12 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Pennsylvania You Should Visit
Pennsylvania, a state steeped in history and resplendent with natural wonders, boasts a collection of small towns that beckon with their individualistic charm and inviting landscapes. Here, you can discover the harmony between past and present, nature and culture, in these enclaves that reflect the true essence of the Keystone State. Hiking trails meander through dense woods, opening up to panoramic views that leave an indelible mark on your senses. As you explore, you might stumble upon lively arts and crafts festivals showcasing the creativity that thrives here. Or perhaps you will find yourself enveloped in the warm embrace of community gatherings, where local flavors and talents take center stage.
Johnstown
The 1800s paved the way for Conemaugh Valley's Johnstown, which now beckons travelers with its unique blend of rustic charm and inspiring history. The town's story of resilience, from the Great Flood of 1889 to its vibrant rebirth, is palpable in every corner, particularly in the Johnstown Flood Museum. You can move around the interactive map, flood artifacts, and Oklahoma House to know the progression of things during the event. Powell Stackhouse Park is a storehouse of outdoor adventures featuring trails like Elk Run, Tall Timber, and Luzerne Path, picnic pavilions, and skiing and snowboarding features during winter. For a change of pace, the inclined plane ride offers breathtaking views of the Conemaugh Valley.
Bellefonte
You can step into a picture-perfect Victorian dream in Bellefonte. Engaging with local artists at the Bellefonte Art Museum, showcasing diverse creations reflecting the town's artistic spirit, admiring the 24/7 Display Window, a glass-confined porch displaying objects and arts, and The Twiga Museum Store, providing handmade, fine art and crafts, will light up your day. Don't miss the charming Talleyrand Park, a serene oasis that hosts lively festivals like the Bellefonte Under the Lights Music Festival. History enthusiasts will relish the historic Gamble Mill's 1786 architectural design and the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society tours. Bellefonte also boasts the Brockerhoff House, which will take you on a ride to observe Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Italianate designs.
Ligonier
Ligonier, a small town with a big heart, welcomes travelers to relish its quaint allure. With its objects and artifacts, the historically significant Fort Ligonier serves as a witness to its participation in the Indo-French War. Beyond history, the town embraces outdoor enthusiasts, with Linn Run State Park providing hiking trails, fishing creeks, and waterfalls. A day in Idlewild & SoakZone guarantees fun in its Soak Zone, Story Book Forest, Raccoon Lagoon Kiddieland, and Olde Idlewild. The Compass Inn Museum is a historic spot offering an inside look into the beginning of 1800s life through a restored inn, a smithy, and other antique buildings, and talks about the city's legacy and culture.
Stroudsburg
Poconos are brilliant, and their entrance, Stroudsburg, is even more, offering access to both natural beauty and cultural delights. You can embrace the unique Pocono Garlic Festival, a flavorful celebration of all things garlic in its garlic vendors, a garlic-eating contest, and live entertainment. You are in for a treat if you like trying local brews, ales, and wines. You can hop from Mountain View Brewing Company to Silverback Distillery to Eagle Rest Cellars and many more. The nearby Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center lets you brush up on history while hiking its 2.5 miles and crossing the Tannersville Cranberry Bog. You can grab a bite at Churrasqueria La Morena BBQ, Spice Route, or Emilio's Place Restaurant.
Milford
Milford captivates with its serene riverside beauty and thriving artistic community. Art lovers will adore the Peters Valley School of Craft, offering workshops and exhibitions that reflect the town's creative spirit. You can go through the Grey Towers National Historic Site, a house constructed in the French château design in 1886, and take in its elaborate architecture, artifacts, and rustic allure. Visitors can appreciate the nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Site, which has hiking trails, the magnificent Raymondskill Falls, and breathtaking views of the Delaware River. Instead of canoeing, boating, and swimming at this picturesque grassy shore beside the Delaware River, one can choose to unwind at Milford Beach for a more tranquil experience.
Doylestown
An hour's drive from Allentown would take you to Doylestown which radiates a culture-rich aura, emphasized by the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, both designed by Henry Mercer. Doyle's Tavern, founded in 1745, is now a well-liked gathering spot for locals and tourists and is not too far removed from history. Pleasant walking paths, boating opportunities, and lake views are all present in Peace Valley Park, a prime example of Doylestown's picturesque splendor. The town also has something for book lovers with book signs and author talks at Doylestown Bookshop and the two floors of Central Books. And there is a farm as well. Peace Valley Lavender Farm allows you to stroll around, drown in the soothing lavender aroma, and buy a lavender-infused souvenir all from mist to soap bars to therapy pillows.
Lititz
Lititz, steeped in quaint traditions, historic charm, and delicious offerings, is where you will get some of the best of Lancaster County. Explore the Lititz Springs Park, a serene haven that hosts the quirky annual Pretzel Fest. The 125-year-old Wilbur Chocolate's legacy speaks for itself, which aims to delight your senses with its dark chocolates, cocoa powder, coffee, and chocolate chips. A family legacy has turned into the town pride in the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery with absolutely mouthwatering Danish pretzels, and you can learn to make one yourself with a hands-on tour. Sprawling woodlands are home to Wolf Sanctuary of PA, where you can encounter Speedwell Wolves and learn about them.
Jim Thorpe
Named after the iconic athlete, Jim Thorpe will introduce you to a world where Victorian opulence and natural beauty thrive together. Jim Thorpe Sidecar Tourz offers the best in the region motorcycle guided tours spanning from the countryside to wine tasting to mountainside scenery. Mauch Chunk Lake Park is the place to spend time on a 2.8-mile walk to Mauch Chunk Lake, Switchback Gravity Railroad biking, or heading to the Environmental Center. A 1,800-capacity Penn's Peak offers a Roadies bar, a dance floor, and events from Metallica to Celtic bands to deck parties. Onboarding the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is a must for the marvelous scenery of Glen Onoko, Old Penn Haven, and Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Lancaster
Lancaster, known for its rich heritage and modern vibe, brings life to Amish heritage. Another highlight is the Central Market, standing as the USA's oldest continuously operating farmers' market, offering an array of culinary marvels from Amaranth Bakery's gluten-free delights, fresh pasta of Buona Tavola, Spanish favors from Christina’s Criollo, and the list goes on. The cute downtown offers a vibrant arts scene during the bustling Lancaster ArtWalk, where you can watch out for juried works by regional artisans, along with live music, karaoke, and food. Historic Rock Ford is one place you would not want to skip out on to take in authentic late-Georgian architectural design, period furnishings, Hand family and staff lifestyle, and the vast gardens.
New Hope
The list of adjectives falls short when talking about the gorgeously enchanting town of New Hope. It basks in fame for its Bucks County Playhouse, known for its celebrity Broadway shows, musicals, and theater productions. If you want to look out the window and get captivating views of the Delaware River and stay in the iconic building of a 1900s train station, then Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn is your place. Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve will have you work among more than 700 native plants like Virginia bluebells, cardinal flowers, and butterfly weed (You can also get tips for your home garden). Lenape Park is a good choice for vibrant night lights, a gazebo, and a picnic surrounded by beautiful foliage.
Ridgway
Ridgway is a tranquil hideaway that is enveloped by the vast Elk County Wilds. Ridgway has a wealth of opportunities for outdoor excursions, including hiking, camping, and fishing in the neighboring rivers and creeks of the vast Allegheny National Forest. The tranquility of the Elk Country Visitor Centre, where gorgeous elk graze freely, is another option. You would adore taking a 20-minute drive down the Million Dollar Highway, which will take you to incredible panoramas of mountains, valleys, and canyon views. Thanks to the Lazy River Canoe Rentals, you can kayak, canoe, boat, fish, hike, or bike in the Clarion River. Master chainsaw carvers exhibit astounding artistic talent at the Ridgway Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous, so don't forget to pay them a visit.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro, surrounded by charming landscapes, exudes a frontier spirit. The Wellsboro Diner is a converted antique railroad that serves up regional cuisine and nostalgia. During the holiday season, the Dickens of a Christmas festival, which features choruses in Hamilton Gibson Productions at the Arcadia Theatre and Coolidge Theatre & Warehouse Theatre, turns the town into a joyous wonderland. For a fresh perspective of Wellsboro, while traveling through the Pennsylvania landscape, you can also board an Old Covered Waggon Tour in the evening or ride in a train on the Tioga Central Railroad. At the Pine Creek Gorge, you may go boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping beneath the stars to enjoy an idyllic sliver of nature.
In these small but significant corners of Pennsylvania, every cobblestone street, museum exhibit, and local festival beckons with authenticity, inviting you to explore and discover the beauties that epitomize the state's unique blend of history, culture, and natural allure. These hidden gems, rich with character and charm, invite you to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Keystone State's lesser-known treasures. So, take the road less traveled and let the magic of these towns captivate you in ways only Pennsylvania can.
