Pennsylvania is home to a wealth of charming small towns, each offering a distinct blend of history, architecture, and local culture. From historic sites to bustling shopping districts, here are 10 of the best small towns in Pennsylvania with great downtowns.
1. Kennett Square
Located in Chester County, about 12 miles north of Wilmington, Delaware, and 35 miles west of Philadelphia, Kennett Square is a fantastic destination. The town brands itself as the Mushroom Capital of the World, as the region produces roughly half of all the mushrooms grown in the United States. Every New Year's Eve, the downtown celebrates by dropping a giant illuminated mushroom from a lamppost. Just outside of town, you can also explore the 1,100 acres of conservatories and outdoor performance spaces at Longwood Gardens, which was established by Pierre S. du Pont starting in 1906.
2. Lititz
Founded in 1756 as a Moravian settlement, Lititz is located in Lancaster County. Julius Sturgis, the oldest commercial pretzel bakery in the country, anchors downtown. Visitors strolling past the historic 1700s homes will also catch the scent of chocolate wafting from the Wilbur Chocolate Company, the oldest continuously operating chocolate company in the United States.
3. Jim Thorpe
Sitting in a steep river valley in the Lehigh Gorge of Carbon County, Jim Thorpe features Victorian buildings that climb the hillsides on either side of the Lehigh River. Often dubbed the "Switzerland of America," this mountain town is a gateway to the Poconos and attracts visitors with historical attractions such as the Old Jail Museum and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Formerly a coal-boom town named Mauch Chunk, it was renamed in 1954 in honor of the Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe.
4. New Hope
Sitting along the Delaware River in Bucks County, New Hope is located about an hour from both New York City and Philadelphia. The classic Main Street is replete with independent shops and restaurants, reflecting three centuries of layered history. Downtown is a short drive from New Jersey and offers a respite from city crowds, with plenty of cultural attractions and historic homes to explore.
5. Bellefonte
Located just north of State College in Center County, Bellefonte is home to one of the densest concentrations of Victorian architecture in Pennsylvania. Earning the nickname "Home of Governors" in the 19th century, the town features an intact streetscape of grand homes and public buildings from that era. Walking the streets offers views of many Victorian residences that have since been converted into bed-and-breakfasts.
6. Gettysburg
Located southwest of Harrisburg and just north of the Maryland border, Gettysburg features a compact, walkable downtown that still wraps around the very same square where the pivotal 1863 Civil War battle unfolded. In the heart of downtown, Lincoln Square offers historic landmarks like the David Wills House, where Abraham Lincoln stayed before his famous address. A short walk away is the Dobbin House Tavern, the oldest building in town, built in 1776, and a stop on the Underground Railroad.
7. Doylestown
Located about 35 miles north of Philadelphia, Doylestown boasts a downtown area brimming with historic architecture and creativity. One of the most unique attractions is the Mercer Mile, which includes the breathtaking Fonthill Castle and the Mercer Museum, both celebrating the artistry of Henry Chapman Mercer. The walkable South Main Street is a hub for locally owned businesses, including the beloved Doylestown Bookshop and the upscale Main Street Marketplace.
8. West Chester
Located in the Brandywine Valley, roughly 25 miles west of Philadelphia, West Chester has a highly recognized, preserved downtown. Because it is home to West Chester University, the downtown has a denser nightlife than most boroughs of its size. The compact core features a dense concentration of dining and shopping, packing in more than 100 independently owned businesses, roughly 65 restaurants, and about 24 bars within a three-block radius.
9. Bedford
Downtown Bedford has been a prime destination for over 250 years. This historic, charming downtown hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including a popular seasonal farmers market. Visitors will find a full menu of destinations to enjoy, ranging from specialized museums to boutique shops and restaurants.
10. Milford
Lying in the Pocono Mountains foothills along the Delaware River, Milford has been a popular resort and spa destination since the mid-1800s. The tree-lined Main Street is full of colonial-style buildings, giving it a picture-perfect, cinematic feel. For a touch of history, the downtown is home to the Columns Museum, which houses the famous Lincoln Flag.
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Whether you are hunting for antique treasures in Milford, standing in the footsteps of history in Gettysburg, or enjoying the vibrant, bustling dining scene in West Chester, Pennsylvania's small towns prove that you don't need a major metropolis to find major charm. Each of these downtown districts offers a unique window into the rich history, architectural beauty, and local culture of the Keystone State. They are the perfect destinations for a weekend getaway or a scenic day trip. So, pack up the car, hit the road, and discover the independently owned businesses and welcoming communities that make these ten downtowns truly special.
William Zimmerman
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Publisher / Webmaster at Phlly Bite Magazine.
