Explore the Town of Milford: Road Trips to the Poconos

Day One: Discover Downtown Milford

Morning:

There's nothing like a great breakfast for starting your road trip off right. Whether you'd prefer to grab a muffin and some organic coffee to go from BetterWorld Store & Cafe or sit down in the scenic Waterwheel Cafe. Bakery & Bar for an omelette or French toast, mornings in Milford are a delight.

Take a stroll to discover the one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops in Downtown Milford. Located right next to the Waterwheel Bakery in the Historic Upper Mill, Earthly Treasures is filled with gifts, crystals, incense and more, plus they offer events like reiki healing and tea ceremonies. Tucked away on Broad Street in a quaint timbered building, The Artisan Exchange offers an eclectic selection of fine arts, jewelry, home goods and more.

Afternoon:

Atlantic Magazine has dubbed Milford the "prettiest county seat in America," and part of downtown has been designated a National Historic District. Learn more about the storybook architecture as you take a self-guided Walking Tour of Historic Milford. The Columns Museum is the place to go to learn more about both local history and national history - one of the rooms in this elegant former mansion houses the "Lincoln flag" from Ford's Theatre where President Lincoln was assassinated.

Get ready to experience Milford's outdoor thrills! No matter what the season, the region is a popular spot for seasonal adventures under the open sky. In the winter, get out on the slopes at Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain for a day of skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. If you're new to downhill snow sports, Ski Big Bear is known for their beginner lessons!

In the warmer months, get out on the river with Kittatinny Canoes. May through September, book a day of canoeing and kayaing, tubing, or whitewater rafting.

Evening:

Stay the night at welcoming lodgings in the heart of Milford. Both Hotel Fauchere and the Tom Quick Inn have been downtown icons for generations. Experience their legendary hospitality with an overnight stay, or take advantage of the picturesque facilities for a meeting, event or wedding! Another option, tucked away on a quiet side street near the shores of the Delaware River, is La Posada Inn, with recently-renovated, comfortable and colorful accommodations.

Day Two: Explore National Landmarks

Morning:

Just outside of Milford's downtown area, a winding road leads up to the magnificent Grey Towers National Historic Landmark. Wander through the gardens and admire the towering trees: it's no surprise that the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service once called Grey Towers home. Gifford Pinchot was called the "Father of the American Conservation Movement" by President John F. Kennedy, and Pinchot worked to promote the responsible management of natural resources. The grounds of Grey Towers are open daily year-round for self-guided tours. Be sure to check their website before your trip to confirm current mansion tour hours.

Head back into town for a late breakfast or early lunch! On Sundays, you can treat yourself to a memorable brunch on the porch or in the refined dining room at The Delmonico Room at the Hotel Fauchere. The Dimmick Inn offers soups, salads, wood-fired pizzas and more, while the Apple Valley Restaurant is great for affordable meals for families.

Afternoon:

Why not check two national historic landmarks off your list in one day? Hit the road and follow the Delaware River northwards until you ready the Roebling Aqueduct Bridge. Built in the heyday of the Delaware & Hudson Canal by the same engineer who later designed the Brooklyn Bridge, this National Historic Landmark is the oldest existing wire suspension bridge in the U.S. Right next door, the Zane Grey Museum was once home to the author of popular Western novels like Riders of the Purple Sage. The house is open select hours throughout the summer, but you can wander the grounds and admire the confluence of the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers right outside the front porch at any time of year.

Follow the call of the river! Enjoy the peaceful and pristine scenery of the Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River. During the spring, summer and fall, try your hand at fishing or take advantage of the public river access points to launch your own vessel. From May to September, Lander's River Trips offers canoe and kayak rentals as well as tubing and whitewater rafting.

In the winter months, see if you can spot the bald eagles that come to roost along the river. Delaware Highlands Conservancy runs educational eagle-watching bus tours in January and February.

Evening:

There's no need to leave the tranquil shores when it's time to turn in for the evening. Check into a cozy bed and breakfast right on the banks at the 1870 Roebling Inn on the Delaware or find a riverside vacation rental at Eagles' Landing on the Delaware. During the warmer months of the year, enjoy camping under the stars with the sound of the water flowing by at Kittatinny's River Beach Campground.

Day Three: Waterfalls and Panoramic Views

Morning:

Don't leave the area without visiting the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania! Open throughout the year, Raymondskill Falls cascades 150 feet over a series of drops. If one waterfall isn't enough, journey further south to Bushkill Falls, a family-friendly attraction open during the warmer months with eight waterfalls and over two miles of trails. To learn more about the natural landscapes you've been driving through, stop by the Pocono Environmental Education Center, which offers hiking trails and interpretive programs all year-round.

The Cliff Trail is particularly rewarding to travel in late fall, winter and early spring, when the foliage is light, and you can see the river winding below you. Take the Milford Knob Trail for a birds-eye view of the town below and see if you can spot the restaurants, shops and attractions you've visited during your trip.

Afternoon:

Worked up an appetite? Head back into Milford for a hearty meal. Sample the flavors of Mexico at La Posada & Felix's Cantina or savor dishes like lobster mac and cheese and signature clam chowder in the historic atmosphere of Tom Quick Inn Restaurant. Looking for drinks along with your eats? Kick back at the Jive Bar & Lounge or Log Tavern Brewing Company.

Evening:

From movie nights to plays to classical orchestra performances, the Milford Theater & Performing Arts Center knows how to put on a show. See what's coming up on their calendar during your visit!

The town of Milford hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year, from Milford's Annual Fall Festival to Milford's Annual Tree Lighting. Lovers of literature won't want to miss the Milford Readers & Writers Festival, while music fans can enjoy live performances all over town during the Milford Music Festival and Septemberfest.

While Milford is wonderful for weekend escapes, visiting in the middle of the week can mean greater savings and lighter crowds! Find more information on Milford hotels and things to do as you plan your trip. Looking to extend your road trip to other parts of the area? Make time to explore Honesdale, Stroudsburg and Jim Thorpe.

It's time to hit the open road: see you in the Poconos!