The picturesque 124 acre town of Mt. Gretna, only 40 minutes from Lancaster and 1.5 hours from Philadelphia, offers visitors the quaint experience of small town life. Despite brimming with charm and activities, Mt. Gretna may be the most overlooked town in Pennsylvania that you need to visit. Here’s why.
Stroll past the storybook homes that dot the tiny town of Mt. Gretna, home to less than 200 people before discovering the…
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Charming town, flanked by towering trees, that sits only nine miles from the town of Lebanon. Explore the shops, including…
Flickr/Harvey Barrison
The Gretna Emporium. Browse the many eclectic gifts - jewelry, toys, and art - for the perfect souvenirs. The shop welcomes guests daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Facebook/Gretna Emporium The Gretna Emporium is located at 1 Carnegie Avenue, Mt Gretna, PA 17064.
Learn more about Mt. Gretna, which dates back to 1926, with a stop at the Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society. Open from October through May, the historical society also welcomes guests to visit its gift shop, which features books, old-fashioned postcards, and note cards.
Facebook/Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society Visit the Mount Gretna Area Historical Society at 206 Pennsylvania Avenue, Mt Gretna, PA 17064.
After your visit to the Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society, make your way to the Mt. Gretna Roller Rink, one of the oldest buildings in town. Lace up your roller skates during public skating sessions, enjoying a quick bite from the snack bar when you need to catch your breath.
Facebook/Mt. Gretna Roller Rink Glide around the rink at The Mt. Gretna Roller Rink at 451 PA-117, Lebanon, PA 17042.
Spend lazy summer afternoons at the Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach. Throw a towel or put a chair on the lawn before deciding what to do first…
Facebook/Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach Wile away a summer day at Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach at 130 Lakeview Drive, Lebanon, PA 17042.
Kayaking, swimming, or flying through the air from a swing in the middle of the lake. The sprawling recreation area features such amenities as a kids dock, bicycle parking, an oversized chair designed for family pictures, and…
Facebook/Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach
A cozy snack bar surrounded by tables and chairs protected by red and white umbrellas. The public recreation area, which requires an admission fee, is open from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily between May 27 and September 4.
Facebook/Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach
After a relaxing day in town, plan to visit one of the popular restaurants like the Jigger Shop, a 100 year Mt. Gretna tradition.
Facebook/The Jigger Shop Stop by The Jigger Shop at 202 Gettysburg Avenue, Mt Gretna, PA 17064.
Grab a stool at the lunch counter for an old-fashioned experience as you peruse the menu that features soup, salads, and sandwiches, highlighted by the famous fountain menu. Order an ice cream soda or milkshake, a sundae, or ice cream.
Yelp/Michael S.
Or, if you prefer a more formal experience, head to Gretna Timbers Restaurant and Dinner Theater. View the generous dinner menu or opt for the summer buffet.
Facebook/The Gretna Timbers Enjoy dinner and a show at The Gretna Timbers at 350 Timber Road, Mt Gretna, PA 17064.
Check into the Mount Gretna Inn for a relaxing night’s sleep. End the day or start the next morning with quiet reflection on the large veranda as a gentle breeze from the surrounding pine trees sweeps through.
Facebook/Mt. Gretna Inn Book your stay at the Mt. Gretna Inn at 16 Kauffman Avenue, Mt Gretna, PA 17064.
After you’ve visited Mt. Gretna, the most overlooked town in Pennsylvania, start planning to visit the enchanted village of Eagles Mere.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Flickr/Harvey Barrison
Facebook/Gretna Emporium
The Gretna Emporium is located at 1 Carnegie Avenue, Mt Gretna, PA 17064.
Facebook/Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society
Visit the Mount Gretna Area Historical Society at 206 Pennsylvania Avenue, Mt Gretna, PA 17064.
Facebook/Mt. Gretna Roller Rink
Glide around the rink at The Mt. Gretna Roller Rink at 451 PA-117, Lebanon, PA 17042.
Facebook/Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach
Wile away a summer day at Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach at 130 Lakeview Drive, Lebanon, PA 17042.
Facebook/The Jigger Shop
Stop by The Jigger Shop at 202 Gettysburg Avenue, Mt Gretna, PA 17064.
Yelp/Michael S.
Facebook/The Gretna Timbers
Enjoy dinner and a show at The Gretna Timbers at 350 Timber Road, Mt Gretna, PA 17064.
Facebook/Mt. Gretna Inn
Book your stay at the Mt. Gretna Inn at 16 Kauffman Avenue, Mt Gretna, PA 17064.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
