9 Darling Small Towns in Pennsylvania
Spanning almost 46,000 square miles in the Midwestern United States, Pennsylvania is a beautiful state known for its hard-working communities and charming small towns. Behind the iconic cities of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Erie lie countless quaint villages, each harboring a distinct brand of hospitality, natural splendor, and cultural heritage. Though often overlooked for the state's urban destinations, exploring these hidden gems promises an intimate glance at Pennsylvania's heart and soul.
Lebanon
This lovely community and seat of Lebanon County is known for its arts and culture, history, and beautiful outdoors. Lebanon's origins date back to 1740 when George Steitz founded it as Steitztown. Over the years, it has amassed a rich heritage that the Lebanon County Historical Society carefully preserves. The museum is jam-packed with exciting artifacts telling the town's story and the surrounding regions. Lebanon takes pride in its artistic personality, which shines through the downtown art centers. The Lebanon Community Theatre entertains audiences with comedies, musicals, and dramas in a cozy environment.
More theater opportunities await at the St. James Players, which stages quality theatrical productions for all ages. Outdoor recreation is available at South Hills Park, a cozy outdoor space with various sporting amenities, including ball fields, disc golf, and athletic fields.
Bradford
This enchanting town near the New York State Border is less than 80 miles from Buffalo, NY. it is known for its quirky museums, including the Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store. The facility documents the legacy of two national icons using a fantastic collection of Case and Zippo artifacts and souvenirs. Meanwhile, the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center pays tribute to the iconic opera singer with an intimate collection of her musical scores, artifacts, costumes, and a documentary film.
Allegheny Mountain Arts offers art enthusiasts the opportunity to browse a selection of pieces by local artists, from paintings to portraits. Finally, those who enjoy a friendly flick can head to Main Street Movie House to catch the latest Hollywood productions.
Lititz
Situated about 9 miles from Lancaster, Lititz is a historic community founded in 1756 by Moravian pioneers. The Lititz Historical Foundation allows visitors a chance to learn more about its colorful history. It presents a chronology of Lititz through the ages and schedules unique tours of the neighboring 18th-century Johannes Mueller House. You cannot write the history of Lititz without mentioning the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. This old brick bakery has served the community tasty, old-fashioned pretzels since the 1800s when it was established as the country's first commercial pretzel outlet.
Shopping is a mainstay in downtown Lititz, and visitors can stop by local boutiques and apparel stores or enjoy luscious treats from the Wilbur Chocolate Retail Store. When you have to take a breather from hours of exploring the town, Lititz Springs Park has the perfect atmosphere to chill out, featuring a beautiful fountain and concession stands.
Butler
Butler is a historic town about 35 miles from Pittsburg and its bustling downtown region offers all sorts of attractions. The Maridon Museum provides a unique glimpse into Asian culture with a lovely collection of Japanese and Chinese art and German porcelain. It also has an on-site gift shop where guests can buy adorable souvenirs. If you enjoy the game of baseball, you should consider catching a live game at Michelle Krill Field at Historic Pullman Park, which was initially built in 1934. The festive atmosphere at the stadium is perfect for a day out with family and friends.
For an outdoor escape, Succop Nature Park presents an idyllic oasis with quiet nature trails tailored for lazy strolls. Lastly, if you fancy good-natured interactions, you can mingle with townsfolk at Freedom Farms Local Market.
York
One of the most historic small towns in Pennsylvania, York is best recognized as the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation and the country's maiden capital. The town hosts a lively historic district with several old-world structures as a window into its formative years. Prominent among these is the 19th-century Bonham House, which features Victorian and Colonial Revival architectural delights and depicts upper-middle-class life in York at the time. The Appell Center for the Performing Arts is another historic spot curated for live Broadway shows and other theatrical productions.
York's Central Market House, established in 1888, remains a stark reminder of the town's entrepreneurial spirit. It invites tourists to shop for fresh produce, baked goods, meats, seafood, and other merchandise. Lastly, the Nixon Nature Park Center is the best spot to commune with Mother Nature.
New Hope
This quaint community in eastern Pennsylvania promises first-timers an all-around tourist experience regardless of their preferences. It houses a bustling historic district with dozens of old-world structures, the highlight of which is the Parry Mansion Museum. This 18th-century homestead boasts rustic decor with period furnishings reflecting life in New Hope in the different eras. New Hope is a recognized arts and culture hub and welcomes guests to enjoy enthralling live performances in a restored grist mill with a picturesque waterfront setting.
Newcomers to New Hope love to catch a ride on the New Hope Railroad, a classic steam locomotive plying an 18-mile route between New Hope and Lahaska. Finally, nature lovers can find solace in the serene atmosphere of Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro's claim to fame is the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. This stunning natural phenomenon sinks over 1,000 feet and is surrounded by dense forestland with endless opportunities for outdoorsy travelers. From hiking wild trails and camping in secluded sites to soaking up spellbinding vistas, it is the ultimate getaway for ardent adventurers. More opportunities to immerse in the great outdoors await across the sprawling territory of Hills Creek State Park.
Beyond the open spaces, Wellsboro has a delightful town center where tourists can enjoy live theatrical shows at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts. The same is available at the 1920s Arcadia Theatre, which doubles as a movie venue with 4 cinema screens.
Lewisburg
This bustling college town, about 60 miles from Harrisburg, has a compact historical downtown district that is best explored on foot. Its impressive cluster of attractions delights visitors with a fun, family-friendly experience at the Lewisburg Children's Museum. This incredible facility houses interactive exhibits and schedules hands-on activities to inform and entertain young minds. The neighborhood comes to life during the Lewisburg Farmers' Market as over 100 local growers and crafters converge for a fun day of trade, with fresh produce, baked goods, and roasted coffee, among other items on sale.
The Campus Theatre is one of the most exciting cultural attractions in Lewisburg. This historic movie venue from the 1940s provides a rustic movie experience where guests bring their own beer.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe embodies the beauty of the Pocono Mountains region, boasting a picturesque wilderness area with dense forests and undulating landscapes. The best way to discover this beautiful oasis is to ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad for a relaxed 70-minute sightseeing round trip in the heart of the Lehigh Gorge State Park. Jim Thorpe has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s and provides evidence with a collection of historic sites. The Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center houses diverse historical and cultural artifacts documenting the town's chronology.
The artsy inclined gravitate towards the Stabin Museum to browse the intimate works of celebrated artist Victor Stabin. It exhibits a varied collection of paintings, furniture, drawings, and more. Meanwhile, those who enjoy the opera can watch entertaining live performances at the Mauch Chunk Opera House.
The Takeaway
Spending time in the charming small towns in Pennsylvania is a refreshing change of pace from busy urban areas and delivers memorable glimpses into Pennsylvania's rural character. Havens like Lititz, renowned for its candy kitchens and Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, and Wellsboro, nestled in Tioga State Forest, invite lingering longer to savor local fare, scenery, and small-town hospitality. While this collection highlights a sample of the Keystone State's most picturesque villages, venturing farther to uncover additional hidden gems throughout the varied landscape promises new and unforgettable discoveries.
