Although big cities like Philadelphia often come to mind when people think about Pennsylvania, the Keystone State also offers a vast and beautiful countryside. Visitors discover picturesque lakes, impressive mountains, quaint covered bridges and traditional Amish farms. If you travel through rural areas, be sure to explore at least one of the top 10 small towns to visit in Pennsylvania:

1. Zelienople

This quiet locale features primitive campsites, hiking trails and independent restaurants with old-fashioned menu items. You can rent a cabin at one of the campgrounds if you don’t have a tent. A horse-centric festival takes place during July. Up to 40,000 people visit Zelienople to participate in this fun event. It offers refreshments as well as activities for both adults and kids.

2. Jim Thorpe

This town in northeastern Pennsylvania boasts historic European-style buildings and multiple breweries. Beer enthusiasts may sample a wide variety of local beverages. The mountains and architecture bring Switzerland to mind. Visitors can glimpse an old mansion and eye-catching cathedrals. Jim Thorpe’s natural surroundings draw kayakers, white-water rafters and hikers to the area.

3. Doylestown

If you’d like to see a castle without traveling to Europe, check out Fonthill in Doylestown. Architect Henry Mercer designed this massive structure and lived in it. The town also contains a number of specialized museums as well as an appealing theater. You can view lesser-known movies that cinemas in major cities rarely screen.

4. DuBois

Like Doylestown, DuBois features a historic theater. You can watch intriguing plays in this former church that was constructed during the 19th century. DuBois has an art gallery and popular family-owned eateries. A resort boasts four swimming pools, a marina and two restaurants. Golfers can practice their sport on a course with 18 holes.

5. Ephrata

This borough in Lancaster County is known for its weekly agricultural bazaar, historic architecture and diverse retailers. At least 400 vendors sell an assortment of products at the Green Dragon Farmers Market. You could browse nearby artists’ creations in the gallery or explore a bygone monastic community known as the Ephrata Cloister.

6. Kennett Square

A water tower proclaims this town as the world’s “mushroom capital.” Kennett Square has an alluring botanical garden, multiple museums and ornately designed homes. It organizes a Mushroom Festival every year. This event attracts as many as 100,000 attendees and more than 200 vendors. In addition to mushroom products and exhibits, it features an auto show with antique vehicles.

7. Lititz

This Amish locale lures people who like to sample unique foods. Lititz is home to a candy museum, old-fashioned ice cream parlors and a bakery that specializes in pretzels. The chocolate museum stands five stories tall; this building’s history dates back more than a century. Visitors can enjoy various art and music events at Lititz Springs Park.

8. Milford

Just under 1,100 people reside in Milford, but it offers a great assortment of remarkable attractions. They include numerous stunning waterfalls and a high-end hotel that was built more than 120 years ago. If you ascend a bluff known as the Knob, you’ll get a better view of this town’s Greek Revival and Victorian architecture as well as the Delaware River. Milford arranges annual music and film festivals.

9. Strasburg

This Amish community provides opportunities to escape modern life for a time. You can see the surrounding countryside while riding a horse-drawn carriage or antique train. Strasburg’s residents also maintain a comprehensive railway museum. A separate building showcases a variety of classic toy trains.

10. Ridgway

Roughly 3,800 people live in this village near Johnsonburg. Travelers can browse an enormous selection of antiques, artwork and local desserts if they go shopping in Ridgway. This town features many delightful family-owned shops and eateries. The lodging options include an elegant inn and a bed-and-breakfast establishment. You can also attend events that range from live music performances to wine tastings.