Pennsylvania is a diverse state. There’s plenty of things to do, but if you feel like you need a new bucket list of unique things to do in Pennsylvania, we’ve got it. Here’s our list of unique things to do in Pennsylvania, from South Street Philadelphia stores to Millworks Harrisburg to the Lewisburg Farmers Market.
One of the most unique things to do in Philadelphia is to grab brunch at the cozy Café La Maude. Walk in and be instantly transported to a café that could easily be found in Europe, with a black and white interior with artsy photographic prints on the walls that set the scene. Located in artsy Fishtown, this French-Lebanese restaurant was ranked #22 in Yelp’s list for “Top 100 Places to Eat in the US in 2021” and when you take a bite into their delicious dishes, you’ll understand why. Try famous Red Shashuka, which includes a savory medley of onions, peppers, Lebanese sausage, chickpeas, potatoes, eggs, and potatoes. If you’re craving a sweet dish, you can’t go wrong with the Red Velvet Tiramisu Pancakes or Berrylicious Pain Perdu.
South Street remains an iconic part of the fabric of the art scene of Philadelphia – a hodgepodge neighborhood that includes many different characters all in one. There’s many unique items you can find and pick up at South Street Philadelphia stores. Eye’s Gallery specializes in folk art and you can find masks, jewelry, colorful clothing, and trinkets inspired by different cultures from around the globe. Raxx Vintage is a vintage store that not only carries the typical vintage finds like vintage tees, but treasures like old love letters, shark teeth, dolls, and keys. Across the street, Garland of Letters Bookstore is a New Age bookstore that offers tarot cards, Buddhism books, incense, and candles to get you lit into a new spiritual space.
Choosing what to eat at Reading Terminal Market will probably be one of the hardest decisions to make when you’re in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As one of America’s largest and oldest public markets, (it’s been around since 1893!), you will have your fill of eats and treats when exploring the market. Reading Terminal Market has just about any and every cuisine you can think of, from Philly Cheesesteaks from Spataro’s to cheeseboats from Saami Somi to burgers from Hunger Burger. As a foodie’s paradise, go on an empty stomach and enjoy.
Located only a few miles from Philadelphia City Center, and minutes from Cherry Hill, enjoy being central to both Pennsylvania and New Jersey adventures. Start your day with a complimentary breakfast, and visit the snack station if you’re still hungry later. The spacious, modern rooms are easy to relax in when you return from an eventful day.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Philadelphia- Pennsauken Hotel.
The Indian Echo Caverns is a fun, unique activity to do with the whole family when visiting Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The cost for Indian Echo Caverns is less than $25 for adults, $22 for Seniors, and $14.50 for Children. Climb down 60+ steps to enter a limestone cave that’s 440 million years old. Your tour guide will tell you the different stories of people who have found treasure in the cave, lived in the cave, even gotten married in the cave! The natural rock formations create an architecture that is truly incredible for visitors.
Millworks in Harrisburg, PA has been ranked “Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America” by Open Table and it’s not just the locally crafted dishes that keep diners coming back again and again. Sure, the Hot Honey Ham wood-fired pizza is to die for, and so are the Cauliflower Buffalo “Wings”, but Millworks also houses 36 in-residence artists, complete with an art gallery you can peruse to explore their works. In addition, the brewery uses unique ingredients that make their beers outstanding, for instance the Terra Mater Tart Beer includes calamansi citrus, cherries, and plums, while the Phoenix Rising Double Coffee Stout includes coffee from Little Amps that’s a mix of espresso and fudge.
Up the street from Millworks is Midtown Scholar Bookstore or nicknamed “Midtown Bookstore”. As Harrisburg’s #1 independent bookstore, it’s easy to fall in love with the new and used books here. The open layout of the shop allows you to pick up a coffee from the café while perusing the shelves of categories like “Women’s History Month Inspired” or “Under the Radar Classics”. The bookshop often hosts author events and the “Signed by the Author” table is the perfect pile to pick a gift for yourself or a friend.
Upon entering the Best Western Premier The Central Hotel & Conference Center, you will immediately be impressed by unique and stylish Grand Atrium. The contemporary, modern rooms are a perfect place to unwind after a day of play, exploring Central Pennsylvania, and all it has to offer. Make your way downstairs to have a beer and an entree at O’Reilly’s Taproom & Kitchen, or take a swim in the heated pool.
Book your stay at Best Western Premier The Central Hotel & Conference Center.
The indoor farmers market in Lewisburg, PA has been around since 1937 and is essentially a marketplace where you can find anything and everything. Lewisburg is not too far from Amish country, and freshly made pretzels and baked buttery ham and cheese logs will warm up your stomach. Colorful, seasonal fresh produce like berries, apples, and more are easy to come by, as well as other items like books, jewelry, and candies. Don’t forget to pick up a shoofly pie, a molasses crumb pie that melts in your mouth.
Vincente Ramirez, founder of Culture Coffee, hails from Guatemala and even returned to his homeland to bring his passion for coffee to downtown Lewisburg, PA. The coffee aficionado prepares each cup with care in the new café that opened in late 2023. With a clean aesthetic and sophisticated look, the café attracts all kinds of customers and builds community in Lewisburg. Try their Espresso and Tonic or Matcha Latte for your fill of a caffeinated cup.
Need to wake your body up? Go to ONE Health & Wellness to soak in a cold plunge, and then relax in a sauna. The studio’s mission is to reduce pain and stress with cold and hot therapy. At ONE Health & Wellness, immerse yourself in a literal, ice bath for as long as you can. Once finished, simply walk a few steps to the wooden, individual saunas for ultimate rejuvenation.
As a winner of Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2024, the Best Western Plus Country Cupboard Inn offers a warm and welcoming environment for those visiting. Located only 5 minutes from Bucknell University, only 25 minutes from Susquehanna University, and only a few miles from downtown Lewisburg, this convenient location will meet all your traveling needs. With large rooms and a complimentary breakfast, start end end your day with relaxation at the forefront.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Country Cupboard Inn.