Jim Thorpe is a small town in the Poconos area of Pennsylvania, a great place for romantics and nature lovers. This quaint little haven was named the 4th most beautiful town by Rand McNally/USA Today on the Travel Channel, and it’s easy to see why.
Jim Thorpe is about a 90 minute drive from Philadelphia, PA, just over two hours from the bright lights of New York City. It has something to do no matter what time of year you visit, and as well as catering for those looking to relax for a week or two, it is also the perfect getaway for a long weekend. It is a very relaxing town where people go to escape the hustle of everyday life, enjoying the outdoors and spending some quality time with those special to them.
If you are a fan of cold weather and skiing, then you want to visit in the winter. There are several good places to ski within a 30 minute drive of Jim Thorpe, including Jack Frost/Big Boulder. If you have never skied before but want to give it a try, lessons are available for beginners, and even if you’re confident that you know your stuff, you can also drop in for some retuning. If you want to stay off skis altogether then snow tubing is available.
Try planning your visit for President’s Day Weekend, when you will be able to enjoy ice carving and wood carving displays in downtown Jim Thorpe. Jim Thorpe does a great job hosting a variety of festivals and fairs year round, you can check out a full schedule of events on the jimthorpe.org website. Every December they host a Christmas festival featuring holiday concerts and caroling.
History lovers are invited to enjoy the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, a splendid manor house that seems to have been yanked from another era and has to be seen to be believed.
If you prefer warmer weather activities then you should visit in the summer when you can enjoy a nice hike or a horseback ride. If the water is your thing, give white water rafting a try. You can also visit Mauch Chuck Lake Park and enjoy swimming and fishing.
If you enjoy wine, stop by the Big Creek Winery shop on Race Street for some free samples and some intoxicating mementoes to take home.
In the fall the foliage in Jim Thorpe is beautiful. You can take in all these amazing colors by taking a scenic train ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. The trains operate every year from May through December.
Jim Thorpe has a few hotels that welcome guests all year round, but if you are looking for something more romantic try staying at one of the many bed & breakfasts in town. Popular weekends tend to fill up early so make sure you make reservations in advance. If you are feeling adventurous, which we’re sure fans of Body on Rocks will be, then you should consider camping at the Jim Thorpe Camping Resort. Many Bed and Breakfasts offer special romantic packages and several places also offer a ski package for those looking to hit the slopes. For a place off the beaten path, but still within walking distance of town, stay the Van Pelt House.
Downtown Jim Thorpe offers a variety of craft stores and shops. There are also several art galleries. Take a romantic carriage ride through downtown Jim Thorpe as a great way to enjoy the town with someone special.
Jim Thorpe is home to the Mauch Chuck Opera House where most weekends you will find concerts featuring everything from country to classic rock. Events may sell out prior to show time so make sure to get tickets ahead of time to guarantee a seat.
Jim Thorpe offers a wide variety of restaurants. For a romantic dinner visit Moya on Race Street. For something more casual try Broadway Grille and Pub located on Broadway. Stop by in the evening and enjoy live music on the weekends.
When you just need a break from everything and want to relax in a town that is a true throwback to a more serene age, visit Jim Thorpe and enjoy all that it has to offer. You will not be disappointed.
