Pennsylvania
Trip Ideas|Road Trips

Take This Hidden Gems Road Trip When You Want To See Some Little-Known Places In Pennsylvania

Discover hidden gems in Pennsylvania through a road trip featuring natural wonders, historic sites, and unique accommodations.

Updated Nov 15, 2022

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

No matter how long we've lived in Pennsylvania, we're always just one stroll down the street or drive across town away from discovering new hidden gems. That's just part of what makes living in Pennsylvania so much fun. When you've got a few free days in your itinerary, hit the highway on this road trip to the best little-known hidden gems in Pennsylvania.

Here are the Google map directions for the road trip. Add or remove stops, and customize to your needs and interests. However, whatever you do...have fun!

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Google Maps

This epic road trip will take you to some of the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania. If you can't carve out time to hit the road, how about adding each of these gems to your Pennsylvania bucket list?

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1. White Cliffs of Conoy – Marietta

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Flickr/joronjubilee

Our hidden gems road trip in Pennsylvania kicks off at the White Cliffs of Conoy, a geological wonder that's perched 60 feet above the Susquehanna River. You'll have to follow a short trail to reach the cliffs that developed over the years and just recently became open to the public. Don't forget your camera, and keep a close watch on kids and pets. The cliffs feature several steep, dangerous drop-offs. Read more about this natural wonder in Pennsylvania in our previous article.

2. Seven Tubs Nature Area – Wilkes-Barre

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All Trails/Sarah Momteacherfriend

Seven Tubs Nature Area offers a picture-perfect way to spend a day - or even just a few hours - outdoors. The 400-acre natural area features a series of natural pools and even a few waterfalls. While swimming in the pools is prohibited, you can explore the pools along one of the scenic trails. Plan your visit to this hidden gem in Pennsylvania by checking out our previous article.

3. Lacawac Sanctuary – Lake Ariel

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Facebook/Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station & Environmental Education Center

Slip into a pair of comfortable hiking or walking shoes for your visit to Lacawac Sanctuary, home to Lake Lacawac, "the southernmost glacial lake in the hemisphere." The lush natural area features a series of hiking trails that will take you past a natural bog and a beautiful garden.

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Plan your trip to this nature sanctuary in Pennsylvania.

4. Historic Downtown Stroudsburg

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Visit Downtown Stroudsburg

Our next stop takes us to one of the best places to retire in the United States. Spend a few hours or an entire day exploring the darling, historic downtown area that's dotted with shops and restaurants. Each season also brings with it its own charm, including hand-painted snowmen that decorate the town during the winter. Get a closer look at this charming small town in Pennsylvania.

5. Historic Hotel Bethlehem – Bethlehem

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Facebook/Historic Hotel Bethlehem

Pamper yourself with a stay at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, known for both its rich history and its supposed hauntings. (Don't worry - the ghosts are friendly.) You might also want to carve out a bit of time to explore downtown Bethlehem, too, during your visit. The historic hotel gets all decked out for the holidays, so Christmastime is a magical time to visit. Learn more about this historic hotel in Pennsylvania.

6. Chanticleer Garden – Wayne

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Facebook/Chanticleer Garden

Step into an enchanting fairy tale when you visit Chanticleer Garden, a beautiful natural area just outside of Philadelphia. The 27-acre seasonal garden features winding walking paths that lead to a pond garden, an Asian garden, and a teacup garden. Get a glimpse of the adventure that awaits at this fairy tale garden in Pennsylvania.

7. Wolf Sanctuary of PA – Lititz

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Facebook/Wolf Sanctuary of PA

We're quite fortunate to have quite a bit of wildlife in Pennsylvania, but we don't have any more wild wolves. However, we can still see these majestic animals up close at Wolf Sanctuary of PA. The hidden gem in Pennsylvania offers tours and also hosts special events, such as professional photography sessions and full moon fundraisers. Read more about this unique place to visit in Pennsylvania.

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8. Haines Shoe House – York

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Facebook/Haines Shoe House

Get a glimpse into what life might have been like for the old lady in a shoe at the Haines Shoe House. Formerly an ice cream shop, the Haines Shoe House has made the transition to a VRBO. Can you think of a better way to end a hidden gems in Pennsylvania road trip than with a night in a larger-than-life shoe? You don't want to forget your camera for this one (or any of the unique places to visit in Pennsylvania we've stopped at on this road trip.) Book your stay at the Haines Shoe House, a one-of-a-kind VRBO in Pennsylvania.

What are your favorite hidden gems in Pennsylvania? Any on this road trip? Let us know in the comments! Ready for more road-tripping fun? Head out on the scenic road trip that takes you to the seven natural wonders of Pennsylvania.

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Trip Ideas|Road Trips

The Pennsylvania Literary Road Trip Leads to 6 Incredible Bookstores and Libraries

Visit some of the best bookstores and historic libraries on this literary road trip in Pennsylvania you can complete in a day.

Published Oct 19, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Reading has certainly evolved over the years, especially since we now have access to any book we could possibly want right at our fingertips. While reading on a computer, tablet, or smartphone is convenient, for some of us who grew up with books, it’s just not the same. Can anything compare to the smell of an old book or the slight creak a book makes when you open it? Next time you’ve got a free day or two, hit the road on this literary road trip in Pennsylvania, where you can rediscover the magic of reading all over again.

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Here are the Google Maps directions for this road trip. The road trip to four bookstores and two libraries spans 223 miles with around four hours of drive time, not taking into consideration how much time you’ll spend at each destination. Add or remove stops, or customize to meet your interests and timeline. Whatever you do, though, have fun.

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Google Maps

1. Cupboard Maker Books – Enola

Let’s start our literary road trip at perhaps the most colorful bookstore in Pennsylvania. You can’t miss Cupboard Maker Books in Enola. The exterior of the building is painted as book spines. Stroll through the front door where you might be greeted by one of the resident cats or the friendly fosters looking for a home. The 6,000-square-foot bookstore boasts an impressive collection of more than 5,000 new titles as well as used books. It also hosts events throughout the year.

2. Moyer’s Book Barn – Strasburg

Our next stop brings us to Moyer’s Book Barn in Strasburg, a family-owned bookstore that’s been a local favorite for nearly four decades. The shelves of this cozy shop are brimming with used books – more than 35,000 – including rare titles, first editions, and signed books. Bring cash or a check, especially if you plan to peruse the overstock room, where you’ll score some great reads for half off. Moyer’s Book Barn has extremely limited hours, so make sure they’re open before you set off.

3. Baldwin’s Book Barn – West Chester

We book lovers could probably spend hours, if not days, just browsing this massive five-story bookstore in West Chester. Tucked in a barn built in 1922, the bookstore has been a neighborhood staple since 1946. Baldwin’s Book Barn is far more than a bookstore; it’s a glimpse back in time. Carve out plenty of time to explore the collection of more than 300,000 rare, out-of-date, and used books, maps, and prints. If you stumble on a book you like, pull up a chair and read for a bit.  

4. Fisher Fine Arts Library – Philadelphia

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Flickr/ajay_suresh

Let’s head to one of the two libraries on our literary road trip. With its Victorian-style architecture, Fisher Fine Arts Library in Philadelphia is a National Historic Landmark. The historic library in Pennsylvania, which underwent a complete restoration in the late 20th century, is well worth exploring to view the ornate windows and unique architecture and to check out the collection of more than 150,000 books and two million digital images. Bring your ID, which will be photocopied by security before you’re allowed in.

5. Children’s Book World – Haverford

Remember how much fun it was going to bookstores as a kid? We can relive some of that childhood magic at our next stop. Children’s Book World, an independent bookstore in Haverford, has been a local favorite since 1989. The shelves are brimming with books for all ages, from toddlers to teens. Browse the shop that also sells such fun items as stuffed animals and jigsaw puzzles. Children’s Book World hosts events, too, so keep an eye on its calendar.

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6. McCormick Riverfront Library – Harrisburg

Our final stop brings us to McCormick Riverfront Library in Harrisburg. The historic library dates back to 1889 but it’s been in its current location on Walnut Street since 1914. Spend some time exploring the 13,000-square-foot library that features approximately 36,000 books. It also hosts events and programs for readers of all ages.

Next time you’re in Western Pennsylvania, visit the Braddock Carnegie Library, a library in Pittsburgh that looks like it’s stepped straight from a fairy tale. Before you head out on this literary road trip, check out the OIYS road trip essentials packing list.

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Trip Ideas|Road Trips

The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Pennsylvania’s Most Charming Small Towns

Experience a slice of yesteryear on this road trip that leads to such charming small towns as Jim Thorpe, New Hope, and Bloomsburg.

Published Sep 26, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

A visit to Pennsylvania’s small towns allows us a glimpse at a simpler time when everyone knew each other, mom and pops ran shops and restaurants, and life moved at a slower pace. We’re incredibly fortunate to have countless charming small towns in Pennsylvania – from Indiana, the hometown of beloved Pennsylvanian Jimmy Stewart, to Boiling Springs, a darling town almost frozen in time. This scenic road trip leads to just five of the many charming small towns that dot the state.

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Here are the Google Map directions for this road trip that leads to five of Pennsylvania’s most charming small towns. Drive time clocks in at just under seven hours as you’ll travel 332 miles. You can easily customize the map to add stops and tailor it to your needs and interests.

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Google Maps

1. Lititz

Let’s kick off our road trip to Pennsylvania’s most charming small towns in Lititz. You really will feel as though you’ve stepped back in time in this friendly town that’s home to such attractions as Wolf Sanctuary of PA, Lititz Springs Park, and the Lititz Historical Foundation. Join a walking tour with Historic Lititz Walking Tours, and learn how to twist pretzels at Julius Sturgis Pretzel Company.

2. New Hope

We’ll next make our way to New Hope, a delightful small town that offers a unique opportunity. Cross the bridge over the Delaware River to the small town of Lambertville, New Jersey, a bonus stop on your road trip if you have the time. New Hope promises plenty to do, including shops and restaurants. Take a scenic ride with the New Hope Railroad; or stroll through Bowman’s Wildflower Preserve. If you want to go a bit further afield – around five miles – head over to nearby Peddler’s Village in Lahaska.

3. Jim Thorpe

Our next stop brings us to the enchanting mountain town of Jim Thorpe, affectionately known as the Switzerland of Pennsylvania. Start your visit with a stroll through downtown, where you’ll find an eclectic selection of shops and restaurants. Try to time your visit for the annual Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival, held the first three weekends in October, or Winterfest in February. A ride aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway and a visit to the Old Jail Museum are both musts on your itinerary. You might also want to book an overnight stay (or two) at the Inn at Jim Thorpe; it’s said to be haunted.

4. Bloomsburg

A small-town Pennsylvania road trip must include Bloomsburg. This darling town, after all, is the only official town in Pennsylvania. It also hosts the annual Bloomsburg Fair, an epic multi-day festival, held every September. While you’re in town, stop by the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, the Gallery at the Greenley Center, and the University of Bloomsburg. Spend some time exploring downtown, too.

5. Gettysburg

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Gettysburg is a borough and the county seat of Adams County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The town hosts visitors to the Gettysburg National Battlefield in the Gettysburg National Military Park.

We’ll end our road trip to some of the most charming small towns in Pennsylvania in the historic town of Gettysburg. Considered by many the most haunted town in the United States, Gettysburg appeals to history buffs, novice and seasoned ghost hunters, and those who enjoy small-town life. If it’s your first visit, you might want to join a walking or biking tour to get to know this delightful small town that’s home to such historic sites as Gettysburg National Military Park, the Jennie Wade House, and the Farnsworth House Inn.

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What are your favorite of Pennsylvania’s most charming small towns? What others would you add to this scenic road trip? Let us know in the comments! If you’re up for another adventure, follow this road trip to six stunning lakes in Pennsylvania. Before you hit the road, check out the OIYS road trip packing essentials guide.

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