10 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Pennsylvania
Rich Civil War heritage, fascinating culture, and mesmerizing nature are some of the many things people travel from around the country to experience in Pennsylvania. Known for vibrant metropolises like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the Keystone State has numerous little towns that truly are the heart and soul of the region. These are home to unique downtown strips where history, culture, and entertainment merge, depicting the community's culture and heritage in a dynamic hub.
However, some of these districts stick out for their walkability and abundance of attractions, treating tourists to a wholesome and eye-opening experience. Guests enjoy interacting with locals at their businesses, learning about their history, and partaking in their customs. From Gettysburg's historic streets to New Hope's artsy avenues, uncover the prettiest downtown strips in Pennsylvania.
Lititz
Small-town flair meets rustic charm in this quaint community of Lancaster County, known for its pedestrian-friendly and site-rich downtown area. Lititz is a city of many firsts, and exploring its town square exposes a trove of antique treasures, starting with the Linden Hall School for Girls. This enduring institution was established in 1746 as the country's oldest girls' day and boarding school and maintains several of its original buildings.
Another Main Street gem to check out is the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. The conspicuous red-brick establishment boasts a heritage from the 19th century and is America's first commercial pretzel bakery.
A trip to the Lititz Historical Foundation provides a broader view of the town's past since Moravians founded it in the 18th century. Aside from exploring rare artifacts and memorabilia, the venue organizes guided tours to notable city landmarks from the yesteryears. Downtown Lititz even offers a cute little space to escape the bustle. Lititz Springs Park is the perfect setting to unwind under a shady picnic space and breathe fresh air.
York
Hidden American history and a vibrant art scene unravel in this beautiful borough of southern Pennsylvania. York is steeped in state and national history, hinting at this with a string of downtown museums and landmarks. At the York County History Center, guests can learn about the region's dynamic past, including the town's short stint as the nation's capital. The Central Market House represents another long-tenured landmark in downtown York, with a history stretching back to 1888. At least 50 local vendors gather at the space to sell their farm produce, antiques, crafts, and other merchandise.
Visitors are treated to enthralling art presentations at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, whose Broadway-like shows draw enthusiasts from across the county. Finally, families can have unadulterated fun at Timeline Arcade, where dozens of arcade games and pinball machines excite all ages.
Jim Thorpe
This adorable village in eastern Pennsylvania complements its storybook Pocono Mountains scenery with an attractive downtown strip, which harbors a rich combination of history and culture. This is clear from the Victorian architecture dominating the townscape, embodied by the Asa Packer Mansion Museum. The Grand Italianate homestead was built in 1861 and contains original furniture and artifacts from when the railroad magnate, Asa Packer, lived there. The Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center tells the story of Jim Thorpe using piles of archives inside a repurposed Victorian church.
Art enthusiasts will relish watching a live stage performance at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, an intimate music venue constructed in 1881. Finally, a pint of craft beer at Bright Path Brewing provides the perfect day to wrap up the day in downtown Jim Thorpe.
Honesdale
Popularly known as the "Birthplace of the American Railroad," Honesdale's delightful downtown district charms visitors with various experiences. It is rich in history and welcomes them to learn about the area's heritage at the Wayne County Historical Society. Inside are piles of memorabilia about the D&H Canal, Dorflinger Glass, and Gravity Railroad. Vacationers have a unique opportunity to get cultured at the Wayne County Arts Alliance, which organizes local events showcasing sculptors, painters, and photographers, as well as a monthly festival.
If you enjoy casual shopping, the Wayne County Farmers Market is an inviting space where you can sort through baked goods, farm produce, ice cream, and maple syrup while interacting with down-to-earth vendors. Also, use the opportunity to sample the bar scene in Honesdale at Twisted Rail Tavern, which serves craft beer and cocktails.
Gettysburg
If you know anything about the American Civil War, you will agree that Gettysburg hosts one of the best downtown strips in Pennsylvania for historians and war enthusiasts. The town is synonymous with the Battle of Gettysburg, which it hosted in 1863, and boasts a library of historical markers and monuments throughout its downtown. For instance, the Jeanie Wade Museum pays tribute to a civilian impacted by the Civil War, with exhibits depicting her life during the showdown. Meanwhile, the Gettysburg Museum of History delves deeper into the conflict, highlighting it and other American wars using a vast collection of over 4,000 artifacts.
But Gettysburg is not all about the war, and the Dobbin House Tavern serves guests delicious meals while maintaining a retro flair. This colonial restaurant has existed since 1776 and is housed inside the district's oldest building. Also, art lovers can sit to watch moving live shows at the Majestic Theater, from comedies and musicals to classic films.
Media
If you can't stand the hustle and bustle of nearby Philadelphia, Median presents the ideal small-town escape for city dwellers. This charismatic community has a loaded downtown strip, which houses the world-class Media Theatre for the Performing Arts. This 440-seater venue mixes artistic performances and live movie screenings to entertain the public. Meanwhile, you can pay tribute to brave men and women who fought and died for the country at the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum, which exhibits memorabilia and films about the different American wars.
The Media Farmers Market is a major downtown attraction and breathes life into the corridor as people jostle for fresh produce and intricate handicrafts. When tired and hungry from all the walking, pop into Ariano for sumptuous Italian delicacies like pizza, pasta, and meatballs.
Bellefonte
Bellefonte's charm rests in its downtown area, which is jam-packed with points of interest to ensure everyone gets a piece of its touristy pie. The walk-friendly neighborhood is home to the Bellefonte Art Museum, which is housed inside the 1810 Linn House, and showcases various art forms by local artists. The Plaza Centre is a popular stop in the area and draws patrons seeking antiques, gift items, and other merchandise in a vibrant commercial complex from the 20th century.
Elsewhere, Big Spring Spirits welcomes visitors to interact with friendly townspeople over a glass of great-tasting craft spirits. Lastly, downtown Bellefonte offers a quiet green space where tourists can enjoy fresh air right.
New Hope
This eastern Pennsylvania community is known for its rich art scene and beautiful history dating back to the 1800s. It houses a lovely historic district, which entices visitors with old-world structures housing museums, galleries, and restaurants. The Parry Mansion Museum is an excellent representation of the town's evolution. It is the oldest building, built in 1784, and houses artifacts, furnishings, and other artifacts from different eras. Also, the Bucks County Playhouse blends history and culture in an 18th-century grist mill repurposed into a theater venue.
The New Hope Arts Center further proves the region's vibrant arts community and showcases works by regional artists featuring paintings, sculptures, and woodwork. When you develop an appetite after a long day, you can restock at the welcoming New Hope Ferry Market.
East Stroudsburg
Home to the East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, this college community in the Pocono Mountains promises an array of experiences across its lively downtown area. Historians naturally gravitate towards the Pocono Indian Museum, where a rich backstory of the Delaware Indians is told through ancient artifacts. Art connoisseurs feel at home inside the Frazetta Art Museum, housing an impressive library of paintings, drawings, and other works by the celebrated Frank Frazetta.
More awaits at the Sherman Theater, especially if you appreciate musical performances. The historic venue was built in the 1920s and features an intimate interior and a lively atmosphere. Also, don't miss out on the latest Hollywood releases by catching them at the Pocono Cinema and Cultural Center.
Kennett Square
This pleasant borough in Chester County has a rich agricultural heritage and produces more than half of America's mushrooms. It has receptive locals who make strangers feel at home, especially when combing through the display of farm produce at the Kennett Square Farmers Market. The atmosphere is always festive as you mingle and interact with locals. Downtown also hosts the annual Mushroom Festival, which gives the district a new lease of life as townsfolk unite to celebrate a long-held tradition.
Kennett Square exhibits its unique brand of art at the Square Pear Fine Art Gallery, where guests can explore an array of works ranging from paintings and pottery to glass art. Complete your tour of downtown by enjoying a cold glass of craft beer at Braeloch Brewing alongside delicious artisan food.
A visit to the prettiest downtown strips in Pennsylvania is an excellent chance to learn about the history and culture of exciting destinations that together make up the state's lifeblood. The bustling mix of museums, galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, antique stores, and other local businesses ensures visitors have all they need to keep them engaged and entertained regardless of their preferences. From New Hope's artsy charm to Kennett Square's agricultural heritage, they all provide a remarkable vacation experience.
