Bloomsburg
,Bloomsburg is a charming town located in central Pennsylvania. It is known for its historic downtown area, featuring unique shops and restaurants. The town is home to Bloomsburg University, bringing a lively college atmosphere to the area.
Residents and visitors enjoy outdoor activities along the nearby Susquehanna River and in the surrounding green spaces.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $60
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Adventure Awaits in Bloomsburg!
morning
:Start your day with a hike at the Bloomsburg Town Park. Enjoy the peaceful nature trails as you get some fresh air.
afternoon
:Visit the Bloomsburg University campus to admire its beautiful architecture. Grab lunch at a local cafe and catch up on some work or reading.
evening
:Wind down by attending a show at the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. Experience local talent while enjoying a delightful evening.
Cultural Exploration in Bloomsburg!
morning
:Visit the Columbia County Historical Society to learn about the region's rich history. Engage with informative exhibits and local artifacts.
afternoon
:Head to the ArtSpace Gallery to appreciate works from local artists. This is a great way to connect with Bloomsburg's vibrant art scene.
evening
:Dine at a popular local restaurant and enjoy some delicious regional cuisine. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll along the Susquehanna River.
Highlights
Good
- Small-town charm with a close-knit community
- Access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and parks
- Affordability in housing and cost of living
- Home to Bloomsburg University, enhancing educational opportunities
- Rich history and local culture with various events and festivals
Bad
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger cities
- Public transportation options may be sparse
- Fewer entertainment and dining options than urban areas
- Possible susceptibility to flooding due to its location near the Susquehanna River
- Harsh winters with significant snowfall can be challenging
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
River Towns Ride & Festival
An annual cycling event that celebrates the scenic beauty of the Susquehanna River Valley, offering various rides for all skill levels.
Bloomsburg Town Park
A spacious park featuring walking trails, sports facilities, and picnic areas, perfect for a day of relaxation or recreational activities.
Fishing at Fishing Creek
Enjoy a day of fishing in the renowned Fishing Creek, known for its trout population, ideal for both novice and experienced anglers.
Hiking at Fort McClure
Explore the hiking trails at Fort McClure, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the opportunity to encounter local wildlife.
Kayaking on the Susquehanna River
Experience the thrill of kayaking on the Susquehanna River, with rental options available for both recreational and experienced kayakers.
Attend Bloomsburg Fair
Join the largest county fair in Pennsylvania held annually, featuring fun rides, delicious food, and various agricultural exhibits.
Visit Columbia County Historical Society
Engage in outdoor events and guided tours at the historical society, which frequently holds outdoor activities showcasing local history.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Bloomsburg Town Park
A picturesque park with beautiful landscapes, lush greenery, and a scenic pond, perfect for capturing the essence of nature.
Riverside Park
Offers stunning river views and recreational areas, ideal for photography, especially during sunset.
Bloomsburg University Lookout
Provides a panoramic view of the town and surrounding areas, making it a great spot for sunset and landscape photography.
Susquehanna Riverwalk
A scenic walking path along the Susquehanna River, featuring numerous photo opportunities of the waterway and wildlife.
Market on Main
A charming farmer's market where vibrant colors and local produce create a lively backdrop for photography.
Catawissa Creek
A serene location with natural beauty, ideal for capturing flowing water and lush flora.
Bloomsburg Historic District
Features beautiful historic buildings and architecture, offering unique urban photography opportunities.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Bloomin' Onion
A deep-fried onion appetizer, popular at local restaurants like Whodunnit's Murder Mystery Theater.
Must-Try!
Halupki
Stuffed cabbage rolls with a seasoned beef and rice filling, often found at the Bloomsburg Farmers Market.
Shoo-Fly Pie
A molasses pie considered a PA Dutch classic, available at Bloomsburg's Whistle Stop Book Shop.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bloomsburg Farmers Market
Offers a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and local delicacies like halupki. Open on Saturdays at the Market Street in downtown Bloomsburg.
Food Truck Festival
An annual event featuring a wide array of food trucks offering diverse cuisines, held at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect Personal Space
In Bloomsburg and many parts of the United States, maintaining a comfortable amount of personal space is important. Be mindful of people's personal boundaries during conversations and interactions.
Politeness and Greetings
Using polite greetings, such as 'hello' and 'please' and 'thank you,' is appreciated. When meeting someone, a firm handshake and eye contact are often seen as signs of confidence and respect.
Diversity and Inclusivity
Bloomsburg is home to a diverse population, so it’s essential to be respectful of different cultural backgrounds and practices. Show openness to various perspectives and avoid making assumptions based on stereotypes.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Bloomsburg, as in many parts of the United States, tipping is a common practice in service industries such as restaurants, bars, and personal services. It is customary to tip between 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service. In bars, patrons often tip $1 to $2 per drink, and in personal services like haircuts, a tip of 15% to 20% is also standard. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is highly appreciated and often relied upon as part of service workers' income.
Payment
Payment methods in Bloomsburg include cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment options. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payment methods have gained popularity. Additionally, local establishments often provide an option for customers to pay using mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. It's also common for vendors at local markets or events to accept cash, so visitors should be prepared accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring in Bloomsburg (March to May) is characterized by mild weather and blooming flowers. Temperatures typically range from 40°F to 70°F. This is an excellent time to visit for outdoor activities and local festivals, such as the Bloomsburg Fair, which often occurs in late April.
Summer
Summer (June to August) sees warm temperatures, averaging between 60°F and 85°F. This is peak tourist season, with vibrant community events and outdoor recreation at nearby parks and rivers. Expect humid conditions with occasional thunderstorms.
Fall
Fall (September to November) offers beautiful autumn foliage and cooler temperatures, ranging from 40°F to 75°F. It’s a popular time for visitors to enjoy scenic drives, harvest festivals, and local markets, especially during October when the leaves change color.
Winter
Winter (December to February) can be cold, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 40°F. Snow is common, making it perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. The holiday season brings festive decorations and community celebrations, providing a quaint small-town charm.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Ricketts Glen State Park
A beautiful park known for its stunning waterfalls and challenging trails, offering over 22 miles of hiking paths through lush forests.
Hickory Run State Park
Boasting over 15,000 acres of recreational space, Hickory Run features diverse terrain and numerous trails, including the popular Boulder Field.
Montour Preserve
A scenic natural area with trails that wind through forests, wetlands, and along the Susquehanna River, ideal for hiking and wildlife observation.
Main Street Hunter's Trail
A moderate hiking trail located close to downtown Bloomsburg offering scenic views and a peaceful outdoor experience.
Locust Lake State Park
Features a 245-acre lake surrounded by hiking trails that provide views of the water and surrounding wilderness, great for family hikes.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Bloomsburg by plane.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP)
Located approximately 40 miles from Bloomsburg, this airport serves the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton areas and offers various domestic flights.
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
Situated about 60 miles from Bloomsburg, this airport provides flights to numerous domestic destinations and is a convenient option for the Lehigh Valley region.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
About 120 miles southeast of Bloomsburg, this major international airport is one of the busiest in the United States, offering a wide range of international and domestic flights.
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)
Located roughly 80 miles southwest of Bloomsburg, this airport serves the Harrisburg area with various domestic flight options.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Approximately 120 miles to the south, this major international airport serves the Baltimore and Washington D.C. metropolitan areas with extensive flight connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
White
Majority demographic group in Bloomsburg, often constituting around 80-85% of the population.
Hispanic or Latino
A growing demographic group in Bloomsburg, making up approximately 5-10% of the population.
African American
Represents about 5-7% of the population in Bloomsburg, contributing to the town's cultural diversity.
Asian
A smaller demographic group, comprising about 1-2% of the population.
Two or more races
Individuals identifying with multiple races, representing around 2-3% of the population.
Other races
Includes Native American, Pacific Islander, and other ethnic groups, collectively representing a small percentage.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball
A popular sport in Bloomsburg, often played at local schools and community centers, with competitive leagues.
Soccer
Widely played among youth and adults, with recreational and competitive leagues available in the area.
Baseball
A traditional American pastime, with local teams and events that engage the community.
Football
High school and collegiate football games are significant events in Bloomsburg, drawing large crowds.
Swimming
A popular activity enjoyed at local pools and lakes, with swim teams and lessons offered.
Running
A common fitness activity, supported by local 5K races and community running groups.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Many local eateries and cafes offer a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, ensuring those with plant-based diets are well-catered for in Bloomsburg.
Gluten-Free Options
Numerous restaurants in Bloomsburg provide gluten-free menu items, allowing individuals with gluten intolerances to dine comfortably in the town.