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Lewisburg, Pennsylvania: Nostalgic family fun Fannie Mast, 82, has lived in Lewisburg, PA since 1970. Over the years, she says shehas seen the cozy confines of this town of only just 6,000 people change into a more bustling, tourist attraction. As big business tries to infiltrate this small town, independent shop owners and lifelong residents help preserve Lewisburg’s charming character. There is already an interesting dichotomy of tourists and residents, city goers and country folk, homegrown shops and a super Wal-Mart. The town maintains a delicate balance of new and old. Mast explains that she thinks city dwellers would enjoy her small town, but warned, “There are still farm tractors and horse and buggies on the roads, so you would have to put up with that.” For the busy family seeking an escape and a taste for old-fashioned Americana, this small town is an inexpensive weekend trip back in time. Lewisburg at a glimpse Lewisburg can be likened to imaginary towns, such as The Andy Griffith Show’s Mayberry RFK, or for the more contemporary viewer, Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow. At the height of June, the Black Eyed Susans are in bloom. The town is a postcard of springtime Americana complete with tire swings, silos, red barns, white picket fences and neighbors who wave from their porches. Here, people choose Middlesworth potato chips over Lays, go to the art deco cinema instead of a big-industry theater, and strike up conversations with strangers as if they are old friends. Clothes hang on lines, blowing in a warm breeze that smells of grass and hay. On spring evenings, the sun casts long shadows on the greenest lawns right before setting. You can linger in Lewisburg: the town’s pace is comfortable, the air is invigorating and the people are friendly. You are welcome.
There is plenty to see and do in this small town. Here are the top recommendations for your first day of nostalgic and inexpensive family fun. Be sure to check out Lewisburg’s website to plan the rest of your weekend activities at www.lewisburgpa.com. Located in the heart of Victorian Lewisburg, the Bull Run Inn is a popular restaurant for visitors and residents alike. In the spring and summer, customers can sit outside on the patio to eat from a range of options. “Bull Run”, as the locals refer to it, serves Sunday brunch, lunch, dinner and late night menu items. Specialties include their hand-tossed pizzas and award-winning chicken wings. Families are welcome, and children can find an array of tasty and healthy meal options on the Inn’s kid’s menu. Chris Sampsel, 31, works as a server at the popular Bull Run Inn. Originally from New York City, Sampsel moved to Lewisburg in July of 2007 to be closer to his retired parents. “From my experience, people here seem genuinely nice,” Sampsel says. “Lewisburg gives you a quaint, hometown feel that you don’t get in cities. You can easily just slide into conversations with people here.”
Shoping: $
The Street of Shops is the ultimate thrift store find. Self-described as an “indoor country village,” this refurbished historic wooden mill boasts 125 different shops under its roof. As visitors stroll down aisles of the building’s 40,000 square feet, they can see unique items such as an old-wooden bathtub, a yearbook from the class of 1916, haunting porcelain dolls and a trumpet in a crushed blue velvet case. It is easy to spend an afternoon here, exploring the assortment of knick-knacks and vintage items. Mary Joice Day, 77, is a regular customer at The Street of Shops and has lived in Lewisburg her whole life. While she has traveled to many places around the country, Day says there is nowhere else she would rather live than her hometown. “To me, Lewisburg is the most beautiful place,” Day says. “In the fall, the mountain is beautiful, the sunsets are breathtaking and the trees are just as yellow as butter.”
Cofee & Snacks: $
Zelda’s on the park is a sunny café, with bright yellow walls and antique furniture, just a few yards away from Lewisburg’s Hufnagle Park. At this popular downtown snack-shop, there is a large chalkboard hanging above the register with a neatly hand-written menu, listing a variety of drink and food specialties. Customers can drop in for breakfast and enjoy one of their many options, such vanilla French toast for $3.99 or a very reasonable egg and cheese sandwich for $2.79. Their lunch options are all named after streets in Lewisburg. For customers in need of a quick pick-me-up, Zelda’s has an extensive coffee and specialty drink list, including bubble teas, fruit smoothes and espresso. The café even has a kid’s menu, including grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken strips. In the café’s second room, there are cozy corners with brown plush couches and eclectic lamps. Sit in the nook at the front of the shop for a lovely view of the residential street outside. Nothing is over $7, so relax, sip your Chai tea and take in the warm, friendly ambiance. The Pike Drive-In is located just outside of Lewisburg. This nostalgic family hot spot has three screens, each playing different, contemporary movies. But just because the movies are new releases doesn’t mean they are as expensive as big box theaters. Children under six years old get in for free, children between 7-12 years old pay only $3, adults pay $7, and college students, military, and senior citizens pay $5 - and each admission is a double feature! Families sit in hatchbacks with blankets and snacks, while children run around the field before the movie begins. Bring your family, fireworks, and pets, but leave your own food at home. The Pike Drive-in emphasizes that they remain in business through their concession stands.
Bed & Breakfasts : $$$
Built in Lewisburg in 1857, this charming brick building features four rooms and two suites set in Victorian style. The main parlor has a grand piano, historic books, and comfortable seating area. According to their website, the Inn strives to provide visitors with “an atmosphere that combines a touch of England and Victorian American.” Rooms include the Canterbury room, the Shoemaker’s room, The Nutting Room, and the Garden Suite. Each room is furnished with period antiques, terry linens, and handmade quilts. In order to ensure a quality experience for their visitors, the Inn’s homemade country breakfasts are even prepared to the guest’s personal taste. While the Inn prides itself on its classic style, it also provides contemporary luxuries like free Wi-Fi. Charles North, innkeeper, moved from the D.C. area to Lewisburg 25 years ago after listening to the song “Cats in the Cradle.” In the song, a father laments about not having been able to raise his children. Though successful in the hotel industry, North says, “I gave up the corporate world.” He and his wife Deborah now own the Pineapple Inn, celebrating its 25th year in business. “I don’t have the biggest portfolio, but I have my family life,” North says. The innkeeper adds that he appreciates Lewisburg because “it is a quiet, safe and wonderful little town.” Lewisburg is a city in limbo, gaining more tourism and feeling a greater threat of big-business. Visit this charming town in central PA to experience the beauty, nostalgia, and spirit of a simpler time.
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