Missed Oktoberfest, but still dreaming of beer and brats? You’re in luck! There’s an enchanting German-style village located just a 2.5 hour drive from NYC, known as Stoudtburg Village in Pennsylvania.
Let’s clarify a few things first. Stoudtburg Village isn’t a town itself but a residential and commercial area of German architecture, shops and restaurants. It’s actually located within Adamstown in Lancaster County.
The charming village dates back to 1996, when Edward and Carol Stoudt dreamed of recreating a modern version of Edward’s hometown of Rothenburg, Germany.
If you can’t bring yourself to catch the 9 hour flight or its not in the funds at the moment, a meander through Stoudtburg Village should satiate your wanderlust. Everything from its stucco homes complimented with angular red roofing and car-free streets brings a sense of gemütlichkeit (coziness) to the Deustchland dream.
With the holiday season approaching, it’s the perfect time to explore the charming local shops full of antique treasures and artisan jewelry. Stop by the plaza to enjoy the occasional live music or catch adorable craft fairs from time to time. And you can’t visit without walking into unique places like Out of This World, a toy robot museum, or Outta My Gourds, a boutique shop selling artisan wood-burned painted and carved gourds.
You can explore the village’s event page online. Due note that the shops are only open from Fridays to Sundays.
After working up an appetite from shopping, settle down into a table at The Village Haus for delicious German fare. Order the TVH Original Bratwurst or Weiner Schnitzel and don’t forget the beer!
Prefer to extend your day trip into numerous nights? There are quaint Airbnbs and rental homes you can book to enjoy the escape for even longer. And with more time to explore the village, you can also check out nearby attractions like ziplining, Amish buggy rides, Crystal Cave, kayaking and more.
Learn everything else there is to know about Stoudtburg Village on its website.