8 Most Inviting Towns in The Poconos
Tucked away in the heart of the Poconos lies a collection of towns brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty. Each with its unique charm, these destinations offer a variety of authentic experiences off the beaten path. From the historic streets of Honesdale to the scenic vistas of Tobyhanna, we will embark on a journey through Pennsylvania's hidden treasures, where a new adventure is waiting to be discovered.
Honesdale
Located along both the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers, Honesdale is a vibrant town with lots of culture and history to share with its visitors. Walking along the main street in town, visitors will see historical buildings dating back to the 1830’s. For history lovers who wish to immerse themselves even further in the town’s story, they can visit the Wayne County Historical Society Museum. With Honesdale being the birthplace of the American Railroad, this museum will take its visitors back in time to witness Honesdale's role in introducing the country’s first locomotive to commercial railroad tracks. The museum even has a full-size replica of the train.
Dyberry Forks has hungry travelers covered-- this restaurant not only offers delicious, fresh farm-to-table food but is also located in a beautiful historical building from the 19th century. For those wanting to experience the community atmosphere of Honesdale, The Cooperage is a community art and event space with a farmer’s market on the weekend and arts performances and educational events during the week. Make sure to visit their online calendar to see upcoming activities in the space. Lastly, a visit to Honesdale is not complete without some waterfall hunting. Drive out to nearby falls such as Tanners Falls to appreciate the town’s surrounding natural beauty.
Stroudsburg
A mere hour and a half outside of New York City, Stroudsburg offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the town’s laid-back spirit. Colorful, artsy buildings dot the main street, containing a variety of businesses such as art galleries, specialty boutiques, and quality restaurants. For travelers who visit on the first Saturday of the month, take advantage of the town’s art walk, which features art from various galleries and artists. A tour of Stroud Mansion is an excellent way to sense the town’s history, as it features a gorgeous home from 1795 with Georgian-style architecture. A trip to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers breathtaking views of the riverside and a multitude of waterfalls. It also has a variety of activities available, such as hiking, paddling, and fishing.
Walnutport
Lying along the Lehigh River on the edge of the Poconos, Walnutport is a small town of a little over 2,000 people that contains several hidden gems. Visitors can combine their love for history and nature by visiting Lehigh Canal Park & Weissport Trailhead. This park not only has scenic views of the Lehigh River but is also lined by historic buildings and old canal locks. After a day of exploring the park, travelers can visit the beloved Becky’s Drive-In Theater, voted the best drive-in theater in the Lehigh Valley area. A great way to finish off the visit is by driving to the Trolley Barn Public Market, which is home to a winery, distillery, & brewing Company and allows guests to rent out a cozy firepit or enjoy a drink on the second-floor deck. Pop-up craft events are also common on the calendar.
Milford
Milford is a charming river town along the Delaware River filled with history. The Historic District, for example, is lined by well-preserved Federal and Victorian houses. Visiting the Columns Museum will give visitors a deeper appreciation of the town’s heritage. This museum features two floors of impressive exhibits, the most impressive perhaps being the “Lincoln’s Flag” exhibit. Grey Towers National Historic Site is another immersive historical experience in the town. This beautiful home from 1886 was where Gifford Pinchot resided, founder and first chief of the US Forest Service. Today, visitors can walk among the well-kept gardens and trails or take a museum tour of the house. Hungry travelers afterward must stop by the Historic Dimmick Inn, which offers great food and is one of the oldest pubs and buildings in Pennsylvania.
Jim Thorpe
Known as the “Gateway to the Poconos”, this beautiful town was previously called Mauch Chunk but was renamed in 1954 after Native American athlete Jim Thorpe, Olympian, and multi-sport gold medalist to honor his legacy. Cobblestone streets and Victorian-style homes filled with elaborate, detailing await, along with a variety of historic sites in the town, such as St. Mark’s Episcopal Church from 1869, The Asa Packer Mansion from 1861, and the Carbon County Jail from 1870. October is a wonderful time to visit, not only because of the beautiful changing colors of the trees, but also for the Fall Foliage Festival, which offers scenic train rides, crafts, free live music, and delicious food to celebrate the fall season.
Hawley
Situated on the brim of the massive Lake Wallenpaupack, many travelers visit Hawley for its multitude of outdoor activities including boating, swimming, and fishing. However, there are plenty of other activities in town to do as well. The Trading Post What Knots, for example, is a small, welcoming, shop filled with crafts and souvenirs for visitors who want to take a piece of Hawley home with them. The Cacoon Coffee House is a great place to start the day featuring delicious coffee and food in a homey environment. Make sure to check the calendar of the Ritz Company Playhouse in town to see what upcoming plays the cast is putting on. While there are several wonderful places to lodge in Hawley, one of the many recommended is Ledges Hotel, which overlooks some incredibly scenic views and is situated in a stunning Federal-style building that dates back to the 1890s. Hawley is also home to an annual fall festival known as the Hawley Harvest Hoedown, which is a fun, family-friendly event with food trucks, local vendors, and lots of live music to welcome the fall season.
Tobyhanna
Found in the heart of the Pocono Plateau, the small town of Tobyhanna has lots to offer. The Tobyhanna State Park, for example, is a 5,440-acre park open year-round and is great for hiking, swimming, swimming, biking, picnicking, and boating. For winter travelers, it is also a prime location for ice skating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling! While visiting in winter, travelers could stop by the Coolbaugh Township Historical Association’s Annual Christmas Celebration, filled with Christmas decorations, music, and food. A few years ago, the Kalahari Resort opened nearby, putting Tobyhanna on the map. This resort is definitely worth a visit, especially for visitors with families. This 220,000 square feet resort has numerous waterslides, indoor and outdoor spas, and a fun swim-up bar for adults.
Tannersville
Tannersville, Pennsylvania is a great location for adventurers. Many pour into the town every year to go to Camelback Mountain Adventures, a park with endless adventure activities such as a mountain coaster with gorgeous views of the alpine terrain, ziplines, tubing, treetop adventure courses, and more. However, for those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, Tannersville is home to the Pocono Premium Outlets, which features around 100 designer and brand-name stores with great prices. There are also two culinary spots that travelers cannot miss: Barely Creek Brewing Company and Smugger’s Cove. Barely Creek Brewing Company has a great variety of craft beers and a cozy atmosphere. Additionally, it has a calendar chock full of events, such as comedy nights, trivia, speed dating, and bingo, so visitors should check the calendar before popping into Tannersville! Smugger’s Cove is an award-winning steak and seafood restaurant with options that the whole family will love.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up our journey through these destinations in the heart of the Poconos, it's clear that each town holds unique treasure worth exploring. From the captivating history of Honesdale and Milford to the serene landscapes of Tobyhanna and Walnutport, these places offer diverse experiences for every traveler. Whether indulging in arts and culture in Stroudsburg, embracing outdoor adventures in Hawley and Tannersville, or simply soaking in the charm of these hidden gems, visitors will, without a doubt, depart with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation of the beautiful region.
