I’ve always believed that Pennsylvania’s small towns hold stories worth telling. As a photojournalist, I spend a lot of time wandering through places where history lingers in brick sidewalks, century-old storefronts, and quirky festivals that bring communities together. That’s why I was delighted to see World Atlas highlight 8 Adorable Small Towns in Pennsylvania—and even more honored that they chose to feature some of my images in the piece.
There’s something special about seeing familiar places through another writer’s words. Lititz, in particular, is one of my favorite Lancaster County towns to visit and photograph. Between the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, Wilbur Chocolate, and the welcoming energy of Main Street, Lititz always offers me new angles and stories to capture. Seeing my photos of Lititz included in the article reminded me why I keep returning with my camera—it’s a place that never runs out of charm.
Lewisburg was another highlight. The downtown, with its Victorian architecture and the whimsical Woolly Worm Festival, has a character that’s hard to capture in words alone. I’ve walked those streets with my camera slung over my shoulder, trying to freeze the feeling of a place that balances small-town charm with university energy. When World Atlas used my images of Lewisburg, it felt like a nod to the countless hours I’ve spent documenting the town’s personality.
What I appreciate most about the World Atlas feature is that it doesn’t just list towns—it celebrates them. Jim Thorpe’s festive energy, Bellefonte’s Victorian Christmas, Stroudsburg’s painted snowmen, and Doylestown’s arts festival all remind me why Pennsylvania is such a rich canvas for storytelling. Each town has its quirks, its rhythms, and its traditions, and together they paint a portrait of a state that thrives on authenticity.
So thank you, World Atlas, for including my work in your article. It’s gratifying to see my images used to illustrate the very places I care so deeply about. Photography, for me, is about connection—between people, places, and stories. And when those connections reach a wider audience, it reinforces why I do what I do.
If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to read the full article on World Atlas. And maybe, the next time you’re driving through Pennsylvania, take a detour into one of these towns. Slow down, walk the streets, and let yourself be surprised. That’s where the magic happens—and I’ll be there, camera in hand, ready to capture it.
