Lewistown

Lewistown nearly died when Hurricane Agnes dumped several inches of water into the Juniata River and flooded many businesses during the early 1970s. The town, which is one of the commercial centers of central Pennsylvania, received the prestigious All-American City award in 1973 for its rebuilding process. For visitors, the local Amish culture is the draw — you’ll find the real thing here in the Belleville Market’s stalls, including hand-cranked clothes dryers and rows of horses and buggies hitched up in the parking lot. If the baked goods don’t tempt you, stop by Peachy’s for an authentic country meal — no tipping, though: it’s a Mennonite ...

Lewistown nearly died when Hurricane Agnes dumped several inches of water into the Juniata River and flooded many businesses during the early 1970s. The town, which is one of the commercial centers of central Pennsylvania, received the prestigious All-American City award in 1973 for its rebuilding process. For visitors, the local Amish culture is the draw — you’ll find the real thing here in the Belleville Market’s stalls, including hand-cranked clothes dryers and rows of horses and buggies hitched up in the parking lot. If the baked goods don’t tempt you, stop by Peachy’s for an authentic country meal — no tipping, though: it’s a Mennonite business. Two of the area’s limestone caves are open to visitors, and Lewistown’s proximity to the attractions of State College, home of Penn State University, makes it a central stop for travelers. There are several free museums on campus, not to mention football — State College is the home stadium of the Nittany Lions. Football is akin to religion here, so make sure your accommodations are in place when games are scheduled.

About the Expert

Joanne Miller is the author of several Moon guidebooks, including Pennsylvania Handbook, Chesapeake Bay Handbook, and Maryland/Delaware Handbook.