7 Best Things to Do in Bloomsburg, PA

© Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble

Now working on their 41st season, the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble premiers their work at Alvina Krause Theatre. During the summer months, a summer theatre school for kids of all ages is held. Here, teens can learn and practice theater techniques, such as playfighting, improv, and theater makeup. For visitors to the area, different shows are held throughout the season, and tickets can be purchased up until showtime. Workshops and classes are also held throughout the year and are open to locals and visitors. For locals, acting coaches and theater classes make up a lot of what the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble is about.

226 Center Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17846, Phone: 570-784-5530

© Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, universities are key sites for historical knowledge, education, and of course, sightseeing. The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania was established in 1839. In 1983, the school became a part of the 14-university state college system. As part of community outreach, the Big Event is held every spring where volunteers (numbering in the thousands) venture to local businesses and parks to help tidy up the neighborhood. Along with removing garbage, volunteers have helped paint, rake, much, weed, and plant flowerbeds. Past alumni of the college include Jimmi Simpson and MMA fighter, Dennis Bermudez.

400 E. Second Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Phone: 570-389-4000

© Columbia County Historical Society

The Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society is the place to go to learn about your local ancestry. Established in 1914, the historical society has been collecting records for over 100 years. In 1999, the Historical society merged with the Central Susquehanna Valley Genealogical Society to bring history and genealogy together under one roof. Visitors to the Society can look at church files, deeds, tax lists, cemetery files, newspaper clippings, genealogy files, censuses, and photos. A card catalog is available on site and on the webpage. For non-members, there is a small fee for the use of the facility.

225 Market Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Phone: 570-784-1600

© Children’s Museum

For those wanting to get their kids involved in something fun, a trip to the Children’s Museum is a great bet. There are over 50 hands-on exhibits for children to get involved with at the museum. No visit would be complete without a stop at Molly the Turtle’s indoor habitat. The museum offers kids programs and educational classes during the summer months. As an added incentive, special programs like the Pop-Up Crop Swap are held weekly to encourage community involvement. The Crop Swap is all about healthy eating so that locals who grow their own veggies can come and swap out with another fruit or veggie they may want.

2 West 7th Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Phone: 570-389-9206

© Turkey Hill Brewing Co.

When traveling through Bloomsburg, be sure to check out the live entertainment on Thursdays and Sundays at Turkey Hill Brewing Co. More than just a brewing company, guests who stop by can find lodging at the Inn and a good meal in the Pub & Grille. The Farmhouse Inn offers several guestroom options, 23 individually designed rooms to be precise, including several that are pet-friendly. Sit on the patio with a glass of beer, wine, or freshly-brewed iced tea. When you’re ready to eat, you don’t even have to leave the property to enjoy fine dining and delicious burgers.

991 Central Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Phone: 570-387-8422

© The Blind Pig Kitchen

Supporting local farms is the goal of The Blind Pig Kitchen. When seeking out recipes, they start with fresh ingredients that are locally-grown and seasonal. All ingredients are organic and humanely treated without the use of antibiotics or pesticides. Because of the sustainable method of harvesting and cooking, the menu changes weekly, though there are a few things you can always look for. Duck confit, rainbow trout, and wild caught sockeye salmon are always on the menu. Consider trying out a hipster treat, like the weeds & seeds salad, which is full of wild greens, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, bee pollen, and edible flowers.

236 Iron Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Phone: 570-784-2665

© kichigin19/stock.adobe.com

This establishment has a history way back to 1856. Despite being pushed down for the sale of liquor, it eventually prevailed as rooms for rent. It has gone through a number of ownerships, recessions, Prohibition, and the Civil War, but still, it stands and offers a place of respite for travelers. Today, guests cannot stay at the Lightstreet Hotel but can find themselves delicious foods and drinks at the restaurant. Consider checking out the loaded crab fries (yes, fries with fresh crab meat), a cheesesteak (from the cheesesteak state, or the pecan crusted chicken. If you feel like some simpler food, sandwiches and burgers are always a great choice.

1361 Main Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Phone: 570-784-1070