Nicknamed the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offers plenty of cities and towns ideal for romance and unforgettable experiences. From touring museums, dancing, and whitewater rafting in Jim Thorpe to sampling chocolates in the cities of Hershey and Lititz, there are an abundance of activities for couples to enjoy. Also, you and your loved one can look forward to being to pampered at a renowned spa in Doylestown. Book a stay at one of many Philadelphia vacation rentals to be in proximity to these exciting destinations.

1. Jim Thorpe

If your idea of a romantic weekend is strolling through museums, browsing in shops, snapping photos of spectacular views, or trying water sports, visit Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. Leave downtown Philly and drive about 85 miles, 95 minutes via I-76 West. Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, the town features the Old Jail Museum and the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, for a look back in time. The Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway give you lots of photo ops, and the Victorian-style Mauch Chunk Opera House offers live music and dancing in a romantic setting. For a more challenging activity, try whitewater rafting with Jim Thorpe River Adventures. Have a hearty appetite? Enjoy dinner at a quiet, cozy table for two in Stone Row Pub and Eatery, which serves made-from-scratch menu items like boneless chicken breast sauteed in white wine, butter, mild curry, and Thai basil.

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2. Hershey

Romance and chocolate go together like love and marriage, so a weekend getaway to Hershey, Pennsylvania, about 100 miles from Philadelphia City Hall, makes perfect sense. A two-hour drive via I-76 West is the fastest way to the town that tells the story of Milton Hershey’s sweet success. Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World and enjoy informative movies, a guided tour, and samples of scrumptious chocolate treats. At Hersheypark, take to the air on the roller coasters and Ferris wheel, snuggle with your sweetie on the Chocolate Trolley and make a public display of affection at Kissing Tower Hill. When you want a meal after all that sugar, head to Fenicci’s Restaurant for lasagna or Italian sausage and sweet peppers with garlic bread.

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3. Lititz

Like Hershey, the town of Lititz, Pennsylvania, has a chocolaty history. Drive about 90 minutes, 75 miles from Philly via I -76 West, to the “Coolest Small Town in America.” Once there, spend a romantic time strolling and sampling the treats at the Wilbur Chocolate Company’s Candy Americana museum. Add a twist to your weekend with a visit to the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery and try your hand at creating the famous-shaped snack. Get some exercise by touring the town on bicycles you rent from Lititz BikeWorks. If you like olive oil and balsamic vinegar, try dozens of flavors at Olio Olive Oils and Balsamic. Stop by Issac’s Restaurant for grilled corned beef Reuben sandwiches and made-from-scratch pepper jack tomato soup before continuing your ride.

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4. York

When you and your love interest want to know how companies make their famous products, visit York, Pennsylvania. About a two-hour drive 100 miles from downtown Philly via I-76 West places you in the “Factory Tour Capital of the World.” There, you get a fascinating look at how Snyder’s of Hanover makes its snacks, Bluett Bros. constructs violins, and Harley-Davidson builds motorcycles. After your tours, savor a romantic dining experience at Tutoni’s Restaurant, featuring cozy seating, a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, and delicious Italian meat and pasta dishes made with locally grown foods.

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5. Doylestown

Wisk your sweetheart away from Philly’s hustle and head to tranquil Doylestown, Pennsylvania, for the weekend. Your perfect romantic vacation destination is about 40 miles away, a one-hour drive via I-76 West or I-95 North. Inviting surroundings that recreate the tropics introduce you to the pampering services at Serenity Day Spa and Wellness Center. Spend the day enjoying a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, and body treatments. Between services, relax in the Roman steam room or the Finnish dry sauna, and a have a light meal with your loved one at the spa’s Mediterranean Cafe. At day’s end, share a wood-fired pizza in the relaxed atmosphere of Paganini Ristorante. If you decide to get it to go, pick up your favorite beverages, and spend time cuddling together or making sparks fly in the quiet comfort of your Doylestown vacation rental.

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6. Bushkill

Reconnect with your loved one and nature with a trip to Bushkill, Pennsylvania, about 80 miles from Philadelphia, 90 minutes via U.S. 22 East. This small former gold mining town features walking and hiking trails to eight stunning waterfalls, known as the Bushkill Falls, tucked away in the Pocono Mountains. Take a hike to the falls, then have fun being gold miners at Mining for Gemstones in front of Nature Nook. When it’s time to dine, the rustic atmosphere and wood-burning fireplace make Walpack Inn an excellent choice for your romantic evening meal.

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7. Strasburg

Romantic partners who love trains rekindle their passions in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. This serene Amish village about 65 miles from Philadelphia, about one hour, 20 minutes via U.S. 30 West, offers almost every kind of train experience you could want. Spend the day at the National Toy Train Museum, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, or the Choo Choo Barn. Enjoy a romantic 45-minute ride through scenic farmland while on the Strasburg Railroad. A horse and buggy ride gives you a more intimate look at the area and time to reminisce about past dates. End your weekend getaway with a hearty serving of white chicken chili in the warm ambiance of Dave and Steve’s Fireside Tavern before returning to the City of Brotherly Love.

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