6 Best Foodie Small Towns to Visit in Pennsylvania

A Foodie's Guide to Pennsylvania's Best Small Towns

For food lovers looking to explore beyond the big cities, here is a guide to some of the best small towns in Pennsylvania for a delicious foodie getaway.

1. Lititz (Lancaster County): Historic Charm and Sweet Treats

• The Vibe: Consistently voted one of "America's Coolest Small Towns," Lititz is a picturesque and historic Moravian community with a thriving and walkable Main Street.
• What to Eat: Lititz offers a wonderful mix of old and new. The historic General Sutter Inn and Bulls Head Public House provide classic pub fare in a historic setting. For a more modern experience, Blackworth Live Fire Grill is known for its wood-fired cooking. The town is also a haven for sweets, being home to the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery (America's first) and the Wilbur Chocolate Museum & Store.

2. Kennett Square (Chester County): The "Mushroom Capital" and Beyond

• The Vibe: Known as the "Mushroom Capital of the World," Kennett Square has a vibrant downtown with a surprisingly sophisticated and diverse food scene that extends well beyond its famous fungi.
• What to Eat: Expect to find mushrooms featured creatively on many menus. Talula's Table is a legendary gourmet market and dining destination. Other acclaimed spots offer a range of options, from upscale Italian to farm-to-table American cuisine. The town also has a popular brewery and numerous cafes.

3. New Hope (Bucks County): Riverside Dining and Artistic Flair

• The Vibe: An eclectic and artistic town on the banks of the Delaware River, New Hope has long been a destination for dining and entertainment. Its bustling Main Street is lined with restaurants, many of which offer scenic river views.
• What to Eat: The dining scene is diverse, ranging from upscale dining at Stella of New Hope (with great river views) to classic pub fare at the historic Logan Inn. You'll also find numerous cozy cafes, international cuisine, and casual spots perfect for before or after a show at the Bucks County Playhouse.

4. Jim Thorpe (Carbon County): Mountain Views and Historic Taverns

• The Vibe: Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, this stunning Victorian town, often referred to as the "Switzerland of America," offers a dining experience set against incredible scenery.
• What to Eat: The historic downtown features a variety of options. The Marion Hose Bar, situated in a former firehouse, serves creative cocktails and pub fare. Moya is known for its fine dining and globally inspired menu. You can also find classic Irish pubs and cozy cafes perfect for refueling after a day of hiking or exploring.

5. Lancaster (Lancaster County): A City with Small-Town Charm and a Big Food Scene

• The Vibe: While a city, Lancaster's downtown has a walkable, small-town feel with a remarkably dense and high-quality restaurant scene. It's a hub for farm-to-table dining.
• What to Eat: The options are vast. Luca is famous for its wood-fired pizzas and rustic Italian fare. The Horse Inn is a historic and beloved tavern with a creative menu. Lancaster Central Market, the country's oldest continuously operating farmers' market, offers a taste of the region's agricultural bounty.

6. Gettysburg (Adams County): History, Taverns, and Local Brews

• The Vibe: Beyond its famous battlefields, historic Gettysburg boasts a charming downtown with a burgeoning culinary scene that features historic taverns and modern eateries.
• What to Eat: The Dobbin House Tavern, established in 1776, offers a unique historic dining experience. Modern spots offer creative American fare, and the surrounding Adams County, known as "Apple Country," influences many menus and local ciders. The town also has several breweries and pubs.

Exploring Pennsylvania's small towns is a rewarding adventure for any food lover. These destinations prove that you don't need a big city to find exceptional and authentic dining experiences. From the historic charm of Lititz and Gettysburg to the artistic vibes of New Hope and the mountain beauty of Jim Thorpe, the Keystone State's small towns are serving up some of the best food the region has to offer.