Pennsylvania's 11 Unsung Small Towns
Pennsylvania's incredible diversity allows tourists to step back in time and explore Civil War history in the southern corner of the state, experience authentic culture in Amish Country, discover magical natural landscapes in the Poconos, and witness the serenity of the Great Lakes along the shores of Lake Erie. Between famous cities like Pittsburgh and lesser-known communities in its rural countryside, Pennsylvania is a state of contrasts, resonating with travelers seeking unique experiences. Although home to hundreds of towns and boroughs, some have earned a distinguished reputation for their arts, history, culture, and other factors that set them apart from the rest.
Whether drawn to the unparalleled war history in Gettysburg or excited by the vibrant arts in New Hope, Pennsylvania's 11 unsung small towns represent the different faces, sides, and characters that you will encounter throughout the state, summarizing what makes the state so special.
Gettysburg
Gettysburg hosted the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 and is home to numerous monuments and markers commemorating America's iconic conflict. Almost one million annual visitors are drawn to the city by the Gettysburg National Military Park to see the 6,000 acres of storied grounds where the largest battle of the Civil War was waged and explore rare and interactive exhibits at the Museum & Visitor Center. Some of the noteworthy experiences for tourists include witnessing vivid battle reenactments by costumed performers and watching "A New Birth of Freedom," a short film that previews the Battle of Gettysburg.
Additionally, you can tour the battlefield by bus and visit significant memorials, including the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where thousands of Union soldiers are buried, and where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. Beyond the war, Gettysburg offers many more rare experiences, such as dining in one of the country's oldest restaurants. The Dobbin House Tavern is as old as the United States, having been built in 1776 and restored to its original state. Guests can enjoy candlelit dinners, featuring delicacies such as crab cakes, baked potatoes, and spit-roasted chicken, while admiring the building's antique decor and traditional elements.
New Hope
A walkable downtown district and bustling Main Street allow tourists to experience New Hope's charming blend of historic charm and artistic flair. Founded in the 1800s, the town is replete with vintage treasures that take you back to the formative days, and the oldest among them is the Parry Mansion Museum. Completed in 1784, the building houses numerous original pieces of furniture, decorative art, and household items, representing five generations of a pioneer family and serving as a critical portal to different historical periods in New Hope.
The landmark is a short walk from the Bucks County Playhouse, another notable historical treasure and cultural hub. Originally built as a grist mill in the 1700s, the venue was repurposed into a theater, transforming into one of the top playhouses on the East Coast. Today, it boasts a year-round repertoire of musicals, concerts, plays, and other cultural performances, drawing enthusiasts from the region for an authentic Broadway experience on the banks of the Delaware River. Meanwhile, the New Hope Arts Center focuses on the visual arts, exhibiting a wide range of contemporary pieces in its indoor and outdoor galleries. From sculptures and woodwork to large-scale metal and stone work, it provides an enriching experience for the artistically inclined.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe is a recognized historical and cultural epicenter in eastern Pennsylvania, surrounded by the storybook landscapes of the Pocono Mountains. Its pedestrian-friendly old town district paints a picture of an industrial and labor heritage with stunning Victorian architecture, a history you can explore further at the Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center. This restored Victorian church showcases cultural relics, industrial artifacts, images, and film that guide guests through Jim Thorpe's transformation over the ages, from prehistoric times and the coal mining era to the present, highlighting themes such as struggle, revival, prosperity, and legacy.
The Mauch Chunk Opera House is the heartbeat of the local arts community. This intimate concert venue, constructed in 1881, remains one of the nation's oldest continually operating theaters. It boasts a full calendar of live music, dance, drama, concerts, and community events running throughout the year. Jim Thorpe's mesmerizing natural beauty comes into perspective on board the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. This 70-minute round-trip into the heart of the Lehigh Gorge State Park allows passengers to soak in a magical scenery of forested mountains, high-rise cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls, and rivers that feel untouched by humans.
Kennett Square
Agriculture thrives in this adorable suburb of Philadelphia, enabling it to produce approximately 60% of all America's mushrooms and earning it the nickname "Mushroom Capital of the World." Kennett Square's mushroom heritage shines brightly during the annual Mushroom Festival, which has been happening for four decades. This two-day event attracts over 100,000 attendees annually to celebrate all things mushrooms, featuring mushroom-based foods, mushroom-growing demonstrations, mushroom-themed goodies, craft vendors, and a range of family-friendly activities.
The best way to sample the community's diverse agricultural bounty is to shop at the Kennett Square Farmers Market. This brings together a lineup of local vendors with their seasonal produce, fresh from the farm, allowing tourists to taste locally-made cheese, flowers, meats, baked goods, and prepared foods in a pleasant social setting. Kennett Square has a respectable art landscape, and those who appreciate award-winning art can browse stunning pieces at the Max Savaiko Art Gallery. This talented contemporary artist is known for his hyper-realistic paintings with stirring accuracy, which he does in the classical Dutch Master tradition.
Lititz
Lititz's rich Moravian heritage dates back to its founding by Moravian settlers in the 18th century, while its historic charm is evident throughout the cohesive downtown district. Everything you would want to know about the town's history is preserved at the Lititz Historical Foundation. Here, you can find interactive exhibits and artifacts, as well as listen to lectures and attend special events that explain Lititz's history over the years. The building sits next to the Johannes Mueller House, an 18th-century home restored to its original state and depicting the life of a civilian tradesman in a Moravian settlement.
Exploring the main thoroughfare further brings you to the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, which has been a town mainstay since the 1860s. This old brick home was founded by the oldest baking family in America, making it the country's commercial pretzel bakery. Guests can learn how to twist pretzels by hand the old-fashioned way, sample age-old recipes, and enjoy delicious treats as part of the experience. Elsewhere, be sure to visit the Wilbur Chocolate Retail Store for more mouthwatering goodies. This confectionery shop has been operating since the 1930s and is known for its handmade truffles, caramels, toffees, and other chocolate candies.
Strasburg
Strasburg is a tiny village in Amish Country, PA, and one of Pennsylvania's 11 unsung small towns. It offers an exciting array of train-themed attractions, thanks to its rich railway heritage, including the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. This site boasts a world-class collection of over 100 vintage locomotives, train cars, cabooses, and related artifacts, offering guests a first-hand glimpse into how railway technology transformed America.
The Choo Choo Barn is a more suitable stop for families, offering children the opportunity to marvel at over 180 hand-built mini trains, animated figures, and vehicles in a 1,700-square-foot kiddie paradise. If you value old treasures, be sure to visit the Strasburg Antique Market and browse the vast array of collectibles by at least 70 dealers. Spanning three expansive floors and 15,000 square feet of display area, you will find everything from coins and dolls to glassware and furnishings, which you can incorporate into your home decor.
Doylestown
This small borough in Bucks County grabs your attention with its stunning architecture, featuring a gorgeous skyline dominated by buildings designed by Henry Chapman Mercer. Better known as the Mercer Mile, this area includes Fonthill Castle, the Mercer Museum, and the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works Museum. Fonthill Castle, which once served as his home, stands out for its eclectic blend of Medieval, Gothic, and Byzantine architecture. Built entirely out of concrete in the early 1900s, it invites public tours where visitors explore its 44 rooms, 32 stairways, Gothic doorways, and colorful ancient tiles.
Meanwhile, the Mercer Museum stores a vast collection of artifacts, featuring over 40,000 items from the American Industrial Revolution. Highlights include a Conestoga wagon, an antique fire engine, a whaling boat, and a cobbler's tools used in everyday life. Doylestown offers newcomers a taste of local culture at the Michener Art Museum. This former Bucks County prison was repurposed into an award-winning art center that collects and exhibits primary American art from the Delaware River Valley region, featuring pieces by impressionist painters and celebrated artists like Daniel Garber, Fern Coppedge, and George Nakashima.
Wellsboro
Although popularly renowned as the gateway to the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Wellsboro boasts a charming Victorian downtown with a vibrant arts and culture scene. Along its Main Street, you will come across the Deane Center for the Performing Arts. This premier entertainment venue, with a 200-seat capacity, is a hub for musicians, actors, artists, dancers, and anyone interested in performing, rehearsing, watching, and learning about the arts. The Arcadia Theatre is another prominent performing arts venue on Main Street, built in the Art Deco Style and doubling as a movie theatre. It showcases the latest films on its four screens and has a performance stage for live theatrical productions.
However, thousands of tourists who visit Wellsboro every year come to experience the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, also known as Pine Creek Gorge. This geological wonder spans more than 45 miles in diameter and descends to a depth of more than 1,000 feet. Its dynamic topography, comprising steep canyon walls, waterfalls, overlooks, and other stunning landscapes, attracts all kinds of adventurers, who can explore the scenery along the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
Bedford
Bedford is a town with a rich frontier heritage and war history, often associated with the French and Indian War and the Whiskey Rebellion. It played a significant role during the war, a period that travelers can learn more about at the Fort Bedford Museum. This replica fortress was constructed to commemorate the original 18th-century fort. It displays over 4,000 artifacts from Bedford's past, highlighting the town's role in the Whiskey Rebellion, French and Indian War, and the development of the regional landscape.
Additionally, the Old Bedford Village transports visitors to a bygone era in rural Pennsylvania, before the advent of technology and industry. You can stroll through dozens of log cabins and 18th-century structures, interact with period-costumed guides, and enjoy a buggy ride for an authentic and immersive experience. Given the remarkable experience in Bedford, first-timers can preserve their memories by purchasing a souvenir at Founders Crossing. This welcoming establishment features two expansive floors of treasures by more than 100 dealers, encompassing everything from vinyl records, candles, jewellery, and collectibles to furniture and home decor.
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg is a vibrant borough in the heart of the Poconos, celebrated for its eclectic Main Street and picturesque mountain surroundings. Its walkable downtown region offers an array of attractions, welcoming guests for a series of live entertainment at the Sherman Theater. This 1920s venue, with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, hosts a lineup of concerts, theatrical shows, and live music performances. It also organizes the annual Stroudfest, where more than 200 vendors take over the street, and townsfolk come out to celebrate community spirit.
The Monroe Farmers Market is another must-attend event along Main Street, offering vacationers a chance to buy fresh farm produce and taste savory baked goods while conversing with local growers and vendors. Elsewhere, outdoor enthusiasts can explore Stroudsburg's natural surroundings at Glen Park. This tranquil oasis features lush green areas with picnic spots, walking trails, and mountain biking trails, offering a perfect escape from downtown whenever you need a break.
Hershey
"The Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey earned this delightful tag for its association with the Hershey Company. The town welcomes thousands of families throughout the year, eager to savor its delicious offerings at Hershey's Chocolate World. This kid-favorite tour takes guests through the process of creating chocolate, featuring rides and interactive experiences that culminate in samplings of delicious candy bars and other chocolaty treats. Families also enjoy interacting with the animals at ZooAmerica. The sanctuary harbors over 200 animals, representing more than 70 species, and promises guests close-up encounters with deer, bears, bald eagles, and other North American creatures.
However, the ultimate party awaits tourists at Hersheypark. This world-class amusement park spans at least 120 acres and features dozens of thrill rides. From coasters and kiddie rides to a massive water park, there is enough fun for all ages, backed by delicious chocolate treats.
Final Thought
From the picturesque architectural charm of Doylestown to the rich war heritage in Bedford, Pennsylvania's 11 unsung small towns offer a taste of the forgotten treasures hidden in the state's overlooked countryside. They expose tourists to authentic experiences that can't be reproduced elsewhere, fostering deeper connections with local history, culture, and community. Embracing these destinations enriches travel beyond typical hotspots, celebrating the unique character and stories that define Pennsylvania’s heartland for a meaningful and memorable adventure.
