Date of Latest Visit: August 21, 2022

The borough of Hamburg is located at the crossroads of Interstate 78 and Route 61 in northern Berks County. Its downtown business district isn’t huge, but this small town has a lot to offer.

Antique shopping is big in the area, and Fourth Street is home to two great antique shops.

Necessities specializes in new and used furniture. The first floor has a selection of dining room tables and assorted antiques, but the real treasures are on the second floor.

That’s where everything opens up into the former meeting hall. Sofas, chairs, tables, lights and other accessories fill the grand hall all the way up onto what was once a stage.

Across the street from Necessities is the Hamburg Antiques Center. Offering a more traditional antiquing experience, the store has a little of everything, including wall hangings and paintings, vintage advertising, furniture, books and other collectible items.

Hamburg is also a great place for homemade items. The Art & Craft Gallery of Hamburg features the work of more than 30 local artists in photography, paintings, woodworking, pottery, jewelry and more.

For homemade food, Hamburg has plenty of options.

For dinner and drinks, check out 1787 Brewing Company or Copperz Brewery for a handcrafted brew and pub food or Backwoods Brothers Authentic Texas Cuisine from some Lone Star State barbecue.

More restaurants in downtown include Russo’s Pizza, Heckey’s Sandwich Shop, 3^rd Street Café and Hop Poh. For dessert, Hamburg Sweet Treats is just a short walk away.

You can also grab a seat at the antique soda fountain at Adams & Bright Drug Store and their vintage soda fountain.

In the center of town is the historic Hamburg Strand. Built in 1902, the Strand shows first-run movies along with classics and special events throughout the year.

You also won’t want to miss the town’s signature event: the Taste of Hamburg-er Festival. The event typically draws more than 10,000 visitors on the Saturday before Labor Day to try hamburgers from restaurants, food trucks and organizations all vying for the title of Grand Champion.

A few blocks away from downtown is the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum, home to a large collection of original railroad equipment and other memorabilia from the Reading Company.

The John Bartram Trail, a 9.6-mile section of the Schuylkill River Trail, connects Hamburg to the famed Appalachian Trail near the Schuylkill County village of Port Clinton.

And, of course, there is also Cabela’s, the massive outdoors store just off the Route 61 exit of I-78 that draws its own crowds throughout the year.

The next time you’re driving along I-78 – whether you’re heading to Cabela’s or just passing through – considering making a quick side trip to Hamburg to discover something new.

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