8 Of The Friendliest Towns In The Poconos

The Poconos region is known for its natural beauty as well as friendly communities. In Jim Thorpe, you can take a leisurely walk along the historic downtown with impressive Victorian architecture or ride a train through scenic mountain landscapes, all the while enjoying the warm hospitality the place has to offer. If adrenaline is calling your name, you can go ziplining in Tannersville or splash in the waterpark at Camelbeach. Or maybe you'd rather sit out on the patio with your community at The Boathouse in Hawley. Here you will find eight of the friendliest towns and activities in The Poconos.

Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, is known for its Victorian architecture, outdoor recreation, and its namesake, the Native American athlete Jim Thorpe, who is buried there. Popular tourist attractions include the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, offering scenic train rides throughout Lehigh Gorge State Park. Families and friends can come together to tour the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, a National Historic Landmark that showcases a well-preserved Italianate villa built in 1861. After taking in all that history with the people you love, grab a bite to eat at Broadway Grill + Underground for some short rib grilled cheese or pulled pork nachos. Or get some local craft beer at Notch Eight Craft House, known for their drinks but also having menu items including wings, chicken sandwiches, and more.

Milford

Milford is located near the Delaware River. While here, visit Grey Towers National Historic Site, a 102-acre estate that was completed in 1886. It has 44 rooms and was the ancestral home of Gifford Pinchot, the founder and first chief of the U.S. Forest Service and two-term governor of Pennsylvania. If you and your crew love history, continue your tour at The Columns Museum, where exhibits feature local history, including the Lincoln Flag, Zane Grey memorabilia, Native American history, and the Davis-Bailey family's story. Grab a bite to eat at The Social, known for its pizza and other Italian comfort foods. Or visit Apple Valley Family Restaurant for some hearty American dishes, including cheeseburgers and Southwest chicken salad.

Honesdale

Honesdale is found in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, near Scranton. This rural area offers plenty of recreational activities, including hiking, boating, and skiing, as well as a historic downtown full of shops and restaurants perfect for community. On a beautiful day, visit Honesdale Central Park, where there are picnic tables, play areas, a fountain, and summer concerts. Check out a local shop like Maude and Main for vintage-inspired and contemporary offerings. Then head over to Twisted Rail Tavern for some smoked wings, burgers, loaded potato soup, among other menu items. Or sit out on the patio at Tick Tock's on Terrace for some pork chops, ribs, cheese curds, and more.

Hawley

Hawley, Pennsylvania, is found in the Pocono Mountains, known for its downtown, proximity to Lake Wallenpaupack, and Victorian architecture. With a history tied to the coal and bluestone industries, the town blends the past with the present through local breweries, shops, and events like Winterfest and the Hawley Harvest Hoedown. The area is known for water sports, fishing, and beautiful views, with Lake Wallenpaupack a popular destination covering 5,700 acres with 52 miles of shoreline. Visit the Hawley Silk Mill, built in 1880 and often cited as one of the largest bluestone structures in the country, which now houses shops, a brewery, a coffee house, a fitness center, and a college campus. When the weather is beautiful, sit out on the patio at The Boathouse for some fish and chips, prime rib, and lobster rolls. Or grab a beer with friends at Wallenpaupack Brewing Company, which, on select nights, hosts events like trivia night.

Stroudsburg

Located in the Pocono Mountains region, Stroudsburg is loved for its historic downtown with shops, restaurants, and an art scene, and offers a gateway to outdoor activities, including hiking and skiing. Known for its small-town character, the area has a rich history with landmarks like the Stroud Mansion Museum and Library, which showcases the region's history through exhibits, a research library, and educational programs. Here you can hike part of the Appalachian Trail, go kayaking in the warmer months, or go skiing at nearby resorts like Camelback Resort and Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in the winter months. Enjoy the patio at Farmhouse Main Street and indulge in burgers, short ribs, grilled cheese, salads, and more. Or grab a beer and meal at Bovino's Brewery, specializing in craft beers as well as food items like flatbreads, chicken wings, and tacos.

Delaware Water Gap

Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania, is known as a gateway to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a landmark where the Delaware River cuts through the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors and locals love the outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and camping. History buffs will want to visit the Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery, found in a historic 1870s brick schoolhouse featuring local artifacts, a restored 1920s classroom, and rotating exhibits by regional artists. For those craving seafood or steak, visit Sycamore Grille for a relaxed, family-run restaurant and bar that features live music. Then get some sweet treats at Village Farmer and Bakery, specializing in their homemade pies.

Tannersville

Located in Pennsylvania, Tannersville is found in the Pocono Mountains and is known for its year-round outdoor recreation, with Camelback Mountain Resort as a popular landmark, which features snowboarding, skiing, and the Camelbeach Waterpark. This area grew from a tanning industry hub to a tourist destination with outdoor activities, shopping, dining, and adventure parks with opportunities to go ziplining at Camelback Mountain Adventures. Take a scenic drive or hike and pack a picnic at Big Pocono State Park, which offers wide ridge-top views across three states. Tannersville is known for a strong sense of community, and there are plenty of dining options available to spend quality time. Enjoy seafood at Smuggler's Cove or enjoy the seasonal outdoor bar at Barley Creek Brewing Company.

Cresco

Cresco is located in the Pocono Mountains, known for its scenery and opportunities for hiking and fishing, with a history tied to the railroad and ice harvesting. See the beauty of nature in Brodhead Creek, Ice Lake, Rattlesnake Falls, and Cresco Heights. For those interested in some history, visit the Barrett Township Historical Society, a museum that shares the history of the railway in the area as well as showcases artifacts. For those craving Italian, visit Carrazza's for some delicious pasta and pizza. Or looking for the perfect place to celebrate with family and friends? Enjoy a hibachi dinner at Desaki Restaurant.

Planning Your Poconos Trip

So now it's time to start planning your trip with those you hold dear. Everyone can enjoy a scenic drive together in Tannersville and play some trivia at Wallenpaupack Brewing Company in Hawley. And of course, you can't forget to get some pie at Village Farmer and Bakery in Delaware Water Gap because who doesn't love pie?