Union Grove in Yadkin County, North Carolina, is a unique Amish community that truly captivated me. It’s fascinating to see how this community, one of the most progressive types of Amish, embraces modern conveniences like rubber wheels, gas-powered tractors, lawn equipment, and even electricity from the public grid.

In 1985, some New Order Amish from Guthrie, Kentucky, settled along a small stretch of land by Interstate 77. For nearly 40 years, they’ve been thriving here. I loved seeing the variety of dress colors worn by the women, from dark green to blue and tan. The men’s brighter-colored shirts, like yellow, added a cheerful touch to their traditional attire.

Agriculture is at the heart of this community, with corn, tobacco, and dairy farming being key aspects of their way of life. This dedication to farming isn’t just a job—it’s a vital part of their culture and heritage.

Unlike other Amish areas where you can follow the buggy marks on the blacktop, the use of rubber wheels here makes it harder to find those telltale signs. But our journey through the back roads in the heart of summer was nothing short of delightful. The picturesque vineyards that dotted the landscape added a beautiful touch to our visit.

Union Grove is a close-knit community, with less than 200 members in a single church district. This small size fosters a strong sense of community and shared values, which was wonderful to witness.

Noteworthy Stops

Wholesome Country Creamery
This place is a gem! They offer all-natural, hormone-free Grade A cow milk, yogurt, and ice cream. Even though it was only 10:00 a.m., we couldn’t resist treating ourselves to some delicious ice cream and chocolate milk. Who says you can’t have dessert for breakfast?

Shiloh General Store
I absolutely adore bulk food stores, and Shiloh General Store is no exception. Every visit ends with my basket full of goodies. This time, I picked up some popcorn, a new clothespin bag, and some apple-fried pies. The store also offers furniture and a deli with made-to-order sandwiches that are simply to die for.

Amish Courtesy Greenhouse
As a plant lover, a visit to the greenhouse is a must. They were winding down for the summer, with their focus shifting to fall mums. I can only imagine how stunning the views will be when those mums are in full bloom.

Home Acres Fine Furniture
This place was amazing! The yard was filled with lawn furniture in every size, shape, and color you could think of. The quality was exceptional. It’s probably a good thing my little car couldn’t carry a piece home, or I’d have been tempted to buy one!

Visiting the Union Grove and Hamptonville Amish community was a joy.

It’s a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, all set in the beautiful, rural North Carolina landscape. If you ever get the chance, it’s definitely worth exploring!