5 Reasons to Visit the Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Top 5 Reasons to Visit the Poconos, Pennsylvania Right Now
The Pocono Mountains offers four seasons of endless romance and spirited adventure. This picturesque, four-county region is renowned for its pristine natural scenic beauty, charming lakes and forests, and quaint, historic towns with warm local character. Just a two-hour drive from both New York City and Philadelphia, the Poconos have long been a quintessential staple of East Coast travel itineraries for couples, families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Image courtesy of Visit the Poconos
1. THE SHOPPING
Take to the small towns in the Pocono Mountains and explore the many family-run shops filled with local gems and one-of-a-kind finds. In the Pocono Mountains, shoppers of all sorts—collectors, fashion lovers, and souvenir seekers—can indulge their passions in a relaxed, scenic setting. Wander the many shops in and around Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, and browse your way through charming boutiques, antiques dealers, and specialty stores that line the winding streets and secret alleys, including the historic Stone Row along Race Street.
Image courtesy of Visit the Poconos
Find artistic creations and browse holiday decorations available any time of year. With its variety of locally owned stores, galleries and charming boutiques—shopping in Jim Thorpe is a delightful destination throughout every season. A leisurely day spent strolling the brick sidewalks and historic streets of Jim Thorpe is sure to result in at least a few treasured purchases and shopping bags.
2. THE ART
The Stabin Museum in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania is housed in a circa 1846 factory built over a creek and showcases the varied work of Victor Stabin—which includes paintings, drawings, animations, books, furniture and much, much more. The alluring natural stone building, set against a dense, forested backdrop, provides an ideal setting for a whimsical, immersive journey through the many twists and turns of the artist’s creative mind.
The Stabin Museum in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
The art of Victor Stabin is an eloquent homage to the long arc of art history, drawing on the delicate traditions of centuries-old Japanese watercolor print artists while also embracing the bold sensibilities of contemporary graphic arts. The Dynasty and Arisman Galleries at The Stabin Museum proudly display not only his own masterworks but also significant pieces by his children and students, creating a rich, multigenerational dialogue within the collection.
3. THE COCKTAILS & CUISINE
Located in the heart of the Poconos, Butter serves up chef-driven, creative cuisine with a twist on the classics. Coupled with an attentive staff and a cozy atmosphere, this hidden gem is in the elegant The Frogtown Inn for an overnight getaway. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying the Apple Spiced Martini—concocted with vodka, fresh squeezed lemon juice, sparkling apple cider, cinnamon syrup, and cinnamon sugar rim.
Butter at The Frogtown Inn Canadensis, Pennsylvania
With a constantly changing menu, Butter specializes in creating new classics. Truly the best casual, refined fine dining in the Poconos, favorite dishes include Chocolate & Beet Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette, Grilled Taleggio Cheese with crispy pork belly and stewed tomatoes, as well as Butter Seared Cod with white bean purée and shaved truffles.
Take a moment to indulge your sweet tooth and savor one of the many decadent desserts on offer, such as the unforgettable Foie Gras & Truffle Bomb. Hungry yet?
4. THE GARDENS
Grey Towers, a circa 1886 French chateau–style mansion designed by famed architect Richard Morris Hunt for James and Mary Pinchot, features an engaging self-guided landscape tour. In the Walled Garden, a black locust–lined allée warmly greets you as you walk along the original 19th‑century carriageway. Added in 1924, the Long Garden and the Long Pool further extend the East Terrace and increase the expanse of the carefully sculpted grounds, creating sweeping vistas and moments of quiet reflection.
Grey Towers in Milford, Pennsylvania
Facing Grey Towers from the East Terrace, you can image when the family opened the French doors of the library to allow air to flow throughout the house. In the niche you will see a bust of the Marquis de Lafayette, evidence of James’s pride in his French heritage. The large trees flanking the Terrace are European Copper Beeches, Gifford Pinchot’s favorite tree. Slow-growing estate trees, they remain living examples of his conservation principle of planting for the future.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Situated in Milford, Pennsylvania — The Columns is a circa 1904 bold Neo-classical 22-room mansion distinguished by its pristine white paint and elegant architectural details. The property also features two floors of carefully curated historical exhibits that vividly detail the people, places, and events that have shaped the rich history of Pike County.
Image courtesy of Visit the Poconos
The most prized holding at The Columns is a 36‑star flag — a silent, timeworn banner that was draped over the balustrade of the Presidential Box at Ford's Theatre on the night Abraham Lincoln was shot, carrying with it the heavy, sobering presence of that fateful evening.
Where to Stay in the Poconos
Home to renowned, chef-driven Butter Bistro — The Frogtown Inn is nestled in the hemlock laden village of Canadensis, right in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. Here, you will enjoy an intimate getaway with elegant accommodations complimented by a delicious gourmet breakfast, all within the comfort of a beautifully restored historic farmhouse. The classically restored Inn features sixteen rooms, each with a private bathroom.
Grown from the foundations of a humble 1800’s farmhouse, The Frogtown Inn embodies the relaxation of yesteryear with comforts befitting the modern traveler. The Inn sits on six acres of wooded paradise complete with a babbling brook, frog pond and garden. Cuddle under their lush duvets and let the scent of delicious food being prepared in the kitchen take hold of your senses. You’re in for an experience you won’t forget.