Who would have guessed that there was a real person named Chef Boyardee? His actual name was Ettore Boiardi, and he was from a little town called Milton, PA.
You don't have to be an aspiring chef or a fan of cheap ravioli to appreciate Milton, though
Who would have guessed that there was a real person named Chef Boyardee? His actual name was Ettore Boiardi, and he was from a little town called Milton, PA.
You don't have to be an aspiring chef or a fan of cheap ravioli to appreciate Milton, though. With a historic downtown that's postcard perfect, Milton offers plenty of charm to fans of small towns and Americana. Though it's a modest area of roughly 7,000 people, there's a lot of colorful personality and rugged spirit here. It's true the town has sustained some tragedy via adverse weather, but that hasn't stopped the residents from loving their home-sweet-home. Located next to the Susquehanna River, the scenery can't be beat, and there's always something fun to do on the weekends. As for urban graces, Milton's are fairly demure. You've got pizza joints and delis, small shops and local pharmacies, but for big city style, you'll probably want to look elsewhere. If your philosophy is all about the little things and small pleasures, you'll fit right in.
It's not all sunshine and lollipops in Milton. There are a few essentials you'll need to prepare before packing the car and heading east. Fortunately, house rentals and apartments are pretty commonplace here. The market is split between renters and owners, so finding places to rent in Milton should be a piece of cake. Plan a month or so in advance to find your perfect accommodations, but don't sweat it too much. Another bonus: Many apartments for rent come with included utilities, so keep your eyes peeled for these gems.
Outside of rental apartments, future residents should prepare for weather--all types of weather. Sun, snow, sleet, and flooding are real happenings in Milton. And you might as well pick up a car along with some snow tires. Public transit is pretty limited, so you'll need four tires to get around town. A bike is great for recreation and exercise, but you won't make it to work on one.
As expected, Milton's tiny town doesn't include traditional neighborhoods because it's just too itty-bitty. But there are some differences from top to bottom.
North: Park your booty in the north if you want access to as many amenities as Milton holds. The river is close, as are various chain and indie eateries, as well as some small shops. Milton State Park is just a hop across the water, and access to Interstate 80 is best from here.
South: Without a doubt, this side of Milton is more tucked away. The southern half of Milton does have some access to Highway 147 and the Susquehanna Trail, but mostly it's the land of few houses and several industrial parks. If you work in town and want a really quick commute, pitch your tent here.
Adventure is in the air, and you can find it around every river bend and tree branch here. Check out the cool happenings near the river, including hiking trails, bird watching, fishing, and more. Many folks are content to walk or bike around and enjoy a fine day, while others would rather take some of it home with them, by hunting it down for supper. If you prefer your nature expertly manicured and free of its wild roots, there are also golf courses and wineries in the area.
Residents hoping for a more intellectually stimulating experience might opt for exploring the history of their town, either heading downtown to admire the architecture or watching a historical reenactment. There are plenty of museums and heritage festivals to take advantage of, too. People here are proud of the town, and it shows.
