of Amish style, incorporating them into modern settings. Find some inspiration…

Amish Praised For Battling Devastating Fire

Amish Praised For Battling Devastating Fire

Last week, a “historic fire” left a “massive trail of damage” in the upstate New York village of Ovid (Seneca County). These photos from a variety of sources show the size of the blaze and extent of the damage. When I saw the name Ovid, I immediately recognized it as the location of a long-standing Amish settlement. Amish people have lived in this area of…

10 Hearty Amish-Style Winter Soups

10 Hearty Amish-Style Winter Soups

Though life slows down a bit as the seasons turn cold, the Amish are active in winter time – whether it’s doing farm chores, attending an auction or wedding, or getting in some outdoor recreation. In this hearty soup collection you’ll find classics like Seven Bean Soup and Chicken Noodle, along with more modern interpretations like Sausage and Kale. ~Erik Warm up with these 10…

10 Beautiful Amish-Style Tables For Your Kitchen

10 Beautiful Amish-Style Tables For Your Kitchen

Over the years I’ve enjoyed visiting Amish furniture workshops all across America. You’d be surprised at some of the beautiful pieces that come out of these often humble-looking family workshops. Back when I was first discovering Amish furniture…I was amazed to learn of the many different styles Amish furniture builders can produce. They do create tables in classic styles – but not just the rustic,…

10 Iconic Amish Recipes to Add to Your Meal Plan

10 Iconic Amish Recipes to Add to Your Meal Plan

When I’m in Amish Country, I am a big fan of the FOOD. This list is a great starter covering the best-known, favorite Amish recipes – the ones that you’ll see touted on restaurant menus and on the covers of recipe books. Cycle these into your meal routine to give yourself a regular “taste of Amish Country” even when you’re back home. ~Erik From hearty…

New Song From Amish Couple Ben & Rose: “The Little Mountain Church House”

New Song From Amish Couple Ben & Rose: “The Little Mountain Church House”

Right after I got caught up this week with a post on their cover of Dolly Parton’s “Circle of Love”, Amish country music couple Ben & Rose have released another video. The song is “Little Mountain Church House”, and we immediately see (or rather, hear) a couple of differences in this one. For one, Ben has the more prominent singing voice in this one, with…

Amos Miller Raw Milk Update: Court Allows Out-of-State Sales To Continue

Amos Miller Raw Milk Update: Court Allows Out-of-State Sales To Continue

Amos Miller will be permitted to continue selling his raw milk products beyond Pennsylvania’s borders, according to a recent ruling. From Lancaster Online: A state appeals court ruling earlier this month affirmed farmer Amos Miller can continue selling his raw milk outside of Pennsylvania while a state agriculture department’s lawsuit against him proceeds. The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court agreed with Miller’s attorneys that he would face…

Amish Woman (?) Wanted For Theft

Amish Woman (?) Wanted For Theft

I should put the (?) in bold in the headline. This person is described as wearing Amish woman’s clothing. And that looks to be the case (see below). But is she actually Amish? The “track record” of the Amish, who on the whole are not known to steal or rob, would suggest otherwise. But individuals are individuals. And the clothing and overall appearance do look…

Amish Country Music Couple Perform Dolly Parton’s “Circle Of Love” (Video)

Amish Country Music Couple Perform Dolly Parton’s “Circle Of Love” (Video)

Ben and Rose, the “Amish Country Music Couple”, put out another video a few weeks after their cover of country classic “Slowly But Surely”. This tune is called “Circle of Love”, and it is a Christmas song written by Dolly Parton. I missed it at the time of release a week before Christmas. But since I am sure at least a few of you still…