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Almost 192 million visitors toured the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2022, mainly drawn by the vibrant culture and rich history in top destinations like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. However, a unique brand of tourists came to explore the state's most eccentric attractions and oddities. Their target being little-known towns that have embraced alternative lifestyles, peculiar points of interest, and atypical traditions that set them apart.

From a zombie obsession in Monroeville to the spooky Halloween proceedings in Altoona, these unconventional towns in Pennsylvania promise a novel kind of visitor entertainment that goes against the grain. They are a fresh breath of air for those who relish off-beat experiences. Whether you enjoy quirky roadside attractions, strange local traditions, or haunted encounters, these unusual Pennsylvania communities should be on your ensuing travel itinerary.

Gettysburg

Gettysburg hosted one of the deadliest Civil War battles and saw thousands of lives lost, making the haunting stories that have bedeviled the town all so believable. The Devil's Den, known for being the bloodiest site during the conflict, is a notorious haven for departed spirits, and past visitors have claimed to hear phantom gunshots, notice ghostly figures, and experience strange apparitions. The Farnsworth House Inn is another famously haunted location in Gettysburg and served as a station for Confederate sharpshooters. The 1810 structure still bears dozens of bullet holes, with many guests pointing out paranormal experiences they encountered while walking through its eerie hallways.

Gettysburg is also home to one of the country's oldest taverns. The 1776 Dobbin House Tavern is as old as America yet continues to serve patrons contemporary dishes like spit-roasted chicken in its rustic interior.

Yeadon

This small borough of Delaware County is known for housing the resting place of one of America's most infamous serial killers. Yeadon draws true crime lovers with the Grave of H.H. Holmes. The early American serial murderer was behind at least 27 deaths, luring culprits to an elaborate horror house with trapdoors, torture chambers, and secret passageways.

Yeadon is an excellent stop for culinary enthusiasts, serving diverse flavors in its downtown diners. If you relish Caribbean food, consider stopping by Coconut Breeze Cuisine and sampling tasty Jamaican dishes like beef patty and salmon platter. Guests can also enjoy delicious American comfort foods at Visions Restaurants.

Monroeville

This suburban community, just 10 miles from Pittsburgh, is famous for its obsession with the living dead, which manifests through unorthodox attractions and traditions. Monroeville hosts the Living Dead Museum and Gift Shop, where guests embark on an interactive journey through the history of zombies in pop culture and film. It exhibits diverse related memorabilia and features a lovely gift shop. The town raises the stakes during Zombie Weekend every June by celebrating zombies with movie screenings, merchandise, art exhibitions, celebrity appearances, and other fun activities.

Beyond the zombies, Monroeville is a family-friendly escapade with entertainment tailored to kids. At Sky Zone Trampoline Park, visitors can access a series of trampolines, dodgeball, freestyle bouncing, and much more.

Ashland

Ashland's claim to fame is the Big Mine Run Geyser. Admirers from around the state come to witness the water jetting out from this abandoned coal mine. Depending on the level of rainfall, the geyser's height can range between three feet and fifteen feet. At the heart of downtown Ashland, the Whistler's Mother Statue is a stark reminder of the community's coal mining history. The eight-foot bronze statue and quirky roadside attraction is popular among visitors seeking a memorable photo opportunity.

Outdoorsy visitors can find a lovely space to relax and enjoy some fresh air at Higher Ups Park. This lush 9-acre sanctuary has a tranquil atmosphere with picnic benches and provides incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

Altoona

Altoona is a bustling municipality in Blair County steeped in railway heritage. It houses multiple related museums to show for it, starting with the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum. This delightful facility displays a pile of artifacts, relics, and dioramas of workers performing their duties to preserve contributions made by Central Pennsylvanians towards the industry's evolution. However, fans of the dark and spooky visit Altoona to explore the Castle Halloween Museum. This quirky venue exhibits all things Halloween, featuring costumes, macabre sculptures, decorations, and traditions embraced during the celebrations.

The town also hosts the Altoona Community Theatre, a modest local theater where guests can enjoy live performances at low prices. These include plays, musicals, and drama inside an 800-seater establishment.

Malvern

This historic town in Chester County has an infamous legacy intertwined with wars and mass murders. Due to the many deaths that occurred during the Paoli Massacre of 1777, it is often associated with hauntings. Visitors to the Paoli Battlefield Historical Park, where over 50 Patriot soldiers were ambushed and murdered by British troops, have claimed ghostly sightings in the area. This also resonates with first-timers at Duffy's Cut, where 57 Irish immigrants hired to construct the railway were possibly murdered and buried in a mass grave.

Malvern promises tourists an intriguing journey through time at Historic Sugartown. This well-preserved 19th-century village maintains a collection of original buildings that provide a window into early American life. It is an excellent stop for those who appreciate authentic cultural experiences.

Doylestown

31 miles to the southeast of Allentown, this Bucks County borough is nationally revered for its display of gorgeous architecture and houses a series of historical and quirky attractions worth exploring. It is best associated with the Mercer Mile, a trio of vintage buildings built by archeologist Henry Chapman Mercer. The Tileworks, Mercer Museum, and Fonthill Castle showcase a mix of architectural designs decorating the downtown skyline. Doylestown also houses the VAMPA Vampire and Paranormal Museum. This 7,000-square-foot museum has a vast stockpile of vampire-related artifacts, from killing sets to occult paraphernalia and paranormal items, which spooks many first-timers.

Doylestown's artsy personality shows at the Michener Art Museum. This recognized center collects and exhibits different American art forms by artists in the Delaware Valley Region. Its multiple galleries feature everything from impressionist paintings to sculptures, surrounded by a lush, peaceful garden.

Lebanon

Under 50 minutes from Harrisburg, Lebanon fits among the most unconventional towns in Pennsylvania for its whimsical annual celebrations centered around chickens. The Pennsylvania-Dutch-inspired Hinkelfest Chicken Festival has been held for decades and features cooking contests, delicious chicken dishes, games, carnival rides, and other family-friendly activities. Townspeople showcase their close-knit ties at the Lebanon Farmers Market by coming together in a friendly atmosphere to sell their fresh farm produce and handmade crafts.

Meanwhile, those who relish live performances can join their peers at the Lebanon Community Theatre to support local talent. This arts and culture hub treats the public to riveting comedies, dramas, musicals, and other stage productions.

Ligonier

This historic town settled in the 1760s, is famous for its war heritage and annual Ligonier Highlands Games. Thousands troop into the small village to participate in a series of unique games highlighting old Scottish traditions. The sounds of bagpipes and Gaelic singers fill the air as attendees watch contests like highland dancing, keg tossing, haggis hurling, and harping, transporting newcomers to a Scottish village. American war enthusiasts can visit Fort Ligonier, a 1700s British fort built during the French and Indian War. A site tour reveals numerous archeological treasures and period paintings.

Ligonier has a delightful farmers market where guests can mingle with the locals. The bi-weekly Ligonier Country Market draws over 100 regional vendors and displays all types of freshly picked produce, flowers, and baked goods.

Wellsboro

Wellsboro draws outdoorsy travelers with its stunning natural landscapes. It is considered home to the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, a 1,000-foot gorge stretching 45 miles long. This natural wonder is part of the Tioga State Forest, and the area is adorned with breathtaking waterfalls, picturesque vantage points, and isolated hiking trails, culminating in signature experiences. More outdoor opportunities are accessible at Hills Creek State Park, which offers over 400 acres of serenity, with the focal point being a 137-acre artificial lake. The reserve has numerous trails that beckon adventurers to explore and indulge in recreation like fishing, paddling, boating, picnicking, and more.

Beyond the great outdoors, Wellsboro is a suitable destination for art lovers, allowing them to catch exciting productions at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts. The venue is a hub for artists, dancers, actors, and musicians from the region.

Pennsylvania's Unique Towns Await

Nothing beats the excitement of indulging in an offbeat experience in a new location, and these unconventional towns in Pennsylvania are the perfect destination for this in the United States. Whether a thrill seeker, festival goer, or paranormal freak, there is something for everyone. From the zombie infestation in Monroeville to the numerous haunted locations in Malvern, set the stage for a riveting rendezvous in the Keystone State by planning a tour to any of the highlighted communities above.