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Get Your Fun On: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Lewisburg, PA

Packwood House runs all of the Pennsylvania German decorative arts and Slifer House runs the whole of the Victorian side out there. The Street of Shops takes all of the volume and the antique malls take the whole of the hunt itself. Campus Theatre is the art-deco one out there and the Weis Center out there is the modern one. The river takes everything else that is left. Collect.

After a charming place to spend some time? Lewisburg, Pennsylvania is the answer. This quaint and picturesque town sits in the heart of the Susquehanna River Valley and runs activities and attractions across the board, for every age and every interest.

History person, outdoors person, culture person or shopper, Lewisburg keeps you occupied. The campus of Bucknell University through to the art galleries and museums in town, there is always something you have not seen yet. And the restaurants, cafes and bars handle the meal or the drink at the end of it.

Key Takeaways

• Lewisburg, Pennsylvania is a charming and picturesque town located in the Susquehanna River Valley.
• Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions, including exploring the campus of Bucknell University, browsing art galleries and museums, and dining at local restaurants.
• Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a culture vulture, or a shopaholic, there’s something for everyone in Lewisburg.

The Charm of Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a charming little town. It sits in the heart of Central Pennsylvania and is known for the picturesque downtown and the historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.

Walk the streets of Lewisburg and the decades come off. The architecture on these buildings is the reason people slow down, and the whole town reads like a museum you can walk through.

But do not let the historic charm mislead you. Lewisburg runs modern too, with shops, restaurants and bars through the middle of it. And arts people get galleries and theaters in numbers.

One of the reasons Lewisburg works is the Susquehanna River next to it. Walk the riverbank for the water and the country around it. And for the active version, rent a kayak or a paddleboard and take the river yourself.

Lewisburg is the charming town for a weekend or a day trip. History, culture or simply a slow day by the river, all three are here. Pack the bag and go.

Bucknell University

So you are in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania and wondering what to do. Bucknell University is where to start. It is a liberal arts university, which means the subjects run from science through literature through history and philosophy and everything between.

And the academics are only part of it. Bucknell University holds the Weis Center for Performing Arts, where local and international artists perform. Literary people should take the Stadler Center for Poetry, which runs readings, workshops and other literary events through the year.

There is more. Bucknell University is known for its sports teams, the Bucknell Bison. Sports people should take a game and cheer the Bison on. And a campus tour is available if you want to walk the grounds properly.

Bucknell University is the stop if you want the strongest of what Lewisburg holds. Academics, performing arts, literature or sports, it runs all four. Go and see it.

Museums and Art Galleries

Art people will do well in Lewisburg, because the museums and galleries are here in numbers. Here are the ones to work through:

Packwood House Museum

The Packwood House Museum is a Victorian mansion turned museum, holding a serious collection of Pennsylvania German decorative arts. Prints, paintings, furniture, ceramics, textiles and more sit through it. The oriental art and the Japanese cedar trees on the property are the other half. And history people get the Fetherston’s collection of artifacts, which carries Lewisburg’s past.

Campus Theatre

The Campus Theatre is an art-deco movie theater restored to what it was. Wall and ceiling murals, bronze leafing and the rest of the decorative work put you in another decade. It shows films and runs live performances and events through the year.

Slifer House Museum

The Slifer House Museum is the other Victorian mansion turned museum, showing the decorative arts of the Pennsylvania Germans. Furniture, textiles and the rest of what a Victorian household kept. And temporary exhibits rotate through, showing local artists.

Faustina’s Gallery

Faustina’s Gallery shows the work of local artists. Paintings, prints and other work hang through it, and the gallery frames your own work if you ask. The building dates to the early 1800s and the architectural detail on it is worth a look on its own.

History museums, art galleries or an art-deco movie theater, Lewisburg runs all of it. Put these on the list next time you are through.

The Great Outdoors

Outdoor people get plenty out of Lewisburg. The Susquehanna River through to the Woodland Garden, there are ways to spend a day outside and come back tired.

Susquehanna River

The Susquehanna River runs straight through Lewisburg. Take it by canoe or kayak with Canoe Susquehanna, which runs guided boat trips and rents recreational kayaks, multi-person kayaks and big canoes. The river routes cover every skill level, so beginner or experienced paddler, there is a trip that fits.

Fishing and boating both work on the Susquehanna River too. Bass, catfish and walleye all come out of it. No boat is no problem, because local outfitters rent them and guided fishing trips run as well.

Woodland Garden

For staying on land, the Woodland Garden is the walk. This is a 10-acre garden of trees, shrubs and flowers. Walking trails wind through it and benches sit along them for when you want to stop.

The Woodland Garden takes the birdwatchers too. Warblers, finches and woodpeckers all turn up in it. Bring the binoculars and a field guide and put names to them.

Paddling the Susquehanna River or walking the Woodland Garden, Lewisburg covers the outdoors. Take the sunscreen, the bug spray and the water bottle and get out.

Shopping and Antiquing

You might not think of Lewisburg as a shopping town, and the range of stores and markets in it will surprise you. Antiques, fresh produce or a gift nobody else has, this small town covers all three.

Antiques people are properly served here. Lewisburg holds antique shops in numbers, Rollermills Antique Mall, Antiques at 221, Lewisburg Antique and Consignment Mall and Silver Moon Antique Mall and Flea Market among them. With that many, something is coming home with you.

For something more modern, head downtown to the Street of Shops. This indoor shopping mall runs over 375 vendors selling everything from clothing to home decor. Something in there will stop you.

For fresh produce and local goods, take the farmers market on Fairground Road on Wednesdays, and the growers market on Fridays at Brookpark Farm from late spring to early fall. Meats and baked goods through to handmade crafts and jewelry. And the money stays with local farmers and artisans.

And for a wet afternoon, go antiquing. It runs like a giant indoor yard sale with air conditioning and consistent hours. Even if nothing comes home, the browsing is the point of it.

Shopping and antiquing in Lewisburg is its own kind of day out. Take the wallet and see what turns up.

Film and Theater

Movie person or theater person, Lewisburg has the cinemas and theaters for it. The latest Hollywood releases or the cult classics, both play here.

Digiplex Cinema Center Selinsgrove

A short drive from Lewisburg, the Digiplex Cinema Center Selinsgrove is where the new releases play. The digital projection and the sound systems are current, so the film lands properly. And the stadium seating leaves you room for your legs.

Carmike Cinema

For a cinema chain with a reputation, Carmike Cinema is the answer. The location in nearby Selinsgrove plays all the Hollywood blockbusters in comfort. Action, romantic comedy or anything between, it is on the board.

A night at the movies or a trip to the theater, Lewisburg has the options. Take the Cinemacenter Selinsgrove or the Carmike Cinema.

Bowling Fun

After something fun that does not cost much? Lewisburg Lanes Bowling is the answer. This family-oriented alley has what you need for the evening.

The bowling first. Lewisburg Lanes runs some of the strongest lanes in town, with open and league bowling both available. Seasoned or first time out, chasing that strike works on everybody. And the fully stocked pro shop rents the shoes.

There is more to it. Lewisburg Lanes takes private birthday parties, and you can rent the whole alley, arcade game machines, television, snack bar and game room included. It is how a birthday gets remembered.

And for a private event or party, Lewisburg Lanes handles that too. Catering, decorations and the rest are all on offer.

So collect the friends and head down to Lewisburg Lanes Bowling for the evening. It holds up.

April brings the arts festival and the chocolate festival within the same handful of weeks out there. June is the annual celebration, a full three-day run right through the whole of downtown. August is the Hops, Vines, and Wines Festival with the whole of the region pouring it. Late spring right through early fall is when the growers market runs. And winter is the plunge.

Wine and Dine

You cannot visit Lewisburg without eating and drinking properly. This charming town has the options for both.

Wine people should stop at Fero Vineyards. This family-owned winery pours award-winning wines across the range. Take a glass of the crisp Chardonnay or the bold Cabernet Sauvignon with the vineyards open around you. And carry a bottle home.

And if wine is not it, Lewisburg has another answer. Head to Civil War Cider for something you will not get elsewhere. This cozy spot makes hard ciders from locally sourced apples. Take the classic Dry Cider, or a seasonal one like the Pumpkin Spice. Small plates and charcuterie boards come with the drinking.

And no visit to Lewisburg is complete without the local cooking. Farm-to-table restaurants through to casual cafes, the town runs it all. Book Elizabeth’s An American Bistro for fine dining built on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Or take a sandwich at the Lewisburg Deli for a quick lunch.

Wherever you eat and drink in Lewisburg, it lands. So go ahead and enjoy it.

Special Events and Festivals

Lewisburg knows how to run a good time, and the special events and festivals prove it. Music, food, art and history all get their turn through the year.

Annual Lewisburg Celebration in June is the busiest of them. This three-day event marks the town’s history, culture and community. Live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a parade that works its way through downtown Lewisburg.

Arts people should hold the date for the Lewisburg Arts Festival in April. This two-day event runs over 100 artists showing their work, alongside live music, food vendors and children’s activities. It supports local artists and something unusual ends up on your wall.

Food people should take the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival in April. The whole thing is given over to chocolate, from chocolate-covered strawberries to hot chocolate. Chocolate-themed activities run for the kids too, so the family comes along.

For something less usual, take the Hops, Vines, and Wines Festival in August. Local wineries, breweries and distilleries all pour, with food vendors and live music around them. It is the fastest way to taste what the region makes.

Whatever the interest, something is on in Lewisburg. Check the town’s event calendar for what is coming.

Nearby Cities to Explore

So you have worked through Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Do not stop there. There are cities nearby worth the drive. Here are the ones to take:

Williamsport

Williamsport is home to the Little League World Series and it takes sport seriously. But there is more in it. Millionaire’s Row is a street lined with mansions that does exactly what the name says. And the Susquehanna River takes the kayaking.

Bloomsburg

For a small city with plenty packed into it, Bloomsburg is the one. Take the Bloomsburg Fair, one of the largest in Pennsylvania, or the Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society Museum. And beer people should not skip the Turkey Hill Brewing Company.

Selinsgrove

Selinsgrove is the charming city for a slow weekend. Walk the Susquehanna University campus, or take the Selinsgrove Speedway for the racing. And when the appetite arrives, BJ’s Steak & Rib House does the BBQ.

Danville

Danville carries a long history and the culture to go with it. Take the Montour County Historical Society Museum for the city’s past, or hike the Montour Preserve. And art people should take the Danville Arts Council, which runs exhibits and events through the year.

So get out there and work these cities too.

Fun Things to Do with Kids

Visiting Lewisburg, Pennsylvania with kids? No problem. The town has plenty to keep them going. Here are the ones that work:

1. Explore the Packwood House Museum

Do not let the word museum put them off. The Packwood House Museum works well on kids. They get the historic house and the gardens, and they come out knowing something about the 18th and 19th centuries. And the museum runs special events and workshops for kids through the year.

2. Bowl a Strike at Lewisburg Lanes

For something more active, head to Lewisburg Lanes for a game of bowling. Kids take to knocking the pins down immediately, and you get to demonstrate whatever skill you have. And the snack bar handles the refueling between games.

3. Take a Hike at R.B. Winter State Park

If the kids like the outdoors, take them hiking at R.B. Winter State Park. The park runs miles of scenic trail built for families. The lake and the mountains are open across the view, and wildlife turns up along the way.

4. Visit the Lewisburg Children’s Museum

The Lewisburg Children’s Museum earns the stop for families with young kids. The exhibits are hands-on and built around learning and making things. Kids can play firefighter, doctor or chef, and the science of bubbles gets covered too.

5. Go on a Canoe Trip with Canoe Susquehanna

For something the kids will talk about, take a canoe trip with Canoe Susquehanna. You paddle the Susquehanna River, and bald eagles and river otters both turn up along it. The guides know the water and know how to keep everybody safe.

Lewisburg has enough for the kids that the ideas do not run out.

Historical Significance

Lewisburg is a town with history all through it, and there are plenty of places to walk into it. Here are the top historical spots:

• The Civil War Trail: Lewisburg played a significant role in the Civil War, and there are several sites around town that are part of the Civil War Trail. You can visit the Union County Courthouse, where a group of Confederate prisoners were held during the war, or take a walk down Moore Avenue, which was the site of a skirmish between Union and Confederate forces.
• The Packwood House Museum: This historic house museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Lewisburg. The Packwood House was built in 1790 and has been restored to its original condition, complete with period furnishings and decor. You can take a guided tour of the house and learn about the Packwood family and their role in the development of Lewisburg.
• The Lewisburg Cemetery: If you’re interested in local history, a visit to the Lewisburg Cemetery is a must. This cemetery is the final resting place of many of the town’s early settlers, including members of the Packwood family and other prominent Lewisburg residents.

History person or somebody after a good afternoon, Lewisburg’s historical sites hold up.

Reviews and Recommendations

You have arrived in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania and the question is where to start. Here are the recommendations that come up most:

Lewisburg Area Recreation Park comes first, and it has the lot. Tennis courts, a playground, walking trails, a pool and a skatepark. It works for a day out with family or friends, and it costs nothing to get in. Pack a picnic and give it the day.

For something more cultural, head over to the Campus Theatre. This historic building has been running since 1941 and has kept its character. Take a film or a live performance and it will not let you down. It also hosts the Lewisburg Film Festival, showing independent films from around the world.

History people should take the Packwood House Museum. This 18th-century house has been carefully preserved and opens up life in Lewisburg during the colonial era. The museum runs events through the year, so check the calendar.

Now the food. You cannot visit Lewisburg without the Street of Shops. This indoor marketplace runs over 60 vendors selling everything from antiques to homemade fudge. But the Street of Shops Cafe is the real reason to go, because the sandwiches and the soups are the strongest thing in the building and the room is cozy.

Last, the Lewisburg Farmers Market. This one is properly good, running fresh produce, baked goods and artisanal products across the tables. It is open every Wednesday and Saturday, and the money goes straight to local farmers and artisans.

So those are the recommendations to start the Lewisburg trip on. Enjoy it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with the Lewisburg Farmers Market?

It is more than a place to buy produce. It works as a community gathering spot, running everything from artisanal cheeses to handmade crafts. You never know what turns up at the Lewisburg Farmers Market. And with luck there is live music playing while you walk it.

What’s the craziest event that’s ever happened in Lewisburg, PA?

We would not call it the craziest, but the annual Polar Bear Plunge is the most unusual thing Lewisburg runs. Every year people go into the icy Susquehanna River to raise money for local charities. It is not for everybody, and it is a good cause and a good story afterwards.

Are there any must-try restaurants in Lewisburg?

Plenty. A gourmet meal or classic comfort food, Lewisburg covers both. For farm-to-table, head to Elizabeth’s An American Bistro. For classic pub fare, take the Bull Run Tap House. And for pizza that is genuinely worth the trip, Mancini’s Brick Oven Pizzeria & Restaurant.

Is it true that Lewisburg is the coolest small town in America?

We try not to brag, and multiple publications have named us one of the coolest small towns in America. Between the charming downtown and the arts scene, something is always happening in Lewisburg. Come and see whether we are right.

Frequently asked questions about Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

How many of the vendors does the Street of Shops in this Susquehanna River town actually hold, then, really now?

Over 375 of them out there, selling everything from the clothing right through to the home decor. The Street of Shops Cafe sits right inside it, with sandwiches and soups worth the stop. It is an indoor marketplace out there, so the weather stops mattering to you entirely. Antiques.

Which one of the museums in Lewisburg actually holds all of the Pennsylvania German decorative arts, then, really now?

Packwood House Museum out there, and Slifer House Museum holds the whole of the same thing. Both of them are Victorian mansions turned into museums over the whole of the years. Prints and paintings and furniture and ceramics and textiles all sit right inside them. Oriental art.

How big exactly is the whole of the Woodland Garden out at Lewisburg, then, really now, in the end?

A full 10-acre garden out there, with the trees and the shrubs and the flowers throughout. Walking trails wind right through the whole of it, and the benches sit along them. Warblers and finches and woodpeckers all turn up for the birdwatchers out there instead. Binoculars.

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