10 Whimsical Towns to Visit in Pennsylvania
From the country's first computer to the first baseball stadium to America's Chocolate Capital, Pennsylvania has a colorful heritage that interests travelers from across the country. Historians, culture vultures, and outdoor enthusiasts stream into the Keystone State to discover historical heritage dating back to the 17th century, explore well-preserved cultures from past civilizations, and get lost in picturesque wilderness areas of its numerous state parks. However, beyond the major cities and destinations on every itinerary, Pennsylvania hosts numerous whimsical small towns worth exploring.
Offering a taste of quintessential local culture and charm, these communities hold their own unique stories and experiences that capture attention in minutes. From savoring chocolaty delights in Hershey to witnessing the beauty of the Pocono Mountains in Jim Thorpe, these whimsical towns to explore in Pennsylvania should be on your travel radar.
Emmaus
This quaint borough in the Lehigh Valley rarely gets a mention in travel brochures, which makes it even more satisfying for first-timers. Emmaus is a historic community established in 1759 by Moravian pioneers. It invites tourists to explore its rich heritage by combing through old photographs, documents, artifacts, and memorabilia at the Emmaus Historical Society. One of the most fascinating structural relics from Emmaus' past worth checking out is Shelter House. Believed to have been constructed in 1734, this rustic Germanic log house is among the oldest buildings in the Lehigh Valley.
Emmaus enjoys a fun cultural atmosphere with diverse entertainment centers. The Emmaus Theatre is a tourist hotspot known for delivering a magical movie experience by screening the latest releases and rerun films in a welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor lovers can have fun along the numerous trails inside Wildlands Conservancy and spot wildlife species like red-tailed hawks and vultures when strolling through them.
Hershey
Nicknamed "The Sweetest Place on Earth," vacationing families will have a hard time topping the fun experience in Hershey. This adorable community is famous for its delicious chocolates and kid-friendly attractions. Visitors can learn about how Milton Hershey founded his chocolate factory and transformed the small town into a sweet haven at the Hershey Story Museum. Hersheypark is arguably the most visited spot in town and delivers wholesome fun for all ages. The chocolate-themed amusement park has everything from thrill rides and water slides to coasters and a zoo experience to keep everyone entertained.
However, the ultimate experience awaits kids at Hershey's Chocolate World. This fairytale location presents a behind-the-scenes look into Hershey's chocolate-making, with tours encompassing fun rides, tasty treats, and exciting games. Finally, the Hershey Theatre stages compelling live performances inside a historic venue, captivating audiences with classic musicals, live concerts, and kid's plays.
Ohiopyle
Pennsylvania is known for its rich outdoor scenery, and there is no better place to explore the beautiful wilderness than Ohiopyle. Serene and secluded, this adventure lover's paradise in Fayette County promises the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience. Ohiopyle hosts the stunning Ohiopyle State Park, a more than 20,000-acre rugged oasis that delights vacationers with gorgeous waterfalls, endless hiking trails, peaceful picnic spots, and more outdoor fun. There is no shortage of opportunities to get lost in the great outdoors, with picturesque trails leading hikers to incredible visual delights like the 20-foot Ohiopyle Falls.
Multiple local outfitters, such as Ohiopyle Trading and River Tours, enable tourists to experience the white waters of the Youghiogheny River during an adrenaline-filled rafting tour. If you are not sure where to start, consider making the Ohiopyle State Park Visitor Center your first stop for all the information needed to create the perfect itinerary.
Franklin
Situated at the junction of the Allegheny River and the French Creek, this tiny village of Venango County has an underrated arts and culture scene that can rival major Pennsylvania destinations. Its downtown is replete with galleries and entertainment joints, allowing newcomers to admire contemporary fine art pieces inside the Coria Jacobs Gallery. Lovers of performance art enjoy enthralling live shows at the Barrow-Civic Theatre, which provides an excellent range of entertainment consisting of drama, musicals, concerts, and other stage productions.
Every year, the usually quiet downtown Franklin roars to life as it hosts Applefest, one of the most popular craft festivals in western Pennsylvania. This an excellent time to visit Franklin, when over 300 crafters and food vendors converge in the town for three days of nonstop, family-friendly fun. Before leaving, spare some time to visit DeBence Antique Music World for a taste of musical heritage.
Ardmore
It is easy to overlook Ardmore, with Philadelphia sitting less than 30 minutes away, but this suburban community delivers an eclectic shopping and dining experience well worth your money. Retail therapy enthusiasts automatically gravitate towards Suburban Square upon arrival in Ardmore, a remarkable open-air mall with upscale retailers and several eateries serving assorted flavors. This shopping district also hosts the Ardmore Farmers Market, which allows visitors to buy fresh produce and sample delectable local delicacies, including sushi, pizza, and mac n cheese.
The Ardmore Music Hall is a must-visit if you appreciate live entertainment. This intimate venue hosts iconic artists who treat audiences to riveting performances of diverse musical genres. Those who wish to spend time outdoors can find a worthwhile escape at Elwell Field, whose lush grounds provide the ideal space for picnics, lazy walks, and other recreational activities.
Ephrata
Most travelers consider Ephrata a mere stop on their way to the capital, Harrisburg. However, this town has a nice mix of attractions that warrants a closer look. It charms history buffs with the Ephrata Cloister, a living history museum preserving the relics of a medieval monastic community from the 18th century. Tours expose you to ancient structures and artifacts hinting at the town's storied heritage. Meanwhile, vintage car enthusiasts can visit the Seiverling Museum, Car and Pedal Car Museum to ogle at its impressive collection of antique automobiles.
Ephrata's artistic side manifests at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center. This long-running theater venue interests art lovers in a lineup of moving live shows, from comedies and drama to musicals and plays. The town is also famous for its lively brewery scene, welcoming beer lovers to sample tasty crafts at establishments like Pour Man's Brewing Company.
Lewisburg
The new seamlessly blends with the old in this charming college town of Union County. Lewisburg is home to Bucknell University, which has helped boost its standing as an art and culture destination. It has the Samek Art Museum for fans of visual art to admire intimate works. The Campus Theatre promises a unique movie experience in a rustic 1940s art deco movie venue. It especially stands out for its classic film screenings with special BYOB Nites. One of the best cultural adventures in town involves shopping at the Lewisburg Farmers' Market. Mingling with local farmers and crafters offers a strong sense of community that is synonymous with Lewisburg.
Those visiting with kids can look forward to fun times at the Lewisburg Children's Museum. This remarkable facility provides interactive exhibits and hands-on activities tailored to educate kids while simultaneously entertaining them. When you need a spot to hang out after a long day, be sure to stop by Trevina and take advantage of over 50 self-pour wine and craft beer taps.
Bellefonte
Well-preserved Victorian architecture and lovely tree-lined streets welcome visitors seeking to explore this adorable community about 12 miles from State College. Bellefonte nicely balances indoor and outdoor attractions to cater to all tourist preferences. It offers 3.5 acres of natural delight at Talleyrand Park, which presents a tranquil atmosphere along the banks of Spring Creek. The park also hosts the Bellefonte Railroad Historical Society, whose exciting display of old train cars offers a glimpse into the town's railroad heritage.
Meanwhile, the Bellefonte Art Museum gets you cultured with a stunning collection of amazing pieces by over 150 juried artists. During your lazy strolls through the quiet streets of downtown Bellefonte, use the opportunity to hunt for a vintage treasure by visiting Plaza Centre.
Jim Thorpe
A hidden gem in the Pocono Mountains region, Jim Thorpe is one of the most underrated towns to explore in Pennsylvania. The town has an intriguing history, which saw its name evolve from Mauch Chunk to Jim Thorpe, borrowed from a legendary Native American athlete. This and more exciting heritage about the community is well-preserved at the Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center. Inside, a vast display of archives and artifacts tells the amazing story of Jim Thorpe. The Asa Packer Mansion Museum showcases the town's rustic charm inside an 1861 grand Italianate homestead with a majestic facade and decadent interior with original Victorian decor.
The Mauch Chunk Opera House proves the community's appreciation for the arts. It invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy live music and dance in a rustic Victorian opera house where the atmosphere is always family-friendly. Surrounding Jim Thorpe is a dense wilderness area waiting to be explored. Fortunately, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad allows guests to witness the natural wonder during an easygoing ride into the heart of the Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Gettysburg
If you are a fan of American Civil War history, you will be intrigued by this Adams County locale, where one of its bloodiest battles played out. Gettysburg was the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, which had a significant influence on the outcome of the Civil War. The actual site of the war remains preserved at the Gettysburg National Military Park. Besides witnessing the historic location, visitors can stop by the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center to check out a vast artifact collection for more information about the conflict.
But Gettysburg's heritage goes deeper than the battle. It offers a hint of presidential history at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. This gorgeous property preserves the former residence of President Dwight W. Eisenhower. Part of the Gettysburg experience involves dining in one of America's oldest restaurants, which you can have at the rustic Dobbin House Tavern.
Whether you are planning to immerse in the wild outdoor adventures in Ohiopyle or tame your sweet tooth with the savory chocolates of Hershey, these whimsical towns to explore in Pennsylvania guarantee an invigorating visitor experience. There is much to see and do, from partaking in local traditions and discovering well-preserved historic landmarks to sampling delicious traditional cuisine. The best part is each location has multiple points of interest, promising a fresh adventure and adding a touch of magic wherever you choose to go.
