7 Friendliest Towns to Visit in The Poconos in 2024
The Pocono Mountains are located in northeastern Pennsylvania, comprising an area of approximately 2,400 square miles. Ninety miles from both the capital city of Philadelphia and New York City, the Poconos provide a scenic and peaceful retreat from the metropolitan hustle, where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports in the region's rolling hills and clear lakes. The Pocono Mountains are also home to several charming small towns known for their friendly atmosphere and welcoming communities, such as Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Hawley, and Bushkill. So, gas up the car, head for the hills, and get to know the Poconos in 2024.
Honesdale
Honesdale Central Park is a great place to start any visit to this small town of fewer than 5,000 residents. The town and the park are famous as the inspiration behind the Christmas classic “Winter Wonderland,” which has been recorded by everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to Tony Bennett and Michael Bublé. It is a central hub that hosts events throughout the year and is close to historic Main Street. Visitors can spend time in the Wayne Country Historical Society Museum, which sponsors numerous events like the 195th Stourbridge Lion Anniversary on August 9, 2024. The Stourbridge Lion (the “Iron Lion”) was the first steam locomotive in the United States that made its inaugural run on August 8, 1829. Today, the Stourbridge Line offers scenic train excursions and themed rides in vintage railroad coaches.
From August 2 to 10, 2024, Honesdale welcomes 100,000 to the “162nd Annual Wayne County Fair”—one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the state. The 8-day event includes a huge midway with over 26 rides, horse-tractor-truck pulls, a demolition derby, and live entertainment.
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg is a vibrant town with art galleries, antique shops, and the historic Sherman Theater—the town’s cultural hub. The theater first opened in 1929 and continues its long tradition of hosting concerts, live performances, and community events throughout the year. On August 31, it hosts Stroudfest 2024, the 15th annual free event that welcomes residents and visitors with live music, food, drinks, and many family-friendly activities.
Spend some time in downtown Stroudsburg, browsing in one-of-a-kind shops like the Apple Tree, a destination boutique selling stylish women’s clothing, Fitzpatrick’s Celtic & Irish Store, and Pocono Soap. Stop at American Ribbon, which has been selling patterned ribbon and fabric since 1913. American Ribbon Manufacturers is the retail part of Monroe Silk Mills, which produced parachute cords and military ribbons during World War II, working 24/7 with one hour off per week for machine maintenance. Today, Monroe Silk Mills makes ribbons for military medals, badges, and patriotic ribbons for all wars, including Desert Storm and the bombings on 9/11.
This busy small town also hosts the Poconos' premier art and craft festival at the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm from August 24 to 25, 2024. Visitors can experience various arts and crafts demonstrations, listen to local musicians from the region, and take home a crafty souvenir.
Delaware Water Gap
Delaware Water Gap is synonymous with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks along the Delaware River. But the town proper is home to an underground jazz community, which lives on today at the Deer Head Inn—the oldest continually running jazz club in the U.S. and host to the Annual Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts (COTA) from September 7 to 8, 2024. Take a Historic Trolley Tour to another must-see historical landmark, the Castle Inn, a former luxury hotel built in 1906 and once the 2nd most popular inland destination (Saratoga Springs was #1) where wealthy tourists would flock to escape the nearby cities. Today, the hotel houses retail space, offices, and shops but remains a significant cultural landmark.
Outdoor lovers are drawn to the 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area along the Delaware River. There are over 100 trails for hikers, but popular attractions inside the park include Raymondskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, Dingmans Falls, and the Appalachian Trail, the famous trail that passes through the Delaware Water Gap.
Bushkill
The small town of Bushkill is most well-known as the home of the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," Bushkill Falls. These eight waterfalls are accessible via hiking trails, offering stunning views and photography opportunities along the way. Bushkill Falls encompasses 300 acres and over two miles of trails and walkways. Take the 2-mile-long Red Trail to see all eight falls, including the Lower Gorge Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Bridesmaid’s Falls—a tribute to the Poconos' nickname as the “Honeymoon Capital of the USA.”
The area around Bushkill is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for biking along the Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail, birdwatching, and exploring the Pocono Mountains on horseback with Bushkill Riding Stables. The town is also near the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, where activities in the great outdoors are endless. The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is located nearby and offers educational programs, guided hikes, and environmental workshops for the whole family. Programs are offered throughout the summer of 2024, including a Wilderness Walkabout, a Farm to Table Dinner, and an Introduction to Orienteering.
Hawley
Hawley is near Lake Wallenpaupack, one of Pennsylvania's largest and most popular recreational lakes. It offers boating, fishing, and kayaking, and it’s a hub for water-based activities and relaxation. A not-to-be-missed annual event is the Wally Lake Fest, held August 23 to 25, 2024. The 3-day event includes a Farmers Market, vendor fairs, scenic boat tours, specials at Log Tavern Brewing, and Wallypalooza—live bands on the lake. A short drive from the lake is the Wallenpaupack Brewing Company. Visit their brewpub to see what’s on tap, and order a few plates of Shareables to enjoy with friends.
The restaurant scene in Hawley is exciting, with Glass, a wine-bar-kitchen eaterie featuring an “All-American Wine and Beer List,” and the upscale Tree Restaurant and Bar, where guests dine amongst the treetops. The restaurant is part of the award-winning Lodge at Woodloch if visitors to Hawley simply can’t get enough of its natural beauty and want to stay overnight.
Jim Thorpe
Probably one of the most popular towns in the Poconos, Jim Thorpe (the “Switzerland of America”) is renowned for its rich history, well-preserved Victorian architecture, and scenic beauty. Tour the stunning historic former home of Asa Packer, a prominent 19th-century industrialist and philanthropist. The home was built in 1861 and showcases the lavish interiors and period furnishings of the time; and was named a National Historic Landmark. The Mauch Chunk Opera House, built in 1881, is one of the oldest vaudeville theaters in the U.S. and is still hosting live performances after 143 years with tributes to bands like Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, The Smiths, and Billy Joe, and comedy nights.
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers historic and picturesque 45- or 70-minute train rides through the Lehigh Gorge State Park, using vintage coaches pulled by steam and diesel locomotives. Themed rides, such as fall foliage tours and the Santa Claus train, also run throughout the year. Don’t miss the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival on the first three weekends in October 2024. It features craft vendors, food vendors, and live music on four stages.
Milford
Steeped in history, Milford may well be the cultural center of the Poconos. Its vibrant arts and culture scene kicks off in June with the 2024 Milford Music Fest. From September 13 to 15, the town hosts the increasingly popular Milford Readers & Writers Festival 2024, held in the landmark Milford Theater, which opened in the 1920s as a silent movie house. The theater is also the venue for the 25th Anniversary Black Bear Film Festival on October 18 to 20, 2024—focusing on independent films from around the world.
Away from the festival scene, spend some time at the family-friendly Milford Beach, situated along a section of the Delaware River designated a National Wild and Scenic River. The beach is popular for swimming, canoeing, and hiking along the Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail. Finally, step back in history with a visit to the Grey Towers National Historic Site, the former home of Gifford Pinchot, the founder of the USDA Forest Service and two-time governor of Pennsylvania. Today, it is a museum and offers tours of the mansion and surrounding gardens.
In 2024, discover the warmth and charm of Pennsylvania's Poconos region. Each town, from the historic allure of Jim Thorpe to the bustling cultural scene of Stroudsburg and the serene beauty of Bushkill and Hawley, welcomes visitors with open arms. Whether exploring scenic railways, enjoying local festivals, or venturing into the great outdoors, these towns promise not just attractions but genuine hospitality. It's a year to connect with history, culture, and nature, and there’s no more scenic place to do than the Poconos.
