Nestled in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania lies a special place close to my heart: an Old Order Amish settlement in Lawrence County. This area, home to the second-largest Amish community in Pennsylvania, is a haven of serenity and simplicity known as the Byler settlement. You know you’ve arrived when jeans and T-shirts give way to straw hats and blue dresses.
Every year, I make a trip back to this part of the country, a place I consider home, to reconnect with a simpler way of life. The Old Order Amish community here has deep roots, settling around 1847. Today, nearly 2,500 Amish residents live across New Wilmington, Volant, and New Castle.
While farming was once the primary way families supported themselves, many cottage businesses have now flourished. These businesses, from greenhouses to furniture makers, warmly welcome English patrons. You can find almost anything you need in this quaint town.
I enjoy nothing more than getting lost on the back roads of this peaceful community. With blue doors, windmills, and green pastures, there’s no better way to enjoy a country ride than exploring the twists and turns of Lawrence County.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed getting to know many Amish families in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. These relationships have profoundly changed my life, teaching me to find peace even when the world tries to dictate how we should live. They are always generous with smiles and friendly conversation, and I cherish my time with them.
We could all benefit from incorporating a little more Amish simplicity into our lives.
If you visit Lawrence County, I encourage you to get off the beaten path and discover a part of the world oozing in brown-capped buggies. However, please remember to be mindful of taking pictures of Amish faces.
Here are a few of my favorite stops in Lawrence County.
Anna’s Bake Goods and Donuts – 642 Wilson Road, New Castle, PA
Riverside Rustic Furniture – 2634 Cotton Road, New Wilmington, PA
Pine Hill Greenhouse – 4863 Old Mercer Road, Volant, PA
J&M Greenhouse – 261 Cannery Road, New Wilmington, PA
Byler’s Grocery Store – 581 Fayette Neshannock Falls Road, Volant, PA
H&N Polywood – 260 Mast Lane – Off State Route 208, New Wilmington, PA
Byler’s Quilt Shop – 423 Quilt Shop Lane – Off State Highway 208, Volant, PA
Hostetler’s Second Hand Store – 11 Whispering Oak Lane – Off Means Road, New Wilmington, PA
Valley View Fabric & Crafts – 2284 State Route 208, New Wilmington, PA
Apple Castle – 277 State Route 18, New Wilmington, PA
Volant Mills – 550 Main Street, Volant, PA
The Cheese House – 3356 State Route 208, New Wilmington, PA
I LOVE READY ALL THE AMISH BOOK I THANK THERE VERY INTERESTIMG BUT I LOVE MY LIFE THE WAY IT IS BUT THE WORLD HAS REALLY CHANGED SO MUCH KILLING YOUNG PEOPLE NOT MAKING THERE CHILDREN MINE THERE SO PUT OF CONTROL UNREAL KEEP THE AMISH BOOKS COMING PLEASE !THANK YOU
I visit my daughter in Ohio a couple of times a year. She lives in Baltic which isn’t far from Sugarcreek. I love checking out the stores and grocery markets for cheese, etc. I also love the countryside with all the pristine farms. I’ve also been to Pennsylvania a few times.
I’ve written some storylines in Sugarcreek. It’s a pretty area! In my Secrets of Willow Springs series, Book 3… takes place in Sugarcreek. If you’ve been there a few times you’ll be able to visualize some of the things I talk about in that book.
I love reading the books of the Amish. I have been to Lawrence County and I love the simplicity of life. Beautiful place to visit.
Lawrence County is a beautiful part of the country. Everyone needs to experience once in their lifetime.
I have always, as long as I can remember, wanted to go and even stay with the Amish. Have lived a bit like the Amish and it didn’t bother me as one does what one needs to.
Just love your photos. I would love to visit this area of the country sometime.
Nancy,
It is a very pretty part of the country. My heart will always belong in Pennsylvania.
Tracy
Why aren’t your books at public library? I read slot so I don’t buy books
Elaine, In most cases you can go to the librarian and request my books to be added. They will be able to find all my books in their library catalog.
Hello! I grew up in adjacent Mercer County. My mom’s family is in Lawrence County and as familiar as I am with both areas, I’m having trouble finding a very famous (regionally famous) Amish quilt shop. It’s owned by Anna Byler and it’s, I believe, right on the border of Lawrence and Mercer counties. Would you happen to know where this quilt shop is?
I sure do! Been there many times.
Byler’s Quilt Shop
423 Quilt Shop Lane
Volant, PA, 16156
Hello again! I know Teena’s shop very well (on Quilt Shop Lane). It’s owned by Teena and Lizzie. I’m looking fora well known (in the area) quilt shop owned by Anna Byler (not Teena or Lizzie). She could be on the border of Mercer and Stoneboro.
Janey, I suggest you reach out to the local Amish tour guide. I am sure she will be able to point you in the right direction. Her company is Simple Life Tours in New Wilmington.