We all need to get away, even if only for a few hours, from the stress and busyness of everyday life sometimes. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of cozy towns all through Pennsylvania that will take you back to a simpler time. Here are just a few small towns in rural Pennsylvania that are downright delightful.

1. Tionesta
Tionesta, PA 16353, USA
Facebook/Tionesta Borough
The small town of Tionesta boasts a tiny population of less than 500, but you'll find enough to keep you relaxed yet occupied during your visit. Hike or go kayaking at Tionesta Lake and Dam. Or, stop at Hallers General Store to browse or get a quick bite to eat. Read more about one of the most rural Pennsylvania towns in our previous article.
2. Farmington
Farmington, PA 15437, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Ida Writer
Just a bit larger than Tionesta, Farmington has a population of a little less than 800. You'll find just as much to do, from dining at the Stone House Restaurant and Inn to enjoying nature at Ohiopyle State Park. Did you know that Farmington is a bona fied foodie town in Pennsylvania?
3. Strasburg
Strasburg, PA 17579, USA
Facebook/Strasburg PA
Escape to Strasburg in Lancaster County. With a population of under 3,000, Strasburg offers a full menu of places to go and things to do, including the Strasburg Railroad. Discover why Strasburg is the perfect day trip destination in Pennsylvania.
4. New Hope
New Hope, PA 18938, USA
Facebook/New Hope, PA
New Hope bills itself as a "small town with a big city feel." You'll quickly discover all there is to do in the small town of around 2,500. Take in a performance at the Bucks County Playhouse or climb aboard an old-fashioned train for a scenic tour aboard the New Hope Railroad. Learn more about this fairy tale small town in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
5. Berlin
Berlin, PA 15530, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Snuggled in Somerset County in Western Pennsylvania, Berlin is a throwback to yesteryear. The small town of just a little over 2,000 features such attractions as the Berlin Area Historical Society and the Burkholder Covered Bridge. Did you know that Berlin is home to the longest tunnel in Pennsylvania?

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6. Coudersport
Coudersport, PA 16915, USA
Flickr/Michael Femia
Discover the snow that refuses to melt in the summer when you visit Coudersport Ice Mine. Then explore the charming town of Coudersport, with a population of just over 2,500, or head to nearby Cherry Springs State Park, which promises a flawless view of the nighttime sky. Plan your visit to this dark sky park in Pennsylvania.
7. Glen Rock
Glen Rock, PA 17327, USA
Facebook/Glen Rock Borough
With a population of just over 2,000, Glen Rock is the quintessential small Pennsylvania town. Shop at the Markets at Shrewsbury then enjoy a leisurely meal at the Rail Trail Tavern before spending an evening at Glen Rock Mill Inn.
8. Honey Brook
Honey Brook, PA 19344, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Andrew Bossi
Honey Brook sports an enchanting downtown and lush farmland. The town of a little over 1,700 features numerous shops and restaurants. While you're there, head over to this cheese farm in Pennsylvania.
9. Ligonier
Ligonier, PA 15658, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Stroll through the charming downtown in Ligonier, a small Pennsylvania town that is home to a little over 1,500 residents. Downtown is dotted with an eclectic array of shops and restaurants. Be sure to spend a few minutes in the tranquility of the Diamond, arguably the masterpiece of downtown Ligonier.
10. New Wilmington
New Wilmington, PA 16142, USA
Facebook/Simple Life in New Wilmington, PA
A quaint town that dates back a century and a half, New Wilmington is home to nearly 2,400 residents. A visit to New Wilmington provides the perfect backdrop for a drive through the Amish countryside and to eat at one of the town's restaurants, including The Tavern on the Square, which is reopening in 2023. While you're in town, visit this epic Pennsylvania cheese store.

These small towns in rural Pennsylvania are really only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. You’ll find plenty more cozy spots, like Foxburg, in rural Pennsylvania.

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More to Explore

Small Towns In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | September 15, 2022

Are there any other quiet places to live in Pennsylvania?

Rural Pennsylvania usually promises an abundance of peace and quiet, where you’ll spend more time among lush rolling hills and farm animals than people. If that sounds like paradise to you, you’ll also love these quiet small towns in Pennsylvania. The darling town of Lititz, for example, looks as though it’s stepped off of an old-fashioned postcard. Its downtown is dotted with quaint shops and eclectic restaurants. Make sure you visit Lititz Springs Park, too.  Nestled in the mountains outside of Pittsburgh, Ligonier is home to an adorable downtown that turns into a winter wonderland during Christmastime. During the summer, families and thrill-seekers head to nearby Idlewild & SoakZone, an old-fashioned amusement park that offers fun for visitors of all ages. If you like really small, make your way to the tiny village of Eagles Mere. It is home to just 150 year-round residents. You’ll feel as though you’ve journeyed back in time in this charming village that hosts a toboggan ride straight through town each winter.

What is an idyllic small town in Pennsylvania?

Did you know the small town of Indiana, Pennsylvania is home to one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors? This darling small town in Pennsylvania is the hometown of Jimmy Stewart. If you visit, you might be struck by how much it reminds you of perhaps his most famous and well-loved movie. Indiana looks, especially during Christmastime, like Bedford Falls from It’s A Wonderful Life. Christmas is the ideal time to visit, too, when the town transforms into that fictional town for the It’s A Wonderful Life Festival. The area, in fact, is all about Christmas. How could it not be when Indiana County is the Christmas Tree Capital of the World? Next Christmas get in the holiday spirit with a trip to downtown Indiana (visit The Jimmy Stewart Museum while you’re there) then go pick the perfect Christmas tree at one of the area’s Christmas tree farms. You won’t find a better way to spend the day.

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