The Best Small Towns in Pennsylvania to Chill Out

Pennsylvania is a beautiful and historically rich part of the United States. It is bordered to the northwest by Lake Erie and to the east by the Delaware River, while also serving as home to the Alleghenies and the Poconos. It is also home to one of the most significant battles of the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg. Home to so much, this state is popular among outdoor adventurers and history buffs. It is also a great place to take your hat off and relax. If you are looking for towns in Pennsylvania to chill, then any of the following towns should be your next destination.

Lititz

Those who enjoy history will love time in Lititz. You will want to stay at Alden House, a 1850 Federal-style house that has been providing accommodations since 1987. The land on which the house is built was first purchased in 1843, and the house was first constructed just before 1850. Today, guests can enjoy time in one of the well-appointed rooms that puts them at the edge of the Lititz Moravian Historic District. There, you can join the Historic Lititz Walking Tour for a stroll around the district. The tour depicts the history of Moravians in the town and includes sights such as a Revolutionary War-era hospital. Other sites around the district include historic sights such as the Warden’s House, the first private home in town, which has stood since 1757. On the opposite side of Main Street, you can end your day at Lititz Springs Park. The Lititz Moravian Church maintained this unique park for 200 years before transferring it to the community. Today, guests stroll along the paths around the park and spend time by the duck pond, while special events, such as visits from Santa Claus, are also held throughout the year.

Strasburg

Strasburg is a place where those who enjoy history and culture will find it easy to chill out. The Amish Village in nearby Ronks serves as a heritage museum where guests can tour an 1840s Amish homestead and outbuildings. This property features an era-appropriate barn and schoolhouse, offering tours that range from 90-minute bus tours of the countryside to 25-minute tours of the farmhouse. Located near town, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania showcases artifacts from 19th-century locomotives, including antique clocks and other historic items. The trains themselves are the star of the tour, though, and railroad cars and locomotives can be seen throughout the museum. A truly unique and relaxing cap to the day should include a trip on the Strasburg Rail Road itself. Guests board a historic steam train for a ride through the countryside. The most elegant experience is a ride in a spacious First Class car or on the Wine and Cheese train, where guests enjoy dining and drinks as they travel through the county.

Gettysburg

Perhaps no destination is greater to visit for history lovers than Gettysburg, home of the historic Battle of Gettysburg. The most prominent destination to visit is the Gettysburg Battlefield. The Union and Confederacy fought on the grounds for three days, and today there are more than 1,300 monuments scattered across 6,000 acres of grounds. Guided tours are the best way to learn more about what happened and see the significant sites on the grounds. A more curated experience awaits at the Gettysburg Museum of History, where over 4,000 artifacts from various American wars are on display. Audie Murphy, a hero of World War II, has his medal stored here, and guests can also see a Confederate officer’s uniform, among many other pieces. To top off your visit in a relaxing environment, a stay at the Langdon Hill House is in order. This bed and breakfast was first built in 1816 at the top of Baltimore Hill. The hill was a vantage point during the Battle of Gettysburg. Today, guests can enjoy period-decorated bedrooms featuring art and photography, and enjoy a homemade breakfast each morning.

Doylestown

There is something for everyone to enjoy and chill out to in Doylestown. Moravian Pottery & Tile Works offers an up-close look at Mercer tilemaking, including original equipment and guided tours of the historic workshop. Guests can also find the steam engine and learn about its role in the tile production process. Nearby, Peace Valley Park is a great destination for those who find the outdoors most relaxing. Covering 1,500 acres and located along Lake Galena, visitors will find trails for hiking and plenty of fishing along the shores. Guests will want to visit Sailor’s Point, which offers excellent views of the lake and is conveniently located near picnic areas and kayak launch points. And not far outside of town, you can find Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery. This vineyard is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to sit outdoors, enjoying a glass of wine while taking in exquisite views of the surrounding rustic family farm. Weekend visitors will also find food trucks for a bite to eat and music to accompany their meals.

Jim Thorpe

Nature lovers have plenty to appreciate when trying to chill in Jim Thorpe. Nearby Mauch Chunk Lake is a popular destination for swimmers who want to take a dip or walk along the shores. It is also a popular spot for hayrides in the fall, making it popular even when the weather starts to cool. The Switchback Railroad Trail is the destination for hikers who want a walk by the water; however, plan your trip carefully, as it spans nearly 13 miles. Nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park may be your preferred destination if you want to see even more diverse natural beauty. This steep-walled gorge follows the Lehigh River and covers 6,107 acres of ground. Bikers can travel the 26-mile Lehigh Gorge Trail for a relaxing ride along the river, while hikers will enjoy the shorter Bald Mountain Vista Trail, which offers excellent views as the elevation rises. Guests to the area can end their day at the unique Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill, which boasts a 1930s atmosphere while serving specialty cocktails and a menu that ranges from vegetarian dishes to classic burgers and seafood plates.

Wellsboro

Visitors to the area can relax at the historic Penn Wells Hotel and Lodge. The hotel was first constructed in 1869 and is not only one of the area’s most historic landmarks but a gateway to plenty to see and do. Guests can book time at the nearby Tyoga Golf Course to enjoy 18 rounds of golf at a destination previously rated four stars by Golf Digest. True aficionados may also want to book time at Corey Creek Golf Club, another well-known 18-hole course just 15 miles away. This course is particularly known for its beautiful panoramic vistas. If you want to take a day trip out of town, it is 54 minutes to the Pine Creek Gorge, but this stunning outdoor destination is known as the “Crown Jewel of Pennsylvania.” Those who relax best outdoors will enjoy time in the 1,000-foot-deep gorge. The gorge is particularly known for Pine Creek, which runs between the canyon and attracts those who want to set out by canoe, raft, or kayak. Just a short walk from the hotel, those who prefer to relax while shopping can step right outside and onto Main Street. A popular stop on the street is Main Street Olive Oil Company, which specializes in specialty olives, olive oils, seasonings, sauces, and gourmet pasta.

Places To Chill In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a particularly appealing destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities, with destinations like Pine Creek Gorge and Lehigh Gorge State Park attracting visitors who want to go hiking or embark on a kayaking trip. Yet historic destinations like the Gettysburg Battlefield make for tranquil afternoons while learning more about the state’s vast history. If you want to find places to chill in Pennsylvania, then visit one of these towns.