Between Gettysburg And Wilmington Is Pennsylvania's Borough With Historic Charm, Tasty Eats, And Train Rides

Travelers who enjoy immersing themselves in history will find that Pennsylvania has a lot to offer. From early Colonial and Revolutionary history in the state's biggest city, Philadelphia, to Civil War battlefields in Gettysburg, the Quaker State is a treasure trove for anyone keen on a journey back in time. But beyond its famous destinations, Pennsylvania's smaller towns often hold some of the most charming and unexpected glimpses into the past. Not too far away from Gettysburg is a boomtown borough called New Freedom, where history fiends will find nostalgic architecture and railroad history with a side of tasty grub.

A stroll along the sidewalks of the town's gently sloping Main Street reveals stately Colonial-style mansions standing between towering trees. Homesteaders settled in what is now New Freedom as far back as the 1780s, establishing a rural agricultural village. As the century progressed, the Northern Central Railway transformed the place into a booming hub. In fact, it's the railway that carried President Abraham Lincoln to make the now-legendary speech in Gettysburg. Not only is the rail depot included on the National Register of Historic Places, but steam locomotives still regularly whisk passengers along the tracks for a sightseeing journey back to the time of the Civil War.

Aside from puffing trains, history fiends can learn even more about the borough's past at the Heritage Museum, while outdoor enthusiasts can trek along the Heritage Rail Trail to bask in Pennsylvania's forested countryside landscapes. What's more, New Freedom is scattered with a handful of local bars and cute cafes for travelers to enjoy a satisfying meal. Gettysburg locals can drive east to the borough in just under an hour, while road-trippers in Wilmington, Delaware are about two hours away by car.

Both train fiends and history aficionados will no doubt be thrilled by a ride on the Northern Central Railway, which departs from the old depot at the heart of the borough. Dating back to the 1860s, the pastel yellow ticket office, with its New Freedom station plaque and benches along the wooden platform, almost looks like something out of a Wild West film. "I had no idea of the history I was stepping into," says a visitor. Snap photos with the bright red cabooses in the train yard before the massive steam engine pulls into the station. Though only a modern replica, the locomotive certainly looks like it could have chugged its way straight from the 19th century.

The railway organizes a wide variety of locomotive excursions for passengers to choose from. Take a ride through the Pennsylvania countryside to Hanover Junction, where Abraham Lincoln switched trains on his way to Gettysburg, or bring the kids for an outing aboard the Ice Cream Express to enjoy homemade ice cream as the train chugs along. Particularly thrilling is the Great Northern Train Raid event, which offers an immersive look at the Old West-style drama of train robberies and outlaw gangs. Be prepared for interpreters dressed in Civil War costume to board the train and perhaps even start a shootout.

Also popular is the festive train ride, when the rail cars are festooned with Christmas decorations, and Santa himself even makes an appearance together with his elves to greet passengers. Rail enthusiasts with extra time can continue their journey and make the roughly two-hour drive to Rockhill Furnace for a round-trip train ride on the East Broad Top Railroad through scenic rolling hills.

When you're not aboard a steam engine or browsing the local museum, New Freedom's rustic watering holes await. Popular with locals is Seven Sports Bar & Grille, which serves pub grub amidst a relaxed atmosphere. The menu also offers gluten-free options, and sports enthusiasts can enjoy watching a game while dining. "We have been there several times, and the food never disappoints," a customer writes. Try the fried green beans or crab toast from the happy hour menu, or perhaps the cauliflower pizza from the daily menu, described as a "fan favorite".

For a wide selection of craft beers, try the Vortex Brewing Company, a favorite with locals and travelers. "One of the best breweries in the area. Great beer, great service, and love the pizza," says a diner. Sit by the bar amidst the modern interiors, or find a seat on the patio. Truffle pizzas and Bavarian pretzels can be paired with an English porter or perhaps even an Irish ale, while non-alcoholic options are available along with hard seltzers and punch.

Top off your meal with a sugar rush at Bonkey's Ice Cream & Snoballs, which was once the local movie theater. Choose from an array of flavors, and treat yourself to a soft serve, a milkshake, or shaved ice. Meanwhile, the Jackson House Bed & Breakfast, tucked within an elegant 1850s farmhouse just north of town, makes it easy to turn a day trip to New Freedom into a relaxing weekend getaway. The town also makes a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions. Make the barely 10-minute drive to neighboring Shrewsbury to experience one of Pennsylvania's best Amish country gems. Also nearby is Stewartstown, a rural borough with wine, orchards, and small-town charm.