It may come as a surprise that North Carolina is currently home to only one Amish community. In the past hundred years, two others have attempted to settle, but to no avail. And in 1985, some Amish from the New Order in Guthrie, Kentucky, settled in along a small swath of land adjacent to Interstate 77, establishing a new community that has survived here for 36 years. The population of Union Grove, in general, is not high – and not all of those who live here are Amish.
But the Amish here are buggy drivers and you’ll occasionally get treated to seeing them along the roads.
David Arment / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
The one single difference between this Amish community in America and many others is that this one allows for the use of electricity in everyday life.
JacobH / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images Perhaps this is why the community hasn’t flourished as other communities in surrounding states have, or perhaps it’s the heat of the South.
A day trip through the area has the potential for some memorable sights and experiences.
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No visit here without a stop at the Union Grove General Store would be complete.
TripAdvisor/Gary M Step back in time and enjoy the varied array of items available for sale here, including some arts and crafts from local artisans.
While you’re in Union Grove, a burger and plate of French fries from the Burger Barn is always a good choice.
TripAdvisor/Lakeman51
Get that burger cooked and topped any way you like it — and ask for it on a regular roll or on two slices of white bread. Yum!
Google/Steve Petty
Just five miles north of Union Grove, you can visit an Amish Store that’s legendary in these parts.
TripAdvisor/Louis59 Carve out enough time to head over to the Shiloh General Store in Hamptonville.
Here, you’ll find bulk goods, some furniture, and a deli that makes made-to-order deli sandwiches that’ll melt in your mouth.
TripAdvisor/Louis59 Have a seat on the front porch, enjoy the food and the view - and the occasional Amish buggy that rolls by. Learn more about Shiloh General Store here.
Have fun visiting North Carolina’s Amish country. And consider taking a two-hour drive west to visit Martha’s Amish Bakery in Columbus, North Carolina, for cinnamon rolls as big as your head!
David Arment / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
JacobH / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
Perhaps this is why the community hasn’t flourished as other communities in surrounding states have, or perhaps it’s the heat of the South.
Google Maps
TripAdvisor/Gary M
Step back in time and enjoy the varied array of items available for sale here, including some arts and crafts from local artisans.
TripAdvisor/Lakeman51
Google/Steve Petty
TripAdvisor/Louis59
Carve out enough time to head over to the Shiloh General Store in Hamptonville.
Have a seat on the front porch, enjoy the food and the view - and the occasional Amish buggy that rolls by. Learn more about Shiloh General Store here.
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Address: Union Grove Township, NC, USA
