9 Small Towns in Pennsylvania Were Ranked Among US Favorites
From the soaring Appalachian Mountains to the tranquil Great Lakes, Pennsylvania is a beautiful state in the Mid-Atlantic United States. Tourists from all over are drawn in by the abundant natural landscapes and lively vibe that is prevalent throughout the state. Pennsylvania also features some of America’s favorite small towns with entertainment, amenities, and history. These small towns cannot be found anywhere else and are perfect destinations to visit and enjoy.
Milford
Starting off the list with a bang, Milford is a reprieve from urban hustle and bustle in Pennsylvania. The town is home to a tight-knit community of 1,100 residents always up for a chat or outing. Speaking to people, you’ll quickly learn about the town’s intricate past that spans more than 200 years. If you find this intriguing, check out sites like the Grey Towers National Historic Site and The Columns Museum. The Grey Towers National Historic Site is a French château style home that was built in 1886. Visitors can tour the establishment and indulge in its intricate architecture, memorabilia, and rustic appeal. The Columns Museum is another popular establishment showcasing the famous “bloody Lincoln flag,” among dozens of other items from the 19th century.
Get outside and you’ll find that Milford is filled with an array of natural attractions. Head out to Raymondskill Falls, Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall which is engulfed by rocks and verdant greenery. The falls are just a short hike away and offer a fantastic environment to take memorable pictures. For a more relaxing experience, one can opt to relax at Milford Beach instead. You can enjoy swimming, boating, canoeing, and at this scenic grassy beach along the Delaware River in Milford. So, from historic tours to outdoor fun, Milford is a favorite for tourists in Pennsylvania.
New Hope
Follow the Delaware River southwest to the bustling town of New Hope in Bucks County. Riddled with quirky stores, delicious restaurants, and cultural attractions, there is something for everyone in town. So, you can indulge in a tasty Italian meal at Italian Cucina or try out handcrafted vine at the New Hope Winery. For a more entertaining experience, book a table at Bucks County Playhouse, a historic theatre from 1939. Here, one can watch a number of interesting performances such as Angela Lansbury while enjoying fine dining on the Playhouse Deck. No matter what you decide to do, the positive environment and friendly people are enough for a good time in town!
Nature enthusiasts also flock to New Hope as the town is filled with charming outdoor areas like the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. Featuring more than 700 species of flora, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant colors and thick foliage throughout. The preserve also has 4.5 miles of trails that traverse through forests, wetlands, and meadows providing an enchanting appeal. A few miles away, the Delaware Canal is another outdoor destination you’re sure to love. Walk along miles of waterside pavement that was once part of an important shipping route to New York. So, you can take a trip back in time while engulfed by the tranquil river and thick trees for a fun time in New Hope.
Lititz
If the historical trail at New Hope was intriguing, why not delve deeper with a trip to Lititz? From America’s first commercial pretzel bakery to the gravesite of John A. Sutter, the possibilities are endless in town. If you’re a foodie, start off at the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery with an interactive tour that covers the entire pretzel-making process. At the end of the tour, get some fresh pretzels that will fill your mouth with baked goodness. On the other hand, learn about a Protestant denomination in Christianity at the Lititz Moravian Church. It was members of this church that founded the town in 1756 making it an iconic destination for history nerds. Whether it's these or the 100+ historic buildings in the Lititz Moravian Historic District, you’ll never get bored of the interesting stories of Lititz.
Take a step back into the present and Lititz boasts a lively main street rich with antique shops, quaint cafes, and eccentric restaurants. One can enjoy a lovely salad at Tomato Pie Cafe which is known for its freshness and great service. Adults can opt for some chilled drinks at Bulls Head Public House where the rustic interior will keep you hooked. End your walk through town with some souvenirs from Moravian House Antiques and you’ll have had the perfect time in Pennsylvania.
Jim Thorpe
Visit the idyllic town of Jim Thorpe to enter a world of entertainment and vibrance. Named to commemorate the burial site of Native American Sports Legend, Jim Thorpe, this town is a favorite for tourists all over the country. Take in the charm at one of the many cultural attractions such as Asa Packer Mansion, Old Jail Museum, and Studio YNW. From 27 jail cells built in the 1800s to alluring art pieces by local artists at the studio, the town’s vibrant culture is prevalent. Apart from the past, try one’s hand at entertaining activities such as the annual Race Street Run foot race. Taking place through the mountains near town, this race takes place in June and is filled with stunning views and new people. If you miss the race, there’s no need to fret as the Mauch Chunk Opera House hoses regular concerts for a fun night in town.
Meanwhile, the adrenaline enthusiast can also have a blast in town. Brave the white waters of the Lehigh River Gorge at Jim Thorpe River Adventures. Trips are 3-4 hours long and include class 1 and 2 rapids so even adventurous people can enjoy the thrill. Continue the adrenaline-filled fun with a mountain biking trip along the nearby mountain trails. Rental bikes are available for a speedy ride that’ll take you through treacherous paths engulfed by towering peaks. That said, calmer options are also open from easy water rafting to walking trails so you can also have a good time without the risk!
Hawley
Continue the waterside fun from Jim Thorpe at the underrated lake town of Hawley. Nestled along the Lackawaxen River and Lake Wallenpaupack, outdoor recreation is plentiful. Enjoy the waters firsthand at Lake Wallenpaupak where one can go boating, swimming, or canoeing on the 5,700-acre lake. Plan a trip during Winter and the lake freezes over providing a new set of opportunities like ice skating and ice fishing! With hiking and camping also available along the coast, it is a magnificent man-made body of water that tourists adore. Another unique way to take in the scenery is at Soarin Eagle Rail Tours. Hop on one of the custom-made railbikes and slide along the tracks while watching the beautiful surroundings and wildlife.
In addition to the natural recreation, Hawley features one of the state’s best downtown areas. Whether it is the eateries along Main Street or the theatres on Keystone Street, this area is a wellspring of entertainment for tourists. Book a seat at Harmony In The Woods theatre to watch a quaint performance with a side of rustic ambiance. Or, indulge in some delicious American cuisine at The Settlers Inn. The options are endless so anyone can relish their time in this highly-ranked U.S. town.
Stroudsburg
Located in Monroe County, Stroudsburg is a peaceful town of 6,000 in Pennsylvania. The town is popular with tourists because it has a lively arts scene, charming businesses, and beautiful streets. One can take in the unique vibe at entertaining attractions such as Sherman Theater and Klues Escape Room. Adults will enjoy the antique atmosphere of Sherman Theatre which hosts regular shows by Megadeth, Shadows Fall, Train, and other artists. For a more interactive experience, challenge your mind at Klues Escape Room. Offering a 60-minute puzzle with multiple rooms, one can immerse themselves in a puzzle world. Thousands of tourists can be found walking the streets and enjoying these fun opportunities. After a fun day out, most people tend to relax with a drink at the Renegade Winery or Siamsa Irish bar.
Parallel to the towny fun, there is also a range of pursuits that history lovers will enjoy. A top spot that mixes nature and history is the Quiet Valley Farm southwest of town. This American farm was originally owned by a family in the 1760s so it provides an insight into agricultural life at the time. On the nature side, there are tours of the farm, animal feeding trips, and even a 5K Rooster Run which are great family activities in the outdoors. Combine this with sites such as the Monroe County Historical Association and you’ll never get bored of Stroudsburg.
Gettysburg
A name synonymous with America’s military past, Gettysburg is the site of the famed Battle of Gettysburg. Fought in and around the town from July 1-3, 1863, the battle between Union and Confederate forces was a turning point in the American Civil War. Commemorate the fallen soldiers at the 6,000-acre Gettysburg National Military Park. You can learn about the iconic event by taking walking tours, hiking with rangers, and attending presentations. These activities cover most of the battlefield and support areas. Moreover, the Gettysburg National Cemetary and Gettysburg Museum & Visitor Center allow military enthusiasts to indulge in the historic value of this site. Beyond the Battle of Gettysburg, one can also visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site, Seminary Ridge Museum, and Shriver Home Museum for some more insight into the past.
Museums aside, the town is also home to some unique attractions that attract people from across the country. Come sit at Hunt's Battlefield Fries & Cafe, a military-themed restaurant with tasty burgers and lots of decorations. After a nice meal, wait till evening to endure a spooky experience with the Gettysburg Ghost Tours. Visitors can get a closer look at paranormal sites in town such as Unity Park with a professional guide to add on haunted stories and facts. All in all, there is no place better than Gettysburg for a trip back in time.
Doylestown
If the unique entertainment of Gettysburg weren’t enough, drive over to Doylestown for some more enthralling attractions. Featuring 3 out of the 5 castles in Bucks County, this town is a surprising hub for these towering structures. One can begin their castle tour at the Mercer Museum, a combination of history on the inside and outside. Tour the six-story concrete building to experience its grandeur while appreciating the 40,000 items on display throughout. After Mercer Museum, head over to Fonthill Castle, a smaller structure that was once home to American archeologist and collector, Henry Chapman Mercer. With more than 40 rooms to explore and a medieval vibe to it, you can spend hours strolling the halls and endless prints on display. End off your castle trip at the smallest of the bunch, Kids Castle. Established in 1997, it is designed for special needs children with visual, auditory, and other types of cues to help them have fun. The best part is, all of these castles were either erected by or inspired by the famous Henry Chapman Mercer, a true pioneer in his many fields of work.
While there are plenty of other historical sites to visit, take a breather at one of the local parks. Central Park offers a reprieve from the town’s 8,300-strong population so you can relax and chill out. With basketball courts, soccer fields, walking trails, and tennis courts on offer, there is plenty to do in this greenery-filled area. If not green, take in endless fields of lavender at the Peace Valley Lavender Farm. Encompassing more than 3,000 lavender plants of various species, it feels like you’ve entered a fantasy world!
Wellsboro
A few hours northwest of Doylestown, Wellsboro is a treasure trove of natural allure. From state parks to hiking trails, nature lovers adore this town in Tioga County. For an immersive outdoor experience, start your journey at the Leonard Harrison State Park. Famed for its panoramic hillside views of the Pine Creek Gorge, this park is an abode of natural scenery. There are a number of ways to enjoy the park such as fishing, boating, camping, hunting, and hiking. So, from early morning boating to camping under the stars, it is a sublime slice of nature.
That said, if you want to take in as much as possible, opt for the 63.4 mile (102 km) Pine Creek Rail Trail. This massive path cuts through Leonard Harrison State Park, as well as Colton Point State Park, and Tioga State Forest. Encompassed by the Appalachian Mountains, rivers, verdant forests, and steep cliffs, you can become one with mother nature on this route. Keep your eyes open to spot lovely animals such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, and even rattlesnakes. Just by looking at Wellsboro's outdoor activities, it's clear why the town is popular in the U.S.
However, that’s not all. Even if you’re not into the outdoors, there is still a lot to do in town. From concerts and galleries to quirky souvenir stores, one can enjoy some casual shopping and entertainment in Wellsboro. Among the attractions, the Deane Center for the Performing Arts is one of the best with regular live music, events, and performances you can attend. For example, comic fans can plan for the Wellsboro Comic Con for some Marvel and DC chronicles.
With so much to offer, it's no doubt these towns are loved by people all over America. With ideal amenities and quaint environments, everyone can find something to enjoy. For example, history enthusiasts will adore the military past of Jim Thorpe while animal lovers flock to Wellsboro’s state parks. No matter what you’re into, plan your trip soon to take in the endless fun in these highly-ranked small towns.
