The Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania provides refreshing getaways throughout all four seasons of the year, but there's something particularly wonderful about the area when the snow starts to fall. In fact, the beloved holiday tune "Winter Wonderland" immortalizes the magic of winter in the small town of Honesdale; songwriter Richard Smith was thinking of his Wayne County hometown when he penned the famous lyrics, and there's a historical marker dedicated to him and to the song on Main Street.
A rich sense of community makes this downtown as welcoming as it is wonderful. From fine art and architecture to stunning hillside…
Whether you're visiting Honesdale to build a snowman, to admire the stunning fall foliage, or to enjoy outdoor adventures during the warmer months, there are plenty of things to do in this Pocono town. Plan a midweek road trip to take advantage of lighter crowds and lower room rates, or drive in for a weekend getaway. Fill your itinerary with delicious dining, local shopping, historic landmarks or a classic train tour. We've got ideas for your three-day road trip to Honesdale, PA. Mix and match these options to plan your perfect getaway!
Day One: Discover Downtown Honesdale
Day One: Discover Downtown Honesdale
Morning:
Start your Honesdale getaway off on the right note with a delicious breakfast! Camp Umpy's Bagels & Stuff serves up hearty bagel breakfast sandwiches and coffee concoctions on Main Street.
- 622 Main Street
- (570) 253-0333
Bagels, breakfast, baked goods, and lunch. Camp Umpy's Bagels & Stuff strives to only bring you the best ingredients. They buy…
Find your bearings and take in a birds-eye perspective of the area you'll be exploring! Irving Cliff offers panoramic views of the storybook town below and its surrounding hills. The prospect is so inspiring that the popular 19th century author Washington Irving once that his friends climb up through the forest overgrowth to admire it, giving the overlook its name. These days there's a well-maintained dirt trail to follow on your one-mile, out-and-back Honesdale hike, plus the option to drive to the top.
- 199 Gibbons Park Road
Take in the stunning views of historic downtown Honesdale! Irving Cliff is a one-mile, moderately trafficked, out-and-back trail…
Afternoon:
Whether you're shopping for holiday gifts or treating yourself to a souvenir, Honesdale's boutiques and small businesses are sure to please. Discover fashions, jewelry, candles and more at Wallflower, Gather and Maude & Main. Don't forget to keep your eye on our events calendar to find out about Honesdale happenings that may be going on during your road trip! Exciting annual events that come to town include the summertime Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival and seasonal favorites like Harvest and Heritage Days.
Gather
- 1019 Main Street
- (570) 253-9400
Head down to Gather in Honesdale to find fun gifts for everyone on your list. Located in…
Maude & Main
- 1023 Main Street
- (570) 616-0220
They offer a great selection, from vintage-inspired to a clean, contemporary design…
Wallflower
- 513 Main Street
- (570) 253-6080
Wallflower is a destination shopping experience with 4000 square feet of unique…
Evening:
You'll pass many pastoral farmlands as you drive around Wayne County, so why not try some local produce during your trip? Both Native and Here & Now Brewing Company are cooking up seasonal dishes with fresh ingredients right on Main Street.
Native
- 560 Main Street
- (570) 647-4933
Native in ingredients and ownership. Enjoy locally sourced produce, house-made pasta, vegetarian fare, carnivore delights, American craft beers, and signature cocktails at Native in Downtown Honesdale. Native features a hip, city vibe with…
Here & Now Brewing Company
- 645 Main Street
- (570) 253-0700
Dine and drink local in Honesdale, PA. Here & Now Brewing Company is seasonal, local, and whimsical in both the kitchen and the brewhouse. Guided by a mission of “world-class beer and food for the people of Honesdale and whoever happens…
Open throughout the whole year, the cabins and cottages at Equestrian House and The Lodge at Keen Lake offer a home away from home nestled in a beautiful setting not far from Honesdale.
Equestrian House
- 10 Equestrian Road
- (570) 798-3234
Equestrian House is a newly renovated country getaway nestled in Northeast Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains. Vacation Rentals and Events Venue available for weddings, corporate events, family reunions and religious retreats. Call to schedule…
The Lodge at Keen Lake
- 15 Warren Rix Drive
- (570) 488-9300
The Lodge at Keen Lake brings luxury and the comforts of home to the Poconos year round. Nestled in beautiful setting with short walk to Keen Lake, each unit features deluxe memory foam mattresses, jacuzzi bath tub, stocked kitchenette and…
Day Two: All Aboard for the Great Outdoors
Day Two: All Aboard for the Great Outdoors
Morning:
Honesdale is a must-visit destination for any train lovers! As the "Birthplace of the American Railroad," the town welcomed the first commercial locomotive to run in the U.S. in 1829. There's a replica of the "Stourbridge Lion" inside the Wayne County Historical Society & Museum, where visitors can learn all about local history and the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, which was once headquartered in the building.
When you're ready to ride the rails yourself, get tickets for an excursion in a vintage railroad coach with The Stourbridge Line. The scenic train route winds along the Lackawaxen River between the towns of Honesdale and Hawley. A variety of different tours, including the Pocono Winter Wonderland Express and the Pocono Express, run on select dates throughout the year.
The Stourbridge Line
- 812 Main Street
- (570) 470-2697
All aboard The Stourbridge Line! Scenic passenger trains through the Pocono Mountains. Experience a relaxing, scenic train excursion in vintage railroad coaches along the Lackawaxen River Valley. The Stourbridge Line offers a variety of…
Wayne County Historical Society & Museum
- 810 Main Street
- (570) 253-3240
The Wayne County Historical Society was organized on May 26, 1917 and was incorporated in 1922. The Wayne County Historical Society operates several history museums and a research library. What is now the society's main museum building…
Afternoon:
When the weather's right, there's no better way to spend an afternoon than out in the fresh air on a hike. Before you head out, why not stop by The Main Street Farmers Market at The Cooperage Project, open every Saturday, to grab supplies for a picnic lunch. Hit the road and drive to nearby Prompton State Park to enjoy a 290-acre lake and 26 miles of trails meandering through the unspoiled scenery. The park is also a popular destination for fishing and mountain biking. Remember to take any trash out with you and leave no trace!
The Cooperage Project
- 1030 Main Street
- (570) 253-2020
The Cooperage Project's markets are not only opportunities to purchase things– they’re occasions to share your passion with others and connect around food, music and common interests. Markets at the Cooperage Project are vibrant and…
Prompton State Park
- West Shore Road
- (570) 945-3239
Prompton State Park provides boat launching and picnicking facilities to the 290-acre Prompton Lake, which is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 26 miles of hiking trails surround the lake. The park is open every day of the year…
Spending the day in the great outdoors is sure to bring refreshment and relaxation, but if you want to up your wellness experience, book a class or retreat at The Himalayan Institute. The property's lush and sprawling grounds are home to a rustic white barn that's been converted into a chocolate and coffee factory! Your nose will know when you've arrived at Moka Origins Roastery Cafe and Chocolate Factory. Sign up for a tour to learn more about these ethically-traded, small-batch beans and chocolate bars.
Himalayan Institute
- 952 Bethany Turnpike
- (570) 253-5551
Relax, restore, and nourish yourself with a wellness retreat. Treat yourself to a massage, meditate in the peaceful meditation shrine, or relax in one of the many attractive community spaces available on campus. A leader in the field of…
Moka Origins Roastery Cafe and Chocolate Factory
- 952 Bethany Turnpike
- (570) 979-1010
Located within the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, PA, Moka Origins operates a coffee roastery and chocolate factory that serve a worldwide community. Dedicated to making a positive social impact in the worlds of cacao and coffee beans…
Evening:
Looking for accommodations where you'll be surrounded by Mother Nature? During the warmer months, try camping or glamping at popular campgrounds like Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort.
- 155 Keen Lake Road
- (570) 488-6161
Keen Lake Camping and Cottage Resort is a privately owned, 90-acre, spring-fed mountain lake located in the scenic Pocono…
Day Three: Explore the Northern Poconos
Day Three: Explore the Northern Poconos
Morning:
Venture out to the neighboring small town of Hawley for a farm-to-table breakfast or Sunday brunch at the great restaurants in town. The menu at The Settlers Inn has unique and hearty dishes like cheddar buttermilk waffles and whipped honey and thyme goat cheese toast. The picture-perfect bakery case at Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery is sure to have you ordering a few desserts for later in addition to a tasty breakfast.
The Settlers Inn
- 4 Main Avenue
- (570) 226-2993
Winner of OpenTable's Diner's Choice in 2018, The Settlers Inn's innovative menus are shaped by the seasons. At The Settlers Inn, regional cuisine is prepared with the freshest and healthiest local ingredients. The award-winning wine list…
Cocoon Coffeehouse & Bakery
- 230 Welwood Avenue
- (570) 226-6130
What goes better than a cup of Joe and a farm-to-table treat? Cocoon's menu changes daily to take advantage of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The coffee house, bakery and catering company offers hand-crafted breakfast, lunch and baked goods…
Learn more about local history as you explore Wayne County. The Dorflinger - Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary is open year-round from dawn to dusk and encompasses close to 600 acres, perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. The Dorflinger Factory Museum and Dorflinger Glass Museum are also located in White Mills. Open during the summer months, they offer a look at the exquisite work of Christian Dorflinger, who based his fine crystal works here in the 1800s.
Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary
- 55 Suydam Drive
- (570) 253-1185
Since 1980, the nearly 600-acre grounds of the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary have…
Dorflinger Factory Museum
- 5 Elizabeth Street
- (570) 253-0220
Dorflinger Factory Museum is a regional industrial heritage museum celebrating the history…
Dorflinger Glass Museum
- 55 Suydam Drive
- (570) 253-1185
The Dorflinger Glass Museum houses one of the nation's largest public displays of…
Afternoon:
Finish off your road trip by experiencing the thrills of the season. In the wintertime, head to the slopes of Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain for skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. If you're new to the sports, this could be the perfect time to learn! Ski Big Bear is known for its welcoming beginner lessons for all ages. In the warmer months, plan a canoeing or kayaking trip on the Delaware River with Northeast Wilderness Experience.
Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain
- 192 Karl Hope Boulevard
- (570) 226-8585
Ski Big Bear is a ski area for families. Specializing in private beginner lessons, Ski Big Bear offers something for all abilities. The mountain is open for skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing with 100% snowmaking. Eighteen trails, seven…
Northeast Wilderness Experience
- 833 Main Street
- (570) 352-3444
However you choose to get outdoors, Northeast Wilderness Experience can help. Offering rental equipment and fully guided adventures in kayaking, paddleboarding, biking, hiking, climbing and rappelling, camping, snowshoeing and fat biking…
Evening:
There's no shortage of cozy places to stay in the area. Find your home away from home at Four Seasons for Fun Bed & Breakfast or enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Lukan's Farm Resort.
Four Seasons For Fun Bed & Breakfast
- 20 Murphys Drive
- (570) 790-9186
Four Seasons For Fun Bed and Breakfast is a brand new B&B located in Lakeville, PA. Whether you're looking to kick back and relax or explore to find adventure, Four Seasons For Fun is in your home away from home. Guests will be served a…
Lukan's Farm Resort
- 539 Long Ridge Road
- (570) 226-4574
Family owned and operated since 1951, Lukan's is the perfect place for your next vacation. With 24 rooms to accommodate families large and small as well as couples, Lukan’s continues providing guests with the feeling of the comforts of…
This Honesdale itinerary is based on a Friday through Sunday schedule, but midweek is also a great time to visit, with many properties offering special offers. Be sure to call ahead to confirm the operating hours of local businesses and attractions, as offerings vary by season.
Find more information on Honesdale things to do and hotels including maps of the town and surrounding areas. Don't forget to visit the other great small towns in the area. See you in the Poconos!
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