Visit These 12 Incredible Charming Small Towns in Pennsylvania, One for Each Month of the Year
Explore 12 charming small towns in Pennsylvania, each offering distinct seasonal activities and attractions.
Adventure's around just about every corner in Pennsylvania. Some are right in our proverbial backyard, and others require a bit of travel. If you're up for a unique adventure - one for each month of the year - visit some of the 12 best towns to visit in Pennsylvania. Each oozes personality and boasts plenty to do. Start ticking off the Pennsylvania towns on this list in January or wait until whenever the mood strikes. Just get out there and explore.
1. January - Eagles Mere
Kick off the new year on the most charming of notes. You'll feel like you've stepped into a winter wonderland when you arrive in the tiny village of Eagles Mere, one of the most enchanting small towns in Pennsylvania. A stroll around town, especially when it's dusted with snow, is one of the best ways to get to know this darling destination, especially if it's your first visit. The village hosts a toboggan ride that zips down a hill in the middle of town. Try to time your visit to experience this beloved tradition and, after riding down the hill, indulge in a hot chocolate. (Check to make sure the toboggan is running this year before heading over. It's sometimes canceled for the season due to weather.)
2. February - Renovo
Sometimes we all need to get away, and winter is the perfect time to do that. Escape to Renovo, the most remote town in Pennsylvania. Brimming with natural beauty, Renovo is an idyllic destination for outdoor lovers. Bundle up to explore the wintery landscape at Bucktail State Park Natural Area, Sproul State Forest, and Kettle Creek State Park.
3. March - Butler
As we march toward spring, March is the perfect time for a visit to Butler, one of the most historic towns in Pennsylvania. Visit the charming downtown area, brimming with shops and restaurants, and follow the Fairy Door Trail. One of my favorite nostalgic restaurants is in Butler, too. The last of its kind in the area, Ponderosa is an old-school steakhouse with a food bar that's packed with deliciousness - pierogies, mashed potatoes, and all the fixings for salads - and such scrumptious desserts as ice cream, cakes, and other goodies.
4. April - Confluence
As the flowers begin to bloom and the days grow warmer, April provides an ideal backdrop for a visit to Confluence, a tiny town in Pennsylvania surrounded by natural beauty. If you love the outdoors, you've come to the right place. Go on a leisurely hike; visit nearby Ohiopyle State Park, and grab a bite at Lucky Dog Café. (Check hours to make sure it's open before heading over.) Consider making your visit a weekend getaway, especially if you're going to explore Ohiopyle State Park. One of my favorite state parks in Pennsylvania, it's known for Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls, two accessible waterfalls, and Meadow Run Natural Waterslide. (If you want to ride down it, return in the summer, and be prepared for a few bruises. The ride down is rough.)
5. May - Lititz
As we settle into warmer weather, we probably want to spend more time outdoors. That makes Lititz, one of the best towns to visit in Pennsylvania, the perfect destination for a May adventure. The town is home to such popular attractions as Wolf Sanctuary of PA, Lititz Springs Park, and Julius Sturgis Pretzel Factory. If you have the time, make a weekend of it.
6. June - Hershey
The days are heating up as we enter June, and that means finding ways to stay cool is our top priority. While some of us love hiding in the A/C, we all need some time outside, too, and that's where our next destination comes in. Stay cool and have a ton of fun at Hersheypark, home to an epic waterpark. You'll find a ton to do outdoors in Hershey. Visit ZooAmerica; stroll through Hershey Gardens, and sail high above the small town of Hershey in a hot air balloon. Discover all the outdoor fun that awaits in one of the best towns to visit in Pennsylvania.
7. July - Mt. Gretna
July means some of the hottest temperatures of the season. When you're not chilling in the A/C, make your way to the darling town of Mt. Gretna. It's home to a beautiful lake and beach, where you can lounge in the sun, cool off in the water, and float on a tube. During your time in Mt. Gretna, stop by The Jigger Shop, an old-school ice cream shop and restaurant, a fun and tasty way to end a beach day.
8. August - Erie
Summer in Pennsylvania wouldn't be complete without a visit to the most epic of places - Erie. Home to Presque Isle State Park and 13 sandy beaches, it provides the perfect opportunity to stay cool all summer long. If you're up for an overnight adventure, plan a stay at Sara's Campground. You can pitch a tent right on the beach. (It's first come, first serve, so arrive early the morning you want to stay.) Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway to this delightful town in Pennsylvania.
9. September - New Hope
If you've been counting down to Halloween since last October, well, you know September means the start of the spookiest season of the year. It also means a visit to the spooky and beautiful New Hope, one of the most historic towns in Pennsylvania. Join a ghost tour of the haunted town. Visit the haunted Van Sant Covered Bridge, and admire the fall foliage. Take a peek at the fun that awaits in the best town in Pennsylvania during the Halloween season.
10. October - Jim Thorpe
You won't find a better place to be in October than the Switzerland of Pennsylvania. One of the most charming towns in Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe boasts some of the best fall foliage in the United States. It also celebrates the annual Jim Thorpe Fall Festival on select weekends throughout October. One of the most enchanting ways to view the fall foliage is to climb aboard a scenic train ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway or head to nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park for a scenic hike. Find all of the trails at the state park in Jim Thorpe, and throughout Pennsylvania, on AllTrails+, which features hiker photos and reviews.
11. November - Bethlehem
If there's only one place you visit during Christmas, make it Bethlehem, known as Christmas City and undeniably one of the most charming towns in Pennsylvania. It's brimming with seasonal activities, including Christkindlmrkt and Christmas City Village. Stay at or stop by the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, too, to view the breathtaking Christmas decorations. (The historic hotel in Pennsylvania is also one of the most haunted places in Pennsylvania, but don't worry. The ghosts that roam the halls are friendly.)
12. December - Bradford
Treat yourself and the whole family to an old-fashioned Christmas in the enchanting town of Bradford. The adorable town hosts festive events - a Christmas parade and visits with Santa, for example - all season long.
What are your favorite small towns in Pennsylvania? Let us know by nominating your favorite small town in Pennsylvania, and we might feature it in an upcoming article. Then, add a day trip or weekend getaway to the strangest (and most endearing) small town in Pennsylvania to your must-visit list this year, too. (Hint: residents are called Martians.)
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