9 Quintessential Pennsylvania Towns
Without the events that have unfolded in Pennsylvania over the centuries, it is hard to say what the United States would look like today. From pivotal moments like the French and Indian War and the Civil War to lighter yet significant milestones like the creation of Hershey’s chocolate and the rise of commercial pretzel bakeries, the state has played a key role in shaping the US. To explore some of the most iconic towns that have helped define both Pennsylvania and the country, take a virtual trip to these nine quintessential towns.
Gettysburg
Americans across the country recognize Gettysburg for its pivotal role in the Civil War, most famously as the site of the Battle of Gettysburg. Visitors can explore the renowned battlefield at Gettysburg National Military Park, which spans 3,785 acres and is home to 43,000 artifacts from the war. Other iconic spots in town include the David Wills House, which accommodated Abraham Lincoln before he gave the Gettysburg Address, and the Historic Northern Central Railway, once a crucial form of transportation from the 1860s that connected Maryland and Pennsylvania and offers educational excursions today.
Hershey
In 1905, Milton S. Hershey founded his iconic chocolate company in the town now known as Hershey, making it a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers. One of the town’s most popular attractions is Hershey's Chocolate World, where travelers can go on a chocolate tour ride, create their own candy bar, or participate in an interactive tasting experience, among other activities. Looking for something a little more relaxing? Enjoy an afternoon at Meltspa, which offers over 70 spa treatments. For a meal, you will remember for years to come, have dinner at The Circular, an innovative American cuisine restaurant built by Milton S. Hershey himself.
Jim Thorpe
Originally known as Mauch Chunk, the town was renamed Jim Thorpe in 1954 to honor the legendary American athlete and Olympic gold medalist. The town has some of the most impressive architecture in Pennsylvania, including beautiful landmarks such as the Historic Stone Row, featuring 16 rows of stone houses, the Old Jail Museum, dating back to the 1870s, and the Mauch Chunk Opera House, operating for over 140 years and one of the oldest Vaudeville theaters in the country. Those wanting to catch a performance at the theater can enjoy shows ranging from live music performances to comedians.
Easton
Situated in eastern Pennsylvania near the New Jersey border, Easton is best known for the Crayola Experience, a four-story interactive attraction where children can learn how crayons are made, drawing more than 425,000 visitors annually. The State Theatre for the Performing Arts is another beloved attraction, a vaudeville-style theater that dates back to 1910. In Hugh Moore Park, visitors can learn about the country’s canal age and see some of the historic canals up close, drive a canal boat, or harness a mule, all while visiting the National Canal Museum within the park.
New Hope
Named as one of “America's Favorite Towns" by Travel + Leisure, New Hope’s entertainment and outdoor recreation scene has earned itself national recognition. Nearby, over 7,000 acres of parkland offer plenty of outdoor adventures. Highlights include Ringing Rocks Park, featuring an intriguing 128-acre boulder field where the rocks produce bell-like sounds when struck, and Peace Valley Park, home to 250 bird species, and the expansive 356-acre Lake Galena. For a unique dining experience, enjoy a dinner at Oldestone Steakhouse, housed inside an 1872 Stone Church and serving award-winning American cuisine.
Stroudsburg
About an hour and a half from New York City, Stroudsburg frequently draws in city-dwellers with its rich cultural scene. Running since 1929, the Sherman Theater is a renowned venue in town that hosts everything from national touring acts to local festivals and live concerts. Every Saturday from April through October, visitors can enjoy an art walk that promotes the work of local artists. There are plenty of galleries and shops to explore downtown as well, including Cheers Beverage, a local craft beer distributor, Pocono Soap, a bath and body shop, and Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop.
Lititz
Lititz is a delicious landmark on any food lover’s road trip, best known for being home to the country’s oldest commercial pretzel bakery. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery offers interactive tours of the facilities, a pretzel-twisting lesson, fresh-baked soft pretzels, and chocolate-covered pretzels to try, as well as a gift shop, making every visit a memorable experience. After exploring the pretzel factory, take an afternoon stroll in Lititz Spring Park, a scenic and historic park that has been open to the public for more than 200 years. In February, visitors from all over the country flock to the Fire & Ice Festival, a winter festival featuring ice sculpting, food trucks, and live music.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro is located near the incredible Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Stretching 50 miles and plunging 1,000 feet deep, the gorge covers 300,000 acres of forestland, making for a great place to kayak or hike. In downtown Wellsboro, visitors can appreciate the Victorian historic district, lined with authentic Victorian gas lights and 19th-century architecture. Some of the most iconic landmarks on Main Street include the Wellsboro Diner, a retro-style diner dating back to 1938, The Penn-Wells Hotel, operating since 1869, and the Arcadia Theatre, putting on shows and films since 1921.
Ligonier
Just an hour’s drive from Pittsburg, Ligonier attracts countless tourists with its historic fort. During the French and Indian War, Fort Ligonier once served as a British fort. Today, travelers can explore the site, now home to a replica fort and a museum filled with artifacts from the French and Indian War. To witness live battle reenactments, make sure to attend the fort during its famous annual Ligonier Days, which take place in the fall of each year. For an elegant dinner, grab a bite at Carol & Dave’s Roadhouse Restaurant, located in the historic district, just a seven-minute walk from the fort.
Final Thoughts
Although it may seem unlikely to find Hershey’s chocolate and a French and Indian War fort in the same article, Pennsylvania’s diverse towns make it possible. If you want to experience the heart of this vast state, home to nearly 13 million people, these nine towns are the perfect starting point. So lace up your walking shoes, come hungry, and get ready to explore, because these towns are waiting to welcome you!
