These 8 Towns Are Pennsylvania's Best-Kept Secret
As one of the 13 original colonies, Pennsylvania is known for its role in our nation's wars. Battles and battlefields figure prominently in its history, and many towns and cities throughout the state showcase spots where battles were fought, or memorials are displayed. Some of these larger towns are well known for their role in the state's history. Hidden in plain sight among them, however, are smaller towns that are often overlooked. Tourists are not as likely to flock to these towns, which means more space and better deals for those who do.
Athens
Save Europe for a future trip because just two miles south of the New York state line is Northeastern PA’s very own Athens, a small town with a big heart. Newcomers and visitors alike can’t help but notice the genuine friendliness of the people in the town. Visitors are struck by the lush surroundings no matter what time of year they visit, whether they have come to see the leaves burst into rainbow colors in the fall, enjoy cross-country skiing on snow-covered trails in winter, hiking in spring and summer, and always the incredible views of the rivers and the valley.
Situated along the Susquehanna River and Chemung River, Athens (pop. 3,231) lies in what locals call "the Valley." The town and surrounding township have a plentiful park system, including Round Top Park, 600 acres with spectacular Valley views. Its 11 pavilions, all with water, electric, and charcoal grills, are ideal for family gatherings or an impromptu picnic for two. The park also has a playground, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a ballpark, a fish pond, glider swings, and hiking trails to enjoy all four seasons of the year. After a day outdoors, take your appetite to Mad Hatters Cafe and Tea Garden on Main Street.
Bedford
The town's website proclaims, "It all happens here!" and looking at the list of events planned throughout the year, they mean it. Outsiders are often surprised by what this town of 2,830 residents offers. Any town that has both a Chocolate Walk and a Wine & Spirits Walk deserves attention, but Bedford's lively schedule features multiple events. This includes Wheels & Wings car show and races on May 17, Independence Day festivities and cornhole tourney; the Fall Festival in October, and so much more.
Historic downtown Bedford brims with shops offering everything from super-soft socks at Alpaca Shop to Peppercorn Market, stocked with delectable items to fill your charcuterie board plus candles, pillows and more. Relax and be pampered at Harmony Hair and Day Spa or the spa at the Omni Hotel. Dine in historic, 18th century surroundings at Jean Bonnet Tavern or burgers at Bad Boyz Bistro.
Chadds Ford
Like most eastern Pennsylvania towns, Chadds Ford has a rich Revolutionary War history that is still evident in its colonial-era buildings, 18th-century fences, and the Brandywine Battlefield Park, where George Washington and his men encamped during the Battle of Brandywine, so named because it was fought along Brandywine Creek. Visit the Chadds Ford Historical Society and tour its museum, which is contained in three original colonial buildings.
This town of 3,941 residents distinguished itself, however, through its connection to American art and artists. The Brandywine School was a style of illustration and an art movement housed in Chadds Ford. The work of students who became noted artists, like N.C. Wyeth, Norman Rockwell, and Howard Pyle, who founded the movement and taught these rising artists, can be seen at the Brandywine River Museum of Art. See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall on a side trip to Philadelphia, less than an hour away. Then, return to The Gables at Chadds Ford for dinner in a luxurious renovated barn.
Dormont
The town of 7,930 is perhaps best known as one of the closest south suburbs of the city of Pittsburgh. But Dormont is more than a convenient town en route to the city. It is a close-knit community with a small-town vibe of its own. Dormont Pool, one of the largest outdoor public pools in the state, is a historic landmark going back to 1920. It has been lovingly maintained through funds raised by admission fees and the community so that children growing up in the area today will have the golden memories previous generations cherished of summer days at the pool. Dormont Park surrounds the pool and offers hiking trails and a playground.
Beat the prices of hotels in the city by staying in one of the close suburbs such as Dormont, Mt. Lebanon, or Greentree. Whatever you decide to do in the city, be sure to take the Duquesne or Monongahela inclines up to Mt. Washington, where you will have the best view of the Pittsburgh skyline, bridges, and rivers. Dine at one of the fancy restaurants on Grandview Avenue, aka Restaurant Row. Or go to one of the overlooks for the magnificent view, then head back to Dormont to Thai Spoon or Moonlit Burgers for a late bite to eat.
Ohiopyle
On any trip to Pittsburgh, set aside a day to enjoy Ohiopyle, located 70 miles south of the city (a 1.5-hour drive). The town of about 37 people is surrounded by Ohiopyle State Park, one of PA's largest state parks at 22,000 acres. Situated on the Youghiogheny River, the park offers Class II to Class IV whitewater rapids, tubing around its rocky expanse, and hiking trails to two waterfalls; the 20-foot drop of Ohiopyle Falls is visible from Main Street. Backpackers make their way to Ohiopyle to access the trailhead of the 70-mile-long Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, while others swim, fish, canoe, and kayak in the park.
Take a sandwich break at Falls Market Restaurant and Inn, where you can also rent a room, or rent a 4-person cabin at Yough Lake Campground. Make time for the six-minute drive to Fallingwater, architect Frank Lloyd Wright's renowned masterpiece of organic architecture.
Ligonier
For many people, Ligonier is synonymous with Idlewild amusement park, a staple for over 145 years. At some point, Soak Zone water park was added, and the fairy tale park next door, Story Book Forest, became part of Idlewild too. So now, visitors can enjoy the rides, water park, and the tree-covered Story Book area for one entry fee. In winter, hit the slopes at Seven Springs Mountain Resort for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, about 30 minutes away.
The town of Ligonier, population 1,481, has a lot of history to share. Fort Ligonier has been reconstructed from the French & Indian War days. Reenactments often take place, especially during Fort Ligonier Days in the fall, which is a three-day festival with food, crafts, and a parade.
Milford
Even residents of Pennsylvania often lump together the towns in northeastern PA under the umbrella of "The Poconos." While the area is known for excellent skiing and other winter sports, Milford also has historic and cultural delights worth exploring. Situated near the Delaware River, Milford's close proximity to the New York/Pennsylvania state line makes the town part of metropolitan NYC as well. Visit Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, the ancestral home of Gifford Pinchot, who served as governor and first Chief of the US Forest Service and founded the American Conservation Movement.
The town of 1,128 is at the gateway to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, with hiking trails to waterfalls (including the highest in the state!), kayaking and canoeing, fishing, beaches for swimming,g and more. Pets can join you on The Cliff Trail for a moderate hike with outstanding views. Time your visit to coincide with the Milford Music Festival from June 20 to June 22, the Milford Readers and Writers Festival from September 12 to September 14, or the Black Bear Film Festival in October. Check into the Historic Dimmick Inn for dinner and a cozy room, a Milford staple since 1855.
Edinboro
Pennsylvania is one of the fortunate states that borders a Great Lake, in this case, Erie, which is well known for its beaches and nightlife. Those who prefer a more leisurely, smaller place to relax can go just 30 minutes southeast of Erie to Edinboro, a town of 5,821 that is part college town and part resort. The former Edinboro University merged with Clarion and California state schools to become PennWest in 2021. The streets of the town are abuzz with artists, art studios and galleries, antique shops and more
In the summer, the town becomes a resort thanks to its centerpiece, Edinboro Lake. The nearly 250-acre lake includes three public boat launches, kayak and gear rentals, a public beach for swimming, and many places to fish. Near the Edinboro Dam is Mallory Run, a special, stocked fishing spot set aside for kids under 12 and fishers with handicaps. In winter, several places rent equipment for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Edinboro Lake Resort rents one- and two-bedroom cabins with full kitchens and baths. Edinboro's convenient location makes it a 1 hour, 35-minute drive to Cleveland, OH, and a 1 hour, 40-minute drive to Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania's small-town gems, each with fewer than 10,000 residents, offer travelers alternatives to the usual tourist destinations. For beachgoers, try Edinboro Lake, which is quieter and more relaxing than Lake Erie, still with gorgeous lakeside views. Instead of a Broadway show in NYC, meet and talk with favorite authors at the Milford Readers and Writers Festival. Forego the crowds and expense of huge amusement parks for the quaint Idlewild Park in Ligonier. Hiking, fishing, and exploring nature's wonders have a way of bringing families together, topped off with tales around the campfire (or fireplace) at day's end. Find what you are looking for in one of Pennsylvania's best-kept secrets.
