Sure, Philly and Pittsburgh get all the attention but what about the tiny towns you’ve never heard of that are hiding cool museums, homemade pie, and unique festivals?
Pennsylvania is packed with places that don’t show up on most travel lists, but totally should.
We’re talking about towns with hot air balloon rides, haunted trails, lakes you can actually swim in, and parades where geese are the stars of the show.
If you’re into small-town charm, unique adventures, and skipping the crowds, these 7 spots deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
1. Bird in Hand
Bird in Hand is a tiny village in Lancaster County, right in the heart of Amish Country, just a 13-minute drive east of Lancaster.
It’s famous for its Amish buggy rides, homemade shoofly pie, and the Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, packed with fresh produce, whoopie pies, and handmade crafts.
You can catch a show at the Bird-in-Hand Stage or hop on a hot air balloon for epic views of the rolling farmland.
Fun fact: the town got its quirky name from an old inn sign showing a man holding a bird, based on the saying “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
2. Chambersburg
Just 20 minutes north of the Maryland border, Chambersburg has some serious Civil War stories to tell as this town was actually burned down by the Confederates in 1864!
Check out spots like the Old Jail, which once held Confederate soldiers, and the Capitol Theatre for live performances in a vintage setting.
You can also enjoy seasonal festivals like AppleFest and IceFest (yes, there are actual ice sculptures everywhere).
It’s also a gateway to outdoor fun, with Caledonia State Park just under 20 minutes away for hiking, swimming, and camping.
3. Eagles Mere
If you’re craving a peaceful mountain lake town with old-school charm, Eagles Mere is the kind of place that still runs on summer nostalgia.
This tiny spot in Sullivan County is wrapped around a crystal-clear 116.5-acre lake, where you can canoe, swim, or ride the old-fashioned wooden toboggan slide in winter.
The town’s got zero traffic lights, one adorable general store, and the Eagles Mere Air Museum with vintage planes from the early 1900s.
It’s the kind of place where barefoot walks, porch swings, and homemade ice cream are basically a daily requirement.
4. Indiana
Indiana might be a college town, but it’s also the Christmas Tree Capital of the World as it ships thousands of trees every year.
This is the hometown of Jimmy Stewart (yep, It’s a Wonderful Life Jimmy), and there’s even a museum downtown all about him, packed with movie memorabilia and personal stuff from his life.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania keeps the town buzzing, with cool coffee shops, campus art shows, and a big fall Homecoming parade that’s a lot of fun.
If you’re into hiking, the Ghost Town Trail is nearby, stretching 46 miles through forests, old coal towns, and even some spooky abandoned buildings.
5. Honesdale
Next up is Honesdale, a super cute town in the Poconos that’s basically where American railroading got its start as it’s home to the very first commercial steam locomotive.
Downtown is full of colorful buildings, indie shops, and cozy cafes like Black & Brass, where you can sip a latte while people-watching on Main Street.
Every summer, the Wayne County Fair brings in ferris wheels, fried Oreos, and old-school fun, and the nearby Lackawaxen River is perfect for tubing or kayaking.
If you love trains, the Stourbridge Line still runs scenic rides through the woods, complete with vintage railcars and awesome views.
6. Lewistown
Situated between State College and Harrisburg, Lewistown is one of those under-the-radar towns with a big heart and a lot of character.
It’s got a chill downtown with cool spots like East End Coffee Co., plus the historic Embassy Theatre, which is currently under renovation and slowly being brought back to life.
The Juniata River runs right through town, making it a solid launch point for kayaking or just relaxing by the water with a cheesy slice from Joe’s Original Italian Pizza.
And if you time it right, the Goose Day celebration every September is pure small-town weirdness in the best way—think goose-themed everything and lots of local pride.
7. Mercer
Last but definitely not least is Mercer, a tiny gem in western PA that feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie set but with more antiques and less fake snow.
The town square is straight-up postcard material, surrounded by historic brick buildings, an old courthouse with a clock tower, and plenty of spots to grab a bite.
Mercer is also a dream if you’re into treasure, with antique shops and flea markets that are packed with everything from vinyl records to vintage glassware.
And just a short drive away, you’ve got hiking trails in Maurice K. Goddard State Park.
Related Posts
