Top 10 Best Small Towns in Pennsylvania
With so many different sides to it, Pennsylvania is a real treat to visit and has something for everyone. While the state's major cities of Pittsburgh and ... read more...Philadelphia are bustling with activity, countless small towns can be found tucked away among the fertile farms and fields of Amish Country or the breathtaking scenery and nature of the Poconos Mountains. Because the Keystone State was settled so long ago, many of its towns have centuries-old historic sites and cultural landmarks to visit. Here are the best small towns in Pennsylvania.
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Pennsylvania has so many charming small towns, enchanting villages, and vibrant big cities to choose from that it may be difficult to decide where to go first. If you want to experience the friendliness and charm of yesteryear, there is no better small town in Pennsylvania to visit than Lititz for a weekend getaway. There are many things to do in Lititz, whether you enjoy shopping or indulging in delicious food. Even if you don't have an entire weekend to spare, a day trip to Lititz can be a lot of fun. Do you have more than one weekend? Lititz is also ideal for a longer stay. You'll most likely return after your first visit.
It is known as a foodie town, with the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery being the first commercial pretzel bakery in the United States. Visit for a tour and a pretzel twisting lesson. Then, at the Wilbur Chocolate Factory, which has been in business since 1894, balance your salt with some sweet flavor. They are well-known for their Wilbur Buds. As you tour the neighborhoods of the Dutch Country town, take in the unique architecture of the homes and buildings that date back to the town's founding in the 1720s. Take note of the Moravian star, which can be found on most homes, hotel porches, and churches. It is a reminder of their heritage, as the town was founded by Moravians who desired an accepting region for all religions.
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Adorable small towns dot the Pennsylvania landscape, creating the ideal setting for a relaxing getaway. Esquire named one of these destinations as one of the best small-town vacations in America. If you want to explore the charming downtown shops, restaurants, and attractions, or if you want to hike in nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park, Jim Thorpe is an ideal destination. Esquire names Jim Thorpe as one of America's best small-town vacations due to its gentle hills, striking architecture, charming downtown, and outdoor activities. Jim Thorpe, known as the "Switzerland of America", has fewer than 5,000 residents and attracts countless visitors each year with its many activities and a variety of annual festivals.
Walking along the winding streets that earned Jim Thorpe the nickname "Switzerland of America" is one of the best ways to enjoy Jim Thorpe. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the gorge and the Lehigh River by meandering along one of the many hiking trails. Take in the historic Victorian architecture of the Old Mauch Chunk Historic District, which has eight National Historic Register sites. Then, along Millionaire's Row, see where the coal and lumber industry tycoons lived. Tour the Asa Packer Mansion Museum to learn about how the wealthy lived in the region in the 1800s. The Old Jail Museum, which offers regular tours, is another popular stop in Jim Thorpe.
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Gettysburg has received a lot of national attention for being one of the most, if not the most, haunted towns in America. Gettysburg, which is steeped in history, is also consistently recognized as one of America's best small towns. This time, U.S. News & World Report named the historic town one of the best small towns in America to visit. If you haven't already, you should go see the beautiful town for yourself. In the historic town of Gettysburg, which has a population of just over 7,700 people, life moves at a slower, more relaxed pace. It is perhaps best known for its role in the American Civil War, making it a popular tourist destination.
History enthusiasts, as well as amateur and professional paranormal investigators. Gettysburg was the site of the Civil War's bloodiest battle. The Battle of Gettysburg lasted three days in July 1863 and resulted in over 51,000 casualties. Almost everywhere you go in Gettysburg is steeped in history and paranormal stories. If you want to learn more about the Civil War, Gettysburg National Military Park is must-see. It also houses Devil's Den. Bring your most comfortable shoes or hiking boots with you because there are numerous trails to explore in the Gettysburg area, including The Big Round Top Trail. Even if you're not interested in history or the paranormal, Gettysburg will make you feel right at home. The charming town is home to a variety of charming shops and delectable restaurants. -
Bloomsburg, sprawled along the Susquehanna River, has certainly charmed the approximately 14,000 Pennsylvania residents who call the vibrant town home. Bloomsburg, in Columbia County, is the only incorporated - or real, as some would argue - town in Pennsylvania. But that is only a small part of what draws thousands of visitors to the town each year. Bloomsburg, located in the Susquehanna Valley, is a charming town with a nice mix of art, architecture, and history. Many of the shops, art galleries, and entertainment venues in this small college town are easily walkable.
Every fall, hundreds of thousands of visitor's flocks to Bloomsburg for the annual Bloomsburg Fair, which just finished its 161st season. An old-fashioned carnival with rides and games, carriage rides, helicopter rides, live entertainment, and exhibits such as horse pulling, demolition derbies, figure eight racing, and arts and crafts are all part of the massive fair. And that's only the beginning of the excitement that envelops the town when the Bloomsburg Fair is in full swing. Bring your appetite to Bloomsburg because they have some unique eats that you can only find here, such as specialty hoagie sandwiches in cafes and made-from-scratch small-batch goodies from local independently owned bakeries, such as Nannycakes Bakery, which is just a short drive away. Take in the artsy side of Bloomsburg on Market Street, which runs through the heart of the city. Visit the Artspace Gallery, which features artwork for sale by local artists and rotates exhibits every six weeks. Then, see a show at the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, a local theater company.
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Take in everything the coolest town in Pennsylvania has to offer, including shimmering lakes, lush forests, rich Pennsylvania history, and the small-town charm that defines America. Milford, nestled among the Pocono Mountains in Pike County, has a rich history that dates back to 1874. Milford now has a population of less than 1,000 people. Spend some time outside while visiting Milford. Take in the beauty of Raymondskill Falls. Milford Beach is a great place to relax. Hike (or bike) the McDade Trail, which runs from Milford Beach to the Delaware Gap Recreation Area. Explore the 102-acre lush forest that surrounds Grey Towers. Explore the historic home and grounds of Gifford Pinchot, the founder of the United States Forest Service.
Take a moment to admire the Milford Community House, which was once a Pinchot homestead. Then, to learn more about the charming area, pay a visit to the Columns Museum and the Pike County Historical Society. Discover another aspect of Milford's rich history at the Upper Mil, which was once the town's commercial center. The free self-guided tour will show you the still-operational waterwheel. Join the kids at the Have A Hoot Family Fun Center for an afternoon of fun and adventure. Climb a rock wall. Take part in laser tag. Alternatively, take on the ropes course. After a long day of exploring, relax with a delicious meal. Milford has a number of charming restaurants, including the Waterwheel Bakery, Cafe and Bar, Irene's Kitchen, and the Village Diner.
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Lancaster is a charming destination in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country where you can learn about Amish culture and heritage. Explore the scenic countryside, visit historic towns and villages, and participate in a wide range of attractions, events, and activities for people of all ages and interests. It has a long history, beginning as the state capital from 1799 to 1812, but it is now known for its Amish community.
Lancaster is best explored without a plan, so you can take in the countryside and Amish life as you pass working farms and buggies on the road. Fresh produce is available at the Lancaster Central Market in Penn Square. It is one of the country's oldest public markets, where you can buy fresh baked goods, flowers, meats, and cheese from vendors who have been there since the early 1700s. Stop by the Mennonite Information Center or schedule a guided tour to learn more about the area and the Amish community. You can take a tour of an Old Order Amish home and farm at the Amish Farm and House. You can also take the Lancaster County Art Gallery Trail, which begins in Lancaster, and spend the day visiting galleries that feature pottery, paintings, and handmade crafts.
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When visiting this fascinating Pennsylvania town, stroll along tree-lined sidewalks, past pastel-colored plants, charming townhouses, and lily pads meandering in the canal. Whether you visit in the summer when the sun glints off the canal's water or in the winter when the town transforms into a frozen winter wonderland, New Hope has plenty to offer. Take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting small town of New Hope, which spans nearly a mile and a half and has a population of over 2,500 people. Visit the Parry Mansion, which was built in 1784 by Benjamin Parry, one of New Hope's founders. The fairy tale mansion welcomes guided tours of its 11 intricately decorated rooms.
The Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope's main attraction, is a must-see for all visitors. This historic theater, built on the site of a former grist mill, has been open almost continuously since its inception in 1939. Many famous actors have performed there, including Angela Lansbury and Jessica Walter. Throughout the year, the venue hosts high-quality theatrical performances. New Hope evolved from an industrial town to a center for antiques and the arts. The renovated gristmills and paper mills that are now businesses and homes are reminders of its history. Walk along the Delaware Canal to learn about the town's industrial history. Then, stroll along Canal Walk Studios, a stretch of boardwalk that houses several art galleries. In the warmer months, don't be surprised if you see an artist working on their next masterpiece on the boardwalk.
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Slip back in time as you drive alongside horses and buggies, past picturesque Amish farms, and past charming homes. Strasburg, perhaps Pennsylvania's most enchanting town, provides the ideal setting for a leisurely day trip or a much-needed weekend getaway. Strasburg, which entices visitors with its charming beauty, has a rich history dating back to the founding of the town in 1693 by Frenchman Pierre Bezaillion. Strasburg was an important stagecoach stop and trading center in the 1700s and 1800s, and elements from those eras still define the small-town existence.
Plan a trip on the Strasburg Railroad to see thousands of acres of farmland while riding on an authentic locomotive that was once used in passenger rail and freight. After your train ride, visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania or the National Toy Train Museum to learn more about the locomotive industry. Strasburg is in Amish country, so you can spend some time there admiring the peaceful culture. Visit The Amish Village to see how daily chores are handled, or Ed's Buggy Rides for a three-mile ride in an Amish buggy. You can spend a day outside on the farm at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, where you can try a corn maze and see daily life on a working farm.
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Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, also known as "Christmas City USA", is one of the best Christmas destinations in the country. It's about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia and is especially magical during the holiday season, when stores are decked out in festive décor and horse-drawn carriages line the cobblestone streets as visitors ride downtown. Thousands of twinkling lights and decorations adorn the Main Street boutiques and lampposts, and outdoor shopping huts sell gifts from local vendors. Guided tours of the town's historic sites will transport you back in time to the 1700s.
From mid-November to Christmas, the town also hosts Christkindlmarkt, a legendary holiday market featuring collectible nutcrackers from Germany's Käthe Wohlfahrt as well as delectable seasonal fare. During the rest of the year, Bethlehem is worth a stop on your small-town tour to learn about its history and culture. The National Museum of Industrial History is housed inside a 100-year-old steel factory and provides insight into Bethlehem's and Pennsylvania's roles in America's steel industry. The Hoover Mason Trestle has also been converted into a 1,650-foot elevated park where you can walk next to the towering blast furnaces used to produce iron and learn about the laborers who ran the plant. A stroll through the campus of Lehigh University is another recommended stop while in Bethlehem. Step inside the Linderman Library and take a seat in one of the cozy chairs beneath the spectacular stained-glass window in the Victorian Rotunda. It has the ideal setting for getting lost in a good book.
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Everyone has different ideas about what's cool. However, most people would agree that Pennsylvania is teeming with really cool villages, towns, and cities. When looking for a cool place to visit for a day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway, consider Doylestown as one of the best small towns in Pennsylvania. Doylestown, Pennsylvania has a population of just over 8,200 people and is located just over 30 miles from Philadelphia and around 80 miles from New York City. But once you've strolled down the enchanting streets of downtown Doylestown, dotted with quaint shops and eclectic restaurants, you won't want to leave.
Spend a relaxing day or weekend exploring the postcard-perfect downtown, which is filled with unique shops such as Something Else and Lillies of the Field. Take a seat and unwind at one of the downtown restaurants. Sputino Wood Fired Pizzeria serves wood-fired pizza, and Pennsylvania Soup & Seafood House serves homemade soup. Make time to visit the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, which were both home to archaeologist Henry Chapman Mercer. Explore the 55 rooms and 40,000 objects that transport visitors to the lives of early Americans just prior to the Industrial Revolution. Spend a Saturday morning, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Doylestown Farmers Market, which is open from April to November.