9 Small Towns In Pennsylvania That Are Full Of Charm And Perfect For A Weekend Escape
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Beth Price-Williams
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A weekend escape sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? Sure, we have some pretty amazing big cities, like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where we can enjoy a few days of fast-paced fun and excitement. However, if you’re in the mood to slow things down just a bit, plan a trip to one of these charming small towns in Pennsylvania. Life might move a bit slower, but you’ll find just as much to do and so many ways to relax.
An enchanting destination that previously earned the title of the "Coolest Small Town in America," Lititz is a picture-perfect spot any time of the year. Spend a day shopping in the charming small downtown, which is dotted with quaint shops and darling restaurants. Julius Sturgis Pretzel Company offers visitors the chance to learn how to twist their own pretzels, and Wilbur Chocolate is the perfect spot to stock up on chocolate. To see some of the only wolves in Pennsylvania, make your way to The Wolf Sanctuary for a unique tour. Head over to the official website of Lititz to learn more.
Nestled on the Allegheny River, Foxburg provides an idyllic backdrop for a weekend away, whether you want to enjoy a riverside hike or bike ride, or you’re up for a delicious meal. The beautiful small town is home to Allegheny River Grille, which boasts stunning river views and an equally impressive menu. Check out the generous selection of wines at Foxburg Wine Cellars, and indulge in some of the area’s best chocolate at Divani Chocolate. Then settle in for a cozy evening at The Foxburg Inn Hotel. Learn more on the official website of Go Foxburg!
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Just across the Delaware River from Lambertville, New Jersey, New Hope beckons visitors with its sheer charm, delightful restaurants, and adorable shops. If you’re a fan of the railroad, make a point to visit the New Hope Railroad, where you can climb aboard a scenic train ride. Or, if you visit during the holidays, buy tickets for a Halloween-themed or a Christmas-themed train ride. Find more information, and plan your trip to New Hope.
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Bring a sense of whimsy along with you when you visit the out-of-this-world small town of Mars where, you guessed it, the townspeople proudly call themselves Martians. The charming town boasts plenty of shops and restaurants, but what will probably draw your attention first is the replica spaceship sitting smack dab in the middle of town. The town also celebrates the Mars New Year every other year. Don’t forget to mail yourself a postcard from the Mars post office during your stay. Head over to the official website of Mars Boro to learn more.
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Phil has certainly put Punxsutawney on the map, and the town pays homage to the weather-predicting groundhog with its Phantastic Phils, statues of Phil that dot the town. Visit the local library to see Phil, and his wife Phyllis, in their burrow then check out Gobbler’s Knob and The Groundhog Club Headquarters. Punxsutawney is also home to such fun attractions as the Weather Discovery Center and the scenic Mahoning Shadow Trail, perfect for a relaxing hike. Stop by the official website of Visit Punxsutawney for more information.
Experience the sheer charm of America’s own Switzerland when you visit the darling town of Jim Thorpe. Its quaint streets and beautiful views among the Pocono Mountains will likely remind you of yesteryear. Pack your itinerary with such memorable activities as a visit to Mauch Chunk Opera House, nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park, and Galen Glen Winery. You can even check into the Inn at Jim Thorpe (it’s said to be haunted) or the Harry Packer Mansion, which hosts murder-mystery weekends. Jim Thorpe hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, and for some of the most spellbinding views of the fall foliage, definitely visit during autumn. Plan your visit on the official website of Jim Thorpe.
An enchanting small town with gas-lit streetlights, Wellsboro is the perfect destination to kick back and relax. Explore the downtown area, where you can go shopping and dine at eclectic eateries, on an adventure that will make you long for the simpler times of yesteryear. Every Christmas season, the small town hosts several festivals, including Christmas on Main Street and Dickens of a Christmas. Wellsboro is also well-known for being home to Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of PA. If you love the outdoors, you can drink in spellbinding views of the natural wonder from Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park. Check out the website of The Wellsboro Chamber of Commerce.
Known as The Christmas Tree Capital of the World, Indiana’s a throwback to yesteryear, especially when Christmastime rolls around. You can find and cut your own tree at one of the Christmas tree farms and visit downtown Indiana, which transforms into a real-life Bedford Falls from "It’s A Wonderful Life." Since you’ll be in the hometown of Indiana native son Jimmy Stewart, you might want to stop by the museum that bears his name and stroll along Philadelphia Street for a bit of shopping and eating. Learn more on the official website of Visit Indiana County PA.
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Tucked in the heart of Amish Country, Strasburg provides visitors a glimpse of Amish life. If you’re a fan of the railroad, you’ll also find several railroad-themed attractions. Climb aboard a scenic train ride with the Strasburg Rail Road. Explore the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, and Choo-Choo Barn, the latter of which boasts one of the largest miniature trains in the country. Take a ride on an Amish Buggy, and don’t forget to check out the town’s shops and restaurants. Stop by the official website of Strasburg for more information.
What are your favorite small towns in Pennsylvania for a relaxing weekend getaway? Let us know in the comments! For another picture-perfect getaway, consider a visit to the small town of Doylestown.
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Featured Addresses
Lititz, PA 17543, USA
Foxburg, PA, USA
New Hope, PA 18938, USA
Mars, PA 16046, USA
Punxsutawney, PA 15767, USA
Jim Thorpe, PA, USA
Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Indiana, PA, USA
Strasburg, PA 17579, USA