There are so many amazing towns in the Poconos and Deanna Fontanez wanted to share just a few hidden gems with some pretty unique places to check out.

While in the town of Lehighton, you can stroll downtown and venture through some of the cool shops and unique restaurants that they have. Like Bonnie and Clyde Pub and Grill established in 2016. It is an intimate 1930’s atmosphere. They offer 36 drafts, over 70 craft bottles, specialty cocktails, and a wide variety of local and imported wines. They offer a full menu with plenty to choose for everyone. The food is delicious and the vibe is so fun.

Within Harmony is another unique place to stop in. They offer a variety of holistic wellness services including reiki, crystal light bed with color light and sound, crystal energy sessions, plus so much more. They are focused on a natural approach to living. Their services are meant to benefit the body and soul to create peace from within. You can even stop in to purchase ethically sourced crystals, fossils, and minerals, books, home décor plus more! If you’re visiting on a weekend, the Lehighton Farmers Market is open every Saturday from late May to mid October. All things are homegrown, homemade, or handmade and always made with love. Don’t forget to stock up on all things local.

At Lehighton Outdoors Center, their adventure specialists will help guests find a trip to take, what they need, and what to pack. And they’ll even help you find a place to stay. They provide bike rentals and shuttles. Help you pick the perfect white water rafting trip for you and your family and friends. And they also have kayak school where you can learn everything you need to know about white water kayaking. The Lehighton Borough has many parks, playgrounds, and recreational centers. The amphitheater is a perfect place for celebrations and concerts. The park holds different festivals throughout the year with food, crafts, live music, and other forms of live entertainment.

Yenser’s Tree Farm is a family owned and run farm started in 1971. They planted 3,000 Douglas-fir seedlings. Planting continued each year and the first trees were harvested in 1978. For years the farm continued to flourish. In 2016 they opened Fall Fest with a pumpkin patch and hayrides. In 2020 they expanded again with the first annual Sunflower Festival. Each year they also plant thousands of seedlings to continue the tradition of Yenser’s Christmas trees.

Moving to the town of Weissport, the Hofford Mill was originally built 1896 as a lumber mill. Then in 1918 it was taken over by WF Hofford who continued to develop the building. Then in 1928 it was occupied by a hosiery company for several decades until the mid 90s. And now it’s a one-stop shop where you can get delicious food with multiple options including vegan with a beautiful and Zen space that is dog-friendly at the Gorge Eatery open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Or, go for an adventure on the D&L Trail with an electric bike from Bronson EBikes. They offer a wide variety of bikes for adults and children. And if you want to explore the nearby town of Jim Thorpe, but don’t want to look for parking, Bronson can help you out with that. Also right in front of the building, is Keystone Kayaking Academy. They are Pennsylvania’s premier white water kayak academy and gear partner. They offer white water kayak education and instruction for beginners and experts. They also sell kayaking gear and can help fit you for your kayak.

If you want a sweet treat you can go around the corner to Chantilly Goods ice cream shop where you will be transported back in time to feel like a kid again. I know I did. There is something for everyone. They have so many flavors of ice cream. You can get sundaes, floats, milkshakes, all kinds of candy and they even have an old fashion soda foundation.

Archery Addictions is a family owned and run archery range. They are also a one-stop shop for archery, fishing, hunting, and kayaking gear. I personally went there myself and shot a couple arrows and let me tell you, you can be a beginner or an expert. It’s so much fun.

If you are visiting Lansford, you can expect that old town charm with a beautiful backdrop of mountains and nature. While you’re there you can visit the Coal Miner's Heritage Festival. A celebration of their anthracite coal region history. If you’re looking for a fun blast from the past, definitely stop at 80’s Bar. They have live music regularly, a home-style menu, vintage game cabinets, 80s themed cocktails and memorabilia and a great atmosphere for a good time.

If you’re more of a history buff, then you definitely have to visit the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum. It first opened in 1855 by the Lehigh Coal Navigation Company. The No. 9 Mine operated from 1855 until June 22nd 1972. Making it the longest continuously operated deep anthracite coal mine in the world. It was converted into a museum and the first tours began in 2002. Visitors to the mine ride by rail 1,600 feet into the mountain before embarking on a 600-foot guided walking tour. Tourists can examine the original 700 foot deep mime shaft, walk the mule way which is where young men guided mules between the different levels of the mine, and seeing miners hospital cut into solid rock. Outside on the grounds is the museum housed in the No. 9 Mine's original wash shanty. Constructed before the first world war. The museum houses the largest collection of mining artifacts in the area. The many items on display include tools, blasting equipment, household goods, and more. The museum is open from the beginning of April until the end of November.

And if you’re looking for an outdoor activity such as hiking, biking, running, or even just walking, you can do it along the gorgeous D&L Trail that spans across all three towns and beyond. The D&L Trail is remarkable. Not only for its 141-mile length but also the diversity of scenery and the dozens of communities it traverses on its journey from Bristol in the greater Philadelphia area to Mountain Top nestled in the Appalachians.

For some places to stay while you’re visiting, there are several great options. You have options like Country Inn & Suites, the Hampton Inn which has a great patio where you can sit and relax. They both offer a range of rooms available with queen and king size beds. They also offer rooms that are mobility accessible. They have a fitness center, meeting rooms, a pool, plus so much more. They have all the things that you’ll need during your visit. Or if a B&B is more your style, The Inn at Birch Wilds is nestled inside the beautiful Blue Mountains with stunning views. It is an adults-only inn, so it’s perfect for a romantic getaway or just some time alone with yourself to relax and recharge. As an added bonus, they offer rooms with Jacuzzi tubs and in their list of amenities are a hot tub and a pool. They also have live music set within a beautiful outdoor backdrop where you can order from a full menu.

I hope you enjoyed these hidden gems that I showed you. Make sure to check them out on your next Pocono adventure.