Honestly, if you’re driving through Western Pennsylvania and see the signs for Hermitage, you might think it’s just another quiet suburb. You’ve got your chain restaurants and the usual strip malls. But Hermitage is weird in the best way possible. It’s a place where you can play a round of golf for absolutely zero dollars and then walk through a literal avenue of hundreds of American flags that feels more like a national monument than a local cemetery.
There are enough things to do in Hermitage PA to fill a long weekend, but only if you know where the locals actually go. It’s not about flashy tourist traps. It’s about the spots that have been there since the 1940s and the massive 300-acre park that basically acts as the town's backyard.
The Weird Glory of Free Golf and Buhl Park
Most towns have a park. Hermitage has Buhl Park. It’s about 300 acres, and frankly, it’s the heart of the community. If you ask anyone here for recommendations, they’ll point you to 715 Hazen Road.
Here’s the thing that sounds like a lie but isn't: Hermitage is home to the only free 9-hole golf course in the United States. No greens fees. You just show up. Frank H. Buhl, a local industrialist, set this up over a century ago with the mandate that it remains free for everyone. It’s not some overgrown field, either; it’s a legitimate, well-maintained course.
If you aren't into golf, the park has this massive 9-mile fitness trail and an 18-hole disc golf course. You’ll see people fishing at Lake Julia or just hanging out by the outdoor performing arts center. In the summer, they do these "Wellness Wednesdays" where you can catch an aqua-fitness class at the pool. It’s the kind of place where you actually see the community interacting, not just people staring at their phones.
Why Everyone Obsesses Over Kraynak’s
You cannot talk about things to do in Hermitage PA without mentioning Kraynak’s. It’s a local institution that started back in 1949. To a stranger, it looks like a massive garden center and toy store.
But twice a year, this place becomes a madhouse.
They build these 300-foot indoor walk-through displays. From September to December, it’s "Santa’s Christmasland." From February through Easter, it’s "Easter Bunny Lane." It sounds kinda kitschy, and it is, but in a nostalgic, heartwarming way that’s hard to find anymore. People drive from three states away just to walk their kids through these animated displays.
Expert Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, don't go on a Saturday afternoon in December. Go on a Tuesday morning. You'll actually be able to see the detail in the displays without getting stepped on by a toddler.
The Avenue of 444 Flags
Right next to Kraynak’s is Hillcrest Memorial Park. It sounds strange to suggest a cemetery as a "thing to do," but the Avenue of 444 Flags is powerful.
The story is pretty intense. During the 1979 Iranian Hostage Crisis, the owner of the park, Tom Flynn, vowed to raise one flag for every day the 52 Americans were held captive. The crisis lasted 444 days. By the end, there were 444 flags flying.
Today, they still fly. It’s a massive, shimmering sea of red, white, and blue. Right in the middle is the War on Terror Veterans Memorial. It’s quiet, it’s heavy, and it’s one of those things that stays with you long after you leave. Honestly, it’s one of the most patriotic sites I’ve ever seen outside of D.C.
The Chocolate War (Kind Of)
Hermitage and the surrounding Shenango Valley have a serious thing for chocolate. You have two heavy hitters here: Daffin’s Candies and Philadelphia Candies.
Daffin’s is famous for the "Chocolate Kingdom." They have these massive animals—think elephants and turtles—sculpted entirely out of chocolate. It’s located on East State Street. Their "Chocolate Meltaways" are basically a food group in this town.
Then you’ve got Philadelphia Candies on North Hermitage Road. They’ve been around since 1919. Their factory is right there, and the smell of roasting nuts and cocoa hitting you when you walk in is incredible. Local tip: try the dark chocolate sea salt caramels.
Where to Actually Eat
If you’re looking for a meal that isn't from a drive-thru, you’ve got a few solid options.
- Hickory Bar & Grille: This is part of the Springfield Restaurant Group. It’s classic American—steaks, big salads, and great bread. It’s the kind of place where people go for anniversaries or just a really good Friday night burger.
- Combine Brothers Bar & Grille: It’s technically in the area, and the portions are legendary. If you order the family-sized pasta, be prepared to take home three days' worth of leftovers. It’s chaotic and loud and great.
- Webb Winery: If you want to slow down, Webb Winery is a cool spot. They use a lot of local fruit. It’s not pretentious. You can do a tasting and just hang out.
Hidden Gems and Nature
Just a short drive north of downtown is Shenango River Lake. If the weather is nice, this is where you go to disappear for a bit. There are a couple of trails, like the Seth Myers trail, that are short and easy enough for anyone.
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History nerds should look for Lock Number 10. It’s a remnant of the Erie Extension Canal. It’s tucked away about a mile downstream from the lake. It’s crazy to think that this area used to be a major hub for canal boats back in the 1800s.
The Shopping Situation
Most people head to the Grove City Premium Outlets (which is about 20 minutes away), but Hermitage has some decent local spots. Trendy on East State Street is a favorite for women’s boutique finds.
If you want something truly unique, check out Wendell August Forge. It’s technically in Mercer, but it’s right there. They are the oldest and largest forge in the country, still making hand-hammered aluminum and copper pieces. You can actually watch the craftsmen working.
Things to Do in Hermitage PA: The Reality Check
Is Hermitage a bustling metropolis? No.
But it’s a town that respects its history and actually gives you things for free, which is rare these days. Whether it’s the free golf at Buhl Park or the free holiday displays at Kraynak’s, the town feels generous.
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If you're planning a trip, try to time it with the Hermitage Arts Festival in July. They take over Rodney White Olympic Park with live music, food trucks, and a massive artists' marketplace. There are fireworks on Saturday night, and the whole town basically shows up.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Morning: Start at Buhl Park. Walk the fitness trail or grab your clubs for a free 9 holes.
- Lunch: Head to Philadelphia Candies to grab some snacks, then hit a local spot like Hickory Bar & Grille.
- Afternoon: Visit the Avenue of 444 Flags and then spend an hour lost in the aisles of Kraynak’s.
- Evening: If it's summer, check the schedule for a concert at the Buhl Park PAC. If not, grab a drink at Webb Winery or a local brewery in the nearby Sharon area.
Don't overthink it. Hermitage isn't a place where you need a strict itinerary. It's a place where you pull over because you saw something interesting and end up staying the whole afternoon.