11 Storybook Towns In Pennsylvania
A pretzel bakery that has been folding dough since the 1800s. A mountain town named for an Olympic gold medalist. A village that essentially invented the American chocolate bar. Pennsylvania's small towns make a compelling case on specifics alone, and the variety on offer is difficult to match. Some carry centuries of carefully preserved history, with museums, landmarks, and architecture that bring the past into sharp focus. Others are defined by stunning natural landscapes that frame the town as much as the buildings do. Several have historic performance venues and local food scenes rooted in the character of the community. These are the kinds of towns that feel plucked from another era, where the pace slows down and the character of a place is still very much intact.
Hershey
Hershey, nicknamed the "Sweetest Place on Earth," truly lives up to its name as it is home to the Hershey Chocolate Company, making it a popular destination for chocolate lovers. Guests can enjoy an immersive experience at Hershey’s Chocolate World, which takes them through the process of creating America's best chocolate brand. The experience includes magical tour rides and delightful tasting sessions.
The Hershey Story Museum offers insight into the company's evolution, originally envisioned by Milton S. Hershey. The museum showcases rare and unique exhibits that highlight Milton's childhood and the challenges and successes he encountered while establishing Hershey's.
For families looking to take a break from the sweet treats, the Hershey Theatre is an excellent option. This intimate 1,900-seat venue hosts entertaining Broadway shows and children's performances, featuring a variety of touring acts from across the country. Visitors can expect top-tier talent for an unforgettable experience.
New Hope
This charming town in eastern Pennsylvania draws travelers in with its picturesque riverside setting, complemented by beautiful natural areas and a vibrant arts scene. The New Hope Railroad invites visitors to enjoy an easygoing journey through the heart of the community and its outskirts, showcasing the rolling hills and valleys of Bucks County. Arts and culture are central to the New Hope community, with locals gathering at the historic Bucks County Playhouse to support regional artists. This former grist mill, which dates back to the 18th century, is located beside the Delaware River and hosts a variety of performances, including dramas, concerts, and children's shows.
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve perfectly represents the delightful natural spots that can be found throughout New Hope. This peaceful 134-acre sanctuary features tranquil pathways that wind through a vibrant mix of shrubs, wildflowers, and other plants, showcasing over 700 native species of Pennsylvania.
Gettysburg
Gettysburg is renowned as one of the most historically significant towns in Pennsylvania and across the United States, famous for hosting the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Tourists flock to the Gettysburg National Military Park for an immersive experience in American history, which preserves the original site of the Battle of Gettysburg. The park features a wonderful museum with interactive Civil War exhibits and original artifacts related to the conflict.
Downtown Gettysburg is filled with landmarks from its early years, including the Dobbin House Tavern. Built in 1776, this establishment is as old as America and is the town's oldest structure, still serving delicious soups, wines, and main dishes in a romantic, rustic setting. Be sure to visit the David Wills House to learn about the aftermath of the Civil War and Lincoln's iconic Gettysburg Address. This home from the 1810s features a seven-gallery museum with a wealth of related archives.
Mount Holly Springs
Located approximately 25 miles north of Gettysburg, Mount Holly Springs is a charming village in Cumberland County surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. It is bordered by the dense woodlands of the Michaux State Forest and the scenic peaks of the Southern Mountain. This setting offers numerous outdoor opportunities, especially within the 900-acre Mount Holly Marsh Preserve. Here, rugged terrain and thick forests conceal secluded nature trails, ideal for hikers and backpackers. If you prefer fishing, you can visit Precision Fly Fishing & Tackle to get the right gear and find a peaceful spot along Mountain Creek to enjoy a relaxing fly fishing session.
Mount Holly Springs is also known for its delicious farm-to-table cuisine. New visitors can indulge in fresh local flavors at Cassell's Grille, a casual diner that features both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu offers classic American dishes, including sweet potato fries and chicken sandwiches.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe, named for the first Native American athlete to win Olympic gold, is known for its dreamy outdoor scenery and rich cultural heritage. Set in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, the town offers exciting sightseeing adventures, especially when you ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. This 70-minute trip into Lehigh Gorge State Park reveals mountainous forests, deep gorges, dramatic cliffs, and other spectacular natural landscapes of the Poconos region.
Culture connoisseurs can explore Jim Thorpe's captivating heritage at the Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center. The Victorian building displays cultural, historical, and industrial artifacts that highlight the community's history, including the inspiring story of the athlete Jim Thorpe. If you fancy an absorbing live performance, you can stop by the legendary Mauch Chunk Opera House for the perfect musical infusion of the new and the old inside an 1800s establishment.
Doylestown
Doylestown, unlike its neighboring city of Philadelphia, offers a relaxed, small-town atmosphere along with a renowned downtown skyline featuring stunning architectural masterpieces. The town is particularly famous for the Mercer Mile, which showcases three historic buildings designed by archaeologist and amateur architect Henry Chapman Mercer. These buildings, Fonthill Castle, the Mercer Museum, and the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works Museum, were constructed between the mid-1800s and early 1900s and are known for their remarkable opulence. They once served as a home for Mercer and now house a collection of artifacts, archives, and relics that document his life and work.
Visitors to the Michener Art Museum can appreciate a vast collection of American art, including impressionist paintings from Pennsylvania. Additionally, those intrigued by the dark and mysterious can explore the VAMPA Vampire & Paranormal Museum. This unique attraction features quirky exhibits, including killing sets, occult equipment, talking boards, and other paranormal items.
State College
State College, the most famous college town in Pennsylvania, is vibrant and full of youthful energy, thanks to its lively arts community and bustling bar and restaurant scene. It is home to Penn State University, which has enhanced the local cultural landscape with the Palmer Museum of Art. This state-of-the-art facility showcases at least 11,000 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings, making it the largest collection between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
The young population is always eager for a good time, so be sure to visit Antifragile Brewing Company for delicious craft beers in an upbeat atmosphere. Additionally, don’t miss the excitement of a college football game at Beaver Stadium, the home of the Penn State Nittany Lions. With a seating capacity of 106,000, it is the second-largest stadium in the Western Hemisphere.
Lititz
Lititz was founded in the mid-18th century by Moravians and harbors a remarkable historical heritage. A town of many firsts, it is home to one of the country's oldest Fourth of July celebrations and the oldest girls' boarding school, which you can visit at the Linden Hall School for girls. This history comes alive at the Lititz Historical Foundation through well-preserved artifacts and memorabilia. Guests can also take tours of notable related landmarks in the town, such as the 1740s Johannes Mueller House.
Your trip isn't complete without stopping by the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, America's oldest pretzel bakery, for a taste of the luscious snack. The 19th-century structure hosts exciting tours where guests can learn the proper way to fold a pretzel.
Brookville
This quiet community of Jefferson County boasts a preserved historic district with several vintage buildings, surrounded by a lushly forested backcountry. At the Jefferson County History Center, you will learn that Brookville was founded in 1830 and sort through piles of documents, old photographs, relics, and other artifacts about regional history dating back to prehistoric times. Car enthusiasts will be interested in examining the vintage collection of over 70 Cadillacs at the Greenberg Cadillac Museum. It is the largest Cadillac fleet on display in America and features models from the early 1900s and later.
Elsewhere, you can breach the urban square for quality time in the great outdoors at Scripture Rocks Heritage Park. This isolated nature space is unique for dozens of age-old boulders engraved with scripture from more than a century ago.
Saltsburg
Saltsburg is a hidden gem in western Pennsylvania with a history steeped in salt mining, hence the name. Established in the 18th century, it preserves a fine selection of historic buildings, such as the Rebecca B. Hadden Stone House Museum. A tour of the home transports guests back to the 1830s, as period furnishings, historical records, and artifacts provide a window into the past. Miles of trails run through the area, inviting hikers and bikers to step out and explore the outdoors. The West Penn Trail is an excellent option, stretching 17 miles along the scenic Conemaugh River that delights with pleasant water and forest views.
Additionally, the Loyalhanna Reservoir provides a serene escape to simply relax and enjoy nature. The 480-acre lake promises a range of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking on its grassy shores.
Benton
Benton is the perfect escape from busy city life, providing a quiet natural haven with endless opportunities to immerse in its great outdoors. It is notably home to Ricketts Glen State Park, a 13,000-acre playground for hikers, anglers, campers, and other adventurers. The reserve's scenic allure is punctuated by at least 20 stunning waterfalls and 26 miles of pristine wooded trails. A drive around town and its fantastic countryside will bring you to the postcard-worthy Jud Christian Covered Bridge. This historic landmark, built in 1876, stretches 63 feet across Little Fishing Creek in a quiet, forested section.
If you have a taste for fine wine, be sure to sample the sweet varieties crafted at Colonel Ricketts Hard Cider. This delightful Appalachian-style cider is set in the mountains and lets you enjoy the views simultaneously as you sip your glass.
Whether you are seeking a break from the hectic city life or looking for a charming rural community to enjoy during your weekend getaway, these delightful small towns in Pennsylvania have everything you need to fall in love with the countryside of the United States. From the riverside charm of New Hope to the forested beauty of Jim Thorpe, their quiet and slow pace of life allows you to disconnect from reality for a while and fully appreciate life's simple pleasures.
