Smile! These 5 Pennsylvania places are among the most picturesque small towns in the US
Five small towns across Pennsylvania recently appeared among a collection of spots across the country that “are an absolute must-see” this summer.
The list, compiled by travel website North Carolina Travel Guides, took a look at more than 500 small towns throughout the U.S. and examined their search trends, plus their popularity for photographs and photography among the general public. The published ranking includes towns from states ranging between Washington and New Mexico all the way to Minnesota and Vermont.
Fredericksburg, Texas, claimed the list’s top spot, but a few Keystone State representatives made the final cut. Here’s a quick snapshot of each featured Pennsylvania town recognized by North Carolina Travel Guides.
Easton, Pennsylvania
Serving as the seat of Northampton County in eastern Pennsylvania, Easton sits along the Lehigh River, which joins the Delaware River just east of the city limits. The city earned the No. 12 ranking in North Carolina Travel Guides’ list of the nation’s most picturesque small towns.
Easton has a population of roughly 28,127 people, according to 2020 U.S. Census estimates. The city was first settled when land was purchased from Lenape Native Americans in 1737, paving the way for Easton’s storied history that would include its time as a military center during the American Revolutionary War and a significant railroad and shipping hub.
Today, visitors to Easton might consider stopping by the city’s many public markets or museums, including the National Canal Museum and The Crayola Experience, a family attraction recognizing the crayon brand that was founded in Northampton County. Plenty of scenic trails in the area offer glimpses of Easton’s many sights, including its historic bridges.
“With its charming historic downtown, beautifully detailed architecture and historic landmarks, Easton, Pa., is a gorgeous town to explore in the United States,” North Carolina Travel Guides wrote online. “The river views from the town also add to the beauty of Easton, and a photogenic highlight that one shouldn’t miss out on is the Northampton Street Bridge.”
Doylestown, Pennsylvania
The county seat of Bucks County, Doylestown checked in at No. 32 in North Carolina Travel Guides’ ranking. The borough is located in southeastern Pennsylvania, roughly 25 miles north of Philadelphia’s Center City district.
Doylestown was settled by Europeans in 1745, but was once inhabited by Lenape Native Americans. Roughly 8,300 people live in the borough today, according to 2020 U.S. Census estimates.
Doylestown’s cultural district, which has received acclaim from USA Today, features a belt of historical attractions known as the Mercer Mile. Key stops along the way include Fonthill Castle, the Mercer Museum and The Tileworks, all of which celebrate the life and work of archaeologist Henry Chapman Mercer.
Other attractions in the area include the historic County Theater, the Michener Art Museum and Peace Valley Lavender Farm, where guests can pick their own lavender.
Lititz, Pennsylvania
Over in southeastern Pennsylvania, this Lancaster County borough is home to about 9,730 people, according to 2020 U.S. Census estimates. Lititz, ranked No. 45 among North Carolina Travel Guides’ most picturesque towns in the U.S., was named after a Bohemian town that, in the 1400s, sheltered members of the Moravian Church, one of the oldest Protestant denominations within Christianity.
After its founding in the early 18th century, Lititz hosted a hospital during the American Revolution. The borough is also home to the Linden Hall School for Girls, the oldest all-girls boarding school in the U.S.
Visitors to the area might choose to attend the Lititz Craft Beer Fest in late September or stop by the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, recognized as the oldest commercial pretzel bakery in the country. The Lititz Moravian Historic District offers plenty of attractions that could help you learn more about the borough’s past.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Anyone remotely familiar with Gettysburg will recognize it as the site of the bloodiest battle in the American Civil War, which is commonly considered a major turning point that helped fuel the Union’s victory. It’s also the site of former President Abraham Lincoln’s famed Gettysburg Address, delivered later that year in November 1863.
Today, the southern Pennsylvania town is home to roughly 7,106 people, according to 2020 U.S. Census estimates. Gettysburg, ranked No. 85 among North Carolina Travel Guides’ most picturesque towns in the U.S., is the county seat of Adams County and the home of several parks and sites devoted to its war history, plus Gettysburg College, a private liberal arts school.
Visitors to the area might choose to help reenact the Battle of Gettysburg alongside Civil War buffs each summer. The tradition stretches from July 1 to 3 at Gettysburg National Military Park.
Other attractions in the area include ghost tours, arts festivals, historic railways, horseback expeditions and more.
Ambler, Pennsylvania
This Montgomery County borough is located just about a dozen miles north of Philadelphia. Ambler ranked No. 104 among North Carolina Travel Guides’ most picturesque small towns in the country.
First settled by Lenape Native Americans, Ambler was later settled by Europeans through several agreements in the 18th century. The borough played an important role in the American Revolutionary War by, at one point, housing then-Gen. George Washington in the historic Dawesfield estate, also known as Camp Morris, which joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
Today, Ambler is home to roughly 6,807 people, according to 2020 U.S. Census estimates. Those visiting the area might choose to catch a show at the historic Ambler Theater, visit the award-winning Act II Playhouse or stop by the Stoogeum, which bills itself as the “first and largest museum of Three Stooges memorabilia.”
The 25 most picturesque small towns in America
Here’s a look at the top picks among North Carolina Travel Guides’ most picturesque small towns across the country. The full list featured 120 locations.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Cedarburg, Wis.
Orange Beach, Ala.
Portsmouth, N.H.
Madison, Ga.
Isle of Palms, S.C.
Westport, Conn.
Beacon, N.Y.
Westfield, N.J.
Beaufort, S.C.
Easton, Penn.
Ocean City, Md.
Seaside, Fla.
Red Bank, N.J.
Gloucester, Mass.
Astoria, Ore.
Greenport, N.Y.
Nacogdoches, Texas
Cape May, N.J.
Hudson, N.Y.
Lake George, N.Y.
Aiken, S.C.
Sedona, Ariz.
Oxford, Miss.
You can read North Carolina Travel Guides’ analysis online at northcarolinatravelguides.com/most-picturesque-small-towns-in-america. The blog post includes full rankings, plus rationale on the project’s methodology.
