The Amish communities in Virginia have long been a source of fascination. From their simplified way of living to their religious practices, they are a fascinating cultural anomaly in that they seem to integrate into society through trade and public recognition, without ever becoming part of it. Despite seeing their culture everywhere from Hollywood to reality TV, the day-to-day life of the Amish often remains an enigma.

Amish communities in Virginia started as far back as the late 1800s and early 1900s, but today only four recognized "formal" communities remain, one each in Giles County, Charlotte County, Halifax County, and Lee County. Earlier Virginia Amish communities included Fauquier County (Midland, 1892-1901); Princess Anne County (Kempsville, 1900- early 1940s); Portsmouth (1927-1945); and Augusta County (Stuart’s Draft, 1942 – 1981). While these communities formally disbanded, it’s not uncommon to find Amish residents and places of business in these areas.

The Amish, like the Mennonites, formed from a 16th-century group called the "anabaptists." When a Swiss Anabaptist leader, Jacob Ammann, felt that the larger group was not keeping a strict enough separation from mainstream society, he broke away, forming a new group soon known as the "Amish."

Today, the Amish are distinguished by many of Ammann’s original guiding principles, including untrimmed beards (Mennonite men do not wear beards), horses and buggies instead of cars, horse-drawn farming implements, plain clothing, no electricity (or limited solar power), and little to no interaction with banks or government entities.

1. Giles County, Pearisburg (or “White Gate Community”)

The Amish settlement in Pearisburg is the oldest Amish community in Virginia. Although the address is technically Pearisburg, the Amish residents of Giles actually live fairly far out of town by Walker Mountain in a close, almost communal atmosphere. They refer to themselves as the Walker Mountain Community Farm. Recently, their numbers have been declining, although you can still see evidence of the Amish community in local businesses, road signs, and farms.

2. Charlotte County

A few years after the community in Giles County formed, an Amish settlement came to Charlotte County. This group has ties to the large, well-known Lancaster, Pennsylvania, community, although, to date, the Amish population in Charlotte County remains small.

After moving to the area, Amish farmers sought means to sell their produce. In 2012, the community opened the Sothside Wholesale Produce Auction, a twice-weekly "auction" or farmer’s market. The market helped growers, Amish and "English," as non-Amish are called, to distribute their wares to wholesale buyers, as well as regional families.

3. Halifax County, Nathalie (and surrounding areas)

Established in 2005, the Amish community in Halifax formed when families came from a larger community in Dover, Delaware. They settled in the Nathalie area and have remained a small community of between 150 to 200 people. Despite their small numbers, it’s not unusual to see an Amish buggy on the country roads in northeastern Halifax County.

Several local, Amish-run businesses have become staples for Halifax residents including Cedar Lane, a home-based business that sells furniture, quilts, and brown eggs. Talk about one-stop shopping.

4. Lee County, Rose Hill

The most recent Amish community in Virginia was established in 2008, in the Rose Hill area of Lee County. Although the Amish population is small, their presence is felt strongly with shops like the Dutch Treat, an Amish deli and market, which has become a widespread favorite for many in the surrounding areas. Check out the official website of The Dutch Treat.

In addition to the four "formal" Amish communities, the Amish can be found in other parts of the state, as well.

5. Tazewell County, Burke’s Garden

In the 1990s, a number of Amish families moved to Burke’s Garden in Tazewell County. Nicknamed "God's Thumbprint" for its bowl-shaped valley that resembles a large thumbprint, this area of the state is known for its fertile farmland, making it appealing to Amish farmers. However, after being unable to purchase enough land to form a viable community, many moved away.

But in recent years, the area has seen a handful of families return.

In 2013, Mattie Schlabach, a recent Amish arrival to Burke’s Garden, re-opened the closed General Store. Today, you can find Amish-made bakery items, cakes, pies, handmade quilts and crafts, along with many other handmade items. Find more on the official website of Visit Tazewell County.

6. Pittsylvania County, Chatham

Over the past couple of years, a few Amish families have been making their way into Pittsylvania County, as well. However, there is not an "official" community in the county as of yet. Learn more on the official website of Pittsylvania County.

Despite their commitment to close community and spiritual separatism, the Amish remain an entrepreneurial group. Their goods can often be found for sale within larger organizations.

For example, Alan’s Factory Outlet in Luray sells and delivers Amish Sheds to locations in Virginia and West Virginia. And then there's Amish Originals, in Prospect and Farmville, which offers beautifully handcrafted Amish furniture.

In addition to Amish businesses, it’s not unusual to find Amish-Mennonite collaborations, often run by Mennonites, that offer traditional Amish woodworking, foods, spices, and baked goods. Many of these shops feature items from Amish communities outside of the state. For example, Yoder’s Country Market, a popular Madison County destination just off Route 29, is run by a Mennonite family but offers Amish items and handmade furniture from both Amish and Mennonite communities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

It’s nice to stop and reflect on the beauty of the Amish way of life, especially when life can get so busy and sometimes overwhelming. I am not eager to give up my car, cell phone, or internet just yet, but seeing the simplicity and faith of these Amish communities in Virginia does make me reflect on the important things in life.

If you've been wondering how many Amish live in VA, well their population is around 2,100. Have you visited any of these Amish towns in VA? How about Amish businesses in Virginia? You can nominate your favorites to include in future articles when you visit our nominations page.