7 Towns in The Poconos With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
The Pocono Mountains are a major highland region in Pennsylvania, spanning across the Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon counties. The Lehigh River and Delaware River bound the mountains on their western and eastern sides. This mountain range continues into the Catskill Mountains in New York State. These mountains have flat tops with a fairly cool climate. Forests and fresh bodies of water line the region, acting as an ideal vacation spot year round, whether tourists are eager to swim or ski. Many of these small towns that come alive with their tourists have some excellent downtown areas to explore.
Milford, Pennsylvania
Milford is a notable small town in the Pocono Mountains, known for its downtown area full of historic sites. The town's main commercial district is centered around Broad Street, where buildings dating back to the Victorian era now house various shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Key landmarks here include the Columns Museum, which provides insight into the local history and even features the famous blood-stained flag from the Lincoln assassination.
Natural beauty is also a short walk away here. The Milford Knob offers a scenic overlook of the Delaware River with panoramic views of the surrounding Pocono Mountains. For those interested in more outdoor educational activities, Grey Towers National Historic Site, the former home of Gifford Pinchot, is located just outside the downtown area and offers tours of the mansion and gardens.
Looking for a historic place to rest your head at night, too? The Hotel Fauchère, dating back to 1880 and still running strong, also includes a restaurant and bar, all located in the heart of Milford's downtown core.
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Stroudsburg is worth checking out for its extensive Main Street, which serves as its cultural and commercial core. The Sherman Theater, a historic venue dating back to 1929, remains a cultural cornerstone, hosting concerts, films, and live performances that draw visitors from across the state. This town is also home to the Monroe County Historical Association, located in the beautifully maintained Stroud Mansion, which provides you with a deep dive into the past, with exhibits on local history, Native American culture, and the lives of the early American settlers to the area.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a short drive from downtown Stroudsburg, offers hiking, fishing, and canoeing opportunities. The renowned natural landmark is a must-see for anyone traveling through the area and is one of the best spots in the state to catch a sunrise or sunset at any one of its many viewpoints.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Jim Thorpe, often referred to as the "Switzerland of America" or the official "Gateway to the Poconos," makes for a wild escape from the city that feels like a step back in time. The town's old buildings, many dating back to the 1800s, particularly along Broadway and Race Street, are some of its most striking features. Landmarks like the Asa Packer Mansion and the Old Jail Museum offer glimpses into the town’s history, from its coal mining roots to its role in the Industrial Revolution. The Mauch Chunk Opera House, built in 1881, is one of the oldest vaudeville theaters in the country. It remains an active venue for concerts and performances. Check out its website to get tickets for an upcoming show.
For those seeking a more outdoor adventure, the Lehigh Gorge State Park, located just outside of downtown, is a haven for hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting along the Lehigh River.
Honesdale, Pennsylvania
Honesdale is known as the birthplace of the American railroad, making it a must-stop destination for train enthusiasts. One of the key historical sites is the Wayne County Historical Society Museum, which showcases the Stourbridge Lion, the first steam locomotive to run on American rails. This museum also provides an intricate look into the town’s industrial past.
Cultural activities in Honesdale are anchored by the Cooperage Project, a community space that hosts concerts, workshops, and local markets. This makes it an excellent place to experience what this town has to offer in a condensed, easy-to-navigate way.
Nearby flows the Lackawaxen River, where kayaking, fishing, and riverside walks are popular activities. This river can easily be explored during your visit, as it flows right through the center of town. Lighted pathways along the Lackawaxen in downtown Honesdale make for an ideal evening stroll.
Hawley
Another town nestled along the banks of the beautiful Lackawaxen River, Hawley attracts visitors with its historic district that is characterized by an assortment of 19th-century buildings, many of which now serve as shops, restaurants, and galleries. No trip here is complete without a visit to the Hawley Silk Mill, a restored 1880s mill that once helped power the local economy and now houses the Hopping Eagle Brewery, the Art on the Edge home goods shop, and the cozy Cocoon Coffee House.
The Ritz Company Playhouse, an iconic theater dating back to the 1930s, is another focal point in Hawlet. Be sure to see a show or simply pass by to appreciate its ornate, old-school signage.
A great place to relax on a hot summer day is Lake Wallenpaupack, one of the largest man-made lakes in Pennsylvania. This body of water is a short drive just outside of town. It has docks for boating and fishing and is surrounded by a collection of hiking trails.
Mount Pocono
Mount Pocono, as you can imagine, is a central hub in the Pocono Mountains, with a downtown area that balances small-town charm with amenities you may need on your travels throughout this beautiful region. Cozy inns downtown, like the Maurrocks BnB, provide a place to stay for the night, and local eateries, like Burke's Tavern and the Pioneer Diner, within walking distance, make this town a perfect stop on any road trip in Pennsylvania.
The town’s proximity to the Mount Airy Casino Resort also adds a touch of luxury and modern fun, with gaming, dining options, and a plethora of entertainment close by. For nature lovers, the nearby Tobyhanna State Park is the place to go given its abundance of places to go hiking, fishing, and bird-watching around Tobyhanna Lake.
East Stroudsburg
East Stroudsburg, adjacent to the larger Stroudsburg, has its own distinct downtown area that is very much worth stopping to see. This town is best known as the home to East Stroudsburg University, giving it an academic and youthful vibe.
A central attraction in downtown East Stroudsburg is the Dansbury Depot, a historic train station now repurposed as a community center and event space. The town also boasts the Antoine Dutot Museum & Gallery, with a collection of showcases featuring local art and the history of the region. The Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium are another fun yet educational attraction. Supported by the university, this museum is the only science center in the Poconos
East Stroudsburg is another town in the Pocono Mountains with easy access to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, where hiking, canoeing, and scenic views of the Delaware River are easy to find.
Discover the Charm of the Poconos
Whether you're visiting the Poconos for a scenic road trip, a weekend on the slopes, or a week on the lake, the abundance of small towns with unique and eclectic downtowns makes the region worth exploring further. Many of the downtown cores in the Poconos region have delicious restaurants, talented artisans, and artists, and you may even catch a fun show or concert.
Exploring both by car and on foot will help you discover some of the best local gems; just ask someone you meet for a recommendation and you're sure to be off on an adventure.
