3 Local Towns Named Among Prettiest PA Streetscapes
The charms of Pennsylvania living mean discovering and exploring some of the state’s charming Main Street communities. The editors at WorldAtlas have their eyes on Pennsylvania, putting together a list…
The charms of Pennsylvania living mean discovering and exploring some of the state's charming Main Street communities. The editors at WorldAtlas have their eyes on Pennsylvania, putting together a list of the nine "prettiest main streetscapes" in the state.
Three Philadelphia-area communities have achieved this recognition from WorldAtlas. Across these towns, downtown districts fuse history, architecture, local culture, and farm-to-table traditions to create charming, walkable communities.
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Doylestown
Doylestown offers a walkable downtown anchored by Main and State streets. The community is home to the Art Deco County Theater, Bucks County Civil War Museum, Fonthill Castle, and the Mercer Museum. Fonthill Castle was the home of archaeologist, anthropologist, and antiques specialist Henry Chapman Mercer, who used the space to showcase his collection of tiles and prints.
Kennett Square
Kennett Square, the Mushroom Capital of the World, is home to historic State Street, which features boutique shops, farm-to-table eateries, and events like the annual Kennett Square Mushroom Festival.
New Hope
New Hope sits beside the Delaware River, enriching the community's arts scene with venues like the Bucks County Playhouse and Parry Mansion. Downtown community hubs like Vanilla Cafe and the Nektar Wine Bar bring residents and visitors together for great food and beverages set amid a historic downtown.
In addition to the above Philadelphia-area communities, WorldAtlas also highlighted the following charming Pennsylvania towns:
- Bedford: Bedford's Main Street community is the setting for dynamic events. Visitors can also find the Olde Bedford Brewing Company and the Big Coffee Pot on Pitt Street as local landmarks.
- Easton: Easton's 19th-century downtown blends shopping with landmarks such as the Bachmann Publick House and the State Theatre Center for the Arts. The city also hosts a fine cheese shop, Centre Square Cheese, worth exploring.
- Gettysburg: Gettysburg is celebrated for its Civil War legacy. Historic Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg is anchored by landmarks such as The Inn at Lincoln Square and the David Willis House, where President Abraham Lincoln stayed the night before delivering the Gettysburg Address on Nov. 19, 1863.
- Hershey: Hershey's famous downtown community on Chocolate Avenue includes the Hershey Story Museum, Hershey Theatre, The Hotel Hershey, and Hershey's ChocolateTown. One visit, and you'll understand why the town is called "The Sweetest Place on Earth."
- Jim Thorpe: Jim Thorpe, known as the Switzerland of America, showcases Victorian architecture on Broadway Street, antique shops, and the Mauch Chunk Opera House. Winter celebrations, such as the Jim Thorpe Winterfest, enhance the community's charm.
- Lewistown: Lewistown's riverfront historic district includes the 1849 Lewistown Train Station, Monument Square, and the Ahrens Building with Eby's Drug Store. The community itself reflects Civil War and transportation history.
