11 Stunning Small Towns In Pennsylvania
Between the world-class museums in Philadelphia and the iconic sports franchises in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's top cities attract millions of tourists yearly. However, the Keystone State has much more to offer, especially when you dare to ditch the major metro areas for a detour of its rural destinations. Each oozes a unique personality and character stemming from the diverse histories and cultures of the state. From the lush landscapes of the Pocono Mountains to the demure attitude of the Amish Country, opportunities abound to experience the true heart and soul of the state. Many of the 11 stunning small towns in Pennsylvania are readily accessible from big metropolises like New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Whether exploring the arts in New Hope or getting lost in the wilderness of Ohiopyle, set the stage for a memorable journey with a trip to these exciting destinations.
Eagles Mere
A perfect rural escape does not exist in Pennsylvania unless you visit this tiny town of Sullivan County, known for its pristine nature and relaxed atmosphere. The Eagles Mere Conservancy best exemplifies this outdoor splendor by hosting scenic trails through a vibrant forestland with a thriving wildlife population. The Eagles Mere Country Club welcomes golf lovers to test their swing on its pleasant greens, boasting a terrific setting surrounded by the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania.
On the other hand, history enthusiasts can find invaluable information at the Eagles Mere Museum. The museum sits in a Nationally Registered district and showcases hundreds of artifacts interpreting cultural and historical heritage.
Benezette
Nicknamed "Elk Capital," this small town in Elk County is a fantastic escape for wildlife enthusiasts and is a known habitat for a large herd of wild elk. The Elk Country Visitor Center serves as the premier location for a safari to admire the charismatic animals. It has interactive displays about the beautiful beasts and a viewing area where you can spot the animals foraging. Foodies are welcome to sample tasty eats at Benezette Hotel, a cozy spot serving American comfort foods like French fries and chicken wings. Afterward, you can down the meal with a glass of wine at Benezette Wines in a serene tasting room.
New Hope
This eastern Pennsylvania community has an artistic vibe that resonates with many first-timers and impressively preserves its historical landmarks. At the New Hope Arts Center, guests can interact with the local creative community by browsing their intimate works of art in an indoor and outdoor display space. Additionally, performance art enthusiasts prefer to visit the Bucks County Playhouse for classic stage shows and theatrical productions. The restored grist mill lies along the banks of the Delaware River and provides stunning water vistas. For historians in town, you can't miss the Parry Mansion Museum. This 18th-century dwelling is one of New Hope's oldest buildings and presents a unique perspective of the formative years with an engaging collection of original artifacts and period furnishings.
Hershey
Hershey is easily one of the ideal small towns in Pennsylvania for a family vacation, thanks to its abundance of family-centric points of interest. The Sweetest Place on Earth backs its claims at Hershey's Chocolate World, where visitors can sample delicious chocolate candy flavors during a remarkable tour exploring the creation of America's iconic candy. Families can also enjoy exciting retail therapy at Tanger Outlets Hershey. This lovely mall features a fair share of your favorite brands and designer outlet stores, promising value for your money. When the kids are tired from the endless activity, you can take them to Hershey Gardens for a deserved rest to recover from the sugar rush. This lovely sanctuary sprawls over 23 acres and hosts a colorful assortment of flowers, shrubs, and trees in a tranquil setting.
Ohiopyle
Ohiopyle allows visitors to switch the concrete jungle in the city for an actual forested wilderness framed by stunning waterfalls, deep gorges, and virgin natural beauty. The secluded town guarantees endless outdoor adventures at Ohiopyle State Park. Covering over 20,000 acres, this rugged nature area harbors miles of trails along which you can view small waterfalls, gentle rapids, rocky ledges, and other picturesque landscapes. This means fantastic opportunities for nature photographers, most of whom are usually fixated on the 20-foot Ohiopyle Falls. Those feeling adventurous can book a session with Laurel Highlands River Tours for an adrenaline-filled excursion tackling the rough waters of the Youghiogheny River. Alternatively, you can opt for a rock climbing, mountain biking, or camping getaway.
Ephrata
This close-knit community of Lancaster County has an agricultural heritage and is known to host a series of notable historical landmarks. Ephrata Cloister is an excellent example of its vintage gems, preserving the relics of a religious community from the 18th century. The complex features a cluster of old buildings with artifacts depicting the lifestyle, heritage, and culture of the German immigrant commune that once settled there. The Ephrata Performing Arts Center offers a taste of the arts by entertaining spectators with comedies, musicals, and dramas throughout the year, making it a regional cultural hub.
Ephrata's agricultural heritage is reflected in the multiple farmers markets held in the city every week. Between the Green Dragon Market and the Village Farm Market, visitors can revel in the town's agricultural bounty while shopping for fresh-sourced produce while interacting with hospitable local vendors.
Milford
This Delaware River community has existed for over two centuries, boasting a rich historical heritage and spell-binding natural landscapes. Numerous markers and monuments preserve its captivating story, which you can start exploring at the Grey Towers National Historic Site. This 19th-century property encompasses a towering French chateau-style mansion with landscaped gardens, the former home of Gifford Pinchot. Meanwhile, the Columns Museum stuns with its distinct Neo-classical architecture from the early 1900s and holds a variety of antiques and art chronicling the county's history. Beyond history, Milford invites sightseers to feast their eyes on the magnificent Raymondskill Falls. With a 150-foot drop, it is Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall and looks otherworldly, surrounded by the green foliage and rocky cliffs that define the Pocono Mountains region.
Renovo
This Susquehanna River Greenway town in Clinton County is awash with natural beauty, framed by rolling mountains, dense forests, and winding waterways. It is a dream come true for ardent outdoorsmen looking to immerse in adventure. Opportunities abound across Sproul State Forest, which sprawls over 280,000 acres of rugged landscapes. Endless miles of trails and streams make it a haven for hikers, boaters, canoers, and other adventurers. Renovo is also home to Kettle Creek State Park, a smaller alternative yet just as rich in options.
The community hosts the Flaming Foliage Festival every fall to celebrate its natural allure. With the foliage turning into brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows, the atmosphere complements festivities like parades, pageants, craft exhibitions, and more.
Lititz
Lititz is a quiet borough in Lancaster County with an enticing combination of historical heritage, splendid nature spaces, and delicious eats across its vibrant downtown region. Historians will relish exploring the area's captivating past at the Lititz Historical Foundation, whose diverse artifacts carefully chronicle its evolution since its mid-1700s founding. Guests enjoy tours of notable historic structures in the town, including the Johannes Mueller House from the 18th century.
While discovering Lititz's historical gems, remember to check out the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. The establishment boasts the title of America's first commercial pretzel-making venture. When you need to take a breather after hours of walking through the downtown streets, you can find the perfect oasis at Lititz Springs Park, situated smack in the urban core.
Jim Thorpe
Named after the first Native American Olympic champion, Jim Thorpe charms visitors with its curious background, which is just as impressive as the outdoor scenery. This lovely community preserves its heritage at the Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center, where visitors can browse piles of historical, cultural, and industrial artifacts for an immersive journey exploring Jim Thorpe's chronology. Meanwhile, the Old Jail Museum is another essential window to the past, which tells the story of the community in the 1870s from the perspective of a prisoner at the time.
Given its location in the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe is endowed with supreme natural beauty. The best way to take this God-given allure is to ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. This rustic sightseeing tour weaves through the rugged landscapes of the Lehigh Gorge State Park, exposing passengers to deep gorges, picturesque cliffs, and lush forest foliage.
Gettysburg
If you have an affinity for historic getaways, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better destination to tour than Gettysburg. This iconic borough has an intriguing war heritage that features one of the most consequential battles of the American Civil War. Much of the battles' memories live on at the Gettysburg National Military Park. Here, you can visit the actual site of the Battle of Gettysburg and learn about its genesis, evolution, and consequences at the on-site Museum and Visitor Center. It has a raft of Civil War exhibits and relics that bring back the conflict to life.
Meanwhile, the Eisenhower National Historic Site provides a glimpse into the life and times of America's 34th president when he lived in Gettysburg. While exploring history, you can simultaneously savor delicious Southern dishes at the Dobbin House Tavern. This rustic diner, which dates back to 1776, cooks up sumptuous eats in a family-friendly venue.
Wherever you choose to go among the 11 stunning small towns in Pennsylvania, you can look forward to a fresh experience with exciting points of interest in the United States. This is a testament to the diversity spread across the Keystone State, resulting in distinct interest for different traveler preferences. Whether you plan to demystify Civil War folklore in Gettysburg or isolate away from civilization and embrace the thick wilderness of Renovo, the cake is big enough for all tourists to take a bite.
