Two towns in Carbon County have been named among the most pleasant in Pennsylvania.

Palmerton and Jim Thorpe have been listed among nine of the friendliest towns, according to information at https://www.worldatlas.com.

The other towns named are New Hope, Gettysburg, Hanover, Carlisle, Lititz, Kennett Square and Honesdale.

Palmerton

According to information at www.worldatlas.com, “This tiny borough in northeastern Pennsylvania attracts visitors with year-round outdoor opportunities and a series of thrilling festivals. Palmerton houses Blue Mountain Resort, where snowboarders, skiers, and snowtubers converge to make the most of numerous ski trails, tubing lanes, and terrain parks in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. Meanwhile, the annual Carbon County Fair sees the community gathering at the Carbon County Fairgrounds to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage. This family-friendly event incorporates agricultural exhibitions, craft vendors, livestock shows, and live entertainment.

“The town makes visitors feel like they belong during the Palmerton Community Festival, inviting them to join residents at Palmerton Park for a great time. Finally, the Palmerton Hungarian Club offers a pleasant social venue with exciting activities for both young and old, including bowling, games, haunted adventures, and more.”

That distinction was welcome news to Lynn Shupp, who serves as president of the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Hearing the news that Palmerton was voted one of Pennsylvania’s friendliest towns, put a huge smile on my face,” Shupp said. “It reinforced my pride in our beautiful town and area.”

Shupp added, “Being born and raised here, Palmerton has a special place in my heart. However, it’s hearing the people who have chosen to now call this place home, say what made them fall in love enough to move here.

“Some say it’s the quaint feeling, the friendly people, love that it’s a walkable town, an inviting layout, and that it’s small town America.

“The first weekend in December will feel like you are walking through a Hallmark movie with all the activities that come with ‘Christmas in Palmerton.’ ”

Shupp said when she was asked to become president of the chamber, “I felt humbled and a bit overwhelmed. My love for the town and its people is why I said yes.

“We have a beautiful business district, wide main street, a gorgeous park that is the perfect spot for events and gatherings, it’s a very walkable town. Many restaurants, businesses, and services fill Delaware Ave. and spill out onto Lehigh Avenue and throughout town and the outlying area.”

Shupp noted that the chamber continues to plan for the future.

“The Palmerton Chamber is collaborating on ideas to have some fun events and draw in business,” she said. “We are thankful for whoever voted for our town and now we have to continue living up to it.”

Jim Thorpe

According to information about Jim Thorpe at www.worldatlas.com, “This stunning borough in the Pocono Mountains region has a magnetic effect on travelers exploring eastern Pennsylvania, thanks to its unmatched natural beauty, lively art scene, and unmissable annual festivals. Most tourists drawn to the town by its scenery make a point of riding the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to enjoy a time-lapse of Jim Thorpe’s stunning countryside. Meanwhile, art enthusiasts gather inside the Mauch Chunk Opera House for ecstatic performances by talented acts, featuring comedy shows, dance routines, and concerts.

“The same is true for Penn’s Peak, a premier event venue in the Pocono Mountains that can host hundreds of concertgoers for electrifying music shows by famous artists. Jim Thorpe is known for its endless festivals, and one of its most popular is the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival.

“Whether you plan to learn about the captivating war heritage in Gettysburg or sample some of Kennett Square’s agricultural bounty, the friendliest towns in Pennsylvania invite tourists to experience their diverse local attractions without fuss or formality. Townsfolk welcome visitors with a sincere smile, a good story, and a sense of warmth that lingers long after departure from the United States. From quiet Pocono Mountain towns to historic Delaware River settlements, these delightful destinations capture the true charm of the Keystone State.”

Trish Spillman, treasurer of the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency, said that as someone who grew up in Jim Thorpe, moved away for 20 years, and has been back for 20 years, said she was thrilled with the distinction.

“We are inundated in October, and by the end of October, everybody is exhausted, staff is exhausted,” Spillman said. “To still come out on top saying we’re still friendly when we’re really busy, that I find as the greatest compliment that we could receive.”

Spillman, who along with her husband, Michael, own Jim Thorpe House of Jerky at 38 Broadway in Jim Thorpe, also serves as tax collector for the borough.

“I’m a member of the community in so many ways,” she said. “I do feel like we do have to be part of the solution and there’s many of us who are doing what we can to do that to make the experience of Jim Thorpe the best it can be.”