Downtown Discoveries: Things to Do in Boyertown, PA

copula of a Victorian home in Boyertown, PA

Date of Latest Visit: August 2, 2024

What makes a great downtown? In my opinion it has to have three things: It has to be walkable. It has to have great restaurants. And it has to have a variety of things to do.

There are many Pennsylvania towns that fit that description. One of my favorites is Boyertown.

Located in eastern Berks County, about a 30-minute drive from my home base of Reading and an hour northwest of Philadelphia, Boyertown is a charming borough with Victorian charm.

It’s also a place of incredible history and historic attractions.

Colebrookdale Railroad

Central among those is the Colebrookdale Railroad. With a station in the heart of downtown, the Railroad is a true anchor attraction. The passenger cars on this historic line have been restored to Edwardian splendor with first-class service throughout the train, but even more so in the parlor and dining cars.

Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

Transportation of a different kind is celebrated at the nearby Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. Located in the former Boyertown Auto Body Works, the Museum is dedicated to telling the history of transportation through a Pennsylvania lens. The collection spans centuries with displays ranging from horse-drawn coaches and sleighs to more modern automobiles and even a diner, gas station and motel cottage.

Before the Boyertown Auto Body Works, there was the Jeremiah Sweinhart Carriage Works which has been preserved to showcase pre-automobile industry and regularly hosts blacksmiths and other tradesmen and tradeswomen.

General Carl Spaatz USAAF Museum

Just down the street is the newest museum in Boyertown, the General Carl Spaatz USAAF Museum. General Spaatz was a Boyertown native who served in World War I and World War II and was named the first Chief of Staff for the Air Force by Harry Truman in 1947.

The Museum tells his story, along with the early history of the Air Force, through interactive exhibits.

old fashion marquee with the word "STATE" in white letters on red background

State Theater

The heart of the town is the intersection of Philadelphia and Reading Avenues. Along Reading Avenue is the historic State Theater. The theater has undergone renovations and upgrades in recent years. Today, it shows first-run movies and live performances.

Taylor Backes Glass

Boyertown is home to another unique attraction: Taylor Backes Glass. This master glassblowing studio has works in the Smithsonian and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. And you can browse and purchase the decorative sculptures at the studio on Washington Street.

Boyertown Shopping

But most of the shopping is found on the main streets. Here, you’ll find a variety of stores, many of them family focused.

Boyertown Brickworks

My six-year-old’s favorite store is Brickworks, an independent LEGO store at 10 S. Reading Avenue. Brickworks offers new and used LEGO sets – both in-box and pre-built – as well as a large table full of bricks that guests can dig through to fill a bag of pieces that they need or want.

Deal Me In Games

Another popular spot with our family is Deal Me In Games at 127 E. Philadelphia Avenue. The store offers a range of table games and card games. And there are usually gatherings every weekend for tournaments, events and free play.

The Book Nook

Across the street are a few more favorites. The Book Nook is a used book store with shelves and shelves of titles that are ever-changing.

Modellbahn Ott Hobbies

Modellbahn Ott Hobbies is a destination for hobbyists of all kinds. Aisles are filled with trains, model car kits, R/C cars and planes, and all of the tools and supplies needed to build and maintain your hobbies.

Tim’s Train Shoppe

Another model store, Tim’s Train Shoppe, is smaller and very much dedicated to model railroading.

Peppermint Stick

For something a little sweeter, stop by the Peppermint Stick for candy and ice cream.

Places to Eat

While dessert is always a good decision, there are some great restaurants in Boyertown. Here are a few of our favorites:

Brakeman’s Cafe

Brakeman’s Café is located across the street from the Colebrookdale Railroad and carries the restaurant theme. Brakeman’s is open for breakfast and lunch with outdoor seating available in the warmer months.

Toss of the Town

Lunch is a great time to visit Toss of the Town, a build-your-own salad spot along Philadelphia Avenue. The restaurant also offers paninis, soups and kid’s meals.

Pulled jackfruit sandwich with a side salad

Firefly Cafe

Or try the Firefly Café, Boyertown’s spot for vegan offerings. In addition to homemade meals, Firefly offers baked goods and a full vegan marketplace.

Long counter with red window boxes behind tables of two at Other Farm Brewing

Other Farm Brewing Company

At dinner, try the Other Farm, Boyertown’s local craft brewery. They offer sandwiches, traditional bar food entrees and brick oven pizza. The Other Farm also does Sunday brunch.