9 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in Pennsylvania

The “Keystone State” of Pennsylvania is indeed one of the United States’ most historically important, culturally fascinating, and equally naturally beautiful places. Full of rich histories and unique stories, Pennsylvania and its wonderful smaller towns are indeed destinations of great discovery and adventure. Whether one is seeking American history or looking for a truly scenic outdoors getaway, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is ready to deliver. So come explore this beautiful State through a journey into some of its lesser-known but equally enchanting small towns.

Bethlehem

Named after the Biblical place, the town of Bethlehem is naturally also known as “Christmas City USA” and is located in eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. One of the most unique and special destinations to spend Christmas in America, this town along the Lehigh River goes all out for the yuletide season. Here, thousands of decorations, trees, lights, and other themed activities fill the town, which together with its 19^th century lampposts and historic cobblestone streets make for a tremendous experience. Enjoy a horse carriage ride or stroll through a Christmas market, the spirit of goodwill is most evident in Bethlehem and will surely leave any visitor with tons of memories. Meanwhile if in town outside of the winter season, one can also enjoy a number of historic landmarks, pleasing panoramas, and beautiful park spaces that make this an enjoyable locale no matter what time of year.

Swarthmore

A small college town that is home to just over 6,000 inhabitants, Swarthmore is a most charming and relaxing community situated near the banks of the Delaware River. With beautiful views of nature and calming opportunities for strolls along the waterfront, Swarthmore is indeed a nice change of pace for many in the State. Home to the same named College founded in 1864, the town also offers an assortment of welcoming markets, boutique stores, and locally run eateries, which create a nice snapshot of rustic small town America. Meanwhile visiting Swarthmore would not be complete without a stop at the Scott Arboretum. Here a most impressive collection of more than 4,000 plant types on the College campus create not only great photo opportunities, but a truly informative excursion for guests of all ages.

Wellsboro

The town of Wellsboro was formally incorporated in the 1830s and today is home to a humble population of nearly 3,500 residents. Seat of Tioga County, this historic town is indeed a charming place where lovers of the past can certainly get a slice of 19^th century life. Stroll through Main Street and the Historic District where gas powered street lights continue to operate and marvel at such landmarks like the First Presbyterian Church (1894) and the County Courthouse (1835) amongst many others. And with so much architecture in a Victorian style there is always a photo or video to be taken. In addition, the outdoors enthusiast can enjoy the many hiking, biking, and walking trails at the nearby Pine Creek Gorge. Here wonderful, forested surroundings and beautiful valley views create a relaxing and breathtaking ambience for all.

Hershey

As the headquarters of the Hershey Chocolate Company, this same-named town is indeed fundamentally tied to the tasty treat. Founded in 1903 by Milton Hershey so that company employees could have closer access to work, this planned town has now grown to a sizeable population of nearly 14,000 residents. Chocolate and its related products continue to remain the main economic driver however, and visitors will certainly not want to miss out on this “sweet” destination. Explore the Hersheypark theme park or spend the day at Chocolate World, where insightful factory tours, shops, and unique merchandise of all that is Hershey Chocolate is delightful for all ages. In addition the beautiful ZooAmerica is also a great stop for the whole family in a town that is truly one of Pennsylvania’s most welcoming and unique places.   

Lititz

Lititz is one of Pennsylvania’s oldest permanent settlements, tracing its history back to 1710. Now the home of just under 10,000 inhabitants, this colonial town is indeed one of the best places to explore America’s 18^th century history. The site of several well preserved buildings and landmarks from the 1700s and 1800s as well as an immersive historic district, Lititz allows guests to enjoy authentic encounters with the young United States. Meanwhile the town also offers an assortment of great festivals held throughout the year which include the Summer Art Show and the Fire and Ice Festival. Add in a charming array of local boutique shops, tasty diners, and an overflowing dose of hospitality, and this historic locale will surely leave any visitor with some very positive memories.

Williamsport

Williamsport is situated just some 85 miles from Pennsylvania’s capital, Harrisburg but is in its own right one of the most important centers in the State. The seat of Lycoming County, the town can trace its foundational roots to the year 1769 and today is home to a population of nearly 28,000. Located along the Susquehanna River, this once major hub of lumber production is now a modern and bustling center of finance, higher education, and the arts. For the passing tourist, Williamsport is also a great place to discover, and indeed even a casual stroll through its neighborhoods will reveal an assortment of historic landmarks, fascinating museums, local cafes, and more. At the Millionaire’s Row Historic District, there are some 263 individual buildings listed as being of historical importance and on the National Register of Historic Places. And of course for the outdoors lover, the town also has a number of welcoming green spaces that are wonderful for biking, hiking, and jogging all in the atmosphere of a most exciting Pennsylvania locale.

Middleburg

Established in the 1860s, the town of Middleburg is now the home of a modest population of just over 1,300 residents and serves as the seat of Snyder County. A most historically charming setting, visitors to this town can really get a feeling of time travel through direct exploration of numerous 19^th and early 20^th century landmarks and other buildings. And as part of the Susquehanna Valley, residents and guests alike will always be able to enjoy truly scenic surroundings and opportunities for fun outdoor activities including cycling and hiking. Meanwhile stops at the Shade Mountain Winery not only grants unique insight into this part of Pennsylvania’s history but offers up some of the very best drinks produced in the Poconos mountain area.

Honesdale

The seat of Wayne County, Honesdale was founded in the 1820s and remains a most welcoming and charming place full of natural beauty and historic allure. With close proximity to the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers, there are always plenty of inviting opportunities to enjoy being on the water. These include fishing, rafting, and sailing, while in the surrounding areas, one can also enjoy hiking and biking. Meanwhile history lovers can also appreciate this small town of just under 4,500 residents through stops at the Wayne County Historical Society Museum and even a ride on the most unique Stourbridge train line. And with most stunning views of the Poconos Mountains together with its riverside attraction, Honesdale truly is a total package that any visitor to Pennsylvania will surely not want to miss.

Hawley

Just a short drive from Honesdale, the town of Hawley is also beautifully located along the Lackawaxen River where some 1,300 residents call home. Indeed this Poconos resort town features many opportunities for activities like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and even tubing in a most scenic ambience. In addition one can enjoy some wonderful biking and hiking trails at the nearby Bushkill Falls, which are also lovingly known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania”. Meanwhile back in town itself, historic landmarks like the Ritz Theater and the Hawley Silk Mill (1880) featured on the National Register of Historic Places round out any guests stay in Hawley, where unique American history and stunning natural vistas come together in a most special way.

For close encounters with colonial American history, exquisite natural landmarks, and loads of culturally rewarding experiences, the State of Pennsylvania is indeed the place to be. Here visitors with a variety of interests can enjoy the richness that is the “Keystone State”, across an exploration of many of its wonderful towns. Though major centres like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh continue to dominate attention, it is certainly the State’s other smaller and unique towns that also warrant discovery. From the historic centre of Lititz to the Christmas joy of Bethlehem, these and other unique Pennsylvania towns are definite gems that will enrich anyone’s visit to this important State in America.