How to Spend a Day in the Poconos’ Downtown Districts
While each of the downtown districts provides the level of charm you’d expect from a quiet town in the Pocono Mountains, each also has unique characteristics that distinguish it from the rest. You’ll discover history, entertainment, outdoor recreation, and more when you explore these towns. Take a look below to find out what a Poconos downtown is like!
The 4 Poconos Downtown Districts
Jim Thorpe
Dramatic mountain landscapes provide the backdrop to this scenic Victorian town nestled in the Lehigh Gorge. Jim Thorpe is consistently rated as a top town for fun, adventure, romance, and beauty. You’ll find both an enchanting downtown area and plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoor splendor of the Poconos in Jim Thorpe.
Best thing to do here: ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg has a historic past as it relates to the Poconos—it was the center of industry for Monroe Country in the late 1800s to mid-1900s—and today, it still enjoys a small-town feel. Places like the Monroe Country Historical Association and the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm preserve Stroudsburg’s history. The latter is a unique destination offering insight on Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage.
As you walk the picturesque main street of downtown Stroudsburg, you’ll pass by many small shops and historic buildings. You’ll find the colorful mark of the arts here, too; several galleries, the Shawnee Playhouse, Sherman Theater, and the East Stroudsburg University Fine and Performing Arts Center are all located in Stroudsburg.
Best thing to do here: stop by Mountain View Vineyard, Winery & Brewery
Milford
Rich forests, beautiful lakes, and rushing streams surround this charming town. Beautiful historic buildings, unique shops, and a handful of bars and restaurants dot this small, 0.5 square mile borough. Milford Beach and the McDade Recreational Trail provide a serene area for you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Poconos.
Best thing to do here: visit Grey Towers
Honesdale
You’ll discover beautiful architecture broken up by museums and boutique shops lining the streets of Honesdale. You could spend an entire afternoon browsing the various shops, stopping along the way for lunch or dinner at one of the cafes or restaurants. In addition, several annual events take place here, from music festivals to seasonal celebrations.
Best thing to do here: visit the Wayne Country Historical Society Museum
Stay in a Cozy Mountain Lodge
Mountaintop Lodge at Lake Naomi is centrally located to all of these Poconos downtown districts. When you stay here, you’ll be close enough to where you could easily visit a different town each day.
While our lodge is close to all the best things to do in the Poconos—breathtaking hikes, kayaking, raceway driving, and all kinds of other entertainment—it is also a destination in itself. Mountaintop Lodge sits along the shores of a beautiful private lake, giving you front-row access to a pristine natural wonderland.
Additionally, guests of our lodge enjoy complimentary access to Lake Naomi Club, a Platinum-rated recreational community that is brimming with things to do. From a 56,000-square-foot community center to seven beaches along the lake, you could spend days here and still not try everything that Lake Naomi Club offers.
Return to the tranquil rooms at Mountaintop Lodge to recharge after a full day of exploring the Poconos. With comfortable beds, soft linens, private bathrooms, and complimentary breakfast among the amenities available, it’s the perfect home base.
Be sure to take a look at all of our cozy accommodations before you book your stay in the Poconos!