The Best Small Town In Pennsylvania For A 3-Day Weekend
It’s not often that a town is named for an athlete, but Jim Thorpe was known as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) for his accomplishments across numerous sports and the Olympics. He was so beloved that the towns of Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, merged and were renamed Jim Thorpe in 1954 in his honor. Although Thorpe never lived in the town, his widow arranged for the Jim Thorpe Memorial to include two statues of him, a tomb with his remains, and historical markers.
Now the town is one of the most visited in the state’s Pocono Mountains region, and is one of the best small towns in Pennsylvania for a three-day weekend. From climbing Flagstaff Mountain to see the town from above, finding inspiration on the stage at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, or enjoying fresh, organic goodies from Ma’s Crepes & Cakes, it’s not difficult to build a full itinerary to explore Jim Thorpe.
Outdoor Adventures Abound
Long weekends are made for spending time outdoors, and Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania offers an abundance of things to do outside.
Jim Thorpe is bordered by Lehigh Gorge State Park, a 6,000-acre park that follows the Lehigh River. The Lehigh Gorge Trail inside the park follows more than 20 miles of the Delaware & Lehigh (D&L) Trail, which runs through Bristol, Pennsylvania. The gravel trail is perfect for a long hike or run, and offers scenic views of wildlife and waterfalls. More adventurous travelers may enjoy whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River. Flagstaff Mountain sits 1,000 feet above town and offers panoramic views of Jim Thorpe, the Lehigh River, and the Lehigh Gorge State Park. It's easy to navigate, too; follow Flagstaff Road until the parking area signs are visible.
Victorian Architecture and History
Since the towns that merged to form Jim Thorpe were established in 1818 as coal towns, its history is long and varied. Although the coal mines disappeared, the Victorian-era homes and buildings that made up the town still remain. One of those buildings is The Old Jail, which opened in 1870.
The two-story stone jail housed criminals in 27 cells, including a group of Irish coal miners known as Molly Maguires, who violently fought for better conditions in the mines. The jail closed in 1995, but is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural and historical significance. It is located in the Old Mauch Chunk Historic District, along with the Mauch Chunk Opera House.
The Opera House was built in 1881 and is one of America's oldest Vaudeville theaters. It was once the region's main stop for Vaudeville performers and a popular venue for politicians and dignitaries to address the public. It is still in operation after more than 140 years, with live performances by local and touring bands and musicians.
Stay a While
While there, stay at the Harry Packer Mansion Inn, a Gothic estate that inspired Disney’s Haunted Mansion. The striking home welcomes visitors into its rooms, featuring 15-foot ceilings, antique furnishings, marble fireplaces, and all the trappings of wealthy Victorian life. Modern amenities such as televisions are absent from the mansion (although WiFi is available), but some guest rooms do have electric fireplaces. The mansion occasionally holds “Murder Mystery” weekends, where guests take part in unraveling the untimely “death” of a guest at the Inn.
If a real ghost story is what you crave, one of the 65 rooms at The Inn at Jim Thorpe may be a good choice for lodging. According to some past guests, the Inn is haunted. Since its original building, the White Swan Inn, was built in 1833 and burned down in 1849 before being rebuilt, it’s entirely possible that some guests have stayed that long.
Eats and Treats
With all this activity, don’t forget to eat! The Broadway Grille is located inside the Inn at Jim Thorpe, and offers a menu of steaks, seafood, and sandwiches for lunch and dinner, as well as a breakfast menu. The Broadway Underground is a club and event space under the restaurant and offers live music, a dance floor, and lounge seating. For sweet treats, don’t miss Ma’s Crepes & Cakes, an all-organic creperie that uses only fresh and sustainably sourced ingredients. Order sweet or savory crepes from their impressive menu, or enjoy other desserts like cakes, cookies, and pies, along with bubble tea.
Christmas fans can keep the holiday spirit alive year-round while shopping for decor and ornaments at the Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe. Culinarians will enjoy perusing the selections at Jim Thorpe Olive Oil Co., with more than 100 flavors of olive oil and balsamic vinegars, as well as soups, pasta, and other unexpected and hard-to-find cooking accoutrements.
Whether visiting as a fan of the legendary athlete or just to see the beauty of the town and the Poconos, be sure to set aside three full days to enjoy everything Jim Thorpe has to offer. Hike the Lehigh Gorge Trail, experience history at The Old Jail, or take a peek at the inspiration for a classic Disney ride at the Harry Packer Mansion Inn. Whatever you choose to do, Jim Thorpe will keep you busy.
