The Most Charming College Town In Pennsylvania Is Home To Delicious Dining, Shopping, And More
By Beth Price-Williams|Published September 08, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Pennsylvania’s many small towns boast individual charm and character, beckoning visitors who want a taste of a time long gone. But how do we decide what small town in Pennsylvania to visit on our next adventure? Whether you’ve been to the charming college town of West Chester, Pennsylvania, or it’s your first visit, you’ll find so much to do that you’ll likely want to visit again…and again.
Consistently ranked as one of the best college towns in both Pennsylvania and the United States, West Chester oozes quaint charm and plenty to do all year long.
Just 35 miles from Philadelphia, this small Pennsylvania town is perhaps best known for West Chester University, home to more than 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
If you're a bibliophile, you're probably familiar with West Chester for another reason - Baldwin's Book Barn, a five-story former barn that's been a bookshop since 1946.
Stroll through the massive bookstore, where you'll find shelves and shelves of rare and used books. Because the beloved bookshop is so big, you'll need at least a few hours to see everything.
For an outdoor adventure in West Chester, spend a few hours exploring the breathtaking Stroud Preserve. Spanning 571 acres, the natural area features a scenic hiking trail that winds past woodlands, grasslands, and farmland.
Carve out plenty of time, too, to explore downtown West Chester, an idyllic destination for doing a bit of shopping at the eclectic collection of shops.
Have you been to the charming college town of West Chester, Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! While you’re in town, grab a bite at Jimmy John’s Pipin’ Hot Sandwiches, the best hot dog joint in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
A day in this charming college town might not be enough. How about staying a night or two? Check out Vrbo for some of the best places to stay in West Chester.
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