I went to Westminster College in New Wilmington from 2013-2015 before transferring out of state. During my last year, several African American students also transferred due to the racism they experienced while attending the school and how they felt like they didn’t belong there. I can’t speak for the college town now, but it was bad enough that I reported specific incidents and things I heard from white classmates to student affairs during my time there so they could systemically address racism in the student body outside of my individual voice. Passing through is safe, but not an ideal small town, getaway weekend trip if you’d like to have a comfortable experience at a bed & breakfast, wine tasting, brewery, etc.

I grew up here and wouldn’t recommend stopping anywhere outside of the Sheetz gas station that’s about 15 minutes out of Fredonia in Mercer. Citizens are openly racist and think they live in the confederate south. Deep Pennsyltucky. My brother recently quit working at the Dollar General after the manager made extremely racist comments. The beautiful landscape is the only positive thing about Fredonia. Would avoid at all costs.