10 Most Charming Towns In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a state of countless firsts! From the birthplace of the nation to the first hospital and university in the United States, it harbors a rich heritage of America's storied beginnings. Spread across the state are charming small towns that are the true heart and soul of the Keystone State. Together, they tell the story of Pennsylvania's humble beginnings and its rise to one of the country's most historically significant states.
Many feature beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture along historic downtown streets, while others boast stunning Victorian homes with unique antiques, offering a window into the bygone eras. Each town comes with a unique personality and distinct points of interest, adding to its appeal. Whether a culture connoisseur, history buff, culinary enthusiast, or outdoor adventurer, here are some of the most alluring towns in Pennsylvania to visit.
Jim Thorpe
Set amidst the picturesque peaks of the Pocono Mountains and surrounded by lush wilderness, Jim Thorpe charms visitors with picture-perfect outdoor scenery. It gets even better in the fall when the town transforms into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow hues. Booking a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers an excellent opportunity to witness the beauty of Jim Thorpe's wilderness during a scenic trip into the Lehigh Gorge State Park.
But the town is also steeped in history; it even gets its name from the iconic Native American athlete who was buried in the town. The Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center allows you to explore Jim Thorpe's historical and cultural heritage by perusing a diverse collection of artifacts. You also get to know about the actual Jim Thorpe.
Bedford
Bedford was named after the British-built fort completed in the town in 1758 to safeguard the territory from the French and Indians. The town has a series of rare covered bridges stretching throughout the county and showcasing the region's rich historical heritage. Taking the Bedford County Covered Bridge Driving Tour is the best way to check most of them out. The tour lasts about ninety minutes, beginning at the Old Bedford Village. Guests can also witness the actual fort built by the British at Fort Bedford Museum. The site highlights an important period in the town's history through unique exhibits like artworks, plaques, and artifacts.
Besides the history, you will enjoy sampling local art at the Bedford Fine Art Museum. Housed inside are wonderful paintings on different subjects, from history and landscaping to sports, which go a long way to enrich your knowledge of the arts. Alternatively, you can join the locals at Peppercorn Market to shop for fresh produce and mingle in a buzzing atmosphere.
Lewistown
Although Lewistown was officially founded in 1795, its history stretches further back, with the town playing an important role during the development of Pennsylvania's iron industry. This rich heritage is well-preserved and showcased by the Mifflin County Historical Society. A tour of the facility lets you check out interesting exhibits and unique artifacts collected from the region through the years. Walking along the quiet downtown street reveals a nice mix of historical and contemporary points of interest. If you have a soft spot for freshly crafted wines, you can pop into the Hawstone Hollow Winery to sample some of the town's finest creations.
If you visit with kids, be sure to check out the Carousel Skating Rink for classic skating fun in a family-friendly atmosphere. Alternatively, you can take them to Rec Park Swimming Pool for an entertaining dip.
Lititz
Several interesting facts about this charming town in Lancaster County help to put it on the map. Lititz houses the first commercial pretzel bakery and the first girls' boarding school in the country. Fortunately, you can still visit and witness this rich part of national history in the town. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery continues to serve the public sumptuous pretzels made from a refined and perfected recipe. Meanwhile, the Linden Hall School for Girls takes you back to the mid-1800s when the first girls' boarding institution was opened. For a broader perspective of the town's captivating past, consider touring the Lititz Historical Foundation to inspect diverse artifacts, documents, and archives from the bygone eras.
History aside, downtown Lititz is a lovely location with a thriving community of restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and galleries. But right in the heart of the busy corridor lies a beautiful urban oasis. Lititz Springs Park offers an adorable green space, perfect for relaxing and enjoying a relaxed setting away from the crowds.
Kennett Square
With almost 60% of America's mushrooms coming from Kennett Square, this pleasant Chester County borough was aptly nicknamed "The Mushroom Capital of The World." Located in the lush Delaware Valley, the town features multiple green spaces that give it a suburban feel with a relaxed setting. You can make the most of this enticing scenery at Longwood Gardens, exploring laidback nature trails through over 1,000 acres of woodlands, gardens, and meadows. The town celebrates and showcases its natural bounty weekly at the Kennett Square Farmers Market, which presents an opportunity to experience the warmth of the tight-knit community while shopping for farm-fresh produce.
There is a bustling art scene in Kennett Square, and you can pass by several art centers to sample it, including the Square Pear Fine Art Gallery. Lastly, you cannot leave the town without partaking in one of its many festivals. Consider scheduling your trip to coincide with the Mushroom Festival in the fall for a complete cultural experience with master gardeners and street fairs.
York
One of the oldest towns in Pennsylvania, York holds a treasure trove of state and national heritage sure to intrigue American historians. Among its major claims to fame is the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation. When you have absorbed enough of the area's history, try unwinding by watching a moving theatrical performance at the historic Appell Center for the Performing Arts. Furthermore, you can mingle with the friendly townsfolk at the Central Market House and sample some of their unique cuisine. Finally, York's Chocolate Story is a children's fantasy narrating the chocolate history and making stories in their 60-75 minutes of guided tours.
Gettysburg
The perfect playground for American warfare enthusiasts, Gettysburg houses a wealth of historical treasures. Of note among them is the location of the landmark Battle of Gettysburg, which altered the direction of the Civil War. Tourists can visit the actual site inside Gettysburg National Military Park, which also houses a museum chronicling the events of the battle through a range of Civil War artifacts. Unfortunately, the conflict was among the deadliest at the time, with many men and women succumbing to their injuries. At the Gettysburg National Cemetery, you have a chance to pay your last respects to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. Gettysburg is also known as the hometown of the former head of the nation, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The town remembers its famous son and honors his legacy at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. A tour of the home lets you explore the president's early childhood through pictures, documents, and other memorabilia from his family.
Doylestown
Doylestown has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was first settled by European colonists. Named after the innkeeper of "Doyle's Tavern," William Doyle, the small town grew into a busy hub during the mid-1800s, with the charming downtown district maintaining many of its historical attributes. The main highlight is the Mercer Mile, which features three beautiful buildings constructed by inventor and ceramicist Henry Chapman Mercer. These include the Mercer Museum, Fonthill Castle, and Moravian Pottery & Tile Works Museum. A tour of these venues offers a glimpse into early American life through unique artifact collections, transporting visitors back in time.
Art lovers will enjoy touring the Michener Art Museum, renowned for its impressive collection of impressionist paintings. Meanwhile, families with children will find entertainment at Kids Castle Central Park, spanning over 100 acres and featuring miles of nature trails, sports facilities, and a castle-themed playground area. It provides an engaging outdoor space for kids to explore, experience nature, and use their imagination.
Marietta
Marietta's picturesque location along the banks of the Susquehanna River makes it the perfect rural escape for those seeking a quiet and secluded retreat. The modest community of about 3,000 boasts green open spaces that beckon outdoor enthusiasts to be one with nature. At Riverfront Park, locals and tourists alike gather to revel in a relaxed environment with awesome river views. Furthermore, Marietta is less than 5 minutes from Chickies Rock County Park, which presents an awesome opportunity for hikers to discover breathtaking geological formations.
When you are tired from a long day of exploring the Marietta wilderness, you can rest and rejuvenate with a glass of freshly crafted beer at Shank's Tavern. This 19th-century watering hole impresses with a relaxed, rustic vibe and lovely outdoor seating.
Ohiopyle
Set within scenic forested hills and surrounded by breathtaking waterfalls, Ohiopyle is an outdoor lover's paradise renowned for its picturesque hiking trails. The tiny town also safeguards intriguing historical sites amongst the lush greenery. Nothing comes close to Ohiopyle's exquisite natural offerings as the 20,000-acre Ohiopyle State Park provides a rare treat for adventure enthusiasts, teeming with opportunities from hiking and boating to whitewater rafting and pastoral picnicking. About 5 minutes away, Ferncliff Peninsula Natural Area preserves over 100 acres of dense woodlands and abundant wildlife, inviting exploration along forested trails.
Final Thoughts
While large cities continue to dictate the pace of travelers in the Keystone State, there is a special charm inherent to the small towns in Pennsylvania. These offer a rare glimpse into Pennsylvania's rich cultural heritage and architecture from eras gone by. Strolling along quiet streets flanked by centuries-old buildings, one can almost relive the stories of early settlers and inhabitants. From touring iconic sights, browsing quaint shops and galleries, taking in natural scenery, admiring world-class art, or simply relaxing in a park, these towns provide an ideal escape from bustling modern life.
