07/09/2026
New York’s largest Old Order Mennonite community calls Yates County home, and their presence is woven into the fabric of our daily life here in the Finger Lakes Countrysides.
Since the 1970s, their families have stewarded the land; bringing woodworking, home building, sustainable farming, and a simpler pace to the region. From the clip-clop of horse-drawn buggies on our backroads to the impeccable woodwork and seasonal produce you’ll find at local markets, their impact is something you can see, hear, and taste.
When you visit, we ask that you slow down; literally and figuratively. Please share the road with buggies and cyclists, respect their privacy by not taking photos of faces, and note that Mennonite-owned businesses are closed on Sundays for rest and worship.
It’s one of the things that makes this place so special: a community rooted in faith, family, and the land, thriving right alongside the vineyards and lake views. 🌅
