
Are the Amish shops open on Sunday? No, as they observe the Sabbath day as a day of rest.
How far is Amish Country from Chicago, Indianapolis, or St. Louis? Go to the "Getting Here" section of this web site for that information.
Where is the exact location of the Amish community? The Amish community completely surrounds the town of Arthur.
Can I drive to where they live? Yes, they live on public roads and not in a gated community.
Are the Amish shops open now? Yes, the majority of them are open year round. Just a few shops, such as greenhouses, are seasonal.
Can I visit an Amish farm or eat at their home? Yes, check out the "Group Tours" section of this web site for that information.
Can I take a picture of the Amish? They prefer that you DO NOT take their picture. But you can take a picture of their homes/farms & their buggys as long as you don't see any of them in your view.
Are there any Amish restaurants? Yes, but they don't serve the typical Amish style food one thinks of when seeking an Amish restaurant. Roselen's Coffees & Delights is the only Amish owned place to eat in this Amish community and is located in Arthur on East State Route 133. Also there are several restaurants in the area that serve the Amish style food you are looking for. In Arcola check out the Dutch Kitchen, in Arthur check out Yoder's Kitchen. Between Arcola & Arthur in the village of Chesterville check out the Korner Cafe.
Are Amish and Mennonite the same thing? No they aren't. Although they are two different religions their belief system is basically the same. What makes them different is their customs. There are both Mennonites and Old Order Amish in this area. The Old Order Amish Church is very conservative. While the Mennonite Churches, of which there are several, differ in degrees of conservatism.