10 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in Pennsylvania
The U.S. Constitution was drafted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1787 and ratified by thirteen states, with the Keystone State second. It took effect after New Hampshire's ratification on June 21, 1788. This constitution has been in effect in the US since 1789. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is one of the most historic in the nation. The natural topography is also stunning, with mountains, rolling hills, and river valleys.
The smaller communities often have a pure Americana atmosphere, historic buildings, and walkable downtowns. For architecture buffs, several styles date back 300 years, and Frank Lloyd Wright built some structures. Here are ten breathtaking small towns in Pennsylvania.
Mill Run
Mill Run is famous for the architectural masterpiece Falling Water, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935. The house was built hanging slightly over a waterfall on the Bear Run River. The town also has striking natural beauty, including streams, forests, and the Bear Run Nature Preserve. Mill Run is a popular hiking destination with trails ranging from easy to difficult, like the Bear Run Black Loop, the most difficult loop in Bear Run Reserve.
Family attractions include Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, where you can find whitewater rafting, an ATV park, and many nature adventures. The quaint downtown has a lot to offer, from antiquing to dining, and is the nucleus of the community. Stroll through town and peruse the architectural styles, or grab lunch at Falls City Restaurant and Pub.
Jim Thorpe
The town of Jim Thorpe, in the Pocono Mountains, got its name from the Native American athlete Jim Thorpe. Several museums, like the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center, highlight the town's coal mining history. Jim Thorpe has a classic downtown with vintage brick buildings and several attractions.
Attractions include The Inn at Jim Thorpe, The Old Jail Museum, and the Broadway Grill. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway uses 100-year-old diesel coaches and leads into Lehigh Gorge State Park. This small town near the Poconos has breathtaking natural beauty and historic attractions.
Gettysburg
Gettysburg is one of the most historic towns in America. The Gettysburg National Battlefield was pivotal in the US Civil War. This living museum includes the Gettysburg Museum with Civil War artifacts and live reenactments. The National Cemetary includes a memorial at the location where Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.
The downtown area is pleasant, with a brick aesthetic and a town clock. One of these structures, the David Wills House, explores the era after the Civil War. The Jennie Wade House displays domestic life during the war and is dedicated to civilian casualty Jennie Wade. Though most of it is not pretty, the past comes alive in Gettysburg, and it is truly a stunning town to visit.
Ridgway
Ridgway is a Clarion River borough named after its founder, Jacob Ridgway. Because of its 19th—and 20th-century architecture, it is a National Historic Register District called the "Lily of the Valley." The historic district contains over 725 registered structures, like the David Robinson House on Center Street. Self-guided tours are welcome through the historic district, and brochures are available for download on the town's website.
The Ridgway Historic Homes Tour is a guided tour that leads visitors past historic homes like the William H. Hyde Mansion and explains the significance of these "century homes." Tree-lined streets accent the historic mountains and are ideal for a self-guided tour. The home, constructed in 1891, is a prime example of the classic Queen Victorian style.
Doylestown
Doylestown is a beautiful small town with an amazing historical district and classic architecture. The National Trust For Historic Preservation has designated it one of America's "Distinctive Destinations." Downtown has an art-deco theatre, museums, and a vibrant nightlife.
Archaeologist Henry Chapman Mercer founded the Mercer Museum to house his extensive collection of pre-industrial-age artifacts. Fonthill Castle, on the museum grounds, is an architectural marvel. Another unique museum is the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, which has historical artifacts and workshops.
Lititz
The town of Lititz is a historic town with beautiful scenery. The charming downtown includes the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, the first pretzel shop in the country. The town was founded in 1756 by Moravians seeking religious freedom, and its history remains visible today.
The intersection of Broad and Main Streets makes up the heart of town and contains unique shops and eateries, including the Wilbur Chocolate Store. The tight-knit community hosts several festivals throughout the year. The Chocolate Walk is held downtown every October. Over 30 merchants pass out chocolate treats to those who have purchased a ticket. Lititz looks and feels like a better time that has gone by.
New Hope
New Hope is popular for its shopping district, riverside restaurants, and cultural attractions. Adjacent to the Delaware River, the pleasing Main Street is the heart of town. The 60-mile canal has a small bridge, which is excellent for photo opportunities. The New Hope Historical Society provides walking tours to learn about the town's past.
The tour leads to Parry Mansion, built in 1784 by one of the town's founders. The Bucks County Playhouse is a historic performing arts theatre. Entertainers like Grace Kelley and Dick Van Dyke have performed here, and photos are honoring them. There are several bed and breakfast inns, like the 1870 Wedgwood Inn, which is a veritable walk through time.
Ligonier
Ligonier is a small borough famous for Idlewild Park, one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. It was named after Fort Ligonier, a French and Indian War-era fort that can be visited today. The Diamond Town Square is popular among locals and visitors and is the hub for community events.
The Diamond is a decorative piece downtown that once was a "parking lot" for horses. Today, the area is home to many historic buildings like the Diamond Theatre of Ligonier, built in the 1930s. Often touted as one of America's best small towns, the history and sense of community make Ligionier breathtaking.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro emerged as a historic trading and logistic center in the early 19th century. It is named after Mary Wells, the wife of one of the founders. A memorial to her stands at the historic Robinson House. The downtown is also pleasing and includes a 1930s movie theatre and the last family-operated department store in the country.
Pine Creek Gorge, known as Pennsylvania's "Grand Canyon," is jaw-dropping, especially in Autumn. The stunning vistas provide the perfect backdrop for hiking and camping. Plenty of lodging is available, including historic bed and breakfasts to complete your stay. They are within walking distance of the many restaurants and boutiques in town.
Stroudsburg
Lumber and textile mills contributed to Stroudsburg's growth in the 19th century, while today, tourism is the economic driver of this Poconos town. It is five miles from the Delaware River and sits on the confluence of the Brodhead, McMichaels, and Pocono Creeks. Along with its natural beauty, Stroudsburg has a charming downtown with shops like the Olde Engine Works Market Place.
Many visitors to the Pocono Mountains stay the night in Stroudsburg for its culinary and cultural scene. One of the more popular night spots is The Renegade Winery. It is the Poconos' first urban concept winery and offers hard cider. The wines are crafted in the heart of historic Stroudsburg and are a perfect nightcap.
Pennsylvania is a beautiful state with wide rivers and mountain ranges. It is also steeped in history, having been among the founding 13 Colonies. Perhaps no other town exudes the historical significance than Gettysburg.
Towns like Mill Run and Lititz are renowned for their multiple architectural styles and history. Wellsboro and Ridgway have beautiful scenery and are popular among outdoor enthusiasts. These towns are breathtaking in their natural and architectural beauty and exemplify the best of Pennsylvania's small towns.
