Explore the Town of Honesdale: Road Trips to the Poconos

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.

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.

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. Also located along Main Street, Northern Light Salt Cave offers unique wellness experiences and holistic services, perfect for recharging.

Don't forget to keep your 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Evening:

There's no shortage of cozy places to stay in the Honesdale area. Check into an atmospheric bed and breakfast like the Inn at Tyler Hill to try countryside living with modern amenities. The reimagined Hotel Darby features vibrant and comfortable rooms and expansive grounds just steps from the Delaware River.

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!