Blog

5 Scenic Small Towns to Visit in Pennsylvania

Small towns in Pennsylvania
If you live in or near Pennsylvania, chances are good you've taken a road trip to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. In between are many small towns with lots of rich history, character, and charm. Pack up the car and take a trip to one of these small towns in Pennsylvania.

Lancaster

This small town was briefly the capital of Pennsylvania and offers lots of beauty and plenty of history making it well worth the visit. Lancaster is home to the longest running farmer's market in the United States, and the city highlights both its Dutch heritage as well as its Amish influence. Take the family to one of the museums in town or just walk around and enjoy the rolling hills, farms, and the scenic views. 

Gettysburg

One of the most iconic moments of the Civil War happened in Gettysburg where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. Come to this city to see the Gettysburg National Military Park or to visit President Eisenhower's former home, which is also in this Pennsylvania town. Interestingly enough, originally the monuments were not supposed to highlight the southern army, however, eventually the city gave in, and both armies are recognized through the monuments in the city.

Jim Thorpe

For the adventure lovers, head to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania to experience the rafting, hiking, and biking prevalent in the city. Located at the base of the Pocono Mountains few can resist the charm of this city nicknamed The Switzerland of America. Walk through to experience and see the influence from the coal-mining era in this small town as well as influence from the Industrial Revolution. With adventures available, tourist attractions, and plenty of charisma, this little Pennsylvania town wins the heart of every type of visitor.

Happy Valley

Nicknamed "State College" Pennsylvania, this centrally located city is home to the Nittany Lions of Penn State. During the fall, you can't miss a fun tailgate before the football team plays in this Pennsylvania college town. During the summer, when most of the students are home for break, take advantage of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of Arts. The streets are closed for five days while tourists and locals peruse the many booths selling arts, crafts, jewelry, pottery, and local eats. Although football is big in Happy Valley, there's something for everyone all year in this town.

New Hope

Pennsylvania towns are no stranger to offering a rich history of the United States, and New Hope fits that group well. Most famous for the Delaware crossing by George Washington this small town has morphed into a major tourist attraction with its rich history and its local attractions. Visit one of the delicious restaurants, antique shops, museums, and art galleries, or check out one of the many local boutiques. The State Theater Pennsylvania is also in New Hope where many Broadway shows are tested in this small town. There's plenty to see and do outside the big cities in Pennsylvania. Next weekend pack up the car and head to one of these small towns to see what you've been missing. Image via flickr by Scott Teresi 

Recommended Posts

Central City Toyota team members celebrate partnership with Community College of Philadelphia’s Career and Advanced Technology Center during dedication event

Central City Toyota Celebrates Lasting Partnership with Community College of Philadelphia’s Career and Advanced Technology Center

At Central City Toyota, our commitment to the community extends beyond helping drivers find reliable Toyota vehicles and quality automotive services. We believe in supporting organizations that create opportunities, encourage growth, and help prepare the next generation for success. Our partnership with the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) reflects our dedication to education, workforce development, and the students who will help shape the future. Recently, our team had the opportunity to visit the Community College of Philadelphia’s Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) to learn more about the innovative programs and opportunities available to students. The visit allowed us to connect with students, faculty, and members of the CCP team while gaining a closer look at the important work happening throughout the facility. Celebrating a Meaningful Partnership With Community College of Philadelphia During our visit, we had the privilege of meeting with members of the CCP team, including Dr. Zanjani, Chris Lewis, Daniel Reed, Carmelo Robles, Richard Saxton, Ron Sizer, and Corrine Miller. We enjoyed learning more about the educational programs, resources, and career-focused experiences offered through the Career and Advanced Technology Center. The Community College of Philadelphia has long served as an important resource for the Philadelphia community by providing students with access to education, training, and career opportunities. Through facilities like CATC, students can gain hands-on experience and develop skills that support their professional goals. Central City Toyota is proud to support initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for students and families throughout the region. We are honored to be part of a partnership focused on strengthening the community and helping prepare future generations for success. CATC Lobby Dedication Recognizes Community Support As part of this special partnership, the first-floor lobby of the Career and Advanced Technology Center is being dedicated to Max & Sandi Paul, Brad & Shira Paul, as well as Ardmore Toyota and Central City Toyota. This dedication recognizes the lasting impact of the support provided by these families and organizations. On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, members of our team joined the CCP community to capture photos at the future dedication location. Standing together in front of the dedication mock-ups created a memorable moment and provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of this partnership. The gathering allowed everyone involved to recognize the lasting legacy this support will create. Partnerships between businesses and educational institutions help ensure students have access to valuable resources, training, and opportunities that can positively impact their futures. Supporting Education and Building Stronger Communities The partnership between Central City Toyota and Community College of Philadelphia represents the impact that collaboration can have on education and workforce development. By supporting programs that provide students with career-focused learning opportunities, we can help strengthen the communities we serve. The visit was also a chance to celebrate the relationship that has grown through this partnership. Team members, students, and CCP representatives shared conversations, reflected on the importance of the collaboration, and enjoyed time together over a delicious lunch from Hymie’s Deli. Central City Toyota is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Community College of Philadelphia and support the continued success of the Career and Advanced Technology Center. The lobby dedication represents more than a physical space — it represents a shared commitment to education, opportunity, and creating a positive impact for future generations of students. We look forward to continuing our partnership with CCP and supporting initiatives that help make a difference throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding communities.

A red and black Toyota sedan parked on a street next to a white sedan and a dark SUV, with brick buildings in the background.

The Real Cost of Buying a Used Vehicle and How to Prepare for It

Finding the right used vehicle often starts with the price on the windshield, but experienced shoppers know that's only part of the story. At Central City Toyota Preowned in Philadelphia, PA, one of the most common conversations with used-car buyers involves understanding ownership costs beyond the purchase price. Maintenance, wear items, registration fees, and future repairs can all influence the overall value of a vehicle. The good news is that most of these expenses are predictable if you know where to look before you buy. more Start by Looking at the Maintenance History A used vehicle arrives with a history. Sometimes that history is well documented. Other times, records may be incomplete or unavailable. Either way, it's important to understand what maintenance has been performed and what services may be approaching. Oil changes, fluid services, air filters, spark plugs, and other routine maintenance items all follow recommended schedules. If there's uncertainty about when those services were completed, it may be wise to plan for them shortly after purchase. A vehicle that has been properly maintained is often a better long-term value than one with a lower price but an uncertain service history. Mileage and Age Tell an Important Story Mileage alone doesn't determine whether a vehicle is a good purchase. However, age and mileage together can provide useful clues about future maintenance needs. Components such as batteries, suspension parts, belts, hoses, and other wear items naturally age over time regardless of how carefully a vehicle has been driven. That doesn't mean these vehicles should be avoided. It simply means buyers should understand what maintenance and repairs may become necessary in the coming years. A professional pre-purchase inspection remains one of the best ways to identify potential concerns before making a commitment. Pay Close Attention to Tires and Brakes Tires and brakes are among the most common expenses new owners encounter after purchasing a used vehicle. Tread depth, tire age, and overall condition can provide valuable insight into future replacement needs. Likewise, brake pads and rotors should be inspected to determine how much service life remains. Neither of these items should necessarily discourage a purchase, but they should be considered as part of the overall ownership budget. Understanding their condition before buying helps eliminate surprises later. Don't Forget Taxes and Registration Costs Mechanical expenses aren't the only costs buyers should consider. Sales tax, title fees, registration fees, and other government charges can add a noticeable amount to the final transaction. Buyers throughout Philadelphia and surrounding communities should account for these expenses when establishing their overall budget. A vehicle that appears affordable initially can look quite different once all associated costs are included. Planning ahead helps ensure there are no unexpected financial surprises during the purchasing process. Why a Vehicle History Report Matters One of the simplest tools available to used-vehicle shoppers is a vehicle history report. These reports can provide information about previous ownership, reported accidents, title history, and open recalls. While they don't tell the entire story of a vehicle, they offer valuable context that can help buyers make more informed decisions. Combined with a professional inspection, a history report can significantly reduce uncertainty when evaluating a used vehicle. Build a Small Ownership Cushion Even the best-maintained used vehicle may require attention after purchase. That's why many experienced buyers leave room in their budget for unexpected expenses. Having funds available for maintenance, tires, batteries, or minor repairs can make ownership considerably less stressful. Rather than stretching every dollar toward the purchase price, it's often wiser to leave some flexibility for future needs. A little preparation today can help avoid larger frustrations tomorrow. Shop with Confidence in Philadelphia, PA Buying a used vehicle doesn't have to feel complicated. By reviewing maintenance history, evaluating tires and brakes, understanding registration costs, and arranging a professional inspection, buyers can gain a much clearer picture of long-term ownership costs. Drivers throughout Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, Center City, University City, and the surrounding Delaware Valley can explore quality pre-owned inventory at Central City Toyota Preowned. With the right information and a thoughtful approach, finding a used vehicle that fits both your needs and your budget becomes a much more straightforward process.

Former Paul Bros Auto Body building in Philadelphia, PA, now Central City Toyota Collision Center

A Familiar Sign, A New Chapter: Introducing Central City Toyota Collision Center

Central City Toyota is proud to announce the transition of Paul Bros Auto Body to Central City Toyota Collision Center. While the name is changing, our commitment to providing trusted collision repair services, expert craftsmanship, and exceptional customer care remains the same. more For more than a century, Paul Bros Auto Body has been a recognized name in collision repair throughout the Philadelphia community. Founded in 1905 by Max Paul as a small bicycle repair shop in Old City Philadelphia, the company grew alongside the automobile industry and became a leader in automotive repair and collision services. Throughout its history, Paul Bros. has proudly served the Philadelphia area through some of the most challenging times, including world wars, economic hardships, and global events. The company’s dedication to its employees, customers, and community has remained at the heart of its success. In 1969, Central City Toyota was established, and together with Paul Bros., continued building a reputation as a trusted destination for Toyota collision repair in the Philadelphia area. Today, Central City Toyota Collision Center carries forward that same tradition of quality, experience, and community commitment. The Same Trusted Collision Repair Services Remain While the name on the sign is changing, the quality of service and expertise you’ve trusted from Paul Bros. Auto Body will continue at Central City Toyota Collision Center. Our experienced team remains dedicated to providing professional collision repairs with the same attention to detail and commitment to customer care. Complete Collision Repairs Vehicle repairs today involve much more than restoring exterior damage. Modern vehicles rely on advanced computer systems, sensors, and driver assistance technology that require specialized knowledge and equipment. Our technicians use Toyota OEM software to help identify potential issues with vehicle computer components and safety systems. We follow manufacturer repair recommendations to help ensure repairs are completed properly and safely. Professional Paint and Refinishing Services Our paint department continues to focus on delivering high-quality finishes with precise color matching. We use Glasurit paint, a leading name in automotive refinishing, and our technicians bring more than a century of combined industry experience to every repair. Whether your vehicle needs minor refinishing or extensive collision restoration, our team works carefully to restore its appearance and help it look its best. Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship The commitment to standing behind our work remains unchanged. Since 1905, customer satisfaction has been a core part of our philosophy. Central City Toyota Collision Center provides a written lifetime warranty on workmanship for qualifying repair work. We stand behind the repairs performed by our facility and remain committed to addressing any workmanship concerns according to the terms of the warranty. Continuing a Legacy of Trust in Philadelphia As part of the Central City Toyota family, customers can continue to expect the same knowledgeable team, attention to detail, and high standards that have made Paul Bros. Auto Body a trusted collision repair provider for generations. Located at Central City Toyota in Philadelphia, our collision center remains dedicated to helping drivers get back on the road with confidence while continuing the legacy built over more than 120 years. We look forward to serving you for many years to come as Central City Toyota Collision Center.