The Best Small Towns in Pennsylvania

Sure, city life is exciting with the downtown bustle, the neighborhood-y charm, and no shortage of places to eat, drink, and shop. But sometimes you need a little bit of a breather (literally—all of the congestion and smells of the concrete jungle can be a little stifling) and a dose of small town life is just what the doctor ordered. From quaint country villages like Lancaster to art hubs like Bethlehem, the Keystone State has plenty of compact locales chock full of mom-and-pop shopping, historic main streets, and scenic views.

Located at the eastern edge of the Allegheny National Forest, Ridgway is an artsy small town with enough charming mom-and-pop establishments and antique shops to fill up an entire weekend. Set up basecamp by booking a night at rental home The Cottage or the luxurious-yet-comfortable Civil War-era mansion Towers Victorian Inn to enjoy ornate Victorian decor and deep clawfoot tubs. Downtown Ridgway is home to a number of art galleries and antique shops, all of which are far more fascinating after a few beers at The Brew Bank Brewing Company or a sample of Pennsylvania Country Moonshine at Chicken Hill Distillery. In downtown Ridgway, you can shop like a local at Clarion River Trading Company and Gallery 219 antiques.
Must-eat foods: Farm-to-table fine dining in a former train car at The Depot at Doolittles, a slice from Paesanos II, and housemade donuts at Joey's Bakery.

This charming town is the epitome of quaint and can serve as the starting point for unforgettable day trips. A stroll down Main Street will bring you to Buhl House, Zelie's oldest standing building; and Passavant House, where you can learn about the town's history and see preserved artifacts (including framed art made of human hair, which is totally normal and not at all terrifying). After a history lesson, try locally made craft beer at ShuBrew, check out a live performance at The Strand Theater, or shop for tchotchkes at Stocking Stuffers Plus.
Must-eat foods: Any kind of candy imaginable at Baldinger’s Candy, beef jerky at Herb Brittner Smokehouse, Maggie's Farm burger at the original Burgh'ers.

A mere 20 minutes up Route 19 past Harmony, you'll find McConnell's Mill State Park: a national natural landmark covering 2,546 acres of the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge. Eleven miles worth of trails run along the water, with options for every skill level that will lead you on a scenic journey of waterfalls, huge boulders, and a canopy of leaves. Hells Hollow, though it may sound daunting, is a half-mile one-way trail that crosses Hell Run and leads you to Hell's Hollow Falls. With a little bit of careful footing, you can easily climb up the cliffside and stand behind the majestic falls. Back in town, leaf through pages at the Little Green Bookstore or shop for high end artisan goods at Murderingtowne Press & Co. and Darn Yarn, both housed within a former opera house now called The Center Of Harmony. After dusk, make your way to the Harmony Cemetery. This plot of land encased by a stone wall looks empty to the naked eye, but it’s actually home to approximately 100 graves (only one of which is marked). To enter, visitors must push open a one-ton revolving stone gate. 
Must-eat foods: Spaetzle at Harmony Inn, French crepes at Wunderbar Coffee House, bear claws at Lagerhaus Bakery.

A teeny town outside of Pittsburgh, Finleyville manages to squeeze in a winery (Giant Oaks), a chocolate shop (Pink House Chocolates), and a dive bar (Roy’s by the Tracks) despite its small size. A nearby family institution, Trax Farms is the perfect spot to grab seasonal produce and local wine and cider. On your way back to town from Trax Farms, stop at Coconut Joe’s Tiki Bar for frozen beverages, live music, and caribbean vibes in western PA. Just south of Finleyville you'll find Mingo Creek County Park, a densely forested, 2,600-acre region with two covered bridges, and the Creek Park Observatory.
Must-eat foods: Brisket sandwich at Brian's Barbeque, melted BLT at Beach House Restaurant, wings at Hunting Lodge II.

Nestled amongst the Poconos in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe is a town (not a guy) that the Swiss Tourism Board named "The Switzerland of America" due to its European inspired architecture and, frankly, just how damn quaint it is. Jim Thorpe is rich with historical goodies like the Asa Packer Mansion, a handful of beautiful cathedrals, and the Old Jail Museum which hosts nighttime ghost tours. The town is also great for outdoor recreation. Visit Lehigh Gorge State Park and hike the Glen Onoko Falls Trail for stunning views. If you're looking for a more relaxing activity, hop onto the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. A ride on one of their 1932 coaches will transport you to another era through tall cliff sides and beautiful mountain scenery.
Must-eat foods: Lamb at Moya, huevos rancheros at Stone Row Pub & Eatery, crab cakes at Tony Stella’s Encore.

One hour north of Philadelphia, this small Bucks County town is home to a nature preserve, food and wine tours, an open air flea market, and a children's museum, meaning it’s bound to please every single road trip attendee. Rice's Market is a great opportunity to get a taste of the local arts and crafts scene and do some early morning shopping before you hit it big at brunch. Pro tip: go on a weekday to avoid crowds and to get access to the best vendors. Shadybrook Farm has farm-fresh seasonal produce, homemade ice cream, and an on-site pub. Wander along Main Street for unique boutiques and end the day with some evening entertainment at the Bucks County Playhouse. 
Must-eat foods: Waffles and ice cream at Nina's Waffles, Nashville hot mushroom sandwich at Triumph Brewing Company, a burger at The Salt House.

Although it's the seventh largest city in Pennsylvania, Bethlehem still manages to embody small town charm with a collection of museums and art galleries highlighting the region's rich history. Fill up a whole day by investigating the Hoover Mason Trestle (which includes Sands Casino and live music venues), learning about the people and machines who built Pennsylvania at the National Museum of Industrial History, or visiting the Lehigh University Campus to see the community-made Lehigh Millennium Folk Arch. More local artistry can be found at The Banana Factory and SteelStacks, a multi-stage space where art films, documentaries, live music, and comedy performances take place regularly.
Must-eat foods: Oysters and butterscotch pudding (though not necessarily at the same time) at Bolete Restaurant and Inn, croissant French toast with bourbon bananas at The People's Kitchen, Mamma Goosey Stuffa Your Face at The Goose.

At the mere mention of Lancaster, you've surely already begun picturing horse-drawn carriages, vast fields, and unadorned cotton garments, but this little town is far more than the Amish lifestyle it's associated with. Less than two hours outside of Philly, it’s the go-to destination for a weekend full of breweries, Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, and vintage shopping. Seriously, there are so many things to do in Lancaster, we gave it it's own article. To sample some of Lancaster's locally made brews, head to Lancaster Brewing for a Baked Pumpkin Ale when it’s in season or grab a Daily Planet hazy IPA at Spring House Brewing Company. But before you go ham on all those heavy beers, pick some apples, strawberries, or cherries, depending on the time of year, at Cherry Hill Orchards.
Must-eat foods: Chow-Chow at Kitchen Kettle Village, Whoopie Pies at Achenbach's Pastry Inc, Wilbur Buds at Wilbur Chocolate.

If you’re expecting spookiness from a town that’s name sounds like eerie, you’ve come to the right place: there are plenty of historical cemeteries where you can have your own ghost sightings. If you’re looking for less haunted adventures, explore the city hitting local highlights like the Erie Playhouse, Warner Theater, and Liberty Park. To cap off your visit, stop at The Brewerie for a handcrafted ale and good old fashioned pub grub.
Must-eat foods: Fresh Lake Erie perch at Freeport Restaurant, fried zucchini and steak at Ricardo's, coconut cream pie at Lawrence Park Dinor, sponge candy at Romolo Chocolates, lime cake at Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro.

The name Ohiopyle is derived from a Lenape phrase ahi opihəle meaning “it turns very white,” which refers to the dozens of frothing waterfalls that fill this region. The town of Ohiopyle is a permanent home to less than 100 people year round, but it’s one of Pennsylvania's most sought-after tourist spots. The surrounding state park comprises more than 20,000 acres of hiking and endless wilderness, perfect for any time of year. Ohiopyle State Park is full of trails, including one around Ferncliff Peninsula that will take you to the Ohiopyle Falls, a National Natural Landmark. No one should come to this part of Pennsylvania without visiting what the Smithsonian has deemed one of 28 places to visit before you die, so you’ve got to check out Fallingwater. The organically designed home brought to life by Frank Lloyd Wright was built partially over a waterfall with an innovative structure built to complement its surroundings, and it’s a must-see feat of 20th century architecture.
Must-eat foods: Apple dumplings from Ohiopyle Bakery & Sandwich Shoppe, fried pickles at Falls Market, fresh baked sourdough bread at Bittersweet Cafe.

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