Nappanee, Bremen, Shipshewana, Goshen, Middlebury…these are just a few of the little places that boast an Amish population.  If you have never been around the Old Order Amish before, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Nappanee, Indiana: Amish Buggy

Camera Shy – Old Order Amish don’t like to be photographed, period. While picture taking isn’t exactly against their religion, posing for a camera most definitely is. Horses, buggy’s, farms, homes, barns, wash drying on the line–all those items are fair game. Just try to keep Amish faces out of it.

Hold Your Horses! — Slow down there, buckaroo. You’re in Amish country now. While Amish horses are used to sharing the road, it just makes sense to avoid tailgating, speeding, and using the car horn around Amish buggies.

It’s Impolite To Stare – Yes, the sight of a sober black carriage clip-clopping down a car -filled street in a small Indiana town is jarring. Yes, the Amish dress differently, but keep in mind that they are still people, too. You wouldn’t like being continually gawked at so don’t expect them to jump for joy, either.

If You Can’t Say Anything Nice… — Don’t play the part of the obnoxious tourist! Asking intrusive questions is not a way to make friends, no matter who you are. The Old Order Amish people are not there for your enjoyment; they are going about their daily business just like the rest of us.

Keep off the Grass — Don’t be a pest.  Unless a home advertises honey, baked goods, woodworking, and the like, don’t even think about stepping onto someone’s property, no matter how perfect a picture you think you can take. Trespassing is still trespassing no matter what your beliefs, so just. Don’t. Do it.

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