10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Pennsylvania

The historic and charming town of New Hope is located on the Delaware River and it is one of the most popular getaway destinations on the East coast. The town is filled with antique stores, art galleries, restaurants, and multiple bed and breakfasts.

Historical landmarks, beaches, and shopping can be found in Erie, but many people will forgo some of that to visit the Presque Isle State Park. Just outside of the park’s entrance, people will find the Tom Ridge Environmental Center where everyone can learn more about the 3,200 acres of the park.

History comes to life in Gettysburg and the first place that people should stop is the museum. Upstairs people can see a painted mural from the war that comes to life before their eyes. Everyone will feel like they are stepping back in time as they listen to the war in the background and see the fighting happening in front of them. After the museum, everyone should start out to follow the Gettysburg Trail. This can be done in a car or by foot, but people should know that the trail is very long. There are dozens of stops along the way and it is helpful to pick up a map before leaving the museum. At the military cemetery, people can see where Abe Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address and they can also look over to the cemetery next to it to see where the one local civilian who was killed in the war is buried.

There are so many unique opportunities in Strasburg and people can choose to shop in one of the largest outlet malls in the state or in one of the many quaint boutiques and shops that line the streets. During the day, everyone can ride in an authentic Amish buggy or ride the historic steam train to Paradise. At night, there is always a wonderful theater production being presented for everyone’s enjoyment.

Culture is evident as people stroll the streets of downtown in the town of Jim Thorpe. There are multiple mansions to walk through as well as a Gothic church and everyone will want to see a concert at the Mauch Chunk Opera House. Adventure can also be found in this magnificent town and people can ride a train, go whitewater rafting, hike trails, and canoe out on the lake.

Lancaster incorporates city life into Amish life and visitors can experience the best of both worlds. Everyone will want to go on a tour of a real Amish farm and learn from the local Amish people during the day, but at night they will want to return to the big city to eat delicious cuisine and experience the nightlife.

This town began when a little tavern was built back in 1745 and William Doyle’s Tavern allowed the area to grow into the town that it is today. Henry Chapman Mercer left three buildings to be used as museums after his death and people can now visit the Mercer Museum, Fonthill, and Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. A former prison was transformed into the James A. Michener Art Museum and the town has numerous other cultural activities throughout the year.

Anyone who ever wondered where the soft baked pretzel came from will need to visit Lititz. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery was founded in 1861 and visitors can still tour the original factory today while learning how to twist a pretzel properly and shop in the bakery store. The Lititz Spring Park has been around for more than 200 years and it is used for almost every community event that the town offers. It is also a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch while relaxing in the middle of the day.

People who wander around downtown York will find themselves seeing three different centuries of history from the immigrant pioneers and Revolutionary War soldiers to the 19th century farmers and modern day people. The century old farmer’s market is at the Central Market House and three days a week the locals can be seen purchasing their produce for the next few days.

The eight waterfalls that are found within the Pocono Mountains only adds to the beauty of the town of Bushkill. The numerous nature trails and bridges allow hikers to see the falls from many different vantage points which only enhances their beauty and magnificence. There are three exhibits in the town that allow people to learn more about the area and the traditions of the locals.