12 Nicest Small Towns In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to many charming small towns offering a mix of history, natural beauty, and charm. These towns feature varying styles of architecture, scenic surroundings, historic buildings, and opportunities for adventure. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, there are over 2,500 municipalities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Each of these municipalities differs in size and character. Whether it’s walking along the gaslit streets of Wellsboro or sampling warm potato chips straight from the line at Nottingham’s Herr’s Snack Factory, the Keystone State’s smaller communities each offer something distinct. This article delves into 12 of the nicest small towns in Pennsylvania.
Camp Hill
The town of Camp Hill is just three miles southwest of Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania. The U.S. Census notes that its population is just over 8,000. Camp Hill is a popular spot to visit and relocate due to its proximity to the larger city amenities of Harrisburg and its own quaint, small-town atmosphere, shops, and restaurants. Unique boutiques in downtown Camp Hill include Amber & Alchemy and 32nd Street Mercantile. Camp Hill's small-town, community feel is bolstered by its many annual fairs and festivals, such as the Plein Air Art Walk each May, the Harvest Hop each October, and the Holiday Evening Stroll held each December.
Hershey
The sweetest place on earth exists in Pennsylvania, according to those who live in the town of Hershey. This Dauphin County town of just under 14,500 residents lies 14 miles east of Harrisburg and is home to Hershey's Chocolate World, Hersheypark, and other attractions. You can tour Hershey's Chocolate World to see how the famous chocolate is created. Adventurous travelers should check out Hersheypark, the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, founded by Milton Hershey in 1906.
If you'd like to explore the town itself, its downtown streets are lined with over 100 Hershey Kisses streetlamps and quaint shops. Don't miss The Shoppe on Chocolate, a quaint home goods store. If you would like to eat something a bit more substantial, try The Chocolate Avenue Grill.
Ronks
The unincorporated farming village of Ronks in Lancaster County is truly a small community, with a population under 400. It is just west of the town of Paradise and 10 miles east of the city of Lancaster. Although Ronks is quite small, there are many reasons to visit this quaint community. The Amish are a large part of the town of Ronks, and if you want to learn more about them, check out The Amish Village. Sitting on 12 acres, this attraction allows visitors to see Amish property and culture for themselves.
If the outdoors beckons you, check out Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks. Family activities are held here year-round, including animal encounters, a corn maze, live music and entertainment, and even brews and wines provided by local wineries such as Brittain Hill Winery and Our Town Brewing. Next time you are on the way to Lancaster, make sure to stop by Ronks and check out the many things there are to do in this tiny town.
Nottingham
Found in the southern part of Chester County, just five miles north of the Pennsylvania border with Maryland, the hamlet of Nottingham, population just over 1,200, is best known for two things: potato chips and a park. Herr's Snack Factory in Nottingham started as a regional company in 1946 and has grown into an international company, selling snack foods of all types in 40 countries. You can tour Herr's Snack Factory and see how potato chips, their most famous product, are made. You can even eat a warm chip fresh off the conveyor belt.
Are the outdoors more to your liking? If so, Nottingham will not disappoint. Nottingham County Park is a 731-acre park open every day of the year except Christmas. It was dedicated in 1963 and sits on an outcropping of serpentine stone greater than one square mile, one of the largest serpentine barrens on the East Coast. Hike the Buck Trail, which is almost three miles on the highest elevations in the park, for views of Pennsylvania and Maryland. After touring the chip factory or exploring the park (or doing both), grab a bite to eat at Nottingham Inn Kitchen and Creamery. (As its name implies, you can finish your meal with delicious ice cream.)
Wellsboro
Did you know that Pennsylvania has its own Grand Canyon, and it's near the town of Wellsboro? This small town of just under 3,500 is the county seat of Tioga County and is famous for the Pine Creek Gorge, another name for the 1,000-foot-deep, 47-mile-long gorge that is commonly called the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. It is a sight not to be missed, whether you want to hike into its depths or simply admire its beauty from above.
Founded in the early 1800s, Wellsboro's history is still evident in the town's Victorian homes and historic buildings. The downtown area offers its share of goods for sale, in stores such as Dunham's Department Store. Check out the Wellsboro Diner when you get hungry, an old-style diner serving breakfast and lunch. Try The Roost for dinner, also on Main Street, a modern pub serving food with craft cocktails and live music.
Lititz
Nine miles north of the city of Lancaster, the small town of Lititz in Lancaster County is home to just over 9,300 people and is beloved for its rich blend of history, charm, and especially food. Visitors can indulge their sweet and salty cravings at the Wilbur Chocolate Company, founded in the 1800s, and still serving its iconic Wilbur Buds. Just down the street is the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, the first commercial pretzel bakery in the United States, dating back to 1861. Guests can enjoy hands-on tours and try twisting their own pretzels. For a refreshing break, the Appalachian Brewing Company, established in 1997, offers craft beer and locally inspired pub fare in a relaxed setting.
If you're more of a history buff, Lititz is also known for its rich past. The town was founded in 1759 by the Moravian Brothers, and their house, which served as a Revolutionary War hospital in 1777, still stands today.
New Hope
A small Bucks County town, New Hope, population just over 2,600, is a popular place due to its midway point between New York City and Center City Philadelphia. Both of these cities are just an hour from New Hope. Sitting along the Delaware River, New Hope is a town full of history, arts, and culture.
The New Hope Railroad, circa 1891, offers sightseeing trips through the entire Bucks County area. The town is a historical gem, with buildings from 1784, such as the Parry Mansion, still standing today. A historical walking tour of the town is available. The town's love for the arts is particularly on display every September, when the New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival is held, displaying the work of more than 150 artists and craftsmen.
Quarryville
A small, picturesque town in Lancaster County, just 14 miles south of the city of Lancaster and 20 minutes north of the border with Maryland, Quarryville, population just under 2,900, is anything but sleepy. Views of the expansive countryside, Amish buggies, and its rich history are some of the best reasons to visit Quarryville.
The oldest building in Lancaster County, the Hans Herr House, was built in 1719 and still stands nearby, open to visitors. Another historic landmark in Quarryville is Baumgardener's Covered Bridge, circa 1860, 120 feet long and 14 feet wide. It spans the beautiful Pequea Creek. Maplehofe Dairy in Quarryville is a popular shopping spot for locals. It sells 40 flavors of Leiby's ice cream, milk, and other confectionery treats. Golfers won't want to miss Tanglewood Manor Golf Club, which offers 18 holes of championship golf at reasonable rates.
Coudersport
The county seat of Potter County, Coudersport, with a population of just over 2,300, is located in a scenic region of northern Pennsylvania known as the Pennsylvania Wilds. Founded in the early 1800s, the town offers a mix of natural beauty and local history. Visitors can stop by the Potter County Historical Society, established in 1916, to explore artifacts and exhibits highlighting the area’s past. For a nostalgic experience, catch a movie at the Coudersport Theatre, built in 1923 and still showing films today.
Main Street in Coudersport is easy to explore on foot and features several local highlights. Stop by the Potter County Artisan Cooperative to view handmade art and crafts, or plan your visit around Food Fun Friday, a summer event with food trucks, live music, and a festive atmosphere downtown.
Hanover
Located in York County, Hanover blends rich history with modern amenities. Home to just over 16,500 people, Hanover, about 20 miles south of the city of York, was established in 1763. Its historic district is easily accessible via walking tours, which allow you to see landmarks like the Warehime-Myers Mansion. Check out the Hormel History & Research Center, the newly opened location of the Hanover Area Historic Society at Guthrie Memorial Library in Hanover, for a deeper dive into the town's history. Hickory Falls Family Fun Center offers go-karts, mini-golf, virtual reality, and more year-round. When you get hungry, Hanover is ready to satiate that need through a variety of eateries, such as Warehouse Gourmet Bistro & Brewpub.
Ambler
Just 16 miles north of Center City Philadelphia is the small town of Ambler in Montgomery County. Home to just under 7,000 residents, Ambler covers less than one square mile, but is packed with shops, restaurants, and rich history. It was originally called the Village of Wissahickon and was renamed Ambler in 1888 in honor of Mary Johnson Ambler, a Quaker resident who assisted with casualties during the Great Train Wreck of 1856. Check out Ambler's First Fridays from May through October, when downtown businesses offer special deals and family-friendly entertainment.
Strasburg
Nine miles southeast of Lancaster, Strasburg, in Lancaster County, houses just over 3,000 people. It is well-known for the Strasburg Rail Road and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Visitors can explore railroad cars and see more than 100 locomotives.
Strasburg was settled in the early 1730s by French Huguenots and German Mennonites and named after Strasbourg, France. Today, the Strasburg Historic District preserves many 18th- and 19th-century buildings, reflecting German, vernacular, Georgian, and Federal architectural styles. For a more eerie experience, join the Strasburg Ghost Tour, where guides recount local legends, ghost stories, and mysterious happenings from the town’s past.
Finishing Thoughts
This collection of a dozen Pennsylvania small towns provides many opportunities for visitors to experience something new. Whether you want to visit Wellsboro and gaze upon the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, travel to a town known for its food, such as Nottingham or Lititz, or learn more about the Amish in Ronks, journeying to any of these 12 small Pennsylvania towns will provide you with a memorable experience.
