If craving some escape from the tinsel and glitter of America’s nerve-wracking cities, one possibility value contemplating is a getaway to the Poconos. Spanning 2,500 sq. miles throughout the northeastern nook of Pennsylvania, a area well-known for its gasp-inducing mountains and pristine panorama, the Poconos will likely be ideally suited for individuals who wish to wander within the woods, decelerate to nature’s rhythm, and simply escape the rat race for some time.
For the reason that Poconos are nearly two hours by automotive from New York, their handy location makes it all of the extra tempting. There are a number of locations within the Poconos that may detain a customer for months. But when one solely has a 3-day weekend, one has to slim down choices—and be deliberate. On this article, we shine the highlight on 7 ideally suited locations for a 3-day weekend within the Poconos.
The Lodge at Woodloch
If a hideout is a property, the Lodge at Woodloch comes remarkably shut. Situated within the quaint, small city of Hawley, a straightforward two-hour drive from New York, this Pennsylvania gem is straightforward to succeed in. The Lodge at Woodloch sits on 500 acres of amazingly pristine surroundings, a pristine area that additionally features a 15-acre non-public lake. A metropolis escapee will likely be delighted to study that this property is a spa resort that embraces a philosophy they name “private awakening.” An all-inclusive spa package deal consists of three meals. One can due to this fact plan with lunch on the day of arrival, dinner, after which a hearty breakfast on the day of departure. With a farm proper on website, the restaurant at this property is a real farm-to-table. The spa facilities are many—and a couple of can ask for. On the skin greenery, company will get pleasure from taking a meditative stroll by means of manicured gardens, swaying on the shaded hammocks that encircle the attractive lake, and simply having fun with the surroundings. An alternate could be the Ledges Lodge.
Downtown Hawley, Pennsylvania
After checking in on the Lodge at Woodloch and having fun with lunch, one will naturally wish to discover Downtown Hawley and see what it has to supply. Residence to about 1,200 residents, Hawley is an enthralling, small city encircled by breathtaking pure surroundings on all sides. The city is a straightforward six miles from the Lodge at Woodloch. Among the many websites to peel the eyes for embrace the Hawley Silk Mill, situated at 8 Silk Mill Drive. Inbuilt 1880, this mill was the primary large-scale silk manufacturing facility in Northern Pennsylvania. In the present day, guests get pleasure from catching a glimpse of what may simply be the most important bluestone constructing on this planet—and exploring the various outlets within the refurbished castle-like constructing — together with Artwork on the Edge and the Cocoon Espresso Home. Apart from this attraction, Church Avenue shows some stunning church buildings.
Wallenpaupack Lake
Nobody goes to Hawley, even the Poconos, and comes with out having fun with the harmless pleasures of the Wallenpaupack Lake. Set on 5,700 acres, Wallenpaupack Lake is the third largest man-made lake in Pennsylvania. A Poconos explorer will come up and shut with 52 miles of uninterrupted shoreline on this shimmering blue jewel. If one has a couple of hours to spare, the various water-based actions on the menu will likely be rewarding. One can bounce in a ship, for example, and paddle the lake whereas soaking within the heart-ravishing serenity round. Apart from paddleboarding, guests can get pleasure from different water adventures together with kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. For some soul-renewing stroll, Wallenpaupack Lake Path is a graded path that additionally gives wonderful views. One will wish to catch a sundown round this place earlier than heading again to the lodge.
Gray Towers Nationwide Historic Website
From Hawley, Pennsylvania, the place the Lodge at Woodloch is secreted, the city of Milford must be the subsequent port of name. Milford is about 22 miles from Hawley—and therefore, a straightforward, half-hour drive. On arrival, a direct journey to the Gray Towers Nationwide Historic Website, nearly a mile from city, will likely be each refreshing and rewarding. Thought to be the birthplace of the Conservation Motion, Gray Towers was first the summer season residence of a rich wallpaper service provider often called James Pinchot, and later the house of his oldest son Gifford Pinchot. Whereas each father and son have been involved about timber and disturbed by logging, it’s the son who would grow to be the primary American-born skilled forester, proceed to discovered the USDA Forest Service, and coin the time period “Conservation,” as utilized within the preservation of pure assets. Guests come to find out about timber, admire the structure of the mansion, and wander by means of the huge and impossibly stunning grounds.
Bushkill Fall
After a productive go to to Gray Towers, Bushkill Fall must be the subsequent on the journey menu. However simply earlier than this, rev up the engine for about half an hour to Pocono Cafe Bakery & Restaurant in East Stroudsburg. Bathed in a delightfully quaint atmosphere, Pocono Cafe gives insanely scrumptious Columbian meals that usually leaves guests scraping their plates clear. As soon as energized, head to Bushkill, a distance of nearly 3 miles from Pocono Cafe. Generally known as “The Niagra of Pennsylvania,” Bushkin Falls is a collection of eight waterfalls on the sting of the Delaware Water Hole. An incredible community of bridges offers entry to one in all Pennsylvania’s most sought-after sights. Whereas there may be a whole lot of visible stimuli right here — and at nearly each flip of the attention — the 100-foot Bushkill Falls is the star attraction.
Deer Head Inn
After having fun with a day at Bushkill Falls, test in for the night time at Deer Head Inn, situated nearly 22 miles south of Bushkill Falls. Which means it’s lower than half an hour’s drive. First-time guests will discover this wonderful property at 5 Essential Avenue in Delaware Water Hole. Accomplished in 1865, coincidentally the yr Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, Pricey Head Inn will not be solely the oldest repeatedly working jazz membership in the US, but in addition the house of Jazz within the Poconos. The meals at this historic property is first-class, the rooms are cozy and cozy, and the vibe is extremely enjoyable and pleasant. For Jazz lovers, the leisure supplied by gifted Jazz virtuosos will likely be an expertise of a lifetime.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
After savoring a hearty breakfast at Deer Head Inn, it is going to be time to make the journey to Jim Thorpe — which many regard because the spotlight of any Pocono journey. One can spend time strolling by means of Jim Thorpe’s wonderful downtown space whereas soaking within the elegant Victorian mansions that have been as soon as the abodes of industrialist millionaires. A specific must-do is the Historic Stone Row on Race Avenue. That mentioned, Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway stays Jim Thorpe’s star attraction. Pocono adventurers will get the possibility to experience classic couches, a few of that are greater than 100 years previous, in a narrated round-trip that meanders alongside the majestic Lehigh River—proper on to the Lehigh Gorge State Park. For the expertise, one ought to go for the Open Air Couches, not the usual couches. These rides typically take 70 minutes. Hopefully, it will depart one with sufficient time to journey again and resume the rat race.
The Takeaway
The Poconos, many will admit, is among the most picturesque areas in the US. Then once more, the Poconos could make for a fast getaway contemplating its handy location simply two hours from New York. Sadly, for its abundance of sights, it is going to be unimaginable to exhaust the Poconos in a weekend. There are rigorously curated locations, nonetheless, that may match right into a 3-day journey. From checking in on the Lodge at Woodloch — to trying out at Deer Head Inn, it’s attainable to squeeze rather a lot inside a 3-day journey to the Poconos.
