This Small Poconos Town Has The Best Downtown
Jim Thorpe, located in the Poconos of Eastern Pennsylvania, offers everything a traveler could hope for in a downtown district. You can hop aboard a scenic railway, attend a live concert, or spend the night in a gothic Victorian mansion, all within a few blocks. And of course, there are some pretty great local pubs and coffee houses for a quick pit stop! If you are ready to wander the streets of one of the Poconos’ most delightful towns, Jim Thorpe is the perfect place to explore.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad
Few small towns can say a train leaves straight from downtown, but Jim Thorpe can. Right on Susquehanna Street, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway makes it easy to hop on a train and explore the countryside, no car needed! The railroad offers round-trip rides to Lehigh Gorge State Park, with lengths that vary depending on the excursion. Along the way, a narrated journey takes you winding along the Lehigh River, across bridges, and right into the park. There are several types of cars and coaches that you can reserve, including open-air cars, standard coaches, crown-class coaches, vista-class dome cars, and a first-class lounge.
During the holiday season, special winter and Santa Claus-themed rides are available as well. The Santa Claus Special Trips invite Santa himself on the train, talking to all of the families and children on board, with his elves providing special treats. There are also winter character trains available, with a variety of winter-themed characters entertaining passengers during the excursion.
Victorian Mansions
About a five-minute walk from the train depot, travelers will find two of the region’s most impressive Victorian mansions: The Asa Packer Mansion and the Harry Packer Mansion. The Asa Packer mansion was built in 1861 by Asa Packer, an influential university founder, railroad tycoon, and philanthropist. The home was constructed over the course of two years, consisting of three floors, 18 rooms, and roughly 11,000 square feet of space. It also wonderfully exemplifies the Victorian Italianate architecture style and is filled with original Victorian furnishings and details.
A little over a decade later, in 1874, Asa Packer would build a grand estate for his son, Harry Packer. This home became known as the Harry Packer Mansion, which travelers can visit right next door. This gothic and Victorian-style home is well-known for its iconic architecture and even became an inspiration for the Haunted Mansion at Disney World. A few of the details inside include 15-foot ceilings, gilded mirrors, and marble fireplaces. It also operates today as an inn, giving you the chance to spend the night in the legendary estate! Each room comes with a queen-sized bed and a private bathroom, and some suites add extras like electric fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.
Museums & Art
You are never far from an art or cultural institution in Jim Thorpe. Right on Broadway Street, travelers will find the Mauch Chunk Opera House, a historic performance venue that has been operating for over 140 years. Constructed in 1881, it started out as a stage for emerging vaudeville stars. Today, the theater seats about 450 guests and is considered to be one of the most premier intimate concert venues in the northeast.
Walking about five minutes west, you will hit the Old Jail Museum. Built in 1871, this jail was in operation until 1995 and now provides public tours of the property. Continuing eight minutes further west on Broadway, travelers can finish their arts and history tour at the Stabin Museum. This gallery and cafe, housed in a 1846 factory, showcases the work of Victor Stabin, an eco-surrealist painter sometimes compared to masterminds like Dali and M.C. Escher.
Coffee Shops, Restaurants, & Bars
Whether you need a caffeine pick-me-up or a hearty meal, Jim Thorpe has you covered. Travelers can fuel up for the day at Curiosities Coffee & Ice House, a specialized coffee shop with an extensive coffee and espresso menu. It also serves handmade gourmet ice cream for those with a sweet tooth! When lunch rolls around, stop by Stone Row Pub & Eatery for a quick bite.
This boutique-style pub serves hand-crafted dishes like ribs, burgers, and pulled pork sandwiches, along with a varied whiskey, cocktail, and beer menu. To finish the day with dinner and a drink, check out the Marion Hose Bar, situated in a 1885 firehouse and known for its locally sourced craft beers, cocktails, wine, mac n cheese, Firehouse Chili Cheese Burger, and Bavarian beer pretzels.
You might not expect it in a town of fewer than 5,000 residents, but Jim Thorpe has a surprisingly lively downtown. Between its mansions, museums, and train rides, you won’t have a hard time filling a weekend with entertaining activities here. The local restaurants and bars are just as impressive, many of which play an important role in the town’s cultural scene. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore this exciting town for yourself!
