Right in the center of Pennsylvania lies the delightful town of Bellefonte. It is a small community with loads of history landing within the larger Nittany Valley area.
Bellefonte is located in the picturesque Great Appalachian Valley.
In 1977, the Bellefonte Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is comprised of 296 buildings, with the oldest dating back to 1795. Although architecture is its calling card, the town features many other attractions, including a wonderful art museum, boutique shopping, and over three acres of recreational green space.
Bellefonte was founded over two hundred years ago, and it has maintained that classic charm all these years later.
The Victorian-era charm is on full display as you make your way through town. If you want to learn more about the historic area, there are architectural walking tours available.
The Reynolds Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located in the Bellefonte Historical District.
A mansion that was built in 1885, it is now a family-run bed and breakfast featuring many amenities. The Reynolds Mansion Bed and Breakfast is a luxurious place to stay in downtown Bellefonte, featuring top-notch bathrobes, a billiards room, and a three-course breakfast catered to your dietary needs.
While noted specifically for its Victorian-era architecture, it is surrounded by lush nature that sees all four seasons. Talleyrand Park features a small waterfall, fish, and birds.
Running through the center of town, along Spring Creek, is Talleyrand Park. In the park, you will find a butterfly garden, sculptures, and plenty of space for outdoor activities like bocce and croquet. There are plenty of spots to sit and relax, as well as many restaurants and stores nearby.
You can stop for coffee and freshly-baked goods at Bonfatto's.
A cute Italian market and cafe that has been family-owned and operated for over 100 years, you can grab a top-notch Espresso drink and freshly-baked goods to power you through the day.
State Burger Co. provides a wide variety of freshly-made burgers and milkshakes.
You can build your own delicious burger to your specifications. A variety of freshly-made milkshakes are available for all tastes.
To continue supporting the townspeople, you can stop by family-owned Belle Mercantile, a collective offering goods made by local artists and merchants.
Housed in a classic mid-1850s building, Belle Mercantile features the finest locally-made art, furniture, jewelry, and more. You can find something special from Bellefonte to take home with you.
The Bellefonte Art Museum is just a short walk from the Reynolds B&B.
The Bellefonte Art Museum is worth a visit to see the thoughtful exhibits of local artists where much of the art is for sale. The museum specializes in exhibiting and selling the works of local artists. It also features rotating special exhibits and a permanent exhibit on the history of the region's role in the Underground Railroad.
Have you visited Bellefonte before? Do you know of any other small towns featuring preserved architecture? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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