Pennsylvania's many small towns boast individual charm and character, beckoning visitors who want a taste of a time long gone. But how do we decide what small town in Pennsylvania to visit on our next adventure? Whether you've been to the charming college town of West Chester, Pennsylvania, or it's your first visit, you'll find so much to do that you'll likely want to visit again...and again.
Not Your Average Bucket List - Podcast Episode
Our travel experts and Not Your Average Bucket List podcast hosts, Sara and Marisa, dig deeper into America’s small towns, including the history behind West Chester, Pennsylvania. If you’re up for an audio adventure before reading below, this is your chance to get some insight from some OnlyInYourState experts. Click below!
Consistently ranked as one of the best college towns in both Pennsylvania and the United States, West Chester oozes quaint charm and plenty to do all year long.
Just 35 miles from Philadelphia, this small Pennsylvania town is perhaps best known for West Chester University, home to more than 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
If you're a bibliophile, you're probably familiar with West Chester for another reason - Baldwin's Book Barn, a five-story former barn that's been a bookshop since 1946.
Stroll through the massive bookstore, where you'll find shelves and shelves of rare and used books. Because the beloved bookshop is so big, you'll need at least a few hours to see everything.
For an outdoor adventure in West Chester, spend a few hours exploring the breathtaking Stroud Preserve. Spanning 571 acres, the natural area features a scenic hiking trail that winds past woodlands, grasslands, and farmland.
Carve out plenty of time, too, to explore downtown West Chester, an idyllic destination for doing a bit of shopping at the eclectic collection of shops.
Did you know that downtown West Chester has more than 100 independently-owned shops? You never know what treasures you'll find.
Grab a bite to eat at one of the more than 65 restaurants that dot the enchanting downtown area.
No matter what your culinary preferences, you're sure to find an eatery to match.
Downtown West Chester hosts a variety of events throughout the year, too, including Oktoberfest in the fall.
Plan a visit during Christmastime to admire the twinkling decorations of the season and to get your Christmas shopping done.
Head over to the official website of Downtown West Chester, PA for more information. Or, stop by the Facebook page of West Chester, PA.
Have you been to the charming college town of West Chester, Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! While you're in town, grab a bite at Jimmy John's Pipin' Hot Sandwiches, the best hot dog joint in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
A day in this charming college town might not be enough. How about staying a night or two? Check out Vrbo for some of the best places to stay in West Chester.
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