Pennsylvania may be best known, at least on the world stage, for its larger cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but one of its most prominent selling points is the many charming towns that make up the landscape. Here are 14 Pennsylvania towns you really must visit in 2017.
Plan to visit Jim Thorpe, America's very own Switzerland, in 2017, especially if you enjoy the friendliness and charm of small town Pennsylvania. Explore the enchanting town on foot or climb aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Jim Thorpe, which hosts an annual fall festival and old-fashioned Christmas celebration, provides the perfect backdrop for a getaway any time of the year.
Snuggled halfway between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, the historic town of Bedford offers plenty to do for visitors. Some of the town's highlights include the historic St. James Church, Old Bedford Village, and nearby Coral Caverns. Be sure to make time to go shopping in the charming downtown.
Arguably one of Pennsylvania's most striking ghost towns, Fricks Lock once boasted a small village that spanned 18 acres. Today, the ghost town beckons curiosity seekers who want to explore the now dormant rail town. The East Coventry Historical Commission leads free tours on select Saturdays through the year to give visitors an up close look at the historic village.
A picturesque town that looks as though it's stepped from the pages of a fairy tale, Lititz is a small town with a big personality. In addition to a quaint downtown dotted with shops and restaurants, Lititz is also famous for being the home of Wilbur Chocolate and Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery.
Every Pennsylvanian should visit Bristol, the state's oldest town, at least once. Dating back to 1681, the tiny town sits directly across the Delaware River from Burlington, New Jersey. A stroll through the town where everyone knows everyone else's name will take you past buildings built as far back as 1681, including King George Inn, the town's oldest restaurant.
Get away from it all - quite literally - when you visit Renovo, the most remote town in Pennsylvania. Less than 1,300 Pennsylvanians call Renovo home, making it the perfect spot for a tranquil getaway. Famous for its Flaming Foliage Festival, Renovo beckons antique collectors with its antique shops and outdoor lovers have easy access to nearby Kettle Creek State Park and Sproul State Forest.
Pennsylvanians most likely know Bloomsburg for its famous annual Bloomsburg Fair, which will celebrate its 162nd season in 2017. Home of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, the picturesque town is packed with things to do, including shopping in the quaint downtown, watching a performance at the Bloomsburg Theatre, and hanging out at the sprawling Bloomsburg Town Park.
Perched along the Allegheny River, the tiny town of Foxburg - population of less than 200 - is an ideal day trip or a weekend getaway destination. Explore Foxburg on foot, by bike (traditional or tandem), or by pontoon boat. Visit the Foxburg Wine Cellars and dine at the Allegheny Grille, which frequently features live entertainment.
Journey back in time when you visit Wellsboro, a small town with a charming Main Street dotted with shops, an old-fashioned theater (Arcadia Theater), and the Wellsboro Diner. Visitors will also want to trek to the nearby Pine Creek Gorge where they can explore the canyon floor aboard a horse drawn covered wagon.
Only 12 miles from State College, the cozy town of Bellefonte - with its Victorian architecture and small town friendliness - feels as though it's been frozen in a time long gone. Embrace the town's history by visiting the Historical Railroad Society, the Pennsylvania Room and Historical Museum, and the Art Museum for Centre County.
A tiny town of only 1,200 people, Hawley packs a pretty big punch with plenty to do for visitors, such as dining at the picturesque Glass Wine Bar (complete with a dining room that overlooks a waterfall), the historic Ritz Company Playhouse, independent shops (The Hawley Depot and Time Machine Antiques), and Lake Wallenpaupack.
Visiting Punxsutawney is something of a rite of passage for Pennsylvanians. After all, Punxsutawney is the home of our beloved little Phil, the world's first and most prominent weather-predicting groundhog. A trip to Punxsutawney wouldn't be complete without a visit to Phil's Burrow, the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center, and the Groundhog Club Headquarters.
Embrace the spirit of Christmas any time of the year when you visit Bethlehem, more commonly known as Christmas City. Bethlehem is perhaps the most magical Christmas town in the state, inviting visitors to tour the town on a horse drawn carriage, to hop aboard a Bethlehem By Bus Night Tour, and to explore Christkindlmarkt, the town's annual holiday market.
Gettysburg plays a significant role in American history, particularly during the Civil War. Because of its storied history, Gettysburg has also earned recognition for its paranormal activity, drawing countless visitors - from paranormal investigators to curiosity seekers - to its haunted and hallowed grounds, including Devil's Den, the Jennie Wade House, The Gettysburg Hotel, and Dobbin House Tavern.
These are just 14 Pennsylvania towns you'll definitely want to visit in 2017. And, if you're not too far away, add The Street of Shops in Lewisburg, a charming indoor shopping village, to your 2017 itinerary.
It's that time of year again: The skies are threatening snow, garlands are appearing all over town, and because of these enchanted Christmas towns, Pennsylvania has never looked prettier. A fun way to get into the Christmas spirit is to visit places that go all-out for the holiday with trees, lights, treats, and more. Even though there are plenty of charming towns in Pennsylvania that put up holiday displays, there are a few that really deck the halls. Here are just seven of the best Christmas towns in Pennsylvania.
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Rittenhouse Square park in snow, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
1. Hermitage
Christmas lasts longer than just a day or 12 in one of the most festive Pennsylvania Christmas towns, where every year from early September through the end of December you can visit Santa's Christmasland. Explore the massive indoor avenue of Christmas trees and automated characters with your family for holly jolly start to the holiday season. Find out more on Kraynak’s Facebook page.
2. Greensburg
On select days from Nov. 21 to Dec. 30, 2024, discover Overly's Country Christmas, which is a traditional walk-around Christmas village complete with festive lights, treats, horse-and-carriage rides, Christmas carols, and of course Santa himself. Before you enter the village, you'll drive through a breathtaking light display. Find out more on Overly’s website.
Since this is one of the more popular Christmas activities in Pennsylvania, we'd recommend visiting early in the season if you want to escape the crowds. Weekends leading up to Christmas are going to be busy!
3. Bethlehem
There's a reason that Bethlehem is known as Christmas City, USA. Each year, Christmas in Pennsylvania comes in large in this town, adorned with spellbinding and extensive Christmas lights and decorations. It also holds various events, such as Christkindlmarkt, a five-week-long Christmas festival. Bethlehem consistently ranks among some of the best Christmastime destinations. (It's worth a visit any time of the year, too.)
4. Bernville
Koziar's Christmas Village is an internationally recognized Christmas lights display in Pennsylvania. "Display World Magazine" named it the best outdoor display IN THE WORLD. Stroll through the enchanting village that's drenched in more than one million holiday lights and boasts plenty of moments for picture-perfect photos. For hours, visit Koziar’s Christmas Village website.
5. Kennett Square
Longwood Gardens is always breathtaking, but you simply must visit at Christmastime from Nov. 22, 2023 –Jan. 12, 2025, to witness its amazing decorations. While you're in the area, consider traveling to Philadelphia as well to enjoy its urban Christmas displays. Longwood Gardens features both indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations and lights, making it one of the best Christmas towns in PA. Find out more on the Longwood Gardens website.
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6. York
Christmas Magic is an annual Festival of Lights in Pennsylvania that draws families from all over the state and beyond to Rocky Ridge County Park from Black Friday through Dec. 30 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.) "The Wall Street Journal" named it one of the top holiday events in the country. It's definitely one of those spots that belongs on your Christmastime bucket list. Discover more on the York, PA website. Ticket sales begin November 13, 2024!
7. Altoona
Visit Holiday Lights on the Lake, Altoona's very own holiday celebration at Lakemont Park, Nov. 15, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025. It includes a dazzling 50-acre Christmas light display, Santa's Village, model train displays, and more. Read all about one of the loveliest Pennsylvania Christmas towns on the Lakemont Park Fun website.
To give an idea of some of the holiday fun, check out this video of Kraynak's Christmas Land.
What do you think are the best Christmas towns Pennsylvania has to offer? How many are you planning to visit this year? Share this article with someone you plan on visiting one of these Pennsylvania Christmas towns with and start making plans today!
And for more Christmastime fun, plan a visit to The Winter Lights at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. If you're looking for lodging, the Vrbo website offers some cozy places to snuggle up in for the winter.
This is typically the time of year when we are all facing seasonal depression and tend to stay indoors. Despite the lack of daylight hours, there are still plenty of winter activities in Pennsylvania that are worth your while! Grab your coat and set off on an epic winter adventure. The good news is that the 2024/2025 winter weather predictions for Pennsylvania are looking hopeful!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
