We visited Jim Thorpe on a Monday in late October since weekends are far too crowded, and that turned out to be a good call. We arrived around noon, but the main parking lot by the train station was already full. We ended up parking at the Immaculate Conception Church on W Broadway, which had plenty of space — about $30 for the day. From there, it was roughly a 10-minute (half-mile) downhill walk to the town center. Be aware that the sidewalks are very narrow and uneven, which made pushing a stroller a bit tricky.
We bought train tickets for the 1 PM departure and arrived only 25 minutes early, which was plenty of time to board. After the ride, we tried to find somewhere to eat, but most restaurants were closed — maybe 2 or 3 were open — and those had long waits since everyone was funneled into the same few places. By the time we finished eating around 3 PM, we were happy to find several shops still open to browse through.
Donerds Donuts was unfortunately sold out by the time we got there, but most of the shops were cute and quaint. Even on a Monday, the stores were tight and crowded inside, and strollers definitely didn’t fit — we had to leave ours outside each time. I can’t imagine trying to navigate on a weekend.
There are several “witchy” shops, which added a fun Halloween vibe, and overall the town is very charming. Still, it feels a bit overrated — beautiful, but not quite as magical as it’s made out to be. There were two porta-potties on Race Street, though I’m not sure if those are always available. The town did seem to be super friendly with even several shops having LGBTQ flags or signs. Feels like a safe and welcoming place...
Read moreVisiting Jim Thorpe was an absolute delight! This picturesque town nestled in the Pocono Mountains is a hidden gem. The quaint streets lined with charming shops, historic buildings, and scenic views left us in awe. Exploring the Asa Packer Mansion and the Old Jail Museum was an intriguing dive into the town's rich history.
The outdoor adventures, from the breathtaking Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to the thrilling hiking trails at Glen Onoko Falls, offered an incredible experience. The stunning natural beauty of the area was captivating.
The warm and welcoming locals added an extra layer of charm to our visit. The dining experiences were fantastic – from cozy cafes to delightful restaurants, each offering a unique taste of local cuisine.
Overall, Jim Thorpe is a perfect blend of history, nature, and warm hospitality, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a serene escape or an adventure-filled getaway. We can't wait to return and explore even more of this...
Read moreWe visited Jim Thorpe for the first time during one of those June’s-25 hot and humid weekends. To find a parking was one uneasy task: inside the town it was practically impossible. Only riverside visitors parking had free lots for a flat fee of $25 no matter how long you are staying, one hour or until the next morning. The town itself is all around the main street which is about 0.5 miles long surrounded by old Victorian houses, some picturesque some totally unremarkable. There is not much to do there except walking up and down the street, visiting look-alike boutiques selling small gifts and faux jewelry, eating and drinking. Of course, unless you’re planning Pokonos hiking which we weren’t. There are a couple of museums with $12-15 entrance fee, and a train ride for $24. Overall, one visit was quite sufficient. Nowhere close to Annapolis and Frederick in MD or...
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