7 Pennsylvania Towns That Rival Europe's Best
From the Mediterranean coastline lined with scenic communities to the tiny hamlets scattered throughout the Alps, Europe abounds with beauty. However, for those who can’t make the trip, Pennsylvania has something to offer. Located in the Mid-Atlantic, Pennsylvania’s unique blend of the Appalachian Mountains and the Great Lakes creates a lovely environment reminiscent of European charm. Towns like Lititz feel like small Dutch villages, while others like New Hope have historic landmarks and tales that are sure to charm. For the best experience in Pennsylvania, here are seven towns that rival Europe’s best.
Lititz
Founded by Moravians in the 1760s, Lititz was home to only Moravians for more than a century. To this end, the European heritage is palpable throughout, and the streets are lined with half-timbered buildings, brick storefronts, and rustic buildings. One of the best examples of this is Linden Hall School for Girls, an independent, all-girls boarding school. It was founded in 1746 and is the oldest girls' boarding and day school in continuous operation in the nation. Today, visitors can take tours of the campus, including the 19th-century Mary Dixon Chapel. When speaking of the past, the Lititz Historical Foundation has to be in the conversation. Resting along Main Street, the complex has memorabilia, rustic items, and even a garden that can be booked for events.
With fewer than 10,000 residents, the combination of history and peace creates a vibe reminiscent of a small German town. After taking in the past, foodies are flush with choice thanks to the Wilbur Chocolate Company and Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. The former is headquartered in town and has a retail store selling all kinds of delicious chocolates, including the infamous Wilbur Buds. Meanwhile, the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery dates back to the 1860s, now offering tours and lessons around their delicious pretzels.
New Hope
New Hope provides visitors with loads of hope thanks to its beautiful views resting along the Delaware River. One can walk along the Delaware Canal, where lush trees reflect off the water to create a scene no less than any European hamlet. For a more immersive experience with nature, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is the place to go. Spanning over 130 acres, this nature preserve, botanical garden, and museum is a treasure trove of outdoor experiences with over 700 plant species set amidst woodlands, meadows, and ponds. They also host regular workshops and events, such as the Holiday Wreath Workshop and “Wild” Gentle Yoga.
Taking a trip back in time, New Hope has plenty of things to allure history lovers. The Van Sant Crybaby Bridge is one that also has its own urban legend. As the name suggests, the legend states that a woman and her baby passed away near the bridge, and many people still hear the wailing of the lady at night. Even if you miss out on the spooky side of things, the 1875 bridge is a rustic gem in itself. Or, opt to join in on the Ghost Tours of New Hope, covering notable landmarks like the Parry Mansion.
Milford
About an hour northwest from New Hope, Milford is a town in the Poconos with something for everyone. Most people come here for the Grey Towers National Historic Site, which is as close to a French chateau as you’ll find anywhere in the state. Also known as the Gifford Pinchot House, this mansion was built in 1886 as a private residence, and it was later donated to the Forest Service in 1963. Today, visitors can explore its 40-odd rooms, 100-acre open landscape, and outbuildings for a complete day out in Milford. Even beyond the Grey Towers, Milford’s streets have a European vibe thanks to its Victorian mansions and walkable streets.
In town, Milford’s European feel comes through most clearly in its historic landmarks, beginning with the Columns Museum, which preserves regional history inside an elegant 1904 mansion filled with artifacts, period rooms, and local memorabilia. Nearby, the Milford Theater adds to the old-world charm with its restored interior, classic stage, and year-round schedule of films and live performances that draw both residents and visitors.
Jim Thorpe
Founded in 1818 and nestled within the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe is one of the few towns that can create a stark contrast between historic architecture and forest-covered mountains in the same setting. Each street abounds with businesses, restaurants, and attractions, while also providing a backdrop of towering mountains like Bear Mountain. Those interested in the natural side of things should head out to one of the many hiking trails nearby or spend some time at the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary. Home to dozens of butterfly species, frogs, and more, tourists will adore the “Flutterarium” and hands-on education center, offering a way to connect with these beautiful insects and animals. There is also the Mauch Chunk Lake Park, where one can relax along the shores of a quaint lake.
While the environment alone is enough to remind one of European beauty, there is also a lot of history imbued in the town. The Old Mauch Chunk Historic District feels like any old town from the United Kingdom, boasting 28 contributing buildings spanning over 100 acres. A highlight is the Asa Packer Mansion, which was built in 1861. It was the home of Asa Packer, a coal and railroad magnate, and is now a prime example of an Italianate Villa, now being used as a museum. Meanwhile, the Harry Packer Mansion, the historic Carbon County Jail, and the Carbon County Courthouse are other options one can peruse.
Bellefonte
Two features bolster Bellefonte’s allure as an amazing destination in Pennsylvania: its endless Victorian architecture and its natural spring, “la belle fonte.” Those interested in the former will quickly discover why Bellefonte is reminiscent of Europe’s finest. The town’s Historic District is lined to the brim with intricate architecture, boasting nearly 300 contributing buildings. Some of the top options include the Brockerhoff Hotel, dating back to 1866 with its Italianate style, and the Centre County Courthouse, which was built in stages from the 1800s. After stepping back in time through these historic streets, why not learn a bit about the town at the Centre County Library and Historical Museum? Located in the 1814 Miles-Potter-Humes home, it offers a wealth of books, memorabilia, and artifacts to learn about local and regional tales.
On the natural side, the spring in town has been covered, but the next best option is Talleyrand Park. The 3.5-acre park itself is a peaceful gathering place where Spring Creek winds past stone walls, quiet footbridges, and manicured lawns, creating a setting that feels closer to a European riverside village than a Mid-Atlantic town. Along with being a great place to relax, the park also comes alive with many events, from the Big Spring Festival and Taste of Bellefonte, held in May, to the Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair in August.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro attracts nature lovers from all over thanks to Pine Creek Gorge, one of Pennsylvania’s wonders. Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania,” this gorge spans nearly 50 miles through the Allegheny Plateau with a depth of over 1,000 feet, rivalling Europe's natural wonders. Lush forests and hills surround the area, opening up thousands of acres of outdoor opportunities. For example, one can explore Leonard Harrison State Park, which features nearly five miles of hiking trails, including Turkey Path, a two-mile-long trail that runs down the side of the canyon. Camping is also popular, and the park offers picnic tables, campsites, fire rings, and electric sites for RVs.
While the majority of your trip is sure to be spent exploring the endless parks and forests in the region, Wellsboro is always ideal for relaxing. Those hungry from walking can sit down for a meal at Harland’s Family Style Restaurant, known for its affordable pricing with delicious dishes like their Homemade Chili. Another beloved option is the Wellsboro Diner, a classic barrel-roof dining car from the 1930s that still serves homestyle breakfasts and comfort food in a setting that feels unchanged from its earliest days, adding to the nostalgic charm that defines this small town.
Strasburg
One thing that Europe has in abundance is railroads, but Strasburg is a town where you can relate to the mode of transport. Located in Southeastern Pennsylvania, this town of 3,100 is nicknamed “Train Town USA” due to its abundance of railroad attractions, including the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and the Strasburg Rail Road. The latter is the oldest continuously operating standard-gauge railroad in the western hemisphere and a heritage railroad. It began operating in 1832 and hosts around 300,000 visitors per year, featuring a variety of rustic locomotives, including the 1910 2-6-0 Steam locomotive from the Canadian Locomotive Company. They offer special rides, such as the Christmas Train, which features a North Pole Letter Station and a Christmas Revue Show.
The other railroad attraction is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, a treasure trove of railroad history. Enthusiasts adore the array of locomotives here, from the electric Pennsylvania Railroad No. 4456 known as a “Brick,” to the unique Coudersport & Port Allegany Railroad Snowplow. If these sights aren’t enough, one can also spend some time checking out the National Toy Train Museum for a mini-version of the railroad, or check out the model train layout at the Choo Choo Barn.
These Pennsylvania Towns Rival Europe’s Best
From canal side strolls to Victorian main streets and mountain villages wrapped in timeless scenery, these Pennsylvania towns prove you do not need to cross an ocean to experience the charm often associated with Europe. Each community offers its own unique blend of history, architecture, and landscape, whether that means wandering past half-timbered buildings in Lititz or stepping into the rail heritage of Strasburg. With their walkable centers, preserved landmarks, and storybook settings, these destinations show how beautifully Pennsylvania captures the spirit of Europe close to home.
