9 Pennsylvania Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness

While most people come to Pennsylvania to experience its captivating historical heritage, partake in its absorbing culture, and indulge in wild outdoor adventures, there is a subtle part of the state that doesn't get talked about enough: its friendliness. While you might get a feel for this warmth in the "City of Brotherly Love," you might want to venture beyond the major metro areas to witness genuine hospitality in the Keystone State.

Several quaint communities go above and beyond to make tourists feel at home while exploring local attractions. Their willingness to interact with strangers and involve them in their day-to-day activities demonstrates an infectious sense of community that makes you feel like you belong. Whether attending cultural festivals in Kennett Square or watching creative performances in Jim Thorpe, the following are Pennsylvania small towns with unmatched friendliness.

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg is a picturesque village in the Pocono Mountains region, reputed for its spectacular natural surroundings and a vibrant Main Street where the arts thrive. A lazy walk down the main thoroughfare introduces you to absorbing musical productions at the Sherman Theatre, which hosts a rotating lineup of live performances in a small yet intimate venue. Alternatively, you can admire an eclectic exhibition of fine art pieces by local and international artists at the quaint Gamut Art Gallery, featuring vintage, contemporary, and repurposed art.

However, Stroudsburg's true charm comes to the fore during the Monroe Farmers Market. This weekly gathering of cordial local farmers and crafters invites amicable interactions with vacationers as they bargain for the best prices and learn about local culture first-hand from the community. The annual Stroudfest brings cheer to the town every summer with a family-friendly festival marked by food, crafts, music, vendors, and all-around entertainment.

Lewisburg

This vibrant college town has a contagious vibe that makes first-timers fall in love with its bustling art scene and want to explore its impressive cluster of businesses. Downtown Lewisburg houses a diverse blend of restaurants, antique shops, galleries, and museums, with the ultimate shopping experience awaiting at the Lewisburg Farmers' Market. The market allows tourists to shop for farm produce, flowers, crafts, and baked goods during personal exchanges with local vendors. Visiting families can have an excellent time at the Lewisburg Children's Museum, which promises interactive exhibits, hands-on experiences, and unique learning opportunities for the young ones.

The arts play a significant part in shaping local culture, and you can tell this from the density of galleries in Lewisburg. Enthusiasts visit the Samek Art Museum to browse a vast collection of at least 6,000 art pieces sourced from around the globe. Meanwhile, the best time for art lovers is during the annual Lewisburg Arts Festival, which attracts over 100 artists and transforms Market Street into a creative haven.

Indiana

Indiana is home to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and sits approximately 46 miles from Pittsburg. The town is known for its history, arts, and nature, which keeps visitors returning for more. History buffs learn about Indiana's colorful past at the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County, which stores a mix of related records, archives, and documents. Furthermore, the Jimmy Stewart Museum is an interesting stop for fans of the famed Hollywood star, chronicling a rich legacy throughout his life in the spotlight.

The sprawling Whites Woods Nature Center provides an escape for nature lovers to delight in the open spaces. Sprawled over 250 acres, the serene park is a popular hub for hikers, photographers, and picnickers. Finally, if you visit Indiana in August, don't miss the annual Indiana County Fair and use the opportunity to learn about the town's agricultural heritage.

Lititz

This Lancaster County community oozes family-friendly charm at every turn of its adorable downtown district, where history, culture, and nature collide. Lititz is home to the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, which has been operating since the 19th century as the longest-running pretzel bakery in the United States. Guests still visit this rustic brick establishment to enjoy delicious pretzels prepared using age-old recipes. Those with a sweet tooth can also pass by the Wilbur Chocolate Retail Store, another downtown mainstay since 1884. The historic shop sells delicious chocolates and confectionaries that promise to tame your sweet cravings.

Visitors and locals alike enjoy gathering at Lititz Springs Park for a breath of fresh air. This urban oasis in the heart of the city features grassy picnic areas with shady trees and a gorgeous fountain. Lititz also hosts several fun festivals that unite people, including September's Lititz Craft Beer Fest.

Palmerton

This quiet northeastern Pennsylvania borough invites vacationers to explore the unmatched beauty of the Poconos and engage in fantastic outdoor excursions. Palmerton is an adventure lover's paradise offering year-round opportunities, with summers cultivating relaxed cruises down the Lehigh River when you book a trip with Luna Rafting. On the other hand, winters drive enthusiasts to the snow slopes of Blue Mountain Resort. The property spans over 164 acres and provides miles of trails for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

Beyond the great outdoors, Palmerton hosts a quaint downtown area with a blend of local businesses. West End Saloon is a fun little spot where you can pop in for dinner in a cozy setting before wrapping up the day with refreshing cocktails at Blue Mountain Pub. The bar has an inviting atmosphere with accommodating patrons you will enjoy chatting with.

Hershey

Besides being the "sweetest place on earth," Hershey is one of those Pennsylvania small towns that promise the perfect family getaway. This Dauphin County borough is less than thirty minutes from Harrisburg and houses the famous Hershey Chocolate Company, which has treated Americans with luscious chocolate treats for years. A trip to Hershey's Chocolate World allows guests to enjoy fun rides and sumptuous treats during a rare behind-the-scenes look into the workings of the factory. After an adventurous tour, the tranquil Hershey Gardens lets you catch your breath in a peaceful oasis with a colorful flowers, shrubs, and trees,

Meanwhile, close-up encounters with cute wildlife species at ZooAmerica will surely intrigue everyone in the family. The small sanctuary hosts about 200 animals from different species, including reindeer, mountain lions, and owls. If you have a thing for the arts, consider attending the annual Hershey Artfest for diverse entertainment events.

Huntingdon

Huntingdon is a beautiful riverside municipality with inviting green spaces, an easygoing personality, and a lively downtown scene. It is a great destination for nature lovers, who feel at home when exploring the lush grounds of Greenwood Furnace State Park. This 423-acre refuge has walking trails, picnic areas, and a 6-acre reservoir that fuels different aquatic activities. George Weaver Park has a more family-friendly atmosphere and offers a delightful pavilion where people host parties, birthdays, and similar events.

Meanwhile, a stroll through downtown Huntingdon brings you to several points of interest. At Meadows of Huntingdon, vacationers pause to indulge their sweet tooth with delicious ice cream flavors, from vanilla to banana split. Additionally, Silver Screen lovers enjoy a modern movie experience at Huntingdon Cinema's Clifton 5.

Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe is a hidden gem in eastern Pennsylvania, framed by the spell-binding natural scenery of the Pocono Mountains. Its storybook wilderness scenery compels visitors to soak in the sights during a fantastic trip aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. This fun excursion cuts through the heart of the Lehigh Gorge State Park, revealing magical views of ridges, forests, and cliffs. One of the best times to experience Jim Thorpe's unmatched beauty is during the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival, as the outdoors transforms into a kaleidoscope of orange, yellow, and brown hues.

A visit to the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center familiarizes newcomers with Jim Thorpe's rich and dynamic heritage. The venue stockpiles archives, artifacts, and documents chronicling the town's curious evolution. Meanwhile, you can catch a moving theatrical performance at the Mauch Chunk Opera House to connect with the arts. This famous cultural landmark dates back to the Victorian period and features a rustic and intimate interior.

Kennett Square

This adorable bedroom community in Chester County is known for its agricultural heritage and friendly residents. Nicknamed "Mushroom Capital of the World," it has a receptive attitude towards tourists, demonstrated during the Kennett Square Farmers Market. This lovely gathering allows foreigners to mingle with locals while perusing farm-fresh produce and handmade crafts. However, it gets better during the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival, when the townspeople gather to celebrate a longstanding tradition centered around mushrooms.

Longwood Gardens perfectly embodies Kennett Square's exceptional green scenery. This 1,000-acre oasis impresses visitors with majestic displays of botanical gardens, woodlands, fountains, and meadows amidst a tranquil setting. Finally, don't leave without tasting delicious locally crafted beers at Braeloch Brewing.

Final Thought

If you enjoy genuine human interactions devoid of any stranger danger, these Pennsylvania small towns demonstrate a touch of friendliness you'd be hard-pressed to come across elsewhere. The residents receive tourists with open arms and put on the best show of hospitality, resulting in a feeling of being home away from home. When you grow tired of the rowdy crowds in Philadelphia, consider visiting Hershey with family or exploring Lititz on a solo tour to witness organic warmth.