6 Pennsylvania Main Streets to Explore
Picturesque Pennsylvania offers much for tourists and residents alike – delicious dining, friendly people and historic charm at every turn. All of this and more is readily available when visiting some of the state’s iconic main streets. Here are six Pennsylvania downtown districts that deserve a spot on your must-visit list.
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1. Honesdale, PA
Nestled in the Poconos, Honesdale has a stellar reputation for outdoor recreation, especially during winter months – think sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. However, the borough’s downtown is a compelling destination year-round, and for good reason.
“It’s really a lovely downtown,” says Julie Fitzpatrick, executive director for the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, a nonprofit dedicated to the revitalization of the commonwealth’s core communities. “They’ve been able to maintain much of their historic architecture. If you took the cars away, you could look at the buildings and be transported back a hundred years or more to when those buildings were built.”
The streetscape exudes character at every turn, from Hotel Wayne, a brick building constructed in 1827, to the Honesdale Residential Historic District, which features gorgeous historic homes kept in pristine condition. With a variety of downtown businesses, it’s easy to have a pleasant afternoon along this Pennsylvania main street.
2. Ephrata, PA
Located in Lancaster County, Ephrata is a compelling stopping point for anyone traveling along Route 222 or 322, as both major highways intersect in the borough. It’s also a hot spot for those who take advantage of the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail, which transformed the Reading and Columbia Railroad track into a stunning trek for hikers and bikers.
“Ephrata has certainly seen its business community become more diverse and responsive,” Fitzpatrick says. “They’re embracing the tapestry of cultures that weave throughout town.”
For years, Ephrata was predominantly a Pennsylvania Dutch community, but it’s quickly embodying a new identity as a family-friendly place to visit and live, offering amenities like breweries and the rail trail.
3. Lewisburg, PA
This gorgeous pocket of Pennsylvania is influenced by its surrounding natural beauty – namely, the West Branch Susquehanna River. The community’s main downtown strip is called Market Street, and if you follow it far enough, it crosses the river into East Lewisburg. With lovely, mature trees that line the main stretch, the elements of nature bring a sense of peace and reflect the community’s commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation.
“Lewisburg is also home to Bucknell University, and it’s really embraced being a college town,” Fitzpatrick says.
That energy is palpable at every turn downtown, whether you’re eating at a quaint restaurant, like Alee’s Café, a Lebanese eatery, browsing an art store, like Brushstrokes, or shopping at boutiques, like Dwellings.
4. Mount Lebanon, PA
Recently dubbed one of America’s most walkable small towns by PBS, Mount Lebanon is a sweet stop to add to your Pennsylvania main street itinerary. Located just outside Pittsburgh, the township has been working hard to increase its appeal and livability. Along Washington Street, its main thoroughfare, you’ll find a smattering of delightful shops, restaurants, spas and more, perfect for popping in and out as you meander along.
“Mount Lebanon has a unique identity with its architecture – it’s more art deco or art nouveau,” Fitzpatrick says. “They’ve really embraced that.”
Mount Lebanon also regularly hosts festivals, events and public art experiences, like the Mt. Lebanon Artists’ Market. Another community staple is the Mt. Lebanon Lions Farmers Market, which has been held for 34 years and takes place at the Mount Lebanon United Lutheran Church downtown.
5. Somerset, PA
Somerset’s Uptown Historical District is impressive and includes multiple county government buildings, including its crowning jewel and centerpiece, the courthouse. These buildings, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, encompass a wide variety of architectural styles, from Craftsman to Colonial to Queen Anne. Lovingly preserved, they make for an incredible backdrop while exploring all that Somerset has to offer.
When you aren’t taking in the historical sights, there are plenty of shops to peruse, from Cascio’s, a century-old fruit market, to a delicious candy shop called Somerset Candy Co. to antique shops packed with hidden treasures.
Somerset is also home to the Flight 93 National Memorial, and while not located along this Pennsylvania main street, it’s definitely worth a trip if you’re in the area.
6. West Philadelphia, PA
Known as 52nd Street, West Philadelphia’s main street is colorful and vibrant. A bustling home base for Black-owned businesses, like Chef Milly’s Café and seafood restaurant Bottom of the Sea Soul, 52nd Street blends art, retail and culture in one commercial corridor.
“West Philadelphia is a very interesting place because they have a mix of brick-and-mortar businesses and a lot of cart businesses,” Fitzpatrick says.
The area is extremely diverse and rich with an eclectic mix of cultures that are celebrated and incorporated into revitalization efforts. Growth is supported in large part by The Enterprise Center, an organization that works with the area’s businesses, residents and others to continue building on the longstanding legacy of this Pennsylvania main street.