7 Friendliest Towns to Visit in The Poconos
The Pocono Mountains are located in northeastern Pennsylvania and cover approximately 2,400 square miles. Just ninety miles from both the capital city of Philadelphia and New York City, the Poconos offer a scenic, peaceful retreat from the metropolitan hustle, where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports amid the region's rolling hills and clear lakes. The Pocono Mountains are also home to several charming small towns known for their friendly atmosphere and welcoming communities, including Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Hawley, and Bushkill. So, gas up the car, head for the hills, and get to know the Poconos in 2024.
Honesdale
Honesdale Central Park is an ideal starting point when visiting this small town with fewer than 5,000 residents. The town and park are renowned as the inspiration for the Christmas classic “Winter Wonderland,” recorded by artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Michael Bublé. The park serves as a central gathering spot hosting events year-round and is located near historic Main Street. Visitors can explore the Wayne County Historical Society Museum, which organizes various events such as the 195th Stourbridge Lion Anniversary on August 9, 2024. The Stourbridge Lion, known as the “Iron Lion,” was the first steam locomotive in the United States, making its debut run on August 8, 1829. Currently, the Stourbridge Line provides scenic train excursions and themed rides in vintage railroad cars.
From August 2 to 10, 2024, Honesdale welcomes 100,000 to the “162nd Annual Wayne County Fair”—one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the state. The 8-day event includes a huge midway with over 26 rides, horse-tractor-truck pulls, a demolition derby, and live entertainment.
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg is a vibrant town with art galleries, antique shops, and the historic Sherman Theater—the town’s cultural hub. The theater first opened in 1929 and continues its long tradition of hosting concerts, live performances, and community events throughout the year. On August 31, it hosts Stroudfest 2024, the 15th annual free event that welcomes residents and visitors with live music, food, drinks, and many family-friendly activities.
Spend some time in downtown Stroudsburg, browsing one-of-a-kind shops like the Apple Tree, a destination boutique selling stylish women’s clothing; Fitzpatrick’s Celtic & Irish Store; and Pocono Soap. Stop at American Ribbon, which has sold patterned ribbon and fabric since 1913. American Ribbon Manufacturers is the retail arm of Monroe Silk Mills, which produced parachute cords and military ribbons during World War II, operating 24/7 with one hour off per week for machine maintenance. Today, Monroe Silk Mills makes ribbons for military medals, badges, and patriotic ribbons for all wars, including Desert Storm and the bombings on 9/11.
This busy small town also hosts the Poconos' premier art and craft festival at the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm from August 24 to 25, 2024. Visitors can experience various arts and crafts demonstrations, listen to local musicians from the region, and take home a crafty souvenir.
Delaware Water Gap
Delaware Water Gap is renowned for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks along the Delaware River. Yet, the town itself boasts a vibrant underground jazz scene, still alive today at the Deer Head Inn—the oldest continually operating jazz club in the U.S. It also hosts the Annual Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts (COTA) from September 7 to 8, 2024. Consider taking a Historic Trolley Tour to visit the Castle Inn, a notable landmark built in 1906. Once a luxurious hotel and the second most popular inland destination (after Saratoga Springs), it attracted wealthy tourists fleeing nearby cities. Now, the hotel contains retail, offices, and shops but remains an important cultural site.
Outdoor lovers are drawn to the 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area along the Delaware River. There are over 100 trails for hikers, but popular attractions inside the park include Raymondskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, Dingmans Falls, and the Appalachian Trail, the famous trail that passes through the Delaware Water Gap.
Bushkill
The small town of Bushkill is most well-known as the home of the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," Bushkill Falls. These eight waterfalls are accessible via hiking trails, offering stunning views and photography opportunities along the way. Bushkill Falls encompasses 300 acres and over two miles of trails and walkways. Take the 2-mile-long Red Trail to see all eight falls, including the Lower Gorge Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Bridesmaid’s Falls—a tribute to the Poconos' nickname as the “Honeymoon Capital of the USA.”
The Bushkill area is perfect for outdoor lovers, offering activities such as biking along the Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail, birdwatching, and horseback riding in the Pocono Mountains with Bushkill Riding Stables. It is also close to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, providing countless outdoor pursuits. The nearby Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) features educational programs, guided hikes, and environmental workshops suitable for all ages. In summer 2024, programs include a Wilderness Walkabout, a Farm to Table Dinner, and an Introduction to Orienteering.
Hawley
Hawley is near Lake Wallenpaupack, one of Pennsylvania's largest and most popular recreational lakes. It offers boating, fishing, and kayaking, and it’s a hub for water-based activities and relaxation. A not-to-be-missed annual event is the Wally Lake Fest, held August 23 to 25, 2024. The 3-day event includes a Farmers Market, vendor fairs, scenic boat tours, specials at Log Tavern Brewing, and Wallypalooza—live bands on the lake. A short drive from the lake is the Wallenpaupack Brewing Company. Visit their brewpub to see what’s on tap, and order a few plates of Shareables to enjoy with friends.
The restaurant scene in Hawley is exciting, with Glass, a wine-bar-kitchen eaterie featuring an “All-American Wine and Beer List,” and the upscale Tree Restaurant and Bar, where guests dine amongst the treetops. The restaurant is part of the award-winning Lodge at Woodloch if visitors to Hawley simply can’t get enough of its natural beauty and want to stay overnight.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe, often called the 'Switzerland of America,' is one of the most popular towns in the Poconos, known for its rich history, well-preserved Victorian architecture, and scenic surroundings. Visitors can tour the historic home of Asa Packer, a notable 19th-century industrialist and philanthropist, built in 1861. This landmark features luxurious interiors and period furnishings and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. The Mauch Chunk Opera House, established in 1881, is among the oldest vaudeville theaters in the United States. It continues to host live performances, celebrating acts such as Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, The Smiths, Billy Joe, and comedy nights, spanning over 143 years.
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers historic and picturesque 45- or 70-minute train rides through the Lehigh Gorge State Park, using vintage coaches pulled by steam and diesel locomotives. Themed rides, such as fall foliage tours and the Santa Claus train, also run throughout the year. Don’t miss the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival on the first three weekends in October 2024. It features craft vendors, food vendors, and live music on four stages.
Milford
Steeped in history, Milford may well be the cultural center of the Poconos. Its vibrant arts and culture scene kicks off in June with the 2024 Milford Music Fest. From September 13 to 15, the town hosts the increasingly popular Milford Readers & Writers Festival 2024, held in the landmark Milford Theater, which opened in the 1920s as a silent movie house. The theater is also the venue for the 25th Anniversary Black Bear Film Festival on October 18 to 20, 2024—focusing on independent films from around the world.
Away from the festival scene, spend some time at the family-friendly Milford Beach, situated along a section of the Delaware River designated a National Wild and Scenic River. The beach is popular for swimming, canoeing, and hiking along the Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail. Finally, step back in history with a visit to the Grey Towers National Historic Site, the former home of Gifford Pinchot, the founder of the USDA Forest Service and two-time governor of Pennsylvania. Today, it is a museum and offers tours of the mansion and surrounding gardens.
In 2024, discover the warmth and charm of Pennsylvania's Poconos region. Each town, from the historic allure of Jim Thorpe to the bustling cultural scene of Stroudsburg and the serene beauty of Bushkill and Hawley, welcomes visitors with open arms. Whether exploring scenic railways, enjoying local festivals, or venturing into the great outdoors, these towns promise not just attractions but genuine hospitality. It's a year to connect with history, culture, and nature, and there’s no more scenic place to do than the Poconos.
