Exploring a town you’ve never been to is fun, but meeting friendly locals who are welcoming fosters a sense of comfort and belonging that significantly enhances our trip. Pennsylvania is one such state that harbors friendly towns—in addition to 124 state parks, several historic landmarks, and stunning lakeside towns. This article will explore the 11 friendliest towns in the Keystone State.
Hershey
The main gateway entrance to Hersheypark, a family theme park situated in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Editorial credit: George Sheldon / Shutterstock.com
Sweeten up your adventure in the chocolate capital of America. The legacy of Milton Hershey lives on more than a century years after starting The Hershey Company; Hershey is home to numerous tourist attractions related to the confectionery goodness we all love and crave, including Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark. The former is a chocolate lover’s paradise, offering attendees the chance to experience a chocolate factory tour ride, create their own chocolate, and explore a wide range of stores. The latter holds the distinction of bringing the largest number of visitors in the state and ninth across North America, thanks to its thrilling rides and invigorating waterpark. After soaking in all the joy at Hersheypark, consider attending ZooAmerica, just a short 11-minute drive away. The family-friendly zoo spans 11 acres and hosts mountain lions, owls, deers, and other exotic wildlife.
Doylestown
People walking on the street in downtown Doylestown, via aimintang / iStock.com
Like museums? Doylestown has eight of them. Among them is the dreamy 116-year-old Fonthill Castle, featuring 44 rooms, five bedrooms, and an antique elevator—open Tuesday to Sunday. Another prominent museum worth checking is the spooky VAMPA Vampire & Paranormal Museum, where you can learn about the supernatural world through art and exhibitions related to the paranormal world. After your visit, trek the Peace Valley Park, a serene outdoor lake ideal for fishing, boating, and hiking. Lastly, for a fun and interactive experience, roam through Hellerick’s Adventure Farm & Mini Golf, where you can climb their 35-foot-tall Silo Climbing Wall. Alternatively, soar through the air in the Aerial Adventure zone and see how well you can walk through their towering structures.
Gettysburg
Street in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Residents of Gettysburg are as proud and patriotic as they will come. Journey through the Gettysburg National Military Park to see several galleries inside and outside the museum—the park features sculptures, replicas of weapons, and an observation tower. Due to Gettysburg’s bloody history, it’s a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts seeking to confirm whether this town lives up to its reputation as one of America’s most haunted towns. Luckily, Ghost City Tours of Gettysburg, Mark Nesbitt’s Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tours, and Haunted Gettysburg Ghost Tours are all there guide you. While you’re here, savor some local flavors and check out Gettysburg Family Restaurant or Food 101—both serve as great options to dine-in or takeout.
Wellsboro
Directional Route Signs on the Main Street of Wellsboro in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, via George Sheldon / Shutterstock.com
Wellsboro is a gateway to some of Pennsylvania’s best state parks, including Tioga State Forest, a vast area spanning more than 160,000 acres, offering mesmerizing views of Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area, known as the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.” On the other hand, the Barbour Rock Trail Overlook also offers captivating panoramic views; once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning 180-degree views of the green landscape, with endless trees and mountains as far as the eye can see. After exploring the great outdoors, grab a bite at the famous Wellsboro Diner, boasting an impressive 4.4-star rating from over 1,500 guests on Google reviews. Not to be missed, the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center is the town’s only art gallery, featuring exhibitions from local and regional artists, with numerous events and seminars hosted monthly.
Hollidaysburg
Allegheny Street in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
Hollidaysburg has beautiful surroundings, a rich history, and is home to multiple events during summers and the rest of the year. This quaint town played a prominent role amidst the Civil War, contributing its economic might by supplying raw materials, while being an important strategic location. Aside from its storied history, Hollidaysburg is near four art galleries, including the famous Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art. To get some fresh air, discover the Prince Gallitzin State Park, home to a massive 1,635-acre lake with crystal clear blue water. Here, you can barbeque, camp out for the night, play disc golf, and even explore the forest through horseback riding and ATVs. Moreover, the lake is also a popular spot among experienced scuba divers who wish to explore what lies beneath the blue surface.
Milford
Downtown Milford, Pennsylvania. Image credit: DenSmith via Flickr.com.
Sitting on the banks of the Delaware River, Milford boasts several attractions and sites to explore. Among them is the Grey Tower National Historic site, which attracts thousands of tourists annually with its exhibitions, free visitor films, trails, and gift shop. Milford is also home to the yearly Black Bear Film Festival, Milford Jazz Festival, and the Free Summer Concert at Grey Towers. To see incredible views of this town from above, climb the Milford Knob Trail—it takes 1.3 miles to reach the top, but once you do, you will be rewarded with an incredible vista from atop.
Lewisburg
Downtown streets of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Image credit Strattons.US via Shutterstock
Like Milford, Lewisburg is a riverside town but it’s also a historic town established more than 240 years ago; learn about its storied past through a visit to the Union County Historical Society, Bucknell Greenhouse, and the Lewisburg Children’s Museum. In addition to these museums, Lewisburg is also home to multiple art galleries, including the Samek Art Museum. Among other attractions worth attending, the Lewisburg Area Recreation Park and Soldier’s Park offer a serene space to unwind and enjoy a leisurely walk, with the latter providing access to the West Branch Susquehanna River. Finally, grab some popcorn and catch a movie at the historic Campus Theatre, constructed back in 1941.
Lititz
Downtown shops in Lititz, Pennsylvania.
Named after the beautiful Litice Castle in the Czech Republic, Lititz is a lively town home to 10 museums and historic sites, and four annual events. In the group of historical sites worth seeing, the three that stand out are the Heritage Map Museum, Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, and the Wilbur Chocolate Factory. The latter two are considered historic establishments and commercial shops; Julius Sturgis is the oldest pretzel shop in the US, having opened its doors more than 163 years ago, while Wilbur Chocolate opened 159 years ago. As mentioned, this town hosts various events throughout the year, and luckily, one of them is just around the corner! The Lititz Outdoor Fine Art Show is scheduled to run on July 27 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm—enabling art lovers to celebrate the work of 130 talented artists with incredible oil paintings, potteries, statues, and acrylic pieces, located in Lititz Springs Park.
Kennett Square
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA. Editorial credit: Bo Shen / Shutterstock.com
Chocolate is not the only thing Pennsylvanians love; add mushrooms to the list, too! This town is known as the “Mushroom Capital of the World,” as it produces a whopping 60% of all mushrooms in the US, according to the American Mushroom Institute. In early September, residents gather in town to mark the annual Kennett Square Mushroom Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from the area and beyond. Apart from mushrooms, this town features four points of interest, including the East Penn Railroad, Kennett Meetinghouse, and Longwood Gardens, the town’s prized treasure where you can observe 13 interior gardens and 859 unique plants sitting on more than 1,100 acres of land, as well multiple seasonal events, including the Festival of Fountains which runs from early May towards the end of October. To conclude your trip, tour the Anson B. Nixon Park, a vast outdoor area with a soccer field, dog park, picnic pavilions, and a volleyball court.
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. By Doug Kerr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Stroudsburg is the gateway to Columcille Megalith Park, which exhibits mysterious-looking rocks stacked on top of each other, similar to prehistoric Celtic customs. The park is also home to 19 acres of paved paths and scenic ponds sheltered amidst towering pine trees. Back in town lies a myriad number of hidden gems waiting to be explored, such as the Sherman Theater, offering live music and movies, as well as Monroe Farmers Market, and the Pocono Snake & Animal Farm, home to bears, bobcats, chinchillas, monkeys, and more. Lastly, since Stroudsburg sits by numerous rivers, stop by Chamberlain Canoes, Edge of the Woods Outfitters, and the Delaware Water Gap for all your canoe and kayak rental equipment needs to hop in the water as you enjoy views of Pennsylvania’s untamed landscape.
York
Historic brick buildings in York, Pennsylvania. Image credit: Sabrina Janelle Gordon via Shutterstock.
Do you love good food and exhilarating fairs? York offers both. Home to the annual York Fair, one of the oldest in the US dating back to 1765, the 10-day event combines entertainment, music, food, and amusement rides! The highly-anticipated event runs from July 19 to July 28, so don’t miss out. Another prominent landmark is Springettsbury Park, which provides all the space you need for a brisk walk or a relaxing picnic. Moreover, the 51-acre park features an amphitheater, a tennis court, and a sand volleyball court. Learn more about this historic town by visiting one of its many museums, such as the York County History Center, Agricultural & Industrial Museum, and Colonial Complex, home to 18th-century buildings and antique furniture. Lastly, be sure to tour York’s downtown core where you can explore numerous galleries and fine dining restaurants.
To sum it up, these towns are full of exciting attractions and activities, with the bonus of friendly Pennsylvanians to enrich your experience. Whether it’s the 10 historic sites in Lititz or the stunning natural parks outside Wellsboro, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and embark on to make your visit to the Keystone State a memorable one.
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Publish date : 2024-07-17 14:00:00
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