For Bucknell students, downtown Lewisburg is an extension of campus life itself. The town’s historic charm, independent businesses and sense of community give students and residents alike plenty of reasons to venture beyond the academic quad. Whether you’re looking for a place to grab coffee, browse vintage finds or enjoy the outdoors, Lewisburg offers a blend of local tradition and small-town vibrancy. Here are some of the must-visit spots that capture the heart of this central Pennsylvania gem.
Campus Theatre
A stroll down Market Street will lead you to one of Lewisburg’s most beloved landmarks: the Campus Theatre. Built in 1941, this single-screen, Art Deco-style cinema is one of the few of its kind still in operation today. With its preserved architectural details, stepping inside feels like entering a piece of film history.
The theatre is jointly supported by Bucknell University and the non-profit Campus Theatre LTD, whose shared goal is to preserve both the building and the art of cinema itself. Beyond showing the latest indie hits and timeless classics, the Campus Theatre often hosts community film events, live performances and collaborations with Bucknell’s Film/Media Studies program.
Visitors are drawn, not only to the movies, but to the atmosphere: the plush seating, vintage light fixtures and nostalgic charm make for a movie-going experience unlike anything you’d find at a modern multiplex. The Campus Theatre stands as both a local treasure and a gathering place where Bucknell students, faculty and Lewisburg residents come together to celebrate storytelling on screen.
Lewisburg Farmers Market
Just a short drive from campus, the Lewisburg Farmers Market has been a local staple for generations. Every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., almost 100 vendors fill the large market hall at 499 Fairground Road, selling everything from fresh produce and meats to handmade crafts and baked goods.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy as shoppers weave between stands, sampling local honey or chatting with farmers about their seasonal offerings. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a bag of crisp apples, a loaf of homemade bread and a cup of hot coffee, all while supporting the people who grow and make these goods right here in the region.
For Bucknell students, the Farmers Market offers a midweek escape from campus dining and a peek into Lewisburg’s community life. Many vendors know their regulars by name, and the smell of barbecue and soft pretzels lures visitors to linger a little longer than they planned.
Buffalo Valley Rail Trail
If you’re looking to get outdoors, the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail offers a perfect mix of exercise and scenery. This 10.3-mile trail connects Lewisburg to nearby Mifflinburg, running parallel to Route 45 but far enough away from campus to feel like a welcome change of scenery.
Paved and well-maintained, the trail is popular with cyclists, runners and families alike. You’ll pass through rolling farmland, shaded woodlands and glimpses of rural Pennsylvania at its most peaceful. It’s also dog-friendly, making it a great option for students who miss their pets back home.
The Rail Trail opened in 2011 as the area’s first fully developed off-road path, designed for accessibility and recreation year-round. Whether you’re going for a weekend bike ride or a reflective evening walk, the trail’s gentle terrain and scenic views offer a refreshing reset from campus life.
Amami
Lewisburg may be small, but it’s not short on great coffee – and Amami has become one of its most popular gathering spots. Open for over a decade, Amami began as a small espresso bar and has since evolved into a full Italian café and kitchen.
Known for its iced lattes, fresh pastries and cozy interior, Amami combines modern café culture with authentic Italian flavor. On weekends, the line often stretches out the door as locals and students alike stop in for brunch or an afternoon espresso. Whether you’re meeting a friend, working on a paper or simply people-watching, it’s easy to see why Amami has become a go-to for Bucknellians looking for a caffeine fix and a good meal.
La Primavera
For a sit-down meal that feels both homey and refined, La Primavera Italiano Ristorante & Pizzeria delivers. Owned by brothers Vito and Salvatore Mazzamuto, the restaurant brings authentic Sicilian recipes passed down through their family straight to Lewisburg.
The menu features classic Italian dishes, from rich pastas to wood-fired pizzas and the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a favorite for both students and town residents. In the warmer months, guests can dine on the outdoor patio under twinkling lights, savoring the kind of meal that feels as heartfelt as it is flavorful.
Street of Shops
If you enjoy browsing for antiques, vintage finds or quirky gifts, the Street of Shops is an absolute must. Located in a restored historic woolen mill, this sprawling indoor marketplace houses more than 375 small vendors selling everything from jewelry and home décor to collectibles and handmade crafts.
The building itself is designed to resemble a quaint village street, complete with vintage streetlights, benches and storefronts that give it a nostalgic feel. You could easily spend an afternoon wandering through the aisles, discovering everything from retro records to antique furniture.
When you’re ready for a break, the Street of Shops Restaurant offers classic comfort food and desserts that make for the perfect shopping intermission.
Lewisburg’s appeal lies in its ability to balance old and new: historic architecture meets modern cafés, small-town quiet meets bursts of creativity and culture. For Bucknell students, these local treasures offer more than just entertainment; they’re part of what makes college life here feel grounded and connected.
So the next time you need a change of scenery, take a walk down Market Street, grab a latte or bike the Rail Trail. You’ll find that Lewisburg’s charm isn’t just in the places themselves– it’s in the people, stories and spirit that make this little town feel like home.
