The Great American Getaway Guide to Williamsport

Hit a home run on your next PA getaway to Williamsport. This central PA town is most famous for the Little League World Series, an event that attracts hundreds of thousands of Little League baseball players, coaches, and fans from around the world every August. Step onto the streets of Williamsport and sense the city’s pride in its Little League heritage. The World of Little League Museum and Bases Loaded statues are top attractions. Williamsport features more than just home runs and hot dogs - find outdoor adventures around every corner. Try hiking, biking, fishing, or horseback riding on scenic routes that will take you along the Susquehanna River and the base of Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon. Or dive into the culture of downtown and find streets full of restaurants, boutiques, artisan shops, and famed mansions dating back to the 1800s.

Located about three hours from New York City, four hours from Washington, DC, and a three-hour drive from Philadelphia, this charming lumber town is worth a visit. Don’t worry about striking out - we’ve planned a 72-hour getaway featuring some of the top things to do to make the most of your time in this sports-centric town. 

Please note, this itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide. We strongly recommend checking seasonal hours of operation and available offerings of the listed businesses ahead of your trip.

Day One

Afternoon – Did you know Williamsport was once the Lumber Capital of the World? You can start your getaway with a stop at Blackhouse Café Coffee & Tea for Italian-style espresso, teas, and locally made baked goods. Next, step back in time with a visit to the Thomas T. Taber Museum, which chronicles the history of north central Pennsylvania. Check out the American Indian gallery, fine and decorative arts gallery, and Shempp Model Train exhibit with more than 300 trains. Their period rooms display life from the 1700s through the 1900s.

After learning about Williamsport’s history, explore the mansions and historic homes along Millionaires Row. With several of these homes dating back to 1855, when the town had more millionaires per capita than any other U.S. city. Download a walking tour map as you stroll through these Victorian-style mansions, five of which have been featured in Victorian Homes Magazine.

Evening – Check into your choice of accommodations (keep scrolling for our picks at the bottom of the guide) and go to Bullfrog Brewery for dinner. Located in the heart of downtown, this independent craft brewery has been serving award-winning microbrews and farm-to-table dishes to residents and visitors since 1996. A nod to their “focal on local” philosophy, enjoy local bands as they perform live rock, blues, reggae, ska, jazz on the weekend, and special music shows during the week.

Image
Bullfrog Brewery
Bullfrog Brewery

Day Two

Morning – Start your day with the “best breakfast in Williamsport” at Harvest Moon, a family-owned restaurant and convenience store. Located at the corner of Arch and West Third Streets, the restaurant serves homestyle meals like waffles and omelets, as well as some must-try specialty items like Oreo Crusted Stuffed French Toast.

After breakfast, batter up and check out the Bases Loaded statues in the heart of downtown. Mimicking the shape of a traditional baseball diamond, sculptures of players load the bases at the intersections of Third and Market Streets. Crosswalks, which mirror the baselines, connect each base, and a sculpture of Carl E. Stotz, who created Little League, sits behind the backstop.

Spend the rest of the morning exploring Williamsport’s boutiques and artisan shops. Visit Otto Bookstore, the nation’s oldest independently owned bookstore, and stop by Patinaz for handcrafted jewelry and unique gifts. Gustonian Gifts offers pottery, pillows, and walking sticks from more than 80 local and national artists, and Get Your Rocks Off Here has unique items made with gems and minerals.

Afternoon – Stop by an upscale pub for lunch and indulge in gourmet burgers and sandwiches, salads, and unique appetizers at the Brickyard Restaurant and Ale House in Pine Square. For a delicious treat, try Sprinkled Sweet – Artisan Bakery and Creamery for delectable baked goods and frozen concoctions.

After lunch, it’s time to play ball - step into the batter’s box as you prepare to explore the World of Little League Museum and Official Store. The museum offers an interactive and educational experience about the history and goals of Little League Baseball and Softball. With more than 300 artifacts, the museum intertwines the history of Little League with U.S. history. The self-guided experience will move you through six innings of immersive media, artifacts, and interactives to show how Little League has fulfilled its mission of providing opportunities to participate in the sport to as many communities as possible. Make sure to visit the Global Connections Touch Table that showcases details about every local Little League program in the world.

Image
Little League Museum
World of Little League Museum

After exploring the museum and store, walk down the street to Lamade and Volunteer Stadiums, the official home of the Little League World Series. The 10-day series, which takes place every August, provides an unforgettable experience for players, coaches, families, and fans. If you happen to visit during the Little League World Series, take in a game for free. You may even sit on – and then slide down – the hill overlooking the stadium, which can accommodate up to 30,000 fans.

Evening – Enjoy wood-fired pizza and classic Italian dishes at the Stonehouse Wood Fire Pizza and Pasteria for dinner. With locally sourced sausage, handmade mozzarella, and freshly baked bread, come hungry to this iconic Italian spot in downtown Williamsport.

After dinner, visit the New Trail Brewing Company, a brewery dedicated to preserving Pennsylvania’s natural wonders. Try the Trail Ale, Lazy River Pils, or the Broken Heels Hazy IPA - the most popular beer which earned its name after one of the brewery’s founders broke both heels right before construction was set to start.

Day Three

Morning – Start your day at Lucky Strike Diner for breakfast. This neighborhood spot has been serving upscale breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a friendly price to locals and visitors since 2020. Enjoy diner classics like their breakfast specials or build your own omelet to satisfy your breakfast cravings. Then, get ready to hike or bike along the Susquehanna River Walk and Timber Trail, which follows the river’s north and south shores. Much of the route was built on top of levees, providing a way for residents of Williamsport, South Williamsport, and Loyalsock to connect. Check out the two bridge crossings and interpretive signage about the region’s rich lumber heritage along the trail. A life-sized sculpture of a lumber camp worker will greet you as you take in breathtaking views along the way.

Afternoon – Situated on Penn College’s campus, La Jeune Chef Restaurant (translated “the young chef”) provides fine-dining options for lunch and dinner, elevating your dining experience in Williamsport. World-class cuisine is prepared by students, instructors, interns, and the restaurant’s professional staff. Flavorful dishes like their heirloom salad are created with regional and seasonal items, and an a la carte menu is available.

After lunch, visit The Pine Creek Rail Trail, voted by USA Today as one of the “10 great places to take a bike tour.” Perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding, the trail covers more than 62 miles of terrain from Wellsboro Junction to Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania and offers endless sightseeing opportunities. View rock outcrops, waterfalls, diverse plant life, and wildlife as you make your way along the trail. This “Jewel of the Gorge” is located along the bottom of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and offers stunning views.

Image
a metal bridge on trail
The Pine Creek Rail Trail

Add A Day

Not ready for your Williamsport getaway to end? Add an extra day and drive just over an hour north to explore the small town of Elysburg in Northumberland County. The town is best known for Knoebels Amusement Park, the largest free-admission amusement park in the nation. Knoebels offers free parking, free entertainment, and free picnic facilities in addition to their adrenaline pumping activities.

Image
little girl in front of the Knoebels Entrance Arch
Knoebels Amusement Park

With more than 60 rides and attractions, Knoebels is a one stop shop for family fun. Pay per ride or choose an all-day pass with unlimited access to all rides. Since 2018, the park’s famed Phoenix has been named the top wooden roller coaster in the world by the Golden Ticket Awards. Take an eerie trip through the haunted coal mines on the Black Diamond ride or pick a hand-carved horse to ride on the 100-year-old carousel. While on the carousel, reach for an elusive brass ring. If you are lucky enough to grab one, you will get a free ride! Swim in the Crystal Pool, watch a live musical performance at the Hawaiian Bandshell, or try your shot at a hole-in-one at Three Pounds Golf Course – the opportunities are endless at this must-do experience in Elysburg.

If you get hungry, try Nickle Plate Bar and Grill, a restaurant named after one of the original rides at Knoebels – the Nickle Plate train. The restaurant offers picturesque golf course views, trivia, live music, and happy hour specials.

If you have more time – and energy – explore Weiser State Forest. With more than 30,000 acres, you can observe a forest “at work” as you hike the many trails. Watch for deer enclosed fences, gypsy moth spraying, and active timber harvests.

PLACES TO STAY

The City Hall Grand Hotel - The City Hall Grand Hotel takes the cake as one of the most unique hotels in town with one-of-a-kind themed rooms. Conveniently located in downtown Williamsport, the hotel includes features that pay homage to Williamsport’s history including a floor-to-ceiling mural of the flood of 1894 and images of Civil War heroes from the mid-1860s. Traditional rooms include the fires and firefighters suite, the engine room, the library, the mail room, and the Red Cross suite. Other rooms pay homage to the women of Williamsport and to the city’s working-class roots. The hotel has a restaurant, The Newsroom’s Grill & Spirits, as well as The Blind Tiger Lounge and Tiki Hut for an array of dining options just steps away. 

The Heritage - A colonial style Airbnb, The Heritage has 10 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 25 guests. Located in a quiet, secluded neighborhood close to Williamsport, the home is surrounded by wooded trails and is minutes from Williamsport’s most popular attractions. Enjoy breathtaking views from the home’s stone patio and multiple decks.

The Peter Herdic Inn - As a restored Victorian mansion on Millionaires Row, The Peter Herdic Inn boasts several spacious rooms offering the charm of this historic home in every room. Choose between accommodations in the rose room, the gold room, or the balcony room. You can also book the entire house for a reunion, retreat, or corporate event. While there, relax on the shaded porch and walk to many of Williamsport’s local attractions. Family-owned and operated, the Peter Herdic House and Inn also features a restaurant with gourmet dining and serves as a unique wedding venue.

Looking for more Great American Getaways in Pennsylvania? Check out visitpa.com. Follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for even more travel inspiration. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter so you never miss an update!

share or pin this article

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use our website, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies (and milk!) from visitPA.com. Learn more about cookie data in our Privacy Policy