11 Towns In Pennsylvania With Vibrant Downtown Areas
Numerous things put Pennsylvania on the map, from its rich Civil War heritage and vibrant cultural landscape to unmatched natural scenery. While Philadelphia remains the premier travel destination, the Keystone State harbors many little towns that warrant recognition. Their curious histories combine with captivating traditions and outdoor opportunities to grant tourists a memorable adventure off the well-trodden route. Conveniently, they balance their laid-back rural disposition with energetic downtown regions to accord first-timers the best of both worlds.
Whether ranging over rare Civil War relics along Main Street Gettysburg or sampling savory pretzels from the originator in Lititz, diverse adventures await that will make you want to schedule a return trip. If you are planning a getaway to the Midwestern United States, consider touring these towns in Pennsylvania for their eclectic thoroughfares.
New Hope
A mix of history and culture draws travelers to this quaint city in eastern Pennsylvania. New Hope hosts a curious historic downtown that will transport you to earlier years in the town's chronology. Walking down Main Street, Parry Mansion Museum invites you to explore the depths of local heritage. This well-preserved colonial home stores antique furnishings dating back to the 18th century.
The vibrant avenue lets you enjoy entertaining stage productions by the area's creatives at the Bucks County Playhouse. A regional hub, fans come from all over the region to catch plays, concerts, and dramas. Along the street, there is Craft Beer and Cocktails to sip brews while getting the feel of the town among locals.
York
Many newcomers to this unassuming town in southern Pennsylvania don't realize it was the nation's first capital. However, they'll catch all the hints when discovering its rustic downtown corridor. Numerous historical markers, including the York County History Center, tell York's captivating story through rare artifact exhibits. The Appell Center for the Performing Arts showcases the town's artistic side inside an age-old venue from 1906, which upholds a reputation for hosting riveting Broadway shows.
York is a welcome destination for tourists who embrace casual shopping. Heading to the Central Market House allows for a two-in-one experience: visitors purchase fresh farm produce while learning about a critical commerce center that has existed since 1888.
State College
Something about college towns brings the groove out of visitors; perhaps it's the infectious, youthful vibe from the student population. This is exactly how you feel when strolling through the lively streets of downtown State College. You'll first notice a bustling arts community, with enthusiasts constantly congregating at the State Theatre to enjoy operas, concerts, and plays on College Avenue. The Arboretum at Penn State is an urban oasis where people escape the chaos in the middle of the city to relax in a serene setting with lush trees and botanical gardens.
Several museums in State College do a great job of preserving the region's past. The Centre County Historical Society has an insightful collection of exhibits chronicling the town's and the surrounding region's history.
Jim Thorpe
An escape to the Pocono Mountains region doesn't get better than this charismatic borough in eastern Pennsylvania. Steeped in history and culture, Jim Thorpe traces its founding to 1818 and preserves its past at several downtown sites. The Asa Packer Mansion is a fine example, bringing the Victorian era back to life in the former home of a renowned railroad magnate. This majestic Italianate mansion was constructed in 1861 yet maintains its original furnishings. A trip to the Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center introduces guests to the many legends of the town's past, including how it got named after an iconic Native American athlete.
Some people come to Jim Thorpe just to witness the bountiful nature around it and experience the magic of the Poconos. Thanks to the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, they can have a remarkable sightseeing excursion into the heart of the Pocono wilderness.
Lititz
This likable village, 9 miles from Lancaster, charms guests with an amazing story. It was founded in 1756 and conceals a rich heritage that gradually unfolds when ranging over its downtown attractions. The Lititz Historical Foundation is an excellent starting point. Inside lies a diverse archives and memorabilia documenting the town's eclectic history. Some of Lititz's historical relics continue functioning as originally, led by the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. This adorable treasure preserves America's first pretzel bakery, and tourists can take a rare tour culminating in savoring the delicious bread.
When you need to absorb this lovely community's rich history, Lititz Springs Park has a pleasant green setting in the middle of downtown. Here, you can sit on a grassy lawn and watch graceful fountains while enjoying the serenity.
Kennett Square
This Pennsylvania suburb is famous for its agricultural habits, earning the nickname "Mushroom Capital of the World." Its spirited downtown corridor will hint at the source of the name, especially when you shop at the Kennett Square Farmers Market. This lively gathering reveals the town's agricultural prowess as farmers bring out their fresh bounty for people to buy. The area also hosts the Longwood Gardens, one of Kennett Square's most celebrated attractions. This green oasis features a collection of gardens with flowers and fountains that feel like a dream for nature lovers.
A modest yet pleasant arts culture welcomes visitors for a small-town art experience. Walking around Square Pear Fine Art Gallery allows you to appreciate artisanal works and even buy a piece if you see the need.
East Stroudsburg
East Stroudsburg enchants newcomers with the natural beauty surrounding it, punctuated by a dense wilderness and peaks of the Poconos. However, it has a loaded downtown that cannot be overlooked. The area has notable historical landmarks that warrant exploration, starting with the Pocono Indian Museum. This fascinating facility traces the history of the Delaware Indians, presenting it in the form of artifacts, archaic tools, weapons, and art. Meanwhile, the Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium have quirky exhibits that thrust you into the amazing world of science and natural history.
Art lovers visiting East Stroudsburg can look forward to ample opportunities in its downtown, including admiring intimate visual pieces at Frazetta Art Museum or attending a live music concert with an electric atmosphere at the Sherman Theater.
Gettysburg
Travel magazines rank Gettysburg among the most immersive small towns in Pennsylvania, markedly because of the rich American history it harbors. This low-key borough was the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, which changed the course of the Civil War. You can learn more about this landmark conflict at the Gettysburg Museum of History, which showcases a treasure trove of Civil War relics and other American war memorabilia. A further look into the war times awaits at the Jennie Wade Museum, which portrays life from the perspective of a civilian.
However, Gettysburg has more to offer beyond its enthralling history. It also harbors an association of creatives that amuses townsfolk and guests at the Majestic Theater with live music shows, comedies, and concerts.
Media
This Delaware Valley village, situated a few miles from Philadelphia, impresses with an upbeat theater culture and whimsical museums. Vacationers can catch riveting productions at the Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, a landmark venue that stages everything from kids' shows to musicals. The Pennsylvania Veterans Museum preserves the memory of men and women who sacrificed their lives for the country through awesome exhibits. It is an excellent opportunity to honor their nobility.
Downton Media gets a fresh lease of life every Sunday when the Media Farmers Market comes to the region. The family-friendly gathering of local farmers always brings the best out of the community, marked by good-natured interactions with foreigners,
Bellefonte
Bellefonte is a relatively sleepy destination compared to neighboring State College, but this doesn't show when inspecting the town's core. The district has a fair share of interests that can fit into your itinerary, starting with the Bellefonte Art Museum. Although small, it displays a broad variety of art forms to make for an engaging exposure. Townsfolk take great pride in their craft brewery and distillery scene, encouraging newcomers to join in sampling fresh beer at Axemann Brewery.
The Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society at Talleyrand Park is a must-see for the uninitiated. It stores crucial artifacts documenting the town's railroading heritage. Surrounding the site is a beautiful nature space with a relaxed atmosphere tailored for picnicking.
Doylestown
Home of Delaware Valley University, Doylestown is famous for the breathtaking architecture in its bustling downtown. This is a credit to the Mercer Mile, a collection of historic buildings designed by Henry Chapman Mercer. These include the rustic yet attractive Fonthill Castle, built in the 1900s and housed Mr. Chapman. The architectural details are just as impressive in the Mercer Museum, a time capsule offering a window into early American society through antique vehicles, archaic tools, and domestic equipment.
When not admiring Doylestown's alluring architecture, you can head to the Michener Art Museum and peruse diverse artworks in several galleries. The facility also hosts a splendid sculpture garden with intimate creations that will leave you in awe.
Visiting the above towns in Pennsylvania is a cultural and historic immersion unlike anything else in the mid-Atlantic region. From beloved traditions maintained for centuries through tasty pretzels in Lititz to rare Civil War relics on the battlefields of Gettysburg, each destination tells a compelling story about the Keystone State's past and present. By exploring Main Streets laden with local shops, public art, and welcoming communities, travelers gain a genuine appreciation for Pennsylvania beyond its largest city.
