Explore the Town of Jim Thorpe: Road Trips to the Poconos

Day One: Experience the Past & Present

Morning:

The town of Jim Thorpe dates back to the early 1800s, and there's a lot of rich local history, arts and culture to discover! See how industrial millionaires lived at the Asa Packer Mansion, visit the eerie cells of the Molly Maguires at the Old Jail Museum, or learn more about the town's evolution at the Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center. Take a tour with Jim Thorpe Walking Tours to learn about the photo-worthy buildings and landmarks you'll pass as you stroll along the mountain streets.

While downtown, you'll want to plan for time for shopping! From Broadway to Historic Stone Row, there are plenty of quaint shops and trendy boutiques to browse. Pick up handmade gifts at Local Fair or get ready for the holidays at Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe.

Afternoon:

Ready for lunch? You have plenty of choice when it comes to dining in Jim Thorpe! Downtown is full of hip eateries like the Marion Hose Bar, located in a renovated firehouse. Find sweet and savory snacks at Ma's Crepes & Cakes, order sushi and Asian cuisine at MYST Restaurant, or get a latte or a scoop at Curiosities Coffee & Ice House. For authentic ambience and delicious food, try Broadway Grille & Pub or Molly Maguire's Irish Pub.

Don't stop after the morning's museum visits: take a deeper dive into the past with more great Jim Thorpe attractions! Take in the beauty of the region as you hop aboard an old-fashioned form of transportation with Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Visitors to the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum in nearby Lansford can descend 1,600 feet into the mountainside along an original mine shaft.

Evening:

Ever wanted to stay overnight in a Victorian townhouse? An overnight stay in Jim Thorpe is the perfect opportunity! Take your pick of historic bed & breakfasts offering old-world charm alongside modern-day amenities. Accommodations like The Dolon House, Hotel Switzerland, The Inn at Jim Thorpe and Times House allow you to stay in the middle of the action, just steps from downtown attractions.

If you're planning a romantic getaway, find the perfect couples retreat at The Gilded Cupid B&B or The Harry Packer Mansion Inn which hosts mystery weekends throughout the year. Head just across the Lehigh River to stay at nearby quaint country inns like Angel of Jim Thorpe Bed & Breakfast and The Bella Victoria Bed and Breakfast.

Day Two: Discover Outdoor Thrills

Morning:

Jim Thorpe is located just a stone's throw away from great outdoor adventure spots including Lehigh Gorge State Park and the The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Just across the Mansion House Bridge, visitors will find hiking, biking, waterfalls, rafting and more. Rent some wheels from Pocono Biking or Bronson Ebikes & Trikes to cycle the D&L Trail along the Lehigh River. Get out on the water and brave the rapids while whitewater rafting in Jim Thorpe with outfitters like Jim Thorpe River Adventures, Pocono Whitewater Adventures, Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers, or Whitewater Rafting Adventures. Help us keep the Poconos pristine for future generations of visitors: remember to take litter with you and leave no trace.

Afternoon:

Why not kick the adrenaline up a notch? Get geared up for a game of paintball! Local outfitters like Skirmish Paintball and Pocono Mountain Paintball are great for friendly competition. If you have an aspiring Robin Hood or Merida in the group, head to nearby Archery Addictions to try your hand with a bow and arrow. Try the zipline and soar over Red Rock Cliff at Whitewater Rafting Adventures.

After all that action, it's time to eat! For Italian fine dining, get your fill of pasta and more at close by spots like the The Mansion House of Summit Hill or Macaluso's Restaurant. Enjoy a panoramic view of the verdure you've just been exploring at Roadies Restaurant and Bar. Venture to nearby small towns to discover gems like The Gorge Eatery in Weissport or Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill in Lehighton. Both Lehighton and Weissport can be accessed via the D&L Trail, about a four-and-a-half mile hike or bike ride from Jim Thorpe. If you're looking to avoid parking in downtown Jim Thorpe and are up for the trek, parking in Weissport or Lehighton can be a great option!

Evening:

Outdoor lovers have no need to leave Mother Nature behind when it's time to turn in for the night. Find a campsite or cabin under the stars at Don Laine Campground, Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, RoundStone Camping Resort, Mauch Chunk Lake Park or Pocono Glamping. Get cozy at a rustic bed and breakfast like The Inn at Birch Wilds or book a beautiful retreat in the woods like the The Flagstaff Lodge.

Day Three: Relax and Enjoy

Morning:

It's your vacation: don't leave relaxation out of the schedule! Let someone else take the wheel as you take a nostalgic sightseeing tour with Jim Thorpe Trolley Company. Open June through August, Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary is a great spot for families to spend some time exploring the "Flutterarium."

Afternoon:

Kick back with a journey along the Carbon County branch of the Pocono Beverage Trail! Don't miss the chance to sample locally-made wine and spirits at Jim Thorpe tasting rooms. Nomad Distillery Co. serves up cocktails, bourbons and moonshine on Race Street, while Wild Elder Wine and Cider Co. offers fresh vintages and bites on Broadway. Just across the river, stop by Bright Path Brewing to see what's on tap or visit Radical Wine Company in nearby Lehighton to try a wine slushy flight! Don't forget to download the free Pocono Beverage Trail digital passport to earn points and access discounts at wineries, breweries and distilleries throughout the Pocono Mountains.

Evening:

Get out on the town to see a show or enjoy Jim Thorpe's arts, culture and entertainment. Art lovers won't want to miss a visit to the Anita Schapolsky Art Foundation, The Stabin Museum and Studio YNW. Big-name musical acts are staples on the concert and events calendar at Penn's Peak while Mauch Chunk Opera House regularly hosts bands and events like the annual Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival. Throw it back with a drink and live music at The 80's Bar in nearby Lansford or find late-night bites and cocktails right in downtown Jim Thorpe at Ouros.

Find all the comforts of home at a vacation home or guesthouse lodging in Jim Thorpe! Glen Onoko Guesthouse offers spacious rentals with fully-stocked kitchens in a former soda fountain shop built in 1874. Rosemary Remembrances II Guest Lodging is located in the historic district just off of Opera House Square, with a private guest suite that can accommodate two adults. The Owl House offers three levels of space to spread out and recharge after a full day of exploring in Jim Thorpe, while guests at the High Street Guesthouse can choose a charming apartment or even a cabin in the trees.

Jim Thorpe is a small town that attracts visitors from all over the world, but if you live in the Northeastern US, it's right in your backyard! Hop in the car and take that road trip to explore all the great attractions, shopping, dining, events and accommodations in the region. For even more ideas of things to do in the area, download the Visit Jim Thorpe PA app or stop by our Visitors Center, located downtown in the train station.

Why not keep the road trip going? Discover even more Pocono Places and small towns to love like Stroudsburg, Milford and Honesdale. See you in the Poconos!

Making Memories in Jim Thorpe

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