Pennsylvania is perfect for weekend trips with Appalachian ridges, Lake Erie shoreline, and Pennsylvania Dutch markets spread all throughout the state. For immersive history, few towns work better than Jim Thorpe and Gettysburg, where the Old Jail Museum’s preserved 1871 jail and the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center bring the past into sharp focus. And if you have a sweet tooth, you should head to Hershey and Lititz, where Hershey’s Chocolate World and the Wilbur Chocolate Store turn a weekend away into dessert heaven. If you’re heading to Pennsylvania soon, make sure the towns below are on your weekend itinerary.

Pottstown

Steeped in history and rich in the arts, this Montgomery County borough has a little bit of something for everyone. Pottstown was laid out in the 1750s and preserves several historical markers from its formative years, highlighted by Pottsgrove Manor. This exquisite Georgian manor, built in 1752 for ironmaster John Potts, remains one of Pottstown’s most important historic landmarks. A fully baked art scene welcomes enthusiasts for riveting performances at the Steel River Playhouse, where you can watch talented local artists in an intimate atmosphere.

Downtown Pottstown impressively blends the old with the new. For a more contemporary outing, head a short drive east to Philadelphia Premium Outlets in Limerick, where dozens of name-brand stores make it a popular shopping stop for Pottstown visitors. A possible hotel option nearby is Comfort Inn & Suites Pottstown Eastern Gateway.

Benton

Nature-loving vacationers seeking to isolate themselves from the crowds will enjoy the tranquil vibes in Benton. This northeastern Pennsylvania community is known for its beautiful nature, with its crowning jewel being Ricketts Glen State Park. Covering more than 13,000 acres, Ricketts Glen is famed for its old-growth scenery and the Falls Trail, where hikers pass more than 20 named waterfalls in one of Pennsylvania’s most celebrated natural settings. Nearby, the Mill Race Golf & Camping Resort presents an 18-hole championship golf course in one of the most scenic spots in the state.

Adventurers can look forward to the ultimate camping experience at its wonderful campground. Also, remember to visit the Jud Christian Covered Bridge for a taste of nostalgia. The postcard-worthy structure, built in 1876, spans Little Fishing Creek.

Easton

Situated at the confluence of the Lehigh River and Delaware River, the small city of Easton delivers a well-rounded getaway with history, arts, and outdoor recreation. Easton’s captivating history intertwines with a public reading of the freshly signed Declaration of Independence. This is one of the many colorful stories about the city you can explore at the Sigal Museum. The area’s arts community resides at the State Theatre Center for the Arts, an NRHP-listed cultural hub known to host musicals, concerts, and dramas.

Don’t leave without indulging in aquatic fun. Twin Rivers Tubing is always on hand to grant guests a remarkable ride down the calm waters of the Delaware during an easygoing tubing excursion. For lodging, Hampton Inn Easton remains a reliable option just outside the city in Lower Nazareth Township, with easy access to Easton’s downtown attractions.

Jim Thorpe

The Pocono Mountains region is home to some of Pennsylvania’s most scenic landscapes, flanked by thick woodlands, imposing peaks, and dramatic gorges. Jim Thorpe promises visitors a quintessential Poconos weekend vacation, beginning with a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to marvel at the region’s stunning wilderness. This 70-minute trip unravels along the Lehigh River and stretches into the heart of Lehigh Gorge State Park. Historians have many ways to uncover the town’s rich past, including touring the Old Jail Museum to look into the lives of past inmates in an 1871 jailhouse.

Head to Mauch Chunk Lake Park to commune with nature on the shores of Mauch Chunk Lake. This lovely lakeside spot spoils guests with beautiful water views against a dense forest backdrop. The Inn at Jim Thorpe is a worthy lodging option, blending vintage charm with contemporary facilities.

Hershey

If you are planning the perfect family vacation, Hershey is easily one of the Pennsylvania towns for a weekend trip. This is because it guarantees an endless list of family-centric pursuits. Nicknamed the “Sweetest Place on Earth,” Hershey allows guests to taste its delicious offerings at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Apart from enjoying chocolate treats and milkshakes, visitors can ride Hershey’s Chocolate Tour to see how cocoa beans become the company’s famous candy. ZooAmerica is another suitable pursuit, where kids will have a blast encountering different wildlife species up close.

Elsewhere, sightseers keen to take in the town’s sights can hop on the Hershey Trolley for a nonchalant tour through Hershey as conductors relay its colorful history. For an upscale overnight stay, book a room at The Hotel Hershey, one of the town’s signature resort properties.

Selinsgrove

Home to Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove is not your typical college town. It has a more laid-back vibe, with less than 6,000 people calling the town home. Beyond the traditional downtown, shoppers can browse the Susquehanna Valley Mall area, which continues to serve as one of the borough’s main retail hubs. The vibrant restaurant scene allows vacationers to enjoy sumptuous Italian dishes, such as spaghetti with meatballs, at Isabella Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge.

Selinsgrove Speedway is another notable draw and a popular meeting spot for dirt race fans. Its atmosphere is family-friendly, and the people are welcoming. If you are not trying to blow your budget on accommodation, you’ll be comfortable at Quality Inn Selinsgrove.

Lansdale

Sitting just an hour outside Philadelphia, Lansdale is a popular escape for holidayers fed up with the chaos of the bustling metropolis. The town has a lively brewery and winery scene, with many establishments stirring up tasty offerings. You can still visit Round Guys Brewing Company in Lansdale, where its Harper & Penny pub pours the brewery’s beers alongside cocktails and live entertainment. A short drive from downtown, Peter Wentz Farmstead in Worcester Township near Lansdale invites visitors to tour an 18th-century Pennsylvania German farm and house museum.

Lansdale offers a series of enjoyable festivals that can improve your weekend plans. The Festival of the Arts is an excellent time to visit, allowing you to engage with crafters, musicians, instrumentalists, and other artists. Additionally, you might want to stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton Lansdale.

West Chester

West Chester features a unique historic downtown filled with museums, art galleries, restaurants, and entertainment venues, creating a lively tourist scene. You can design your entire itinerary around this area, beginning with an engaging history lesson at the Chester County History Center. Founded in 1893, the museum houses a wide range of artifacts and memorabilia from the region, offering fascinating insights. Alternatively, you might choose an enriching cultural experience by attending a jazz or opera show at the Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center.

But if you would rather spend your time outdoors, wear a nice pair of walking shoes to comfortably explore the woodlands, meadows, streams, and ponds across the 571-acre Natural Lands’ Stroud Preserve. Book a room at Hotel Warner to be close to all the downtown action.

Lititz

Lititz is known for its historic firsts. It is home to the nation’s first commercial pretzel bakery, established in 1861. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery continues to welcome visitors in downtown Lititz as America’s first commercial pretzel bakery. Visitors can tour the rustic brick building and sample pretzels made from traditional recipes. But don’t rush to wipe your mouth—there are more treats at the Wilbur Chocolate Store, a local landmark where Wilbur’s small-batch confections, Wilbur Buds, and other sweets are sold.

When you’re full from all the tastings, find a nice spot under the shade at Lititz Springs Park to relax and revel in the chill atmosphere. This quaint oasis in the urban core has lush greenery and a beautiful fountain as the focal point. For a modern lodging venue, spend the night at Hotel Rock Lititz.

Gettysburg

Gettysburg is widely regarded as one of Pennsylvania’s most appealing small-town getaways thanks to its walkable downtown, preserved architecture, and nationally significant Civil War sites. This is no surprise, considering the treasures throughout its downtown area. These include the Dobbin House Tavern, one of the country’s oldest taverns and the oldest building in Gettysburg. Established in 1776, it is the same age as America. The Majestic Theater is another darling spot where you can enjoy a live act with family and friends. It is a vintage space staging concerts, classic films, comedy shows, and more.

You also should not leave town without visiting the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, where exhibits, artifacts, and orientation programs provide essential context for the Battle of Gettysburg. Finally, get the complete retro experience by staying at the 1863 Inn of Gettysburg.

Final Thoughts

The Keystone State offers visitors unforgettable experiences beyond the typical tourist spots. Listed here are some top Pennsylvania towns ideal for weekend getaways. However, these are just a few options; the state boasts many more places where you can create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you want to satisfy your sweet cravings with Hershey’s chocolates or catch a captivating show in Easton, Pennsylvania provides many attractions for travelers.

• Danish artist Thomas Dambo will install three giant troll sculptures in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest in 2027.
• The “Trolls in the Forest” sculptures are hand-built entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials like scrap wood.
• These art installations are a global phenomenon, drawing tourism and boosting local economies in 20 countries.

A world-class public art experience by a Danish artist is coming to a Pennsylvania national forest in September of 2027, and he’s bringing his giant troll sculptures with him.

Artist Thomas Dambo has created multiple hand-built sculptures known as “Trolls in the Forest.” They generate visitors and revenue in each of the 20 countries where they have been placed.

Here’s more on what to know about these sculptures and what makes them so popular.

What is ‘Trolls in the Forest’?

“Trolls in the Forest” is an ambitious art project that features hand-built troll sculptures that can stretch as high as 40 feet.

These sculptures are made entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials that blend art, nature, sustainability and storytelling. The trolls have proved to drive tourism and aid economic growth and national attention because of their popularity.

More: Pennsylvania state forests are under a burn ban. Why it’s needed

The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau states that these trolls are built on site with the help of communities. This help provides volunteers the opportunity to assemble the bodies and limbs of the trolls which then creates a sense of ownership over the trolls.