Presidents' Day Weekend Itineraries in the Pocono Mountains

Winter Thrills in Carbon County

Take your adrenaline to the next level with Skirmish Paintball. Try to hit some targets at one of the world’s premier paintball facilities or grab a group and battle it out on the frosty terrain. This is a whole new way to appreciate the winter landscape! Want to get in some target practice inside? Book a lesson at the indoor range at Archery Addictions in Lehighton.

Drive into elegant Jim Thorpe to check out the Annual Jim Thorpe Winterfest celebration happening February 16 through 18. Enjoy the luminaries, check out the winter specials at the shops and eateries, take a carriage ride, or hop aboard the Historic Jim Thorpe Trolley Tour to learn more about the rich history of the area. If you're in the mood for a show, get tickets to see The Rush Experience at the Mauch Chunk Opera House.

When it's time to eat, you have plenty of options both in downtown Jim Thorpe and in the surrounding area. Grab a meal in the old world atmosphere of the Broadway Grille & Pub or the Marion Hose Bar downtown. Treat yourself to home-style dishes and delectable drinks in a throwback atmosphere at The 80's Bar in Lansford, or savor made-from-scratch meals, with gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options, at The Gorge Eatery in Weissport.

How about some evening snow tubing? It’s an easy and exciting way for everyone to enjoy the slopes! The newly-renovated snow tubing park at Big Boulder Ski Area offers tubing sessions as late as 6 p.m. Blue Mountain Resort boasts the largest snow tubing park in the country and offers incredible glow-in-the-dark sonic tubing sessions from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. With magic carpet lifts taking you back to the top at both parks, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is sliding down the lanes as many times as possible.

Immerse yourself in the history of the area at charming accommodations in Jim Thorpe such as Angel of Jim Thorpe Bed and Breakfast, High Street Guesthouse, Trail's End Bed and Breakfast, and The Owl House. Find space for large groups to spread out at nearby vacation rentals like The Retreat at Bear Creek Lakes by Veteran Property Managers or book a comfortable room for the night at area hotels like Country Inn & Suites or Hampton Inn Jim Thorpe Area of the Pocono Mts.

Frosty Fun in Monroe County

Skiers and snowboarders, the slopes are calling! From first chair to night skiing, Monroe County's Shawnee Mountain and Camelback Mountain have something for all abilities including world-class learning programs - the perfect opportunity to brush up on your skills or learn skiing or snowboarding for the first time. Bring your friends and family along for a group lesson! You'll find special ski and stay packages in the Poconos as well as a variety of ski events. Shawnee Mountain will be hosting a Paint the Mountain Pink event during Presidents' Day Weekend on Saturday, February 17, 2024, with freebies for the first 200 guests to arrive on Saturday morning.

Spend Saturday afternoon strolling through town while enjoying WinterFest in Downtown Stroudsburg! View spectacular ice sculptures in Courthouse Square and in front of local shops and restaurants. This year's theme is "Children's Storytime." Spot your favorite childhood books and stories scattered around town and don't forget to scavenge for the striking Snowmen of Stroudsburg, a set of life-size snowmen statues painted by local artists. Planning to stay into the evening? Get tickets to see Yacht Rock Gold at Sherman Theater.

From stately Courthouse Square to modern, colorful murals, from cupcake bakeries like Just Like Magic Bakery to wine bars like Tolino Vineyards, there's so much to discover in Stroudsburg. Enjoy Mediterranean halal dishes at NYC Street Grill Halal or savory eats and delicious brews at Bovino's Brewery. Choose from many local things to do, including shopping, yoga, axe throwing, and escape rooms.

Take some time to soak in the natural beauty of Monroe County. Follow the winding roads north for a rejuvenating hike in the fresh air on Cresco Heights and stop by the charming small shops you pass like Stagbrook Gifts. For a view of the Delaware River, travel into Delaware Water Gap to ascend Mount Minsi along the famed Appalachian Trail. The borough of is full of atmospheric restaurants where you can warm up afterwards such as the Sycamore Grille.

Looking for warmer temperatures? It's always 84 degrees in the indoor waterpark resorts in the Poconos. Book an overnight stay to slide, splash, relax in a cabana, enjoy a beverage at a swim-up bar or ride the waves in a wave pool. Your summer in the middle of winter is waiting!

Outdoor & Indoor Action in Wayne County

Start the day with a peaceful horseback ride through the pristine fields and forests. Local stables like Happy Trails Stables in Waymart offer guided rides and are perfect for first-timers ready to take the reins. If there's snow on the ground, you can even take a sleigh ride! Weather permitting, you can also bring your cross-country skis to explore the beautiful trails at the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in White Mills. Open from 8 a.m. to dusk, the sanctuary's many miles of trails are great for peaceful winter hiking. Lovers of history can pace the towpath of the Delaware & Hudson Canal while learning more about the area's past.

Refuel with a special Presidents' Weekend Brunch at The Settlers Inn on Sunday, February 18, 2024! Enjoy live music and farm-to-table dishes in the bright, craftsman-style dining space. Be sure to call ahead for reservations.

Winter is a great time to focus on wellness. Prioritize self-care by signing up for a fitness or dance class at The Eddy Studio or meditate and find your center with holistic programs and offerings at Himalayan Institute.

Looking for indoor winter itinerary ideas in the area? There are so many things to do near the charming small towns of Honesdale and Hawley! Visit a gallery like The Art Factory of White Mills to admire the creations of more than 60 local artists, do some antique shopping at spots like the Hawley Antique Exchange and find treasures to take home, or test your aim at Pocono Axe Works.

Find cozy accommodations in the area and settle down for a relaxing evening! Stay on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack at Silver Birches Resort or East Shore Lodging, which is offering a Presidents' Day special deal. Check out even more welcoming hotels, inns, and vacation rentals in the area like The Lodge at Keen Lake and Orion House.

Nature's Majesty in Pike County

It doesn’t get much more majestic than a bald eagle in flight. These inspiring creatures migrate to the Pocono Mountains during the winter season to take advantage of the eco-friendly habitat. Explore the Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River to see if you spot one while eagle watching!

Located along the Delaware River, the small town of Milford has been charming visitors for generations. Wander the storybook streets, find things to do, and check out delicious restaurants like La Posada & Felix's Cantina and Apple Valley Restaurant. BetterWorld Store & Cafe boasts an array of healthy-living goods as well as delicious organic coffee, while The Artisan Exchange is a one-stop-shop for one-of-a-kind gifts handcrafted in the USA.

Toast to a great weekend and get a taste of handcrafted beverages at taprooms like Log Tavern Brewing Company and Jam Room Brewing Brewing Company, both of which feature food menus if you're in the mood for some bites to go with your brews. Milford's Jive Bar & Lounge is an atmospheric hangout perfect for cocktails. The Varsity Bar at the historic Tom Quick Inn Restaurant down the street is a beautiful vintage speakeasy with a welcoming atmosphere and a gourmet menu.

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain is open until 9 p.m. select nights during Presidents' Week: double check the opening hours on their website then bundle up for a twilight run down the slopes! With 100% snowmaking, equipment rentals and fantastic lessons, the northernmost ski area in the Poconos is an ideal place to try your tricks at the terrain park and glide down eighteen trails.

Why rush away? Treat yourself to a restful stay at lodgings in Milford and Pike County. Get cozy in your very own cabin at Babbling Brook Cottages or spend the night in the colorful rooms at La Posada Inn.

Mix and match these options to create your own ideal itinerary! There is so much to experience this winter in the Pocono Mountains. Check out our winter day trips for even more ideas to help plan your vacation and don't forget to check out things to do and events coming to the Pocono Mountains this holiday weekend. Find ski and snow activities as well as places to stay.

Happy Presidents’ Day from the Pocono Mountains!