11 Poconos Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets
In northeast Pennsylvania, you will find the Poconos, a breathtaking mountainous region recognized for its incredible natural scenery, diverse culinary scenes, and well-preserved historic landmarks featuring a mix of architectural styles. If you would like to truly acquaint yourself with the local culture, head into the heart of these towns where history comes to life downtown. From Stroudsburg to Gettysburg, explore these 11 Poconos towns with unforgettable main streets.
Main Street, Stroudsburg
Filled with quaint shops, gorgeous galleries, vibrant cafes, and incredible restaurants, downtown Stroudsburg is an ideal place to visit. Watch a captivating show at The Sherman Theater, a historic cultural venue that debuted in 1929. Head west on Main Street to taste premium varietals in The Renegade Winery, deemed the first urban concept winery in the Poconos. Siamsa Irish Pub is another exciting destination to stop by. This upscale Irish pub is a wonderful spot to order a pint and listen to live music with friends or connect with others in a lively environment amidst the traditions of Ireland. Regarding accommodations, the extraordinary Penn Stroud, originally opened in 1833 has undergone million-dollar renovations to offer modern amenities mixed with timeless charm on historic Main Street.
Broad Street, Milford
Welcome to Milford, where picturesque Victorian buildings perfectly blend with scenic trails and mesmerizing waterfalls. Ponder the extraordinary mix of architectural styles (dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries) as you meander down Broad Street, including the extraordinary Columns Museum. See fascinating exhibits displayed in two stories of this neoclassical mansion, featuring the famous Lincoln Flag used to cushion the 16th U.S. President's head after he was shot. From there, head to 403 Broad Café to sip on a freshly brewed cup of coffee paired with an all-day breakfast in a cozy environment. Another unique spot is the Golden Fish Art Gallery. Displaying one-of-a-kind art prints, books, studio sculptures, lovely jewelry, and more, you can find the perfect souvenir or gift to take home. From there, head east on Broad Street to the Tom Quick Inn, a historic family-friendly hotel serving guests for nearly 140 years.
Broadway Street, Jim Thorpe
Often referred to as the "Switzerland of America," this breathtaking city entices visitors with its beautiful boutiques, scenic train rides, and captivating tree-lined streets featuring well-preserved Victorian architecture. See the quaint shops, magnificent museums, and gorgeous galleries as you explore the winding Broadway Street. Prepare for a mysterious journey at The Old Jail Museum, a historic two-story 19th-century jail. Ponder the stunning fortress-style exterior before you head inside to venture through the spooky dungeon. Next, put your skills to the test and see if you can crack the code to this creative, immersive escape room: Wonderland on Broadway. Mauch Chunk Opera House, previously named the Capitol Theater, is another site that certainly deserves a visit. Constructed in 1881, this premier venue offers intimate concert experiences with approximately 380 seats; all of which are close to the show. The Inn At Jim Thorpe, an iconic landmark constructed in 1849, conveniently blends old-world charm with modern-day amenities for a comfortable stay in the historic district.
Main Avenue, Hawley
Find a piece of Poconos paradise in Hawley, a stunning town near Lake Wallenpaupack. While explorers will fall in love with the area's country scenery, if you are interested in small-town magic, Hawley is also one of the Poconos towns with unforgettable main streets. Bask in the beauty of the Lackawaxen River as you cross the bridge on Main Avenue, and see what treasures you can take home in Time Machine Antiques. Taste mouth-watering Italian dishes in Ravyn & Robyn Food & Wine, paired with international wines in this historic restaurant. Find your home-away-from-home in The Settlers Inn. Being a part rustic lodge, farm-to-table restaurant, and historic site creates the perfect place for a getaway.
Main Street, Honesdale
Unlock a world of adventures in Honesdale, one of the Poconos towns with unforgettable main streets. Admire the colorful Italianate architecture as you meander through Main Street, stopping by quaint cafes, vibrant eateries, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. Discover "The Great Wall of Honesdale," a creative arts program where, every year, fascinating exhibits are displayed outdoors from April to May. Find tasty appetizers, refreshing drink specials, and diverse events ranging from themed parties to karaoke, bingo nights, and live music in the Twisted Rail Tavern, a friendly neighborhood bar. Try delicious dishes in Dyberry Forks, a farm-to-table restaurant sourcing local meats, cheeses, and meats. Stay in the centrally located Hotel Wayne, featuring the Bistro 1202 restaurant and lovely Wine Room.
1st Street, Lehighton
Set along the stunning Lehigh River, this scenic town offers natural beauty, quaint shops, and family-friendly activities, which make for an unforgettable getaway. Start with a scrumptious meal at Lorenzo Pizza Kitchen And Wine Bar; between a wide range of pizzas, pasta, and other specialty Italian dishes, this is a spot both kids and adults will love. Next, head south to Colonel Jacob Weiss Park, seeing the beautiful fountain and well-kept grounds. Take the kids to Joker’s Are Wild Game Café, where many activities are available for all ages, from board games to escape rooms. See what antiques, jewelry, costumes, and other treasures you can find with discounts at the Crazy for Closeouts store. Country Inn & Suites By Radisson has a location nearby in Lehighton, situated off of I-476.
Main Street, Delaware Water Gap
A town history buffs and foodies will love, Delaware Water Gap seamlessly blends vibrant restaurants with historical wonders. With a past tracing back to 1793, you can learn about the history and heritage of the city which was (and continues to be) a getaway destination for artists and musicians, as you visit the Antoine Dutot Museum & Gallery. Not to mention the town runs parallel to the Delaware River and is a short walk from the water. Treat your tastebuds and find out what nightly specials are available at Sycamore Grille. Listen to incredible jazz music in Deer Head Inn, as you quickly uncover why Delaware Water Gap is one of the Poconos towns with unforgettable main streets. This lively inn also offers accommodations, with eight tasteful rooms and two suites.
Delaware Avenue, Palmerton
Combine outdoor adventures with historic charm in Palmerton; one of the Poconos towns with unforgettable main streets. Bask in the picturesque backdrops of Blue Mountain as you wander through Palmerton Borough Park, exploring the gorgeous green walkways and lawns. Community events like the Palmerton Community Festival are hosted here, with music, food stands, crafts, and rides in the heart of town. Next, munch on some delicious comfort foods including the famous cheesesteaks and homemade desserts in Bert's Steakhouse, where you are actually allowed to bring your own drinks to pair with your meal. If you head further east along the street, you will come across the rushing Aquashicola Creek, around Delaware and Beltz.
Crystal Street, East Stroudsburg
You may think we have already covered this destination, but fret not. Originally named Dansbury, East Stroudsburg is a distinct, neighboring town. Make your way over to Crystal Street to see the local businesses, community spots, and eateries. Admire the gardens or enjoy a lovely lunch outdoors with the picnic tables in Miller Park. For a local dining experience, head north to try delicious burgers and specialty wing sauces in Trackside Grill & Bar, a family-friendly spot serving American favorites. Choose from over 32 beers on tap at Derailed Taphouse; weekly specials like $6 Margarita days, $1 Wings, $9 Burger Nights, and Trivia Nights are offered. Stay in the Quality Inn, nearby in East Stroudsburg.
Main Street, Lititz
Head into the heart of Lititz, a historical city founded by Moravians in 1756. Admire the German, Victorian, and English architectural styles as you meander through the captivating tree-lined streets. Grab an old-fashioned soft pretzel from Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. Founded in 1861, this is the oldest commercial pretzel bakery in America. Learn about the Lancaster town’s rich past through the Lititz Historical Foundation as you explore the past documents and artifacts, or book a tour to see notable landmarks such as the Moravian Church. See what gems you can find in Aaron's Books, from bestsellers to book club reads and signed A.S. King books. Head west to Lititz Springs Inn, enjoying crafted cocktails and tasty appetizers in their bar and choosing from several rooms and suites for your stay.
Baltimore Street, Gettysburg
Pay a visit to Gettysburg, the perfect place to learn about American Civil War history. This quaint town is where the Battle of Gettysburg took place in 1863. Learn about this significant turning point in the Jennie Wade House, including a civilian killed in this battle. Artifacts from 1863 are displayed in this historic home. Explore the town’s past further in the Gettysburg Museum of History, featuring extensive private collections from WWI, WWII, and the Civil War. Over 4,000 artifacts are here. Once you have explored these museums, unwind with a refreshing drink and dish in the Blue & Gray Bar & Grill. Try the Philly cheese steak with domestic or imported beers.
Takeaways
Discover a world of adventures in the Poconos; a picturesque mountain region featuring a wide range of culinary wonders, diverse architectural styles from previous centuries, and legendary landmarks giving you a glimpse of the past. Between the Victorian-era buildings of Milford, incredible eateries and Italianate-style treasures in Honesdale, and the engaging festivals of Palmerton, you need to add these 11 Poconos towns with unforgettable main streets to your list today!
