12 Small Pennsylvania Towns That Make Great Weekend Trips
Pennsylvania rewards short trips better than almost any other state. Within a few hours’ drive, you can move from ridge-and-valley farmland to Appalachian highlands, lake country, river towns, and old industrial corridors that have quietly reinvented themselves. These places offer walkable downtowns, nearby trails, historic neighborhoods, and just enough to fill two or three days without feeling rushed. From Laurel Highlands boroughs to Susquehanna River towns and Pocono foothill communities, these are 12 Pennsylvania towns that make for especially rewarding weekend trips.
Farmington
Nestled in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania, some 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, is the quaint yet monumental village of Farmington. At first glance, this seems like a quiet rural area, and the nearby Ohiopyle State Park really does feel far removed from big city life with its 20,000 acres of rugged Appalachian wilderness with ample opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and kayaking. Yet near the state park lie not one, but two iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes: the hillside Kentuck Knob that seemingly blends into the mountains, and the UNESCO-recognized Fallingwater that’s built atop an actual waterfall.
For more unique artistic experiences, it’s a short drive out to the Touchstone Center for Crafts and its gallery full of works by local and international artists. And then, there’s Nemacolin, the legendary luxury resort with its own on-site art programs, its stunning array of gourmet restaurants, its full-service Woodlands Spa, its full array of sports activities at The Peak, and its three hotels offering distinct luxury lodging experiences.
Titusville
Titusville might officially be known as the “Valley That Changed the World,” yet this Northwestern Pennsylvania town (around 45 miles southeast of Erie) also makes an inviting refuge to escape the troubles of the outside world. So, how did Titusville “change the world”? Basically, this is where the first commercially successful oil well was drilled, and Drake Well Museum and Park is where one will find this original 1859 oil well alongside exhibits showcasing over 160 years of fossil fuel history. Meanwhile, to the south, Oil Creek State Park protects an area that was quickly developed to extract oil, an area that’s more recently been reclaimed by nature as abandoned wells and refineries blend into the forest.
Speaking of creeks, Caldwell Creek is a local stream that’s beloved for its prime conditions for trout fishing. Also near town, Crawford County Forest is a nice park to hit the trails and escape into nature. And for the perfect place to stay near all of these and more of the region’s special treasures, there’s The Caboose Motel, a boutique hotel set in an actual vintage train car.
Warren
Around 96 miles southwest of Buffalo (New York) is Warren, a town that serves as a gateway to the unspoiled and untamed beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Just beyond town limits is Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania’s only national forest that extends over 500,000 acres with a plethora of opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, hunting, and off-road vehicle riding. Meanwhile, at the heart of town is Clifford R. Betts Memorial Park, a great spot for boats to access the Allegheny River, along with a lush garden and multiple sporting fields on dry land.
Those who prefer a more manicured expanse of greens, Jackson Valley and Cable Hollow are two wonderfully scenic courses to go golfing in the region. Back in town, visitors can find the ideal place to rest and recover at the Hazeltine Boutique Hotel. This vintage 1907 mansion has a collection of cozy guest rooms, along with lovely common areas like a library, a conservatory, a billiard room, and an oversized veranda.
Punxsutawney
Punxsutawney might get a lot of attention every February, when weather watchers tune in to see if spring will arrive early, but there’s plenty more to see and do in this famously quirky town. Hoping to see the place where Groundhog Day is officially celebrated? Gobbler’s Knob is where to go to see the home of “Punxsutawney Phil” and learn the backstory of this funky holiday marking the tail end of the winter season. On this note, it’s also worth visiting Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center to learn more of the actual science of meteorology and weather forecasting.
If the weather permits and folks get the urge to explore more of the area’s great outdoors, the Mahoning Shadow Trail is a scenic and convenient resource for hiking and biking by Mahoning Creek. Also by the creek is Lonnie’s Restaurant and Bakery, a tasty treasure full of down-home and house-made goodness. And for plenty more local hospitality, Barclay Bed & Breakfast is a fantastic Victorian bed-and-breakfast to stay in.
DuBois
About 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, DuBois sits at the edge of extensive forestland in north-central Pennsylvania, serving as a convenient base for exploring the region’s lakes, state parks, and game lands. Just west of town, Kyle Lake works great for fishing and boating. Then, to the north lies State Game Lands Number 44, a multi-use forest preserve open for hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as hunting for bears, deer, and turkeys, and fishing for trout. And to the east, Parker Dam State Park has a beautiful fishing lake and a quaint collection of cabins and campsites, and it opens up to the wilder and more pristine Moshannon State Forest that’s perfect for backcountry hiking and biking, and for spotting local wildlife like Pennsylvania elk.
Those seeking a pure wilderness getaway will find that Parker Dam State Park and Moshannon State Forest are open to campers (via reservation). But for anyone who can use some more creature comfort, the Cedarwood Lodge vacation rental cabin is conveniently located near the state forest, and it’s a three-bedroom house that has plenty of room for families and groups.
Wellsboro
It’s roughly a 98-mile drive from Binghamton (New York) to Wellsboro, a town that opens up to a special place that’s taken on a reputation as “Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon.” More specifically, the nearby Tioga State Forest is home to much of Pine Creek Gorge, a 45 mile-long gorge that goes as far as 1,500 feet deep and provides wondrous opportunities to hike, bike, and horseback ride during the warmer months, and to hunt, snowmobile, and go cross-country skiing in winter. For even more spectacular Pine Creek Gorge scenery, it’s a gorgeous drive south to Leonard Harrison State Park and some of the canyon’s most famous vistas on the east rim, and to Colton Point State Park on the canyon’s west rim.
Even beyond the gorge, there’s more to explore, including the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Recreation Area that’s idyllic for boating, paddling, fishing, hiking, biking, and camping. But in case one can use a more comfortable place to stay the night, the Penn Wells Hotel & Lodge has travelers covered with stylish and well-appointed rooms and suites, plus they have some tasty dining options on site.
Eagles Mere
Tucked into the verdant forests of Northeastern Pennsylvania, around 71 miles west of Scranton, is the dreamy Appalachian hamlet of Eagles Mere. Within easy reach is the pristine natural beauty of Worlds Ends State Park at the heart of the Endless Mountains. Also nearby is Loyalsock State Forest, a 114,552-acre stretch of wild forest and woodlands along the lovely Loyalsock Creek, and a great place for hiking, biking, fishing, and seasonal hunting and skiing.
At State Game Lands Number 13, visitors encounter one of northeastern Pennsylvania’s largest contiguous tracts of protected game lands, drawing hunters in pursuit of white-tailed deer, black bears, and eastern wild turkeys. And right in the heart of town, Eagles Mere Lake becomes the perfect place during the warmer months for boating, paddling, and swimming. No trip to Eagles Mere feels complete without a stay at the historic Eagles Mere Inn. Since 1887, this historic hotel has welcomed guests into town with cozy and plush guest rooms, access to community amenities like the lake and the Country Club, and continental breakfast every morning.
Bellefonte
Just 11 miles northeast of State College is the appropriately named town of Bellefonte, a vivacious Victorian village that looks and feels like the ultimate throwback. Talleyrand Park might just be the most beautiful community park in the entire region with its prime location by Spring Creek, the historic suspension bridge, and even the old train station. Staying in town, the Bellefonte Art Museum showcases a number of works by local artists, and it now has a permanent exhibit to commemorate the local activists who participated in the Underground Railroad that helped Black Americans escape slavery in the 19th century.
For even more fascinating history, it’s a short stroll over to the Miles-Potter-Humes House, the Centre County Historical Museum with plenty of interesting artifacts and records stored in this 19th century Georgian-style house. Should folks need some sustenance after perusing around town, the family-owned Bonfatto’s is worth a stop for hearty Italian-American fare made with locally sourced ingredients. From there, it’s an easy jaunt up to The Gamble Mill, a historic flour mill that manufactured grain from 1786 to 1947, a mill that’s more recently become a boutique hotel with deluxe loft-style suites and The Republic bar-restaurant.
Gettysburg
Whether one is a hard-core military history buff, the beautiful public lands, or the charming small town vibes, the town of Gettysburg has something for everyone, and it’s only about an 87-mile drive from Washington, D.C. While here, one has to visit Gettysburg National Military Park to walk the storied grounds where Union forces ended the Confederates’ northern invasion and secured a major turning point in the American Civil War in 1863. For even more history, the Gettysburg Heritage Center offers a fully immersive and interactive experience where guests can get more local perspectives on the Civil War hitting home with the Battle of Gettysburg.
While Gettysburg is a critical epicenter of American history, it’s also surprisingly close to some truly great outdoors. In particular, Caledonia State Park and Michaux State Forest protect Pennsylvania’s end of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provide prime opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and even golfing and ATV riding in designated areas. Whatever one decides to do in and around Gettysburg, The Keystone Inn makes the perfect “base camp” in town with its convenient location near local museums, its stately and ornate guest rooms, and fresh breakfast served every morning.
Lititz
From the state capital of Harrisburg, it’s around a 39-mile journey to Lititz, a cute village in Pennsylvania Dutch Country that keeps alive traditions that have been burning bright since the 18th century. At the Lititz Historical Foundation compound, visitors can tour two historic houses: the Christian Schropp House built in 1793 that houses the museum exhibits, and the (1792) Johannes Mueller House offers an intimate view of Moravian immigrants’ life in this region during this period.
Even better, travelers can also enjoy a satisfying taste of local heritage at Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, the United States’ first commercial pretzel bakery (founded in 1861) and one that continues to hand-make their own soft pretzels. In addition, Wilbur Chocolate continues its own 130-year tradition of crafting “chocolate buds” and chocolate-covered fruits and nuts. And at Bulls Head Public House, folks can indulge in award-winning pub fare and craft beverages. To cap off the perfect Lititz getaway, Lititz Springs Inn offers a small yet refined collection of rooms and suites featuring custom-built furnishings and spa-style bathrooms.
New Hope
Perched right by the Delaware River, about 71 miles southwest of New York City (New York), is the colorful and creative Pennsylvania village of New Hope. Around town, visitors can find historic treasures like the Parry Mansion, a vintage 1784 estate built by the owner of a flour mill that eventually led to the town’s current name. Across the street from the Perry Mansion lies another dazzling gem, the Bucks County Playhouse and its acclaimed lineup of top-tier theatrical shows, music performances, and community art events.
New Hope is also a foodie paradise with fabulous restaurants like Stella of New Hope and Karla’s in town. Travelers have no shortage of great lodging options in and around New Hope, and a major highlight is the 1870 Wedgwood Inn Bed & Breakfast. Here, guests can enjoy classically elegant rooms and suites in a well-preserved Victorian manor and feast with an elaborate multi-course breakfast spread every morning.
West Chester
Situated in Southeast Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley, about 36 miles west of Philadelphia, is the stately town of West Chester. In West Chester’s vibrant downtown, the Chester County History Center preserves over 300 years of history documenting the fascinating local angles of the Revolutionary War, the drive to abolish slavery, the women’s suffrage movement, and much more. A short drive south leads to the Brandywine Museum of Art, a former gristmill that’s been transformed into one of the region’s leading art institutions with a permanent collection that includes works by the legendary Andrew Wyeth and additional artists like Harvey Dunn, Peter Hurd, and Jessie Willcox Smith.
While there’s a lot to see and do in town, West Chester also sits near plenty of wonderful parks and nature preserves, including the Stroud Preserve that protects 571 acres of 19th-century farmlands and restored natural woodlands and wetlands. To see even more of the region, folks can hop aboard the West Chester Railroad, which regularly runs 90-minute round trip journeys between West Chester and the town of Glen Mills. Then, they can return to town and check into The Bookhouse at Faunbrook, a lovely boutique inn housed in an 1860s historic home located near West Chester’s downtown and several local parks.
Come for the Weekend, and Unlock Lifelong Memories
Across Pennsylvania, travelers will find a dazzling variety of small towns offering big thrills to make the perfect weekend trip. Farmington is ideal for a luxurious Laurel Highlands vacation, and Warren works very well as a gateway to the beautiful Pennsylvania Wilds. Wellsboro features the truly gorgeous scenery of Pine Creek Gorge, while Gettysburg is home of a treasure trove of critical US history. And for easygoing towns within easy reach of Philadelphia (and other major East Coast cities like New York City and Washington), New Hope and West Chester certainly fit the bill. Whatever one hopes to do during the weekend, the state of Pennsylvania is a place made for great getaways.
