Sarasota: Amish Trolley Tour with Quilt Shop & Pie Tasting

Summary

Ride through Pinecraft’s Amish life tasting pie and stories

You’ll ride an air-conditioned trolley through Sarasota’s Pinecraft neighborhood with a local guide who knows everyone by name. Taste fresh pie at Der Dutchman, see real Amish quilting at Alma Sue’s shop, and browse handmade crafts at Carlisle Inn. This isn’t just sightseeing — it feels like stepping quietly into another world for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step off the trolley and the air smells like fresh bread and something sweet? That was us in Sarasota’s Pinecraft — not a place I ever pictured as an “Amish vacation spot,” but here we were, watching bearded men in straw hats chatting outside Der Dutchman while our guide, Mark, waved us over for a pie shooter. He called it “the only shot you’ll get around here,” which got a laugh from everyone. The crust was still warm somehow, or maybe that was just my hands sweating from Florida humidity. Either way, I didn’t expect to like raisin pie but… yeah, I did.

Pinecraft isn’t huge — just a few quiet streets dotted with bikes (no cars for most folks) and women in bright dresses hanging laundry. Mark pointed out how families come down every winter from Ohio or Pennsylvania, filling the sidewalks with kids and laughter. We stopped at Alma Sue’s Quilt Shop next. Inside smelled like cotton and wood shavings; Alma herself showed us how she stitches by hand, her thimble flashing in the light. I tried to ask about one pattern — Li laughed when I tried to say it in German (I butchered it), but Alma smiled anyway and told me about her grandmother teaching her.

There was time to wander through Carlisle Inn too — honestly, I got distracted by shelves of homemade jam and a little boy counting buttons on a quilt display. It felt gentle there, slow in a way that made me want to put my phone away for once. The whole day trip through Pinecraft felt more like being invited into someone’s living room than any tour I’ve done before. Even after we left, I kept thinking about those colors on the quilts and the soft chatter in Pennsylvania Dutch drifting out of open windows.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Amish culture and shopping

• Visit Der Dutchman Amish Kitchen
• Sample delicious Amish pie
• Shop for Amish gifts
• Explore Der Dutchman restaurant lobby
• Visit Alma Sue's Quilt Shop
• Learn about Amish quilting traditions

Top questions

Is this Amish Experience Trolley Tour suitable for kids?

No children under 10 are allowed except on family tours designed for children. Every guest must have a paid ticket.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

Yes, you get a sample of delicious pie (“pie shooter”) at Der Dutchman plus bottled water during the tour.

How long is the day trip through Pinecraft?

The exact duration isn’t listed but includes multiple stops within Sarasota’s Pinecraft neighborhood; plan for several hours.

Is transportation included?

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle (trolley) for all stops; hotel pickup is not mentioned.

What if I visit in April?

During April, many Amish tourists have returned home so there may be variations such as visiting a local Amish furniture maker instead of some regular stops.

Are there physical requirements?

You must be able to walk short distances as this is not entirely bus-based; suitable for all fitness levels.

Can service animals join?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Where does the tour go besides Der Dutchman?

You’ll also visit Alma Sue’s Quilt Shop and Carlisle Inn for shopping and cultural experiences in Pinecraft.

What’s included

Your day includes all trolley rides between Sarasota stops in air-conditioned comfort, bottled water throughout, entry to Alma Sue’s Quilt Shop where you’ll meet real quilters, time at Carlisle Inn for browsing crafts or shopping, plus a stop at Der Dutchman for their famous pie shooter before heading back relaxed (and probably full).