These 6 Towns In The Poconos Have Bustling Main Streets
The Poconos region of Pennsylvania has long been a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from cities across the Mid-Atlantic region, including New York City, Baltimore, and Washington DC. While well-known for its scenic beauty and endless outdoor recreational opportunities, it also appeals to travelers seeking a fun small-town experience, too. These cozy communities in the Pocono Mountains boast some of the prettiest main streets in the United States and attract tourists with their mix of history and culture, their thriving local businesses, and, of course, the surrounding scenery.
In fact, no visit to the Poconos is complete without experiencing at least a little of the charm of these historic thoroughfares. Lined with quaint family-owned shops and restaurants, they also feature attractions and venues that proudly showcase local history and culture. Whether you’re here for hiking, shopping, or exploring historical landmarks, these six towns in the Poconos have bustling main streets waiting to be explored.
Stroudsburg
Located just a short drive from the Delaware Water Gap, Stroudsburg is only 75 miles west of New York City along the I-80, a short enough drive to make it a convenient getaway for city folk. The town’s bustling Main Street dates back to the early 1800s and is lined with Victorian-era buildings that today house boutique shops, eclectic art galleries, and cozy cafés. One of the main draws is the Sherman Theater, built in 1929 and still hosting concerts and performances year-round. Stroudsburg Main Street is also home to several antique stores, providing a fun shopping experience for those looking to take home a piece of local history.
Every summer in July the town hosts the Pocono Mountains Music Festival, a two-week event that attracts visitors with its many performances and workshops. The town’s weekly farmers' market is another big draw and provides a great excuse to visit on summer weekends. Also, Stroudsburg’s geographic setting places it in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, giving visitors easy access to no end of fun hiking and nature excursions.
Jim Thorpe
Awesome little Jim Thorpe, often referred to as the "Switzerland of America," is a historic town 80 miles north of Philadelphia that makes for a fun Poconos day trip or weekend getaway. Its Main Street, Broadway, boasts a delightful European feel with fine architecture dating from the 19th century, including the Asa Packer Mansion. Now a museum, this stunning stately home was built in 1861 and offers tours for those interested in the area's industrial history. Another must-see is The Mauch Chunk Opera House, established in 1881 and still a great place to enjoy live performances.
Jim Thorpe’s location along the Lehigh River is another plus and ensures a steady flow of adventurers for outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting and biking along the Lehigh Gorge Trail. Events like the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival also draw significant crowds as the surrounding mountains offer spectacular views of autumn colors. The town is especially busy on weekends when visitors flock to its bustling main street for shopping, dining, and cultural events.
Milford
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the I-84 connecting Scranton, PA, with Newburgh, NY, Milford makes for a great base from which to explore the scenic Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Broad Street serves as the town’s main street and is rich with history dating back to the 19th century. Notable attractions here include the Columns Museum, a unique attraction that houses artifacts from President Lincoln's assassination. The museum is located at the easternmost end of Broad Street, so park downtown and enjoy a stroll past the antique shops, boutique stores, and great local eateries that occupy some of the town’s oldest buildings.
Need more excuses to visit? The town holds the annual Milford Music Festival each June, an event that attracts musicians and visitors from all over the region with music spilling out from venues and into the streets. Milford also offers easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks, making it a perfect place for a Poconos retreat
Honesdale
Although a little further from NYC (America’s largest city is 110 miles to the south), Honesdale’s picturesque setting on the Lackawaxen River makes it well worth including in your Poconos travel itinerary. Considered the birthplace of the American railroad, it was here in 1829 that the country’s first commercial steam locomotive was fired up, a legacy that’s proudly celebrated throughout the town. The top related attraction is undoubtedly the Stourbridge Line, a scenic railway that offers excursions from Main Street through the same countryside that the first engine would have traversed.
Whether before or after your train ride, be sure to allocate time to explore Honesdale Main Street. An important center of commerce since the early 19th century, thriving local businesses include everything from great restaurants and boutique shops to historic landmarks like the majestic Wayne County Courthouse, built in 1878 and well worth a visit for its pretty redbrick exterior. The town's annual Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival is one of the largest events in the region, drawing thousands of visitors to the main street and downtown areas each year.
Hawley
Situated near Lake Wallenpaupack, Hawley is about 100 miles from New York City and offers visitors a mix of outdoor recreation and small-town charm. Main Avenue, the focal point of activity here for its blend of local shops and cafés, is also where you’ll find the historic Ritz Company Playhouse. Opened in 1933, this iconic venue continues to offer live theater performances throughout the year. The town's streets are particularly vibrant during the Hawley Winterfest, which brings seasonal joy to visitors with markets, music, and holiday lights every December.
Hawley’s proximity to Lake Wallenpaupack is another plus and provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. The town is also a gateway to the Wallenpaupack Scenic Byway which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Tannersville
Tannersville, located 90 miles north of Philadelphia, is best known for its proximity to Camelback Mountain, one of the most popular ski resorts in the Poconos. Whatever time of year you visit, be sure to explore the town’s Main Street. A great time to visit is during the Tannersville Fall Harvest Artisan Craft Fair in October. In addition to live music, food vendors, and craft stalls, the Main Street comes serve as a jumping-off point to enjoy those spectacular autumn colors. Make the most of the town’s proximity to Big Pocono State Park to schedule a hike and a picnic into your Tannersville travel plans.
The Final Word
Whatever time of year you plan to visit, the spectacular Poconos Mountains offer endless good excuses to spend time here. Topping most visitor lists, these charming small towns feature vibrant main streets that provide a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities to partake in. Whether you’re here for the historic architecture, the fun local festivals, or the surrounding natural beauty, these six towns in the Poconos have bustling main streets guaranteed to keep you occupied for hours.
