These 11 Towns In Pennsylvania Have The Best Main Streets
No exploration of Pennsylvania is complete without visiting some of its fantastic small towns. Many of the state’s communities once thrived as river towns, railroad towns, mining towns, or factory towns, and they grew with classic main streets that served as commercial, cultural, and social hubs. Even as industries faded and times changed, numerous towns have managed to preserve and even revitalize their main streets, showcasing elements like Victorian architecture, iconic courthouses, long-standing local businesses, and downtown theaters. With attractions like the Mauch Chunk Opera House and Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, towns like Jim Thorpe and Lititz can rightly claim to have the best main streets in the state.
Lititz
The vibrant center of Lititz runs along Main Street, where carefully restored stone and brick buildings house an impressive collection of independent shops, bakeries, craft stores, and galleries. Lititz is known for its strong community culture, and visitors often begin their exploration at Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, located right on Main Street and recognized as America’s oldest pretzel bakery. Another popular stop is Lititz Springs Park, a community park near the heart of downtown that offers ponds, fountains, and shaded paths for visitors seeking quiet scenery. Those who appreciate handmade goods can browse Wilbur Chocolate Store, only a short distance from Main Street, where chocolate-making traditions are still celebrated.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe’s downtown core is centered on Broadway, a winding main street framed by steep hills, 1800s architecture, and a dramatic Pocono Mountains backdrop. The street presents a mix of souvenir stores, outfitters, old hotels, and restaurants that cater to visitors exploring Lehigh Gorge State Park. A top downtown attraction is the Asa Packer Mansion, an impressive Victorian residence turned museum, built in 1861. Visitors can also step inside the Old Mauch Chunk Train Station, which now serves as a welcome center and boarding site for the classic Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Adventurous travelers can begin a cycling or hiking excursion along the D&L Trail, accessible near the station.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro’s charming Main Street is renowned for its gas lamp streetlights, stately trees, and small storefronts, which create an inviting, nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors often begin by stopping into the Wellsboro Diner, a classic stainless steel railcar diner located on Main Street, known for its hearty meals and timeless atmosphere. The nearby Arcadia Theatre, also on Main Street, provides movies and live events in a historic setting that underscores the town’s dedication to preservation. A short drive brings travelers to Leonard Harrison State Park, home to stunning viewpoints of the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon” and popular hiking trails.
Easton
While Easton is larger than the other towns on this list, with a population of around 28,000, its active downtown, centered on Northampton Street, has a genuine small-town feel. The thoroughfare is lined with colorful storefronts, local restaurants, and historic buildings like the 1753 Bachmann Publick House, which is open for tours and events. Families will enjoy the Crayola Experience, a highly interactive downtown attraction that celebrates Easton’s most famous export with colorful hands-on exhibits. The nearby State Theatre Center for the Arts offers live performances in a beautifully restored 1910s venue. Visitors can also stop to sample locally made foods and browse artisan stalls at the indoor Easton Public Market, which continues a local market tradition dating back to 1752.
Gettysburg
Gettysburg is centered on Baltimore Street, creating a downtown corridor that mixes historic buildings, museums, small shops, and restaurants within easy walking distance. Visitors can tour the Shriver House Museum, situated directly on Baltimore Street, and gain an authentic glimpse into civilian life during the Civil War. Another significant downtown historic site is the David Wills House, where President Abraham Lincoln finalized the Gettysburg Address. Those wishing to explore locally made items can browse Gallery 30, an artisan shop located along the same corridor. It is also just a short trip to the town’s essential attraction, Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of the momentous 1863 Civil War battle.
Bedford
Bedford’s well-preserved Pitt Street features attractive storefronts, antique stores, local cafes, and historic structures that highlight the town’s long past. One of the most remarkable stops downtown is the 1828 Bedford County Courthouse, an elegant building with a colorful dome and decorative details that epitomize early 19th-century design. Visitors can also explore Founders Crossing, a market-style collection of local vendors offering antiques, crafts, and handmade goods. A short stroll leads to the Shuster Way Heritage Trail, a scenic pedestrian route that connects the downtown area with the historic Omni Bedford Springs Resort.
Doylestown
Doylestown’s bustling downtown extends out from the intersection of State Street and Main Street. This corridor is home to an impressive collection of restaurants, boutiques, and cultural institutions that give the town a sophisticated yet approachable feel. When you are ready to grab a bite, State Street’s string of popular local eateries includes Penn Taproom, The Hattery, and Giovanni’s, to name just a few. Nearby, art enthusiasts can visit the Michener Art Museum, known for its permanent collection of Pennsylvania impressionist works. Meanwhile, history and architecture lovers can explore the Mercer Museum, a unique concrete castle built in 1916 to preserve and celebrate artifacts of American craftsmanship and daily life.
Ligonier
Ligonier’s charming downtown follows West Main Street to the town’s iconic central green, known as The Diamond. This corridor features a cohesive collection of historic architecture, including a pair of impressive 1960s additions, Ligonier Town Hall and the Ligonier Valley Library, that blend in seamlessly with their Georgian-style design elements. Art lovers will enjoy browsing the Main Exhibit Gallery, a West Main Street institution showcasing regional artists and handcrafted works. Take the short walk from The Diamond to see Fort Ligonier, an extensively reconstructed 18th-century fort that offers museum exhibits, guided tours, and immersive historical displays.
West Chester
West Chester’s prime commercial activity centers around Gay Street, a vibrant downtown avenue lined with restaurants, boutiques, art spaces, and restored brick buildings that closes to vehicles on summer weekends for the popular Gay Street Open-Air Market. A highlight along the downtown corridor is the Chester County History Center, where exhibits and archives illuminate the region’s long commercial and cultural history. Another downtown attraction is the Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, which hosts plays, concerts, and community events in a former armory building from 1916. A short trip from Gay Street leads to the West Chester University campus, whose green spaces and cultural programs add further depth to the visitor experience.
New Hope
New Hope’s bustling downtown flows along Main Street, a scenic stretch that parallels the Delaware River and offers an array of attractions that draw visitors from across the region. One of the town’s standouts along this corridor is the Bucks County Playhouse, a renowned theater housed in a former gristmill that has staged performances since the 1930s. Travelers can also explore the New Hope Arts Center, a beloved community institution that hosts rotating exhibitions highlighting regional and contemporary artists. For a relaxing spell in a natural setting, visitors can take a stroll on the Delaware Canal Towpath, easily accessed from downtown and ideal for scenic walks or bike rides. Back on Main Street, shopping and dining options abound at Ferry Market, a lively indoor marketplace featuring local vendors.
Bellefonte
Bellefonte’s main commercial heart centers on High Street, with the intersecting Allegheny Street extending the downtown core. Together, the two create a walkable grid of Victorian storefronts, busy sidewalks, and small restaurants that evoke the refined architectural heritage of the 19th century. Visitors can explore the Bellefonte Art Museum, where historical displays and modern works highlight the region’s culture. A stroll to the foot of High Street leads to Talleyrand Park, a photogenic green space along Spring Creek with footbridges, water features, and shaded benches. Seasonal travelers will enjoy the Bellefonte Victorian Christmas, an annual event that brings festive lights, music, and historically themed activities to the downtown streets.
Pennsylvania’s Main Street Character
Main Street holds a special place in Pennsylvania’s cultural identity because each one reflects the history and personality of the community that built it. These towns show that small-scale commercial centers can remain lively and relevant when they combine preserved architecture, locally owned businesses, walkable layouts, and civic pride. Visitors experience not only attractive streetscapes, but also a sense of belonging that comes from active local involvement. Whether your interests include museums, outdoor recreation, local foods, or heritage tourism, Pennsylvania’s small towns offer main streets that reward wandering and encourage return visits.
