Fun little towns for an overnight stay between Harrisburg & Tamiment (Bethlehem: house, college)

[Caladium]

Morning all! I posted this question in another thread, but it may have gotten lost.

We're looking for two interesting towns for a day trip and to stop at for an overnight stay somewhere between Harrisburg and Tamiment. We can stray a bit off course if a town looks interesting. We're going to stop at one town on the way to Tamiment, and the other on the way back.

I think we've decided one of the stops will be Jim Thorpe (and I think we'll take the train in addition to checking out the town). Now I'm looking for suggestions for the other stop. We've already done Hershey, but are willing to consider it if there aren't any better choices. I have a feeling, though that southern PA has lots of quirky fun little towns that I just don't know about yet.

Right now I'm looking at a map and considering towns randomly (mostly because I like the name ) Not the best approach but maybe it could get the ball rolling. Would any of these towns be fun to explore: Lebanon, Orwigsburg, Fredericksburg, New Boston, Tamaqua, Nesquehoning, Lehighton, White Haven, Lake Harmony?

[Summering]

I was going to suggest Jim Thorpe and you've said that town. Great place to explore and a charming old town.
Lake Harmony is not quite a "town" but it can be enjoyable. Stop at Nicks Lake House for a bite to eat and sit outside on the deck looking out at the water. You could stay a night at Split Rock Lodge. Many times there is a craft show or festival going on.
You might want to venture into Hickory Run State Park which has "boulder field" a unique area of boulders formed way back when. It is a ride into that area though. There is also a waterfall you can walk down too at the beginning of the park where you see a few cars parked off to the left.
If your by Lehighton go into "Country Junction" on 209. It is the "Worlds Largest General Store."
It has a little bit of everything. Kids love it there too. Live animals and lots to look at. A movie runs for free inside. All kinds of various things........fun.

[Caladium]

Thanks!

[Wells5]

Not quite on a line between Harrisburg and Tammiment, I'd suggest New Hope, PA/Lambertville, NJ. But I'll bet that you've already been there. Lewisburg has some of the best preserved federal architecture in the USA, a great place to stroll about, good selection of shops, restaurants and accommodations. Several museums there, too. Finally, how about Shamokin? I find the place interesting, but it's not everyone's cup of tea.

[Caladium]

Actually, I haven't been to any of those places and don't know anything about them. What makes them special? Your comment about Shamokin has me intruiged.

[sausages]

a little out of the way, Jim Thorpe is nice also but Cape May was just beautiful.

[ki0eh]

Originally Posted by Caladium

Would any of these towns be fun to explore: Lebanon, Orwigsburg, Fredericksburg, New Boston, Tamaqua, Nesquehoning, Lehighton, White Haven, Lake Harmony?

Not for most folks, White Haven does have the White Haven Diner at the north end of downtown (should have no trouble finding it).

Carlisle, only slightly out of your way (not much more so than Hershey) has a few things to look at even when there isn't a car show, Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau & Cumberland County Pennsylvania PA It fits with the visit to Jim Thorpe, because unlike Jim Thorpe, Jim Thorpe actually did live there.

Though I must admit the first place that came to mind when I saw this thread title was Centralia.

[2nd trick op]

New Boston, Tamaqua and Lehighton are all still fairly-gritty towns left over from the era of King Coal -- they've cleaned up, but havent gotten as far as Jim Thorpe.

I'd add Bloomsburg to the list; it's esentially a college town, and has some pretty good arts-centered events if you make some inquiries and plan in advance. The blue-collar locals, on the other hand, are still pretty much into the hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling scene, and they have their own calendar.

Just plan ahead before you go. The cultutral divide between the two poles isn't hostile, but it's there.

[Gettingouttahere]

Oh, Caladium, kioeh is right -- Centralia is definitely worth a stop -- though not to stay, as the town is abandoned. Totally offbeat place, great to say you've been to a place that's been on fire for 50-plus years. Really eerie. And the ground is HOT. Don't stand in any one place for any length of time

And this is not a good division of distance in your trip, but Bethlehem in the Lehigh Valley is an excellent visit (maybe do a day trip from your Tamiment locale) Beautifully quaint downtown with lots of ancient Moravian architecture, great shops to browse, the old Bethlehem Steel plant (now a casino ...

[Caladium]

Centralia would make a good stop. Hope the weather's good though because it might be kind of dicey driving around there.