Travel Itinerary
Nestled among Pennsylvania’s rolling peaks and verdant valleys are enchanting mountain towns that seem plucked straight from the pages of a fairy tale. These charming communities blend historic architecture, breathtaking natural surroundings, and small-town hospitality to create magical atmospheres. Whether you’re seeking a weekend escape or planning your next adventure, these storybook-worthy destinations will transport you to a simpler, more magical time.
Jim Thorpe
Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” this Victorian gem sits snugly between steep mountainsides and the rushing Lehigh River.
Colorful 19th-century buildings line the streets where horse-drawn carriages once clip-clopped along.
Visitors marvel at the opulent Asa Packer Mansion before browsing quirky boutiques in the walkable downtown.
When autumn arrives, the surrounding mountains burst into a fiery display that frames this living postcard perfectly.
New Hope
Along the Delaware River’s banks, artistic energy flows through every corner of this bohemian haven.
Rainbow flags flutter alongside historic buildings that house galleries, theaters, and eclectic shops selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage vinyl.
Ghost tours wind through lamp-lit streets after sunset, revealing centuries of colorful history.
From the restored Bucks County Playhouse to the whistle of the scenic railway, New Hope blends storybook charm with creative spirit.
Mount Holly Springs
Tucked into a gap in South Mountain, this unassuming hamlet holds surprising treasures for those willing to explore.
Crystal-clear mountain springs once drew health-seekers to this healing spot, while today’s visitors discover a community that treasures its natural surroundings.
History buffs appreciate the town’s role in the Civil War, when it served as a crucial supply point.
Surrounded by the rolling hills of Cumberland Valley, Mount Holly Springs offers peaceful charm without the tourist crowds.
Wellsboro
Gaslights still illuminate the boulevards of this elegant town, casting a warm glow that seems to transport visitors back in time.
The town’s crown jewel is the magnificent Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, where breathtaking vistas unfold just minutes from Main Street.
During December, Dickensian carolers in period costume stroll beneath the town’s famous gas lamps.
With its classic American town square and nearby wilderness wonders, Wellsboro masterfully balances civilization and untamed beauty.
Lititz
Chocolate aromas waft through the air in this delightful Lancaster County gem, home to the Wilbur Chocolate Company and their famous “Wilbur Buds.”
Founded by Moravians in the 1700s, the town retains its distinctive architectural heritage with meticulously preserved buildings.
Families gather around the natural spring in Lititz Springs Park, where community celebrations have been held for centuries.
Walking down Main Street feels like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting – complete with an authentic pretzel bakery and old-fashioned soda fountain.
Hershey
Even the streetlights are shaped like Hershey’s Kisses in this sweet mountain town built around chocolate dreams.
The aroma of cocoa perfumes the air as you drive past the factory where America’s favorite chocolate treats have been made for generations.
Beyond the theme park and chocolate world attractions, visitors discover a thoughtfully designed community.
Milton Hershey’s vision created not just a candy empire but a picture-perfect town with tree-lined streets, beautiful gardens, and a strong sense of community spirit.
Gettysburg
History whispers from every corner of this solemn yet charming town where America’s future was decided.
Beyond its battlefield significance, Gettysburg captivates with a beautifully preserved downtown filled with Federal and Victorian architecture.
Morning mist rises over the surrounding hills, creating ethereal scenes that photographers chase eagerly. Local orchards dot the countryside, offering sweet respite after historical explorations.
As evening falls, gas lamps illuminate streets where past and present coexist in remarkable harmony.
Doylestown
Castles rise unexpectedly from this sophisticated Bucks County town, where concrete fantasies built by archaeologist Henry Mercer stand as monuments to one man’s imagination.
The streets radiate from a classic courthouse square, lined with independent bookshops, farm-to-table eateries, and art galleries.
Literary heritage runs deep here – the childhood home of Oscar-winning screenwriter James Michener now houses a celebrated art museum.
With its intellectual atmosphere and architectural treasures, Doylestown feels like the setting for a sophisticated European novel.
Ohiopyle
Adventure and tranquility dance together in this tiny mountain hamlet where the mighty Youghiogheny River creates spectacular waterfalls right in town.
Kayakers navigate whitewater rapids while hikers disappear into the surrounding Laurel Highlands on trails that meander past rhododendron thickets.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece Fallingwater is hidden nearby, architectural genius blending with natural splendor.
Despite its popularity with outdoor enthusiasts, Ohiopyle maintains an uncrowded, back-to-nature atmosphere where modern stresses seem to wash away with the rushing water.
Eagles Mere
Perched atop a mountain plateau, this Victorian resort community surrounds a crystal-clear lake that legends claim has no bottom.
Century-old cottages with wraparound porches stand sentinel among towering hemlocks, many families returning for generations to this time capsule of summer traditions.
When winter blankets the town, residents create a century-old tradition – converting the steep toboggan run into an icy slide that sends riders shooting across the frozen lake.
The absence of chain stores and modern development preserves Eagles Mere’s dreamy, yesteryear quality.
Ligonier
Around the perfectly preserved diamond-shaped town square, Ligonier’s storybook quality comes from its remarkable balance of elegant and rustic charm.
Fort Ligonier stands as a reminder of frontier days when this outpost helped shape American history during the French and Indian War.
The surrounding Laurel Highlands provide a stunning backdrop of rolling mountains, especially breathtaking when autumn paints them in brilliant hues or when winter snow creates a peaceful wonderland.
Hawley
Transformed from industrial past to recreational haven, this lakeside gem in the Pocono Mountains showcases spectacular adaptive reuse.
The Silk Mill, once a thriving factory, now houses artisans, galleries and farm-to-table dining in a stunning brick complex.
Lake Wallenpaupack’s crystal waters beckon just steps away, offering boating and fishing against a mountain backdrop.
Victorian homes line quiet streets where the pace slows noticeably, allowing visitors to appreciate simple pleasures like ice cream cones enjoyed on lakeside benches.
Honesdale
Calling all train enthusiasts! The birthplace of American railroading still celebrates its heritage with the Stourbridge Line offering scenic rides through the surrounding Pocono Mountains.
Mentioned in the classic Christmas poem “The Night Before Christmas,” Honesdale embraces its yuletide connection with spectacular holiday decorations.
The Wayne County Courthouse stands majestically at the town center, while nearby, the Lackawaxen River flows peacefully.
Charming shops and cafes occupy historic buildings where you half-expect to see ladies in Victorian dress shopping for ribbons and lace.
Stroudsburg
Gateway to the Poconos, this vibrant college town balances historic charm with contemporary energy.
East Stroudsburg University brings youthful vitality to the centuries-old downtown, where Victorian and Federal architecture houses farm-to-table restaurants, music venues, and artisanal shops.
Just minutes from downtown, hikers discover the famous Delaware Water Gap, where the river dramatically cuts through the mountain ridge.
This perfect blend of culture and nature makes Stroudsburg an ideal base for Pocono adventures.
Somerset
Surrounded by rolling farmland that transforms into ski slopes when winter arrives, Somerset combines rural charm with surprising historical significance.
The town gained national attention during 9/11 when Flight 93 crashed nearby, and today a moving memorial honors those heroes.
Maple syrup production flourishes in this region, with spring festivals celebrating the sweet harvest. Covered bridges dot the countryside, perfect for Sunday drives.
When snow falls, nearby Hidden Valley and Seven Springs transform the landscape into a winter playground that feels like stepping into a holiday card.
State College
Nestled in the geographic center of Pennsylvania, this vibrant university town sits in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountain ridges.
Though best known as home to Penn State University, the town offers more than just collegiate energy.
Farmers markets showcase the bounty of the surrounding agricultural region known as Happy Valley. Just minutes from downtown, hikers discover peaceful trails leading to panoramic vistas of the valley below.
The combination of intellectual atmosphere, outdoor recreation, and small-town friendliness creates an unexpectedly magical mountain community.
Cook Forest
Step into a fairytale forest where ancient pines reach skyward in one of the last old-growth forests in the northeast.
The tiny village of Cooksburg serves as gateway to this magical woodland where some trees have stood for over 350 years.
Canoes glide silently along the crystal-clear Clarion River, which winds through the forest. Rustic cabins dot the woodland, many built in the 1920s when this area first became a vacation destination.
Wildlife abounds in this enchanted setting where time seems to move more slowly among the towering sentinels.
Stoudtburg Village
Would you believe this German-inspired village was built entirely in the 1990s?
Designed as a tribute to European hamlets, Stoudtburg Village features colorful buildings with steep roofs, flower boxes, and cobblestone streets that transport visitors across the Atlantic.
Though technically new, the village feels authentically old-world, especially during Oktoberfest celebrations.
Located near Reading, this planned community demonstrates that storybook charm can be created through thoughtful design.
Ebensburg
High atop the Allegheny Front, this county seat combines Victorian elegance with rugged mountain character.
The magnificent Cambria County Courthouse dominates the skyline with its clock tower visible for miles across the surrounding highlands.
Welsh heritage runs deep here, reflected in street names and local traditions. Ghost Lake at nearby Ebensburg Lake offers eerily beautiful kayaking, especially when morning mist hovers over the water.
Millheim
Hidden in the heart of Penns Valley, this unassuming hamlet has blossomed into a surprising hub for sustainable living and craft beverages.
The town’s historic mill now houses a popular brewery where locals gather to sample farm-to-table fare paired with house-made beers.
Surrounded by some of central Pennsylvania’s most productive farmland, Millheim celebrates its agricultural roots while embracing new artisanal traditions.
The nearby mountains create a protective embrace around this valley community that feels worlds away from urban life.