8 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Pennsylvania You Should Visit
From the Battle of Gettysburg to the rivers and forts that helped shape America's history, Pennsylvania is so steeped in history that few other states come close. And with many hiking trails that meander through dense woods, as well as rolling hills and towering mountains, the outdoor scene here is just as epic. The best part is the many small charming towns that provide access to what the Keystone State offers, from vibrant culture to mind-rousing aesthetics. Starting with Ambler, the following are the 8 most beautiful small towns in Pennsylvania to visit.
Ambler
Until some other town presents a strong case, we will currently pick Ambler as the best and most beautiful small town in Pennsylvania to visit. From a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined Main Street, old brick buildings that present the ambiance of a bygone era, and the iconic Ambler Theater, originally known for its exuberant Spanish Colonial style architecture, this Pennsylvania jewel is in a class of its own. Ambler Theatre's history dates back to the 1920s and shows various genres, including classics from long ago that have retained their magic. For a bit of mental refresh, you will relish the quiet of Four Mills Nature Reserve, where well-maintained grounds invite picnickers to relax and listen to the birds chirp. Aloha Smoothie Company is a mind-calming space to be and regularly serves delicious (and healthy) vegan-friendly smoothies and salads. No doubt that a cold-press juice here will especially be refreshing on a balmy day. If you want your ring replated, Beyond the Jewel Box is the go-to place.
Lititz
Lititz has one of the most beautiful downtowns in the United States. The stretch is picturesque, handsomely preserved, and speckled with some great shops and restaurants. People sing about Bulls Head Public House, and there's a reason for it. It is a refined English pub that serves an eclectic American-British global menu amid shiny chandeliers and a chic ambiance. After a filling meal here, you are ready to explore Lititz Springs Park, a privately run outdoor attraction offering regular concerts and concession stands. Think of tables with benches, a peaceful environment with squirrels and ducks, and a nearby church offering the calming sound of the organ, albeit from a distance. Also, Dean L Saylor Park has lots of decent walking trails, as well as a music area with chimes and drums. Drop by Atlas General Store, especially to browse the vast selection of jewelry, housewares, and greeting cards.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe can be hectic, especially because of traffic, but it is also a mind-rousing space, especially with all the elegant Victorian mansions displaying the charms of a European village. Hidden in Lehigh Gorge, in an area with unmatched outdoor beauty, Jim Thorpe is still criminally underrated. Lehigh Gorge State Park, with its deep, river-carved gorge and breathtaking waterfalls, is a nationally famous outdoor wonderland that spans more than 6,000 acres. From epic whitewater rafting opportunities to lovely gravel trails for hiking to rewarding trout fishing adventures, this park is often a highlight. There's the Asa Packer Mansion, once the abode of a coal and railroad magnate and a self-made millionaire who built the Lehigh Valley Railroad. The Mansion is open seven days a week from Memorial Day to October 31 and on weekends in other selected months. Bright Path Brewing has a great selection of brews for anyone's taste, while The Mauch Chunk Opera House is a Victorian beauty that offers a wide range of live music and a large dance area. Don't forget that CB's On Center is among the best breakfast spots in the area.
Ligonier
Ligonier is another Pennsylvania eye candy that will put a consistent grin on your face. It is mostly associated with Idlewild & SoakZone, a phenomenal family fun spot that has been previously voted the Best Children's Park in the world. From decadent scallion pancakes to mouthwatering briskets and other interesting vegan choices, the food here will hit your taste buds with a punch. Keep in mind that Ligonier is also famous for its strong Scottish heritage, an aspect that becomes evident every time the town hosts the annual Ligonier Highland Games. Folks from almost every nook of the Northeast come to enjoy keg tossing, highland dancing, sheep shearing demonstrations, and stone lifting competitions, an experience reminiscent of an authentic Scottish village. If you want to surprise your daughter or other loved one with a diamond necklace or other type of jewelry, the folks at Jerry Land Jewelers are absolute rock stars.
Honesdale
Honesdale is a sweet spot with awesome restaurants, nice people, and a surprisingly vibrant artist community. The good news is that it seems to be getting more culturally interesting, especially with the new gallery at the Wayne County Arts Alliance, a cool place to admire mind-rousing artwork and chat with local artists. Also, the Honesdale Roots & Rhythm Music and Arts Festival, which began in 2006 as a local music jamboree, has today grown into Honesdale's signature summer event. If you like the outdoors, the Wallenpaupack, Lackawaxen, and upper Delaware rivers are all minutes from town. Lake Wallenpaupack, for instance, boasts over 50 miles of shoreline and is a much sought-after focal point for various kinds of outdoor recreation. Bà & Me is where to relish the flavours of rare beef pho as the music plays softly in the background.
New Hope
New Hope is a small, scenic town tucked away in southeastern Pennsylvania's Bucks County. It is a walkable town with a touch of art and a polished look. From quaint bed and breakfasts to riverside restaurants serving farm-fresh delicacies to one of the premier summer theaters in the United States, a visit to New Hope offers an experience of a lifetime. Bucks County Playhouse is on the site of a former grist mill on the banks of the Delaware River and has a history that dates back to the 1784s. Also, Benjamin Parry was a key player in New Hope's early development, and his mansion, a fine example of Georgian architecture, now serves as a museum where people learn about the Parry family and the town's childhood years. As for food lovers, The Salt House offers creative pub fare with local ingredients in a 1751 stone building, and the best part is that you can choose to dine by the roaring fire in the tavern, in the cozy upstairs library lounge, or in the alfresco on the property's brick patio. There's the Aaron Burr House Bed and Breakfast, a newly renovated Victorian, and ostensibly where Aaron Burr fled to after killing Alexander Hamilton.
Gettysburg
On the morning of November 19, 1863, more than 6,000 people trooped to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to officially dedicate its National Cemetery. A former diplomat was the keynote speaker, while Abraham Lincoln was invited to share a few appropriate remarks. The 10-sentence speech delivered by Lincoln surprisingly became perhaps the most famous in American history. Today, you can visit the site of the historic speech at the Gettysburg National Cemetery and spend a reflective minute at the Lincoln Speech Memorial, which honors the 16th president’s words. Gettysburg is a well-preserved town that can feel like walking straight into the 1860s. You can trace the town’s blood-stained history at places like the well-curated Gettysburg Museum of History, enjoy French toast at Lincoln Diner, an old-fashioned space with a little play on the Gettysburg theme, or explore McPherson Farm, the site of heavy fighting during the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Phoenixville
The best way to prove whether downtown Phoenixville has more breweries per square foot than anywhere else in America is to set a date and drive over. Bridge Street is where most of the action is, and, naturally, where you will find most of the bars, restaurants, and shops. There's the aptly named Bistro on Bridge, a brick-walled hangout supplying craft beer, delicious sandwiches, and a stage for live music. Patrons particularly rave about their Brussels sprouts appetizer, so you will want to give it a shot. Pass by the Colonial Theatre, a 1903 movie house, which filmed the movie The Blob and hosts regular live performances. Drop inside Diving Cat Studio Gallery to admire sophisticated pottery, jewelry, and other knick-knacks, or ditch the crowds for a peaceful hike at the 119-acre Black Rock Sanctuary.
So, next time you are touring the Keystone State, take time to amble through the small towns with charm-soaked streets, beautiful red-brick buildings on every side, and elegant Victorian architecture. Although the outdoor scene is epic and can be outrageously showy, you will be blown away by the iconic theatres showing classics and other genres, inviting restaurants whipping up farm-fresh meals, and other beautiful hidden gems that you will enjoy discovering. As to its historical significance, Pennsylvania is called the Keystone State for a reason.
