Smicksburg

 

Tucked away in a secluded section of Southwestern Pennsylvania are the communities of Smicksburg and Dayton. Though small in size, these towns have much to offer. Beautiful, country scenery, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, is just one of the attractions.

 

These two small communities and the surrounding area are home to over 325 Old Order Amish families. These families still enjoy a life of simple living, shunning modern conveniences.

 

As you drive through the countryside, you will see rolling farmland along with the English and Amish homesteads.

You may see an Amish man working his fields with his team of horses or Amish children playing in the yard of a one-room schoolhouse. Laundry blowing in the breeze and a horse and buggy traveling along the road are also common sights.

Along your journey through the peaceful countryside, you'll discover many quaint shops. Most are English owned but offer for sale the hand-crafted wares of the Amish as well as an extensive array of other fine products.

 

As you drive through the area, you will see some small Amish-owned shops that offer things such as shoe repair, bulk foods, home-baked goods, wood crafts, etc. Tourists are welcome to patronize the Amish shops along with the other specialty shops in the area. Shop hours vary; however, the Amish-owned businesses are not open on Sunday.

 

The people are hospitable and wave as you go by, but please be careful to respect their lifestyle. Please do not take pictures of the Amish, as this goes against their beliefs (the Second Commandment, Exodus 20:4 - "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image..."). Drive slowly through the area being courteous to Amish traveling in horse-drawn buggies or walking along the side of the road.