New Bethlehem, PA

New Bethlehem sits in the Redbank Creek valley at the junction of Pennsylvania 28 and 66, where the borough's main street crosses the route between the Pittsburgh region and north-central Pennsylvania. The place was first called Gumtown or Bethlehem, then New Bethlehem after its post office opened in 1840. Henry “Gum” Nolf built an early store, gristmill, and sawmill, and the creek-and-rail corridor grew into the borough's commercial spine.

The Redbank Valley Trail now follows the old rail grade through town, linking the Allegheny River to Brookville with a longer spur toward Sligo. The trail connects the borough with Redbank Valley schools and the municipal park, so the former railroad is still part of the daily map. September brings the annual Peanut Butter Festival, organized through the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce, with a parade, cook-off, vendors, and other town events. Redbank Valley School District keeps its junior/senior high and primary schools in the borough, while the nearby Smucker's peanut butter factory gives the festival theme a local industrial footnote. New Bethlehem is a creek town whose old rail line now carries walkers, cyclists, and the festival calendar.