48 Hours in:

Williamsport, PA

A weekend of art in Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Williamsport is known for Little League Baseball, the Lumber Baron Age, Victorian Architecture, and being the gateway to The Wilds of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Williamsport now has a lively arts scene with the visual arts, theater, music, and film gracing the shores of the Susquehanna River. Williamsport - a perfect combination of the arts and nature.

We’ve put together a 48 hour itinerary for you for your next visit to The Lumber Capital of the World.

Day One

Art & Brunch

Start your Saturday with brunch at the John Ryan Brewhouse at 151 East 3rd street - there is parking behind the restaurant -- the building was once owned by one of the founding fathers of Williamsport -- and spend some time viewing the art arranged throughout the rooms.

Photograph by John Ryan Brewhouse.

JV Brown's Neo-Classical Marbles

After brunch, head to the James V. Brown Library, at 19 East 4th Street, completed in 1907. The building is a striking example of French Renaissance Revival architecture.

Designed by Philadelphia architect Edgar V. Seeler, the building showcases characteristics of the Beaux-Arts tradition.

Try to park in front of the facade, on the street, so you can walk up the front stairs and into the entryway where you can see the Italian marble sculptures just inside. Learn more.

Then walk into the beautiful rotunda, a leaded glass dome crafted by Heinigke and Bowen, allowing natural light to illuminate the central circulation area.

Photograph by Stafford Smith.

Victorian Splendor from the Age of Lumber

Make your way to the Peter Herdic House at 407 West 4th Street and head west. Herdic was a Lumber Baron and his house is worth a look. Along this street moving West are many of the mansions of the Lumber Barons but watch for the Rowley House Museum at 4th and Walnut where you can get a tour of one of the best preserved examples of Victorian architecture in America.

Keep heading west along 4th street and you'll come to Ways Garden, a charming city park. A nice coffee shop, Back House Cafe, is at the corner of 4th and Ways Garden if you need a pick me up.

A Roesen Masterpiece

After some coffee or tea, cross the street to the Taber Museum, Williamsport's history museum and go straight to the newly acquired Severin Roesen still life, an artist known for his vivid floral paintings.

The museum has displays of Native American artifacts, model railroading and much more.

Photograph by Taber Museum.

Gothic and Romanesque Architecture at its Finest

Turn left out of the museum and head back east along 4th street. You will first come to Trinity Episcopal Pro-Cathedral at 844 4th street. The gothic architecture of this church is stunning, with arched beams and stained glass.

Staying on your eastward trek and our architectural theme, you will come to St. Joseph the Worker Parish Catholic Church at 702 4th street. The sanctuary architecture, sculpture and paintings is spectacular, rivaling in its own way the great churches of Europe.

Photograph by Ric Jones.

The Riverwalk

For the afternoon, take a stroll along the Riverwalk, where several pieces of public art await your gaze. Park at the spaces at the Eastbound Hepburn Street Exit off Route 180. The Riverwalk covers several miles, with views of the mountains, river, and downtown Williamsport.

Photograph of “The Wood Hick” from Wikimedia Commons.

By Now, You've Worked Up an Appetite

Williamsport is home to a range of fine dining experiences. Penn College's culinary arts program has added to the area's creative gourmet offerings. Local favorites include:

  • Franco's - an intimate speakeasy style Italian restaurant and lounge with home made family recipes and music.

  • DiSalvo's - truly fine dining in a beautiful setting with dining options in the open kitchen, formal dining room or outdoor patio. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

  • Barrel 135 - innovative cuisine and cocktails in a lively setting often with recent local artist exhibits.

  • Old Corner Hotel - fine dining with inspired dishes in a formal dining room or outdoor patio.

  • Morrone’s - another local favorite family owned restaurant and bar with a formal dining room and outdoor patio, with family recipes dating back a generation.

  • The James - laid back bar and hotel restaurant with fine dining options and a contemporary space and an outdoor patio.

  • The Crooked Goose - English style pub with beer, cocktails, wine and food inspired in the British Isles.

Day Two

Breakfast

A very nice breakfast and fresh espresso coffee drinks can be had at The James Restaurant in the Holiday Inn downtown at 100 Pine Street.

Photograph by The James Restaurant.

TO BE FINISHED: MURAL TOUR DAY TWO:

Sawhorse Mural
For God So Loved the World, No Exceptions
Avenue of the Arts Mosaic Mural
Bound to Bloom
Urban Forest
Inspiration Lycoming County
Musical Frogs

Late Lunch at Bullfrog

Undercurrents and Standing Figure at Airport Terminal???

Back to the Present

Check out a superbly curated exhibition at The Gallery at Penn College on the 3rd Floor of Madigan Library at 1 College Avenue in Williamsport. Visitor parking is behind the building.

If you happen to be here between exhibits at the gallery, head to the Pajama Factory, a hub for all things creative in Williamsport. With more than 100 artist tenants, there always something interesting going on.

Photograph from The Gallery at Penn College.

Buy Yourself Some Happy!

Some call the shopping district along 4th Street near Pine "Shopping Unchained." Whatever you call it, there is sure to be something for anyone on your list. Here are some of the highlights:

Otto Bookstore The oldest private book store in America!

Patinez Handcrafted gifts from local artisans. Boutique fashion and bags.

Retro Rack Quality Vintage and Retro clothing & accessories for women and men, vintage goods & decor.

Gustonian Gifts Where Unique Matters