10 Cutest Small Towns In Pennsylvania To Visit In 2024
Pennsylvania, founded as a Quaker colony by William Penn, was one of the original 13 Colonies. It was at the forefront of American Independence and pivotal during the Civil War. Many towns were founded during the 18th and 19th centuries and have many historical sites.
Bigger metropolises like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are popular among visitors, but some amazing small towns exist. The historic state also has a natural beauty that seems to wrap around these towns and suburbs. These towns are among the cutest to visit in 2024.
Jim Thorpe
Named after a Native American athlete and its most famous resident, Jim Thorpe is a quaint town with beautiful architecture. The Pocono Mountains serve as the backdrop to this quaint town, and local history can be explored at the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center. The Asa Packer and Harry Packer Mansions are popular historic sites. Both are museums open to the public.
Other historical sites and museums, like the Old Jail Museum, are fun to visit. It was built in 1871, and tours explore the history of the once-housed inmates. To complete your stay, ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. You will start in Jim Thorpe on a vintage car and wind through the Lehigh Valley until you reach Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg is a quaint town in the Poconos region, just a few miles from the Delaware Water Gap. It is known for its walkable downtown, museums, and modern appeal. Downtown is where you will find the Monroes Farmer's Market and Sherman Theatre, often with live music.
The Schisler Museum of Wildlife & Natural History exhibits over 130 wildlife specimens, including a planetarium. For a fun and unique experience, visit the Klues Escape Room. You can try your luck escaping The Moonshiner or the Mad Scientist room here. The Poconos Day Tripper is a unique way to see the 19th-century town, with different tours like the Hop On Hop Off Wine Trolley and the Historic Trolley.
Lititz
Lititz is a picturesque town known for its remarkable architectural styles. The downtown area is immersed in historic buildings, including the original Wilbur Chocolate store, which opened in 1909. The heart of town is the intersection of Broad and Main Streets, where you can find shops, galleries, and restaurants.
The town was founded in 1756 by Moravians seeking religious freedom, and a strong Moravian culture exists today. Lititz is the first town in Pennsylvania to establish a historic district, and classic architectural styles like Georgian and Victorian make the town so picturesque. Among the many historical sites are the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, which opened in 1861, and the oldest girls' boarding school, Linden Hall, founded in 1746.
Bellefonte
The charming town of Bellefonte was established in 1795 and is well known for its Victorian architecture and antique shops. The town is ideal for photography, and the waterfront walk by Talleyrand Park is a common wedding venue. The annual Big Spring Day is held every May and is a perfect way to explore the best of the downtown district.
Some vintage mansions, like the Reynolds Mansion and the Queen A, serve as Bed and Breakfast Inns. The Bellefonte Historical Railroad offers rides on vintage railway cars and is the best way to soak in the town's history. The Gamble Mill, built in 1786 and renovated in 2020, has modern suites, a farm-to-table restaurant, and a pub and is highly sought after by potential visitors.
State College
State College is 12 miles from Bellefonte and home to Penn State University. The university includes the Palmer Museum of Art, with exhibits ranging from ancient pottery to 20th-century artwork. There are two arboretums on campus: The Arboretum at Penn State and the Arboretum at Penn State Behrend, each containing a fascinating botanical garden.
Besides being the home to a national university, State College is also known for its quirky and vibrant downtown. The Creamery ice cream parlor has what some consider the best in the world. There are also historic walking tours, and an art walk is being developed to add to the already unique downtown.
Ohiopyle
Ohiopyle is a Lenape phrase meaning "it turns very white," referring to the scenic waterfalls. Ohiopyle State Park encompasses over 20,000 acres and is a common destination for whitewater boating, hiking, and camping. The town serves as the southern gateway to the Laurel Ridge.
The Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River Gorge is the town's centerpiece. In addition to its breathtaking scenery, it offers stellar whitewater boating opportunities. Downtown is a dining hub for locals and visitors with rustic diners, pubs, and sophisticated dining options.
New Hope
New Hope is a quaint town in eastern Pennsylvania with distinct 18th—and 19th-century mansions. The Parry Mansion, built in 1784, is a notable example. The furniture and decor represent the residents of different periods.
Another historic site is the New Hope Railroad. The heritage railroad offers daily and seasonal excursions, including the ever-popular Christmas in July trip. Several cozy restaurants downtown, including Nektar Wine Bar and Martine's Riverhouse, are popular destinations. Visiting New Hope is like visiting a different time, and it is a prime destination for 2024.
Doylestown
Doylestown is a historic town in the heart of Bucks County. It rose to fame in the early 20th century with its Tools Of a Nation -Maker Museum of the Bucks County Historical Society. The town has several architectural marvels, including the Fonthill Castle and Mercer Museum, one of three Mercer buildings. This is part of the Mercer Mile, which also includes The Tileworks.
The Aldie Mansion is an English country estate on ten acres and a popular wedding venue. The walkable downtown is where you will find the Doylestown Bookshop, Farmer's Market, and brightly colored shops and galleries. The Michener Art Museum is a short walk from Main Street and has the largest collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro is known as the "Pennsylvania Grand Canyon" due to prehistoric ice glaciers melting and forming the 800-foot-deep Pine Valley Gorge. It is a beautiful place that is a top destination for nature lovers. It also has a throwback downtown with gas-lit streetlights and antique stores.
The Wynken, Blynken, and Nod statue is a sculpture and fountain from a children's fairy tale. The Ole Covered Wagon is a popular attraction that offers horse-drawn covered wagon tours through the "Grand Canyon," an ideal way to see the unique countryside. There is also a State Park, Colton Point, which is 368 acres and allows camping and hiking. Wellsboro is a naturally stunning place to visit that also offers modern amenities in town.
Bradford
Bradford is small with a charming downtown. It was originally a lumber town named Littleton. The historic town has many museums and historical societies, which Hollywood actors commonly visit in the summertime. It was also the home of Stephen Foster, the "father of American Music," whose "Camptown Races" was written about the Bradford County horse race.
Other historical sites include the Marie Antoinette Lookout, the Farm Museum, and Knapp's Covered Bridge. Self-guided walking tours of Historic Downtown take you past Zippo Drive, where the famous lighter was invented. Bradford is one of the best towns to visit in 2024, whether for historic tours or stunning scenery.
Pennsylvania is one of the most historic states in the Union, and these ten towns embody the essence that makes this state unique. From grand architecture in Wellsboro and Doylesotown to the remarkable "Grand Canyon," these towns offer something unique for every visitor.
The academic and culturally rich State College has botanical gardens and museums that are worth a visit alone. Stroudsburg is also culturally significant and has several museums. The best thing about visiting these towns is that each one has a remarkable natural setting and charming downtowns, which makes for a remarkable visit.
