New Bethlehem Borough is feeling blessed in Pennsylvania.

4 days ago

🌟 A Jersey Girl’s Story of Visiting New Bethlehem, PA 🌟

💻 Be sure to visit OurHopefulStory.org/new-bethlehem-pa to read the full story and experience the heartwarming journey these visitors shared.

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I needed some out-of-town air, and so did one of my best friends. Exhausted from life, we agreed “one day” we should take a weekend away. Then, through social media, she sent me a link to a Peanut Butter Festival. I chuckled and, half-jokingly, told her it was both silly and perfect at the same time. Within a few hours, the Airbnb was booked and we were making plans to visit a small town 350 miles away: New Bethlehem, PA.

🎶 With music blasting from the ’90s and early 2000s, we made our way out of New Jersey. As the elevation changed, the scenery slowly turned into packed tree lines already starting their transition to autumn. We cackled over inside jokes, caught up on each other’s lives, and even shared a few heartfelt tears. The sun grew warmer through the windows, and nearly in unison we looked at each other and said, “We needed this.”

🚗 With windblown hair, we made a lunch stop at the classic Sheetz. After fueling up the car and ourselves on what were some of the best cheese curds I’ve ever had, we turned the GPS back on. That’s when I noticed something I hadn’t before: the app said the population at our destination was 978. Small-town stereotypes started leaving our mouths, and albeit funny, we were awkwardly unsure if we had made the right decision. Determined to have a good time, we agreed to make the best of it (what turned out to be a highlight not only of our year but of our friendship).

🌳 Over the three days we spent in New Bethlehem, we were surprised at every turn. From the natural beauty of Redbank Creek to the bountiful Goodwill store, we were welcomed everywhere we went. In my nearly forty years on this earth, I’ve finally slowed down enough to listen when people speak. I listen before I formulate a response (which goes against my New Jersey upbringing) and put myself in someone else’s shoes. I try to be thoughtful with my words. I focus on the experience rather than the output. This was a great place to continue practicing that skill, because nearly everyone shared a piece of their story with us.

☕ The family that owns our Airbnb saw us looking in the windows of what was once a restaurant, and instead of ignoring us or calling the police, they welcomed us in. Zack made us hot maple lattes and, while he did, we chatted about the town with his family. They showed us a book that had records of the town’s history. I saw historic buildings and scenes that replayed in my mind. “A lot of industry has left here in the last 20 years,” Zack’s dad shared. Their three sons live locally, and they recently welcomed a new grandchild. As he spoke, I couldn’t help but hear a little heartache. The town they raised their family in had changed. I looked around at the tables and chairs set up for what was once a farm-to-table dining experience. The vibe was cozy. I felt like I was in their home. In a special way, I was.

🛍️ A few streets away, an employee at Goodwill shared that the town had flooded in 1996 and many places were ruined, including the local high school, which was forced to close. Anyone who graduated before then had no record of it. Wait, what? I was in disbelief as he shared that the water rose two stories high. He transitioned to telling us about the festival agenda and the band that would be playing that night. But I was baffled.

🥜 So, I did some digging. This town has been the home of Smucker’s since 1965. The company manager started the Peanut Butter Festival after the flood, which seems like a much-needed relief and a spirit-builder that still happens today. It gives residents and nearby towns something to celebrate and look forward to. With a surprising number of vendors, food options, and a Saturday parade, we walked through the entire experience with time to absorb it all. A nice change from many places I’ve visited, where I rushed through vacation only to leave feeling like I didn’t get a moment to breathe.

🥒 Our favorite vendor was The Pickle Place. We sampled fun flavors, including peanut butter pickles (of course), and bought some garlic ranch pickles to take home. Through laughter at my friend’s love of pickles, even down to the juice, the owner paused and smiled. I watched my friend’s face illuminate as he handed over a five-gallon bucket of pickle juice. This is a core memory now. Thank you for being silly with us, and thank you for making our visit that much more special. Also, the pickles were delicious, five stars.

🏛️ I have to give some honorable mentions to the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce. Turns out one of their members grew up in Jersey, and they coordinate this festival. He was interesting to talk to as we browsed tables of peanut butter and even posed for a photo in our matching festival shirts. To the lovely ladies hosting a porch sale we passed on our walk through town: we found some treasure! Your home was beautiful and so well-organized I thought it was a fundraiser. Thank you!

🍔 The peanut butter and jelly burger from the Chow Hall food truck was so good! A fun festival treat with beef that tasted so fresh. To the young man working the truck: keep up the positive attitude. Your smile lit up our night when you said we were the first to order that special burger.

🍷 Two Birch Winery was fun to chat with while we sampled wine. I loved hearing the story of the moment you created your sangria flavor. That is magic.

🎱 We spent our last evening visiting Desperado’s. The strawberry daiquiris were surprisingly good, and one patron shared his story of moving there and learning to mind his “P’s and Q’s” because it’s a small town and everyone knows everyone. Thanks for the games of pool; that was a real treat.

🌟 Small Town, Big Welcome.

🍎 I cannot forget to mention Karen at Riverside Grocery, who makes her own confections, so well, in fact, that she had to downsize her business to keep it within her capacity. Her apple dumplings, sold at the grocery, are so thoughtfully made, even down to the apple-shaped embellishment in the dough. When I asked if she slowed down because it was too much work, she responded, “Everything you do takes work.” I tucked those wise words in my pocket that day, a solid reminder. Thank you, Karen.

🐶 My personal favorite moment of the trip was while walking the Redbank Valley Trail. We were greeted by a dog. I peeked up the hill to see some people and asked if the dog was friendly. They said, “Yes, and we have puppies!” … say less. My friend and I walked up the hill to discover a family building a pirate ship–shaped tree house; next year’s Airbnb, I hope. Through friendly chatter, I got to hear their story of resilience, of starting anew, and of keeping light through the darkness. While looking at some plants she had outside, I noticed shells in one and asked if they had visited the ocean. Turns out they purchased them for decoration. Well, my crow brain has to travel with pebbles and shells from my favorite spots, including the Jersey Shore. As we thanked them for the puppy pets, I gave them a small seashell from my home. And as we walked back toward the trail, I heard her say, “Now we have a shell from a real beach!” Yes, yes you do. And the honor was all mine.

🎡 If you’re looking for theme parks, exciting nightlife, and the rush of the big city, this place is not for your next travel adventure. If you need some quiet time, curious conversation, and a bit of self-instigated shenanigans, then this is perfect. We didn’t even do every activity, such as the 5K run or car show. We definitely want to enter the peanut butter cook-off in the future. Cleaning up our Airbnb was bittersweet. Preparing to return to the hustle and bustle of daily life in Jersey, where I’m not sure I’ve ever had a conversation with a grocery store employee or been given a five-gallon bucket of pickle juice, softened my heart to this small town with a big welcome. It made me wonder how I could give back. How I could say thank you for their hospitality and welcoming us at every turn. My gift is with words, with stories, and with connecting to people. This is my gift to you. Thank you.

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📸 Author’s Note
Author: Randi Breuer
Published October 1, 2025
Venmo Tip Jar: @RandiLyn23

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✨ Special Thank You from Our Community Leaders ✨

“Congratulations and a great thank you to the people of New Bethlehem and the Redbank Valley! Your hospitality and genuine openness made a big impression on these Jersey Girls during their visit to the Peanut Butter Festival.” – President John Gerow, Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce

“As Mayor of New Bethlehem, I could not be more proud of the warmth and kindness our community shows. The joy of seeing visitors leave with hearts touched by our people and our traditions is the greatest gift. Thank you for continuing to make New Bethlehem a great place to live, work, and raise a family.” – Rev. Dr. Gordon V. Barrows, Mayor of New Bethlehem ... See MoreSee Less

New Bethlehem, PA

ourhopefulstory.org