5 Utterly Romantic Things to Do In Wellsboro PA: A Town Lost in Time

WHY GO: The defining characteristic of Wellsboro is nostalgia. All the things to do in Wellsboro PA – walking the tidy gas-lamp lined boulevard, seeing a show at the neon-marquee cinema, taking old-timey Covered Wagon Tours, and staying at an historic hotel – puts one in mind of the 1940’s.

Or at least a simpler time. The town is so unconsciously precious, its park fountain features a sculpture of Wynken, Blynken, and Nod – one of only two in the country.

Wellsboro is the gateway to Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon: considerably smaller (of course), more verdant, and just as muddy a river as its Western namesake. For the best overview of the town and its environs, explore Wellsboro Main Street, and then sign up for an Ole Wagon Tour into the Canyon – a unique way to access its natural wonders.

For more dreamy destinations in PA, check out the Mavens’ Best Romantic Getaways in Pennsylvania.

Things to Do in Wellsboro PA And Nearby

TOUR: Ole Covered Wagon Tours (of PA’s Grand Canyon) Wellsboro PA

If you’re looking for a slow-paced encounter with nature in an undeveloped area of PA, there’s no better way than by horse-drawn covered wagon through Ole Covered Wagon Tours, Inc. Motorized vehicles are not allowed “down in the Canyon,” according to our folksy guide. So, rain or shine, the “stretch” wagon, outfitted with comfy cushioned seats, takes up to 30 guests along a portion of the 62-mile rail to trail that runs through the canyon floor.

The guide sits up front. He turns to banter with guests, while the teamster drives a set of two “gentle giants” – muscular Belgian horses bred to haul lumber and work the farms in this area of PA.

On my three hour tour, as I watched a panorama of canyon and creek unfold, the guide talked about the area’s Native American history, provided information on the plants scrolling by (including an alarming amount of invasive Japanese Knotweed), and pointed out Eagles and Blue Herons. It was the perfect speed by which to see nature up close.

Waterfall Tour

Fans of waterfalls will want to take the 3-1/2 hour Waterfall Tour, which turns around at the foot of a beautifully tiered cascade of water: the Little Fourmile Run Waterfall. You’ll get a better view if you hike 200 steps up to its midst, which makes for great family and couples pics. Check website for prices and times.

Olde Covered Wagon Tour is one of the most quirky-romantic places to propose in PA.

PHOTO OP: Wynken, Blynken, and Nod Fountain

The Wynken, Blynken, and Nod fountain was commissioned by a wealthy resident for his daughter. It’s one of only two such fountains in the country.

TOUR: Highland Chocolate Factory Tour

Even if you don’t come on the Trolley, it will warm your heart to tour Highland Chocolates. Twelve special-needs adults are employed here (nine at a time). Visitors are encouraged to ask questions. These men and women are incredibly proud of their accomplishments, and take their work seriously. Todd, putting bags of treats together, was thrilled be photographed.

PA based Herr’s Corp. donates the pretzels Highland’s signature Pretzel Bark. The non-profit also makes custom molded chocolates for companies during the holiday season. It supplies crunchy nut snack mix for Sands Casino, cherry flavored galaxy glitter bars for Cherry Springs Dark Sky State Park, and 2,000 molded chocolate ears for a local audiologist, just to name a few. Check website for tour hours and times.

SHOP: Pop’s Culture Shoppe

Anja Stam was a German translator, her husband, Julian, a Boston College Librarian, when they got the urge to change their lives. So, the Stams moved to lost-in-time Wellsboro PA and opened up Pop’s Culture Shoppe, a store filled with the games and toys that they “grew up with.” The duo is on a mission to “get people off their screens and interact face to face.”

I’d say they’ve exceeded their goals.

This specialty shop now stocks and ships “thousands of games” all over the world: from Cat’s Cradle, Jack’s, and Tiddly Winks, to toddler approved “Roll ‘n Play,” comic books, board and card games, magic, Marvel and Star Trek figures, and more. Proprietary jigsaw puzzles feature artistic images of iconic Wellsboro, shot by local photographers. Naturally these make for fantastic souvenirs and gifts.

Midweek afternoons, Pop’s Culture Shoppe sees an influx of kids and families. They head to the back room to join tournaments, Leagues, themed game play, and open game nights. “It’s safe and fun,” says Julian, who is a fount of information when it comes to choosing just the perfect thing. After sizing me up, he recommended a travel Farkle dice game. He was right. It was an instant hit on our family trip. Check website for hours and plenty of events.

SEE: Arcadia Theater

Catch a first-run flick at the old-timey on the outside, four-screen Arcadia Theater.

Where to Eat And Stay In Wellsboro PA

EAT: Locals Recommend

The Roost for pub fare in a cool, “steam punk” setting. Wellsboro House for contemporary American. The Steak House for meats. Tony’s Italian Cuisine for NY-slice pizza and other casual Italian favorites. 

STAY: Penn Wells Hotel or Lodge,Wellsboro PA

The Penn Wells Hotel was Wellsboro’s point of pride in the early 1900’s, when more and more people began to hit the road in cars.

At that time, Wellsboro was the best paved-road city on US Route 6 between New York and Chicago in the 1920’s. You could leave NY at 9am and be at the Penn Wells for dinner at 6:30. (The same 250-mile trip today takes 4 ½ hours).

Depending on your preference, you can stay modern or historic in Wellsboro PA. Rooms at the original Penn Wells Hotel, built in 1869 (a new member of Historic Hotels of America), have been refreshed.

Corning Bulb American Flag

During WWII Corning Glass manufactured Christmas tree lights here. In fact, the lobby of the Penn Wells is festooned with an American Flag made entirely of these bulbs.

A couple of blocks away, the Penn Wells Lodge, built in 1960, re-opened in 2012 after a top to bottom redo and a 40 suite addition. Both the Hotel and Lodge, as well as the Arcadia Movie Theater, are owned by Shawn and Ellen Bryant. The Bryants practiced law in the Washington DC area before returning to Ellen’s hometown to take over these distinguished properties.

The Lodge – think “Hampton Inn,” but privately owned – encompasses a pool and a large fitness center, a welcoming lobby where a hot breakfast (complimentary with room) is served every morning. Rooms, updated in 2012, feature new furniture, carpeting, bedding, and flat screen TV’s.