My ex lived in Lewisburg and whenever we visited, I always made him take me to Yoder's restaurant! That was almost 20 years ago now. Is that resturant still open? I have to travel to Penn State (down I 80 from Wilkes-Barre) on Thursday for a work conference and will definitely make a detour for dinner in the way if so!
Jim Thorpe
Not hidden to people in this sub but if you've never been you should go check it out!
Edit: I also recommend St. Peter's Village. Not a town, but a small strip with a restaurant, bakery, and arcade along French Creek that's fun to hop on the rocks and explore.
I live just a few miles outside Jim Thorpe and while it's a gem, it most definitely isn't hidden from people. Everyone seems to know about it based on all the different license plates I see daily..
Yeah it probably pops up in a lot of tourism PA sites. It's a good trip that scratches that touristy itch from the rail to the cute town.
I've been and it definitely lacks in food experience but I enjoyed the scenery and the small town vibe
I live in Jim thorpe. Best and most vibrant place I've ever lived
It is a small place with the amenities of a city while being amazingly stunning
There is a reason it is a perennial top 25 small town
I got kicked out of Jim Thorpe during the St. Patty's day parade. Apparently you can have a little too much fun. Also, not a good idea to fill a Camelbak with Irish whiskey. 1. It ruins your Camelbak 2. Having that much Irish whiskey on demand gets you kicked out of towns.
Probably a lot longer than that. Media keeps growing, it has been slowly eating into Lenni.
I wish they'd stop building big expensive homes and build some that were small and more affordable.
Hey I went fire fighting training in Centralia. We successfully fought a brush fire there. Do you know that I installed an analyzer in one neighborhood, and when I went back to Centralia about 12 years later, that block was gone? Go and visit it while it still exists, is I what I imply.
Columbia County Redevelopment Authority knocked down almost all the remaining homes back in 2010. They left the 5 houses standing that were being lived in.
Last I heard anything there were 5 of the residents that were allowed to stay in the homes living. I haven't been out there in years. I'm not sure how many houses are left. 5 or less.
Wow that fire ate almost a whole city. Hawaii volcanoes that eat cities have nothing on Centralians. Volcanoes seem to happen sporadically, but this was truly a slow 🔥 burn.
PS. I know that occasionally people hike around Centralia and you will see vent pipes installed
I have access to a dosimeter in case any gas seeps out I can turn around and call 911. I am trained to fight fires and I would not stealth camp in the Centralia woods. All kinds of poisonous gases can seep out from the ground at night.
I grew up outside of wellsboro, went to school there, and still live in the area. there a lot to do there especially for people who like hiking and outdoor activities there’s so many trails and so much land
Such a great little town. Lived and worked there for a while. Close enough to State college if you want more 'city' type stuff, but far enough away to still feel like a small town.
LOL. Norristown does have some hidden gems like Elmwood Park Zoo, Theater Horizon, DJ Deli, and Lou's Zeps. Then there is the shopping mecca of King Of Prussia nearby.
I’m from Norristown. Got out 24 years ago. It went and got somewhat better since I was gone, or so I hear. u/TheCrappyGamerIsBack, eat a zep at Eve’s. You won’t regret it.
Latrobe is a nice quiet town. Birthplace the of banana split, 1st all pro football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers come herebfor there training camp, and we're the hometown of the legendary Mr. Rodgers.
Williamsport and Lock Haven both have hidden gems to be found. I went to college there, and still enjoy visiting. Lewisburg has the world's largest thrift store.
Dear reader, are you bored in 2024 and in need of an IG photo op? Everyone who knows a cool low-key lo-cation wants to recommend Gary, Indiana. Thats right! Gary, Indiana is the gem of the west, America’s best kept secret, and the nicest town in Pennsylvania five years in a row!
SWPA represent! Zelie is great- the downtown area is super cute and there is a decent amount of stuff to do near there (state parks, Harmony, breweries). I live in Pgh and go to Zelie several times a year to eat at Della Terra and go to Baldingers.
Yes. Almost every small goddamn town is a gem. Cities not so much. It's like mushrooms though...nobody is going to just tell you their spot. Tamaqua is awesome. So are Kitanning, Clarion, and Kempton. The best scrapple I ever had was in Potter county. The best donut was in Kulptmont. Also, I'll plug the creamery trail: https://www.visitpa.com/trip/scooped-ice-cream-trail
For sure, I used the word 'almost' in there not to imply everywhere was awesome. I at least drive through Shamokin sometimes. I make a concerted effort to drive AROUND Berwick (except for when someone wants to go to the holiday boulevard, buy meth, or see Gus felder's old stomping grounds).
If you wanted to know a bit more about the Amish, but we're afraid to ask, you can visit The Amish Experience. The Experience includes a tour of an Amish house and school. The Farmers market is well stocked. Just buy your snacks and graze through the market. The Bird in Hand Artisan Village is pretty decent too.
Dude, in high school, we used to smoke pot and just walk around Qmart. Some of the best people watching on the planet. Qmart is one of those places that can only exist in PA.
I totally did the same thing. The qmart in the 90s was amazing for people watching. People like to make fun of it now, but it is a lot classier than it used to be.
I still go there. I took my kids there yesterday for the arcade and some snacks.
Yes! My family spent a weekend near Bedford last fall and had a great afternoon in town. Would def go back for a weekend, they had lots of cute places to eat and some interesting history sites. Also- close to the abandoned turnpike!
This. The city is currently on the rise and doing extremely well. Lots of small private businesses downtown and it seems like more are popping up everyday. Plus the Crayola Experience is great for young kids. Personally I’m a big fan of the Easton Public Market.
Sullivan County is honestly a great answer. I don’t wanna go spilling the beans, but there’s a lot of cute lil towns and excellent unspoiled nature access.
The “Town that time forgot”…. But since it hasn’t been mentioned yet, I’ll leave it at that so that it maintains its insular charm and Norman Rockwell-Esq vernacular. ;)
Moon Twp PA. If you know of Robert Morris University, it’s in Moon PA. Also has an Air Force base and part of Pitt International Airport. For a town size of 20,000 to 30,000 it’s tough to beat!
We did a bike tour of Oil City a few years back. It's a cute little town sort of between Pittsburgh and Erie (it's on the Allegheny River which comes down from central New York west of the Finger Lakes.)
Carlisle! Grew up here then moved away for about 13 years. Since returning I have fell in love with this town. Strong sense of community and very welcoming to visitors!
Lewisburg. Historical homes, walkable downtown with tons of small businesses, and purposeful greenspace.
I live in Lewisburg and it is really nice
My ex lived in Lewisburg and whenever we visited, I always made him take me to Yoder's restaurant! That was almost 20 years ago now. Is that resturant still open? I have to travel to Penn State (down I 80 from Wilkes-Barre) on Thursday for a work conference and will definitely make a detour for dinner in the way if so!
Omg my parents and grandparents used to take me to Yoder's when I was a little kid!! I hope it's still open, but I doubt it.
Don't forget the federal prison!
From what I've heard they have an incredible salad bar there
Antiquing!
Bucknell university too, very nice to walk around!
Ohiopyle
AhhioPOW 🤣
I like Doylestown.
Shhhh don’t tell people about it, that’s what keeps it great!
Jim Thorpe Not hidden to people in this sub but if you've never been you should go check it out! Edit: I also recommend St. Peter's Village. Not a town, but a small strip with a restaurant, bakery, and arcade along French Creek that's fun to hop on the rocks and explore.
I live just a few miles outside Jim Thorpe and while it's a gem, it most definitely isn't hidden from people. Everyone seems to know about it based on all the different license plates I see daily..
Yeah it probably pops up in a lot of tourism PA sites. It's a good trip that scratches that touristy itch from the rail to the cute town. I've been and it definitely lacks in food experience but I enjoyed the scenery and the small town vibe
Used to cliff jump at the quarry at St Pete’s back in the day! Memories…
It's definitely shut down now! I think because of a death or serious injury. Yikes, I wasn't surprised to hear that. It was sketchy
ride the train north and back. Definitely a winner, I love it
We did this during Christmas and it was a fun experience!
Love Jim Thorpe
I live in Jim thorpe. Best and most vibrant place I've ever lived It is a small place with the amenities of a city while being amazingly stunning There is a reason it is a perennial top 25 small town
Love Jim Thorpe. It really gives Prohibition era vibes. Makes sense given it’s history.
I got kicked out of Jim Thorpe during the St. Patty's day parade. Apparently you can have a little too much fun. Also, not a good idea to fill a Camelbak with Irish whiskey. 1. It ruins your Camelbak 2. Having that much Irish whiskey on demand gets you kicked out of towns.
Shenandoah
Chen-doh?? lol
462
There’s also a Chen-en-doh variant lol
462 da fuk
Heard Shannadoor quite often as well
Serious post: Chaddsford PA. Home of painter Andrew Wyeth, the Brandywine Museum and fine dining restaurants. Nearby is Longwood Gardens.
Kennett Square
Media
..oh to have bought 10 years ago in media…
Probably a lot longer than that. Media keeps growing, it has been slowly eating into Lenni. I wish they'd stop building big expensive homes and build some that were small and more affordable.
Shh.
Came here to say this.
Centralia. Pretty hidden if you ask me. /s
One's Erie and one's eerie.
Hey I went fire fighting training in Centralia. We successfully fought a brush fire there. Do you know that I installed an analyzer in one neighborhood, and when I went back to Centralia about 12 years later, that block was gone? Go and visit it while it still exists, is I what I imply.
Too late. It's already pretty much gone.
Columbia County Redevelopment Authority knocked down almost all the remaining homes back in 2010. They left the 5 houses standing that were being lived in. Last I heard anything there were 5 of the residents that were allowed to stay in the homes living. I haven't been out there in years. I'm not sure how many houses are left. 5 or less.
Wow that fire ate almost a whole city. Hawaii volcanoes that eat cities have nothing on Centralians. Volcanoes seem to happen sporadically, but this was truly a slow 🔥 burn. PS. I know that occasionally people hike around Centralia and you will see vent pipes installed I have access to a dosimeter in case any gas seeps out I can turn around and call 911. I am trained to fight fires and I would not stealth camp in the Centralia woods. All kinds of poisonous gases can seep out from the ground at night.
Look under all that dirt 🤷🏻♂️ maybe you’ll find something!
Yes it’s the northern hemisphere’s “land down under”
Not many ghost towns in the east coast these days.
Definitely Kensington
New Kensington. lol
Old Kensington is lit
I believe even Rocky was happy to be outta that place.
Rocky’s from New Ken?
I believe they filmed rocky in Kensington Philly - which is a slum
New Ken by Pittsburgh. lol.
Rocky represented South Philly.
This but unironically
Lmao
Wellsboro
Agreed. And not just the main street to see the gas lights. People don't realize how big wellsboro actually is and they're missing out
I grew up outside of wellsboro, went to school there, and still live in the area. there a lot to do there especially for people who like hiking and outdoor activities there’s so many trails and so much land
What's off of the main road? Staying with family nearby and love Wellsboro, would love to explore more!
i grew up not far from there and only went for the first time like 10 years ago and was blown away by the charm
Lititz , PA
https://youtu.be/NE-SpAKDF4o?si=j1tI9QXcMBpnTCOy
I knew this link was going to be that video. It’s perfect.
As someone who grew up in Lititz and still has family there, for me the traffic is such a pain in the ass.
Mahanoy City is beautiful this time of year
Bellefonte
Such a great little town. Lived and worked there for a while. Close enough to State college if you want more 'city' type stuff, but far enough away to still feel like a small town.
My two personal favorites are Jim Thorpe and New Hope.
I second both of these.
Agreed. Both are really pretty. There’s a ton of history in New Hope and the surrounding area. Washington’s Crossing isn’t that far away.
Lititz
Wilbur Buds!
Wellsboro surprised me.
Norristown. You'll love it. Or hate it. Maybe both with a dash of regret.
LOL. Norristown does have some hidden gems like Elmwood Park Zoo, Theater Horizon, DJ Deli, and Lou's Zeps. Then there is the shopping mecca of King Of Prussia nearby.
Who doesn't love Chemical Road!?
Mextroplex, baby!
And the Schuylkill River Trail! I keep hoping there’s a future for Norristown that doesn’t amount to toxic, displacing gentrification.
Zeps 😝
If you have kids and can’t afford private school, Norristown is a non starter.
I’m from Norristown. Got out 24 years ago. It went and got somewhat better since I was gone, or so I hear. u/TheCrappyGamerIsBack, eat a zep at Eve’s. You won’t regret it.
I used to live near that place. I swear some of the business in that shopping center are fronts.
I wouldn't put it past N-Town for that. But then again, the Boston Market in Phoenixville is definitely a front, too.
Zeps are so good. So simple but delicious
I made a special trip yesterday to get one. Totally worth it.
Muffins diner is delightful
New Hope
Carlisle
Let’s go pop Warner!
Boiling Springs.
Lewisburg
Milford near the Water Gap
McKeesport
I agree, McKeesport has great beaches!
I love State College
State college and surrounding area has the best ice cream.
New Brighton
Downtown has come so far in the last decade. It's starting to be closer to Beaver than Beaver Falls.
New Brighton has never been like Beaver Falls. It's amazing what a difference a bridge can make.
Tionesta
Hey, Tidiute begs to differ...
Except the place with the great burgers shut down last year.
Was that Tippecanoe?
I forget the name. It was across the street from the river. Nice bar, great food.
SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!
Latrobe is a nice quiet town. Birthplace the of banana split, 1st all pro football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers come herebfor there training camp, and we're the hometown of the legendary Mr. Rodgers.
There was a pretty good golfer from Latrobe too
I for one always thought that rolling Rock and skunk piss were one in the same
well you can blame Budwiser for that. They moved Rolling Rock out of Latrobe about 2 decades ago when the bought the brand up and ruined it.
It's a nice town, but it definitely smells funny.
Elysburg
I’ve been to Knoebel’s (best hidden gem amusement park) many times but never to Elysburg, if that makes sense.
Old forge PA for a pizza tour
Skippack in Montco.
Williamsport and Lock Haven both have hidden gems to be found. I went to college there, and still enjoy visiting. Lewisburg has the world's largest thrift store.
Williamsporter and I'll second this. If you love streams we have some fine waters
Dear reader, are you bored in 2024 and in need of an IG photo op? Everyone who knows a cool low-key lo-cation wants to recommend Gary, Indiana. Thats right! Gary, Indiana is the gem of the west, America’s best kept secret, and the nicest town in Pennsylvania five years in a row!
Not Louisiana, Paris, France New York or Rome? But Gary, Indiana?
I was thinking McKeesport but now I'm intrigued by this Gary place. Pray, tell me more?
Gary Indiana has the highest mentioned on Reddit to population ratio of any city. No one lives there, but everyone talks about it.
Thanks but ill pass
There is all sorts of them if you take the time to look
Boiling Springs is really neat
Zelienople is a pretty cool little town.
SWPA represent! Zelie is great- the downtown area is super cute and there is a decent amount of stuff to do near there (state parks, Harmony, breweries). I live in Pgh and go to Zelie several times a year to eat at Della Terra and go to Baldingers.
I totally agree! Was just at the Strand for Margeritaville and more. So much fun.
Doylestown & New Hope.
Bennezette and jim thorpe are awesome little mountain towns
Kennett Square! We’re really big on mushrooms here!
Coudersport
YES. Cherry Springs State Park is incredible.
Tons! If we told you about them they would no longer be hidden…
Keeping those to mywelf
Strawberry Mansion
Yes. Almost every small goddamn town is a gem. Cities not so much. It's like mushrooms though...nobody is going to just tell you their spot. Tamaqua is awesome. So are Kitanning, Clarion, and Kempton. The best scrapple I ever had was in Potter county. The best donut was in Kulptmont. Also, I'll plug the creamery trail: https://www.visitpa.com/trip/scooped-ice-cream-trail
Not every small town. Places like Shamokin exist.
The town of God's little mistakes
And St Clair. About as small as you can get and definitely not a gem by any means
For sure, I used the word 'almost' in there not to imply everywhere was awesome. I at least drive through Shamokin sometimes. I make a concerted effort to drive AROUND Berwick (except for when someone wants to go to the holiday boulevard, buy meth, or see Gus felder's old stomping grounds).
Dunkin’ Donits
I for one always enjoy a nice bed and breakfast in Corry
Guntown
I’ve always wanted to go to bird in hand but I have no idea if it’s cool or not.
Bird in hand is worth the trip. The Amish still live there.
What kind of stuff is there to do/see?
If you wanted to know a bit more about the Amish, but we're afraid to ask, you can visit The Amish Experience. The Experience includes a tour of an Amish house and school. The Farmers market is well stocked. Just buy your snacks and graze through the market. The Bird in Hand Artisan Village is pretty decent too.
Quaint. A bit touristy.
Lancaster County really went wild with the town names
Centre Hall or Fort Indiantown Gap (we call the Gap)
Ligioner
Blain, Pa A true old time small town
Columcille megalith park in bangor pa
Eagle’s Mere
Quakertown
I came to the comments to see if anyone said quakertown. Everyone needs to check out the Qmart
Dude, in high school, we used to smoke pot and just walk around Qmart. Some of the best people watching on the planet. Qmart is one of those places that can only exist in PA.
I totally did the same thing. The qmart in the 90s was amazing for people watching. People like to make fun of it now, but it is a lot classier than it used to be. I still go there. I took my kids there yesterday for the arcade and some snacks.
Hell yeah. I was in high school in the mid 2000s and it was still pretty weird back then
No
Bedford is really cute. Pittsburgh and Lake Erie are beautiful too.
Yes! My family spent a weekend near Bedford last fall and had a great afternoon in town. Would def go back for a weekend, they had lots of cute places to eat and some interesting history sites. Also- close to the abandoned turnpike!
Easton
This. The city is currently on the rise and doing extremely well. Lots of small private businesses downtown and it seems like more are popping up everyday. Plus the Crayola Experience is great for young kids. Personally I’m a big fan of the Easton Public Market.
Sonestown is incredible this time of year.
Sullivan County is honestly a great answer. I don’t wanna go spilling the beans, but there’s a lot of cute lil towns and excellent unspoiled nature access.
Honesdale
Pittsburgh in general but there are many cool small communities within the Pittsburgh metro.
Idk if I'd call the 2nd largest city in PA a hidden gem lol
I feel like Pittsburgh is always overshadowed by phili
Pittsburgh
The Bourough of Rose Valley.
Rose Valley is weird. It feels like The Rich Hills Have Eyes.
The “Town that time forgot”…. But since it hasn’t been mentioned yet, I’ll leave it at that so that it maintains its insular charm and Norman Rockwell-Esq vernacular. ;)
Moon Twp PA. If you know of Robert Morris University, it’s in Moon PA. Also has an Air Force base and part of Pitt International Airport. For a town size of 20,000 to 30,000 it’s tough to beat!
Wellsboro is pretty awesome, did my undergrad in Mansfield so I use to go there a lot.
Lewisburg, Lititz, Jim Thorpe, New Hope, Doylestown, West Chester
We did a bike tour of Oil City a few years back. It's a cute little town sort of between Pittsburgh and Erie (it's on the Allegheny River which comes down from central New York west of the Finger Lakes.)
Broad Top City.
West Chester✨
Phoenixville
loganton is a nice little amish town. kauffmans is a great little store there.
Strausburg
Wellsboro, Lititz, Ephrata, Doylestown, New Hope, Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe
Kensington beach
Carlisle! Grew up here then moved away for about 13 years. Since returning I have fell in love with this town. Strong sense of community and very welcoming to visitors!
Shamokin!
Oxford. First Friday in the fall
Mt Gretna
Many
Kennet Square’s got Longwood Gardens and the mushroom festival. It’s also had many nice restaurants.
I grew up in Yardley and there’s some cute stuff there. Harvest Day is always a fun event.
Yardley is really awesome
Lititz