Introduction to Charlotte County’s Amish Community
Discover ten fascinating perspectives from Virginia’s largest Amish settlement located in Charlotte County. I previously shared a post about this community five years ago, and over time, some aspects have evolved while others remain constant. Let’s delve into what makes this community unique.
Approaching the Community
As you near the community from the south, a sign serves as a gentle reminder to watch out for Amish buggies sharing the road. Traveling about fifteen miles gives you a glimpse of the community’s size. Although, in terms of density, the Amish are spread out rather than clustered tightly together, with four church districts comprising over 500 Amish residents.
Amish Buggies on the Road
Soon after, you might spot one of the traditional Amish buggies traveling along Germantown Road. This same road hosts an Amish variety stand—though, on a typical Monday, it was closed. Behind a bush near the fence, I found the sign advertising their products. During weekends, especially Fridays and Saturdays, the stand is open, offering a variety of goods.
Community Stores and Local Commerce
Many locations within the community have laundry facilities, often small, log-cabin-style structures serving as phone shanties. These quaint buildings are characteristic of the area. Interestingly, some of these shanties are equipped with a solar panel, an aspect that has sparked some misconceptions, as I recently learned from a video claiming Amish communities do not utilize solar energy—yet here they are.
Amish Stores and Market Offerings
Inside a less-known Amish store catering mainly to local Amish clientele, I observed a large selection of fabrics—perfect for gift-giving occasions such as Christmas. On certain days, they also serve fresh donuts, although on my latest visit, none were available. The roadside signs advertising these treats were also temporarily absent.
Community Directory and Events
At the variety store, I acquired a community directory that included a helpful map—valuable since not all Amish communities provide detailed directories. The community also features an auction building, which is currently empty but hosts regular produce auctions and an annual school benefit auction. On a previous visit, I caught the setup process for the upcoming auction, showcasing items for sale, including food like sandwiches, which are available on auction days.
Additional Market and Visual Insights
Another perspective from inside a bulk foods store reveals the variety of goods available. Sadly, not all aspects are idyllic; someone vandalized a target practice sign warning against shooting at Amish buggies. Such acts of vandalism, though regrettable, are often localized and do not necessarily reflect overall community sentiment towards the Amish residents.
Community Facts and Final Thoughts
This community is one of approximately 16 Amish settlements across Virginia. Currently, the state boasts a population of over 2,200 Amish, making it the 14th-largest Amish population nationwide. If you found this exploration interesting, be sure to check out my previous visit to a “food-and-more” store within this same community, offering further insights into Amish life in Virginia.