American’s true seat of history, Pennsylvania has a lot to offer tourists and visitors, including scenic towns and generous people. Nestled in Central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River Valley, Lewisburg is a family-friendly destination bursting with history, culture, and fun activities. From college sports to museums and fine art to antiques, Lewisburg has something for everyone. The restaurants offer the cultural and ethnic variety of a large city with a personal feel, and the historic district is always hopping with residents and visitors alike taking part in events and enjoying the sights.
Bucknell University
Bucknell University, a private liberal arts college in Lewisburg, boasts a gorgeous 450-acre campus with more than 100 buildings highlighting the rich architectural history of the college. In fact, the School of Management is housed in Bucknell’s very first building, Taylor Hall, which was built in 1848. Another of the oldest and most popular buildings is the Rooke Chapel, a non-denominational chapel that welcomes both worshipers and weddings; it was a gift to Bucknell from 1913 Alumnus Robert L. Rooke. The Bucknell Bison athletics teams have made a name for the University over the years, earning trips to the Orange Bowl and NCAA basketball tournament, as well as graduating acclaimed New York Giants pitcher Christy Mathewson.
One Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837-2005, Phone: 570-577-2000
Campus Theatre
Run by a partnership between Bucknell University and Campus Theatre, LTD., a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and atmosphere the theatre and promoting the “enrichment of the greater Lewisburg community,” Lewisburg’s Campus Theatre offers visitors a nostalgic movie-watching affair in its single-screen, Art Deco milieu. The Theatre was first opened as part of a chain in 1941 and now features classic, new, and independent films, as well as community events. It also offers space rentals for weddings and celebrations and marquee rentals for messages on special occasions.
413 Market Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837, Phone: 570-577-FILM
Lewisburg Children’s Museum
Abby Gulden-Luthi and Erin Jablonski co-founded Lewisburg Children’s Museum in 2016 with a belief in providing hands-on learning experiences to the local and surrounding communities, despite socioeconomic hardships. Supported by donations as much as admission costs, LCM incorporates inclusivity, accessibility, and education into every exhibit, all of which are interactive. The museum also hosts camps, community events, classes, workshops, and other activities, always focusing on children’s opportunities to learn and engage. So whether you and your young learner want to make something at the Creation Station, explore the Virtual Valley, or care for ailing animals at Dr. K’s Teddy Bear Clinic, LCM welcomes everyone to “learn, imagine, and play.”
815 Market Street, Suite 14, Lewisburg, PA 17837, Phone: 570-768-4914
Rollermills Antique Mall
Rollermills Antique Mall, originally built as a flour mill in 1883, is home to over 400 antiques dealers and uncountable collectable and treasures from years gone by. The restored mill still features the original wooden support beams, and a restoration in the 1980s restored wooden floors, returned original trim, and brought in new windows, making the building as much a historical pearl as the items inside. The Center’s reputation has spread far and wide, and it boasts a national clientele, as well as many customers from foreign countries. This landmark and its contents cannot be missed.
517 St. Mary Street, Lewisburg, PA, Phone: 570-524-5733
Elizabeth’s An American Bistro
Community is an important part of the Lewisburg culture, and that cannot be seen any more clearly than at Elizabeth’s An American Bistro. Elizabeth’s has been winning regional and national awards since 2002, including a 15-year Wine Spectators Award of Excellence streak, which reflects Chef Liz’s passion for creating with local, seasonal ingredients, a love developed as she studied cuisine in France, Italy, and America. Notably, the bistro makes its own breads, pasta, and desserts in-house daily. Elizabeth’s gives visitors fine dining with a casual dress code and prices that accommodate regular and frequent ventures to the 85-seat establishment.
412 Market Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837, Phone: 570-523-8088
Lewisburg Hotel
No trip to a quaint, historical town is complete without a beautiful place to stay during the visit. Established in 1834, the Lewisburg Hotel was most recently purchased and restored in the mid-1990s. Current owners Norm and Nancy Buck have worked hard to create an ambience that carefully melds together “the period in which a bawdy river town was being transformed into Victorian elegance” and the conveniences of today. If you don’t want to venture out for a meal or drinks, the Governor’s Room or Cameron Bar & Lounge will whet your whistle right there inside the hotel. The Lewisburg Hotel also hosts weddings and gatherings in its stunning ballroom.
136 Market Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837, Phone: 570-523-7800
Fero Vineyards & Winery
Located on 13 acres in the heart of the Susquehanna River Valley, Fero Vineyards & Winery is family-owned and operated. The winery is headed up by passionate wine enthusiasts Chuck and Daneen Zaleski who ensure that their vineyards are nurtured and coaxed into producing the ideal grapes for their range of 20 premium wines. These include European-style dry whites and reds as well as a handful of sweet wines, dessert wines and bubbly. Visitors are welcome to stop by their Tasting Room where you can choose a tasting flight of any 4 of their wines for $10. They also serve local craft beer and you are welcome to bring along some snacks to enjoy with your tasting.
965 JPM Rd, Lewisburg, PA 17837, 570-568-0846