6 Quietest Small Towns Near Philadelphia
Philadelphia has it all when it comes to entertainment. As the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, it is packed with history, claiming the title as the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and other pivotal moments in US history. And let’s not forget its fantastic food, like the cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, and pretzels! Yet, despite all of this, the city can feel a bit overwhelming when you are craving peace and quiet. Luckily, you do not have to go far to find it. Within a two-hour drive, these six towns offer a complete change of pace, with riverside parks, scenic train rides, and Amish farms that will allow you to slow down and enjoy life’s little things for a weekend.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
About an hour and forty minutes north of Philadelphia lies Jim Thorpe, an eccentric town in the Poconos with a strong reputation for mountain sports and outdoor recreation. Just a short drive from town sits Lehigh Gorge State Park, a 6,100-acre stretch of waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and a river-carved gorge. Many visitors come for hiking, biking, fishing, or whitewater boating. If you prefer sightseeing over trail walking, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway runs daily and follows the Lehigh River straight into the park, with trips lasting about 70 minutes round-trip.
To unwind after a day of exploration, consider booking your stay at the Harry Packer Mansion Inn. This inn is set in a Gothic, Victorian-style home that dates back to 1874, featuring details like antique furniture, marble fireplaces, and 15-foot ceilings.
Strasburg, Pennsylvania
Surrounded by Amish farms and home to a scenic railway, Strasburg is a wonderful town for travelers seeking a change of pace. Travelers can reach this town in about an hour and 50 minutes from Philadelphia, checking into the Strasburg Village Inn upon arrival. This inn has been operating since the early 20th century and is situated right in the heart of Main Street, providing excellent connectivity to the other downtown attractions. If you are looking to tour one of the area’s Amish farms, you’ll love visiting Old Windmill Farm, with tours including interactive experiences like calf feeding, cow miking, and hayrides.
If you couldn’t get enough of the railway experience in Jim Thorpe, hop aboard the Strasburg Railroad for even more fun on the train. This railway is the oldest continuously operating in North America and today offers authentic steam train rides, dinner rides, Christmas rides, and other themed excursions.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
New Hope is an artsy town on the Delaware River that you can reach in around an hour’s drive from Philadelphia. You can fairly easily explore the town’s local art scene over the weekend, starting at the New Hope Arts Center. This center hosts six to eight exhibitions each year, with media ranging from wood and sculptures to paintings and artisan crafts. For a live performance, check out the calendar at the Bucks County Playhouse, which hosts musicals and concerts throughout the year.
There are also plenty of unique restaurants in town if you are seeking a memorable meal. The Salt House is one of the most highly rated: a rustic, tavern-style establishment that is housed in a 1751 stone building. Guests can choose to sit in the restaurant’s fireside tavern, upstairs library lounge, or outdoor brick patio during their meal. If you travel a few minutes south of downtown New Hope, you will arrive at The Inn at Bowman’s Hill, a particularly peaceful bed and breakfast that sits on five acres of lush countryside.
Lambertville, New Jersey
Lambertville is right across the river from New Hope, making it a great extension if you want to visit two towns during your weekend away. This town is particularly popular for its antiquing scene, home to renowned markets like the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market, one of New Jersey’s largest antique markets with over 200 outside dealers and 30 indoor stores. The Antiques Center at the People's Store is another iconic antique stop, a four-story emporium with goods from over 50 dealers. You’ll find all kinds of items here, including American, European, and Asian vintage goods. Travelers can spend the night at the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, situated in a 19th-century train station, offering select riverside guest rooms and a riverside restaurant.
Frenchtown, New Jersey
Travel a little farther up the river and you’ll hit Frenchtown, a small New Jersey community surrounded by rolling green fields that often reminds travelers of the British countryside. Here, you can spend time outdoors at Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, a 70-mile linear park that runs alongside the Delaware River and passes through several nearby river towns. Fishing, boating, picnicking, walking, running, and even cross-country skiing in winter are among the most popular activities. Along the route, you can stop at local establishments like Wild Fern Brewing, a cozy taproom that makes its own drafts. IPAs, pale ales, stouts, and brown ales are a few of the options currently on the menu. Head back in town to spend the night at The National Hotel, which has been welcoming guests since the 19th century, today offering upscale rooms alongside a recently renovated bar and restaurant.
New Castle, Delaware
Settled by the Dutch in 1651, New Castle is a charming and historic town in northern Delaware that is only 50 minutes south of Philadelphia. You can easily get lost in the town’s history and architecture, exploring homes like the Amstel House Museum, which sits on a property once owned by one of the town’s first settlers. The house itself was built in the early 18th century, with visitors able to tour it on the weekends between April and December. The Read House and Gardens is another historic highlight, a 14,000-square-foot mansion that is considered one of the best surviving examples of architecture from Philadelphia’s grand federal period. Travelers can wrap up their historic weekend with a stay at the Terry House Hotel, set in an 1860s home that was restored and updated in 2023.
It is natural to crave a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you have been contemplating a laid-back weekend away nearby, let this article be your sign. There are so many towns just a short drive away from Philly, allowing you to relax and disconnect from the business of it all. All you have to do is make the hotel reservation and get ready for a great time!
