9 Best Towns in The Poconos for a Winter Getaway

The Poconos is one of those secret treasures that has many surprises to offer to its visitors. From beautiful skiing trails to cozy lodging, these magnificent mountains make for the perfect winter getaway for families and couples alike. Here are some of the best towns in the Poconos to visit on your winter holiday.

Honesdale

Known to be one of the warmest and most welcoming towns in the Poconos, Honesdale is the perfect mix of the new and the old. Be prepared to soak in some stunning hillside scenery and beautiful architecture when in Honesdale. The town has several recreational opportunities, including a visit to the Prompton State Park, hiking up the Irving Cliff to view the gorgeous town, and guided trips and water rentals. Enjoy a fun family day in the outdoors or explore critical town attractions like the Wayne County Historical Society & Museum. Travelers would be excited to know that Honesdale hosts several fun events every year. These include the Wayne County Fair, train rides, fireworks, and music festivals. Don’t miss a ride on The Stourbridge Line, which offers some fantastic excursions worth exploring, and start your day by devouring a delicious breakfast at the famous Camp Umpy's Bagels & Stuff. Those who enjoy a good beer should definitely bookmark the Here & Now Brewing Company when visiting Honesdale!

Milford

The history of Milford revolves around The American Conservation Movement. It is also famous for its culinary tradition, which continues to be maintained and is honored to date. Milford is a town blessed with beautiful waterways and trails and is ideal for new adventures! Travelers can enjoy biking and hiking activities at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, along with exploring the magnificence of Raymondskill Falls, Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall. Other outdoor attractions in Milford include the Delaware River and Milford Knob. History aficionados can spend their day touring the Columns Museum, which has the famed “Lincoln Flag,” as well as the Grey Towers National Historic Site. For some local shopping, head to the BetterWorld Store & Café, which houses artisanal foods and sustainable goods, and pick up pretty candles and crystals from Earthly Treasures.

Stroudsburg

There is something for everyone in Stroudsburg, a Poconos town with several galleries, museums, music venues, and restaurants. Often called the “heart of Poconos,” Stroudsburg has several scenic waterside walks and woodland parks to explore. Travelers should check out The Levee Loop Trail for gentle biking and hiking paths. Another exciting activity to undertake in Stroudsburg is visiting interactive galleries and museums like Stroud Mansion, Pocono Arts Council, and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, which host special programs and fun workshops throughout the year!

Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe is another town in the Poconos perfect for a winter getaway. Located in Carbon County’s Lehigh Gorge, Jim Thorpe was initially called Mauch Chunk. Here, travelers can savor the unique experience of a mountain holiday in a European village-like setting. Jim Thorpe boasts magnificent Victorian mansions that once belonged to old-century industrialist millionaires. These have been restored over the years and are now home to museums, unique shops, galleries, dining facilities as well as entertainment venues. Some of the popular outdoor tourist attractions in Jim Thorpe include the Lehigh Gorge State Park and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Center. For a fun day with family, plan a trip to some of the beautiful museums in the town, including the Harry Packer Mansion, Old Jail Museum, and The Stabin Museum. Jim Thorpe hosts some exciting seasonal festivals such as Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas and Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival. These festivals bring everyone to the sidewalks and streets for a good time with family and friends.

Tannersville

Located in Monroe County, Tannersville is a town that can be found to the north of Stroudsburg in the Poconos. Whether you like staying in the cozy indoors or enjoying outdoor activities, Tannersville has something to offer to every kind of traveler. Enjoy the views of splendid foliage from a height of more than 2,700 feet at the Big Pocono State Park, and don’t miss the chance to visit Camelback Mountain Adventures, the largest outdoor amusement park in Pennsylvania! Plunge into activities like zip lining, UTV tours, mountain coaster rides, and much more at this amazing winter adventure park. Another thing to look forward to in Tannersville is shopping for fall scarves and sweaters at the famous Pocono Premium Outlets. Take a break and devour a wholesome meal at the Barley Creek Brewing Company or Smuggler’s Cove Restaurant.

Lehighton

Located alongside the picturesque Lehigh River, the town of Lehighton can be found near Jim Thorpe. One of the main attractions of this town is its downtown area, which has several charming shops for tourists to explore. Travelers must make a note of visiting Yenser’s Tree Farm, which has acres of land covered in all kinds of trees, including Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce Trees, and Fraser Fir, among others. One of the best family activities for those visiting during Christmas is to pick out your own tree from this vast collection. Lehighton is also extremely popular for being home to the largest general store in the world- Country Junction. Besides indulging in some retail therapy, travelers can enjoy fun events like Santa’s Pajama Party, egg hunts, wine festivals, and more at this store.

Lake Wallenpaupack

Covering an area of 5,600 acres, Lake Wallenpaupack in the Poconos is known for its stunning foliage. On its border is Hawley, a small quaint town, and several local hubs such as Paupack, Lakeville, Tafton, and Greentown. Lake Wallenpaupack looks like a magical frozen playground in winter, allowing tourists and locals to enjoy fun outdoor activities like ice skating, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Golf lovers can drop by The Country Club or Skytop Lodge Golf Course for a relaxed afternoon playing their favorite sport. Some popular dining options at Lake Wallenpaupack include The Dock on Wallenpaupack and The Boat House Restaurant.

Hawley

Hawley is a town located in the center of Poconos’ Lake Region. It appears to be extremely scenic during the fall, and has colorful trees lining the beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack and Lackawaxen River! Embark upon an exciting biking adventure with Pennsylvania Rail Bike. Here, friends and families can hop on to the four or two-seater rail bikes and pedal their way through the stunning scenery around. Hungry after all that biking? Take a lunch break and enjoy a hearty meal at the Cocoon Coffeehouse & Bakery or the TREE Restaurant and Bar.

Delaware Water Gap

Known to be among the biggest attractions in the Poconos, The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation is spread across 70,000 acres of land and is home to two of Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfalls. History buffs would enjoy The Pocono Historic Trolley Tour that goes through Shawnee and the Minisink Hills, covering a beautiful scenery of colorful leaves and stunning back roads. Other popular spots to explore include the Antoine Dutot Museum & Gallery and the Deer Head Inn. Savour delightful apple pies at the Village Farmer and Bakery and stop by Atparagus Sunshine, a local shop that sells antiques.

Poconos Winter Wonderland

Poconos is the ultimate winter holiday destination for families and friends. With a plethora of activities like ice skating, snowboarding, sleigh rides, skiing, tubing, delicious local food, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts, cabins, and resorts, Poconos offers a complete package of fun and relaxation to its visitors.