8 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s storied history includes the signing of the Constitution in Philadelphia, becoming the second state to join the United States, and the sewing of the first American flag by Betsy Ross. It is the site for many famous American battles in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars yet boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the country, including the majestic Allegheny and Poconos Mountains.
The beautiful hills, valleys, and rivers create breathtaking backdrops for the many small towns dotting the rural regions. From the “Switzerland of America," Jim Thorpe, to famous Gettysburg, discover eight picture-perfect main streets in Pennsylvania that stand out the most.
Jim Thorpe
Its idyllic location in the Poconos Mountains has earned Jim Thorpe the nickname “Switzerland of America.” The distinct wind and slope of the town’s historic Broadway create a sheltered feel tucked at the foot of the hills. The character-filled storefronts lining the unusually narrow sidewalks are very “old-world,” made all the more charming when the hilly backdrop is alive with autumnal colors.
The very strollable street includes the famous Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway at Hazard Square, where the iconic “witch hat” turret adds playful character to the station. The tree-lined street’s pleasant storefronts each have their own architectural styles, from old brick façades to ornate shop window frames and entries. Foodies discover unexpected delights, including samples of over 100 olive oils and balsamic vinegars at The Jim Thorpe Olive Oil Co.
You can also enjoy a three-in-one experience at the quirky Stabin Museum. Located in a restored 19th-century wireworks factory, the museum features the artwork of Victor Stabin in a unique spot spanning a creek set against the hillside of Mount Pisgah. Once you finish exploring, the stunning stone building is also home to Café Arielle and Vic’s Jazz Loft. Whether you enjoy dinner or lunch at the café or stay to sip hand-crafted cocktails listening to live jazz, the Stabin Museum makes the most of your Jim Thorpe visit.
Doylestown
Doylestown is a manageable drive from both Philadelphia and New York City, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. The 18th-century former William Doyle's Tavern still stands in the center of town, at the busy intersection of State and Main. Its two-tiered front porches, gabled third-floor windows, and charming shutters offer a picture-perfect spot to start your downtown exploits.
Bookworms head to the Doylestown Bookshop, where the tradition of gathering and sharing ideals at the local independent bookstore comes alive. Browse shelf upon shelf of books across all genres to discover both classic and upcoming authors.
Doylestown is home to three early 20th-century buildings built by renowned American Arts & Crafts ceramicist, archaeologist, and rumored curmudgeon Henry Chapman Mercer, known as the “Mercer Mile.” Fonthill Castle was Mercer’s home and the showplace for his tile and print collection. It has 44 rooms and a reinforced concrete design, which took four years to build. It features over 200 windows and 18 fireplaces. If you love the Arts & Crafts era, The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works was Mercer’s workshop and studio where his trademark tiles came to life.
Complete your tour of the area at the Mercer Museum, an imposing six-story concrete castle featuring over 17,000 pre-Industrial tools used for 60 different crafts and trades. It is considered one of the most comprehensive collections of pre-Industrial American material culture in the world. If the idea of the collection does not appeal to you, it is worth a visit just to appreciate the splendor of the castle’s grand façade.
Gettysburg
While Gettysburg is the site of one of the Civil War’s most pivotal battles, its historic downtown area is a wonderful place to wander and admire the storefronts and period architecture. As the red brick sidewalk widens along Baltimore Street, you discover the heart of the historic district, Lincoln Square.
The three-story brick home where President Abraham Lincoln stayed before his famous Gettysburg Address overlooks the roundabout. Although David Wills House is no longer open for tours, the classic building is a fitting backdrop for the bronze statue of President Lincoln waving his trademark stovepipe hat.
The grand façade of the historic Hotel Gettysburg has been in the square since 1797, witnessing the town’s storied history. Just a few blocks from the Battle of Gettysburg, the elegant white building’s two-story columns offer a welcome for guests, while the charming black awnings shade the luxurious rooms above. Enjoy casual comfort food and drinks on the red-bricked patio at the hotel’s hip-chic tavern, One Lincoln, overlooking the square’s enchanting buildings.
Take a horse-drawn carriage to the Gettysburg Battlefield for a detailed account of the battle that marked the turning point of the Civil War. Visit the 6,000-acre Civil War military park in the early evening when the sunset casts the scenic views in a golden light.
Bellefonte
Bellefonte is a Victorian-era town in the southern area of the Pennsylvania Wilds on Spring Creek. The creek is fed by Big Spring, the inspiration for the town's name, which loosely translates to “beautiful fountain.”
Lovely Victorian-era homes and buildings sit along the banks of the creek, and downtown invites leisurely strolls to take in the area's charm and history. The Bellefonte Art Museum's 1810 Trenton Limestone home is a perfect example of one of the town’s earliest homes. The museum exhibits and sells the work of local artists and features an Underground Railroad installation, “A Journey to Freedom.”
The Print Factory is a nonprofit, employee-run, independent bookstore and cultural space supporting the local creative activities and cultural life of the town. It is a must-visit for the creative, curious, and bookworms who want to support the diversity of the written word.
A visit during the holidays is a magical experience. The entire town participates in Victorian Christmas. Homes and stores are decked with garland and ribbons. Costumed carolers wander the streets, filling the air with song. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop their way along the wintry streets, and Talleyrand Park becomes a festive open-air Christmas market.
Book a stay at the 1885 Reynold’s Mansion, where you can warm yourself with a complimentary glass of brandy in the “snuggery,” where the original owner, Major William Frederick Reynolds, entertained fellow gentlemen. Settle into your period room and wake to enjoy a delectable breakfast in the elegant dining room before heading home.
Lititz
Lititz is a rare small town where you can stroll along a little spring-fed canal dotted with ducks and pretty footbridges. Whether you enjoy the peace and solitude of the shaded green oasis in the heart of downtown or discover historic Broad Street to experience the small-town bustle, lovely Lititz is a northern Lancaster County epicurean delight.
Make a beeline to Wilbur Chocolate Store to indulge in the sweet sensation of melty, chocolatey Wilbur Buds. As you pop the tasty morsels in your mouth, keep an eye out for The Savory Gourmet to sample flavors from around the world, including their famous selection of cheeses and salami.
In June, Taste of Lititz turns East Main Street into one big block party from Water Street to Broad Street. You can sample the flavors of local restaurants, sipping a cold libation, torn between tasting more food or dancing to the mesmerizing beat of live music.
The rest of the year, the one stop you cannot miss on Main is the historic Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. Get the full interactive experience learning the art of pretzel twisting and sample the authentic recipes developed by the oldest pretzel-baking family in America.
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg is located in the Poconos Mountains region, where the tree-lined Main Street offers exceptional wine-tasting experiences in a town embracing the urban winery concept. Slip into the banquette in the shopfront window at Rowan Asher Winery to sample a selection of “RAW,” natural hard ciders and wines. Renegade Winery is located in the original J.J. Newberry Flagship Department Store, where you can sit at large trestle tables sampling selections from their entire wine menu.
Before you plan your trip, consider upcoming events at the 1929 vintage Sherman Theater. Their successful Pocono Winter Beer Fest summons all craft beer lovers to sample over 100 hand-picked craft beers from local and regional breweries. The event is often partnered with the Pocono Food and Wine Fest, where you can switch gears to savor and sip local wines and culinary creations.
Spend the night at the Penn Stroud hotel, an almost 200-year-old establishment that seamlessly blends its historic character with modern amenities for the ultimate boutique hotel experience.
Warren
Warren’s historic waterfront sits along the banks of the Allegheny River, surrounded by the splendid scenery of the Allegheny State Park region. The town boasts one of the state’s most impressive and eclectic collections of historic buildings, spanning 28 blocks and featuring over 25 distinct architectural styles on over 600 historic structures.
The town’s “Flat Iron Building” at Pennsylvania and 2nd Street is central to the historic downtown district. The impressive clock tower stands sentinel over the downtown area, sporting a dragon weathervane. A trickling fountain sits near the tip of the red brick peninsula at the building’s front, where a graceful heron spouts water from its beak, two stags look out at the merging streets, and fish adorn the base.
The Plaza Restaurant serves up traditional Greek and American favorites in a cozy, old-school restaurant just steps from this stunning building. A landmark for over 60 years, their county-famous pies are the main attraction. Crary Art Gallery is an unexpected midcentury-modern building sitting off the beaten path on Market Street. The collection of mid-20th-century art includes paintings, photography, prints, and sculpture, as well as changing contemporary exhibitions. The sculpture gallery streams with natural light from a glass cathedral-like ceiling, and the window-lined halls overlook a stone-paved garden and small fountain.
Hazeltine Boutique Hotel is a restored 1907 Jacobean-style mansion where guests can enjoy each beautifully decorated common room. Dark tiger oak woodwork features prominently in the décor along with coffered ceilings, stained glass, and relief plaster.
Downingtown
This “Main Line” town is growing in popularity as a day-trippers’ destination. Downingtown’s Lancaster Avenue has much to offer lovers of food and libations.
A hearty breakfast (or lunch) at The Coffee Cup Restaurant on East Lancaster can prepare you for the libations ahead. This old-school diner has been sticking to what it knows since 1958, namely dishing out ample servings of comfort food. Whether you choose a cozy booth or score a stool at the counter, you can soak up the friendly atmosphere with their trademark breakfast mess, classics like creamed chipped beef, and filling cheesesteak or double deluxe burgers.
Kieran Robinson’s passion for wine is addictive when you step into his East Lancaster wine tasting room at R Five Wine. Once Robinson mastered the art of winemaking in a nontraditional wine region, he partnered with Sweet Amelia, bringing small plates and wine to your table for the perfect pairings.
Keep the drinks coming at Station Taproom, known for its sparkling and Bloody Mary Sunday brunch “flights.” The creative, less traditional brunch fare, like Scrapple Benedict and Hangover Burgers, is worth the trip alone. Continue your Sunday revelry down the street at The Bottle Room, sampling their extensive list of refreshing drafts and creative cocktails.
The pristine settings of Pennsylvania’s small towns boast rich histories and intriguing attractions from the foothills of the Poconos to the banks of the Allegheny River and Main Line to the Pennsylvania Wilds. Whether you are a design maven looking for inspiration from historic homes, sussing out exciting new food and wine scenes with friends, or a lifelong student setting out to discover art galleries and bookstores, these eight picture-perfect main streets in Pennsylvania easily make the list of worthwhile destinations.
