Founded in 1812, Lewisburg is about as old as a bustling town can be in this country. It sat nestled on the banks of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, prime real estate for a growing community. And it showed.

Over the next two hundred years, Lewisburg would become the most densely populated borough of Union County and the area’s center of commerce. More importantly, the people of Lewisburg would build a cultural scene in their small downtown to rival those of its metropolitan neighbors.

Sightseeing the old-fashioned way

Located in Central Pennsylvania, Lewisburg is just a little over an hour away from NEPA, making it a perfectly accessible day trip destination. Though small, there’s plenty to see and do, mostly within walking distance. People want to ditch their cars and hit the pavement. Thanks to the careful upkeep of the downtown district and a variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, it’s ideal to see Lewisburg by foot.

Take in the sights and sounds

After your drive and before hitting the town, get some fresh air. Right in the heart of downtown, the recently renovated Hufnagle Park has a brand-new playground. Grab a bagel and coffee to-go from All Star Bagels, find your perfect bench and let the kids release that pent-up road-trip energy.

Piers Art Park and Soldiers Park, on opposite ends of Lewisburg, provide more peaceful atmospheres. At The Piers, you’ll find the popular mural wall (which is a highlight of the Lewisburg Mural Tour) by local artists painted on hundred-year-old railroad structures. And Soldiers Park is ideal for quiet morning walks along the scenic Susquehanna.

Past and present collide on these streets

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, historians recognize Lewisburg as one of the best preserved 19th-century communities in America, and call it a “true Pennsylvania Town.”

With 871 historic buildings and sites spread across the borough, you’re bound to spot quite a few Lewisburg landmarks during your visit. Use the locations listed in the National Register as your guide or take your own architectural tour. Either way, you’ll clearly see how Lewisburg has grown over the years.

Shop ’til you drop… Then, recover with good eats

If downtown is the heart of Lewisburg, the locally-owned businesses that line Market Street are the soul. One-of-a-kind shops and unique restaurants keep the community vibrant.

Find designer outfits and vintage treasures at boutiques and antique stores. Pick up that new book everyone’s been recommending at the town’s bookshop. You can even browse local businesses on a re-creation of an old town streetscape in a historic mill.

And when you simply can’t shop anymore, reserve a table at one of Lewisburg’s dining spots. With a diverse selection of cuisines, from Mexican to Mediterranean to good old American brunch, you can take a culinary world tour without leaving the small town.

When night falls, it’s time to unwind

What better way to end a day on the town than with a bit of relaxation? Grab some popcorn and sink into the velvety seats of a 1940s movie house. Introduce the kids to an Old Hollywood classic or catch a new blockbuster at the legendary Campus Theater.

If you’re brave, you can take the icy plunge at ONE Health & Wellness. A 40-degree bath might not sound relaxing…at all. But once you hit the sauna afterwards, you’ll definitely be feeling some good vibrations.

Don’t worry, you’ll be back

For such an old town, your day in Lewisburg is sure to be packed with action and adventure. It’s impossible to see and do it all in a single day. There will always be more historical sites to explore, interesting restaurants to try and new shops to peruse. Return trips are definitely on the horizon.

So, on the car ride home, make a list of all the things you didn’t get around to. Maybe a day spent wandering around Lewisburg will become an annual tradition.

For help planning your trip to Lewisburg, visit Lewisburg Downtown Partnership and Borough of Lewisburg for more information.