Meet Pennsylvania’s ‘Mountain City’ — A Poconos Town With A Historic Mining Village, Scenic Mountain Views, And An Unexpected Arts Scene

New Yorkers craving an escape with fresh mountain air, real small-town flavor, and an unexpected dose of arts and culture will find it in Hazleton, Pennsylvania — a high-elevation former mining hub that’s reinvented itself as one of the most fascinating little cities in the Poconos . While there’s plenty to explore in the region, like the “Little Switzerland of America” and Hawley, PA’s Woodloch Resort, we can guarantee you’ve probably never heard of this spot. Perched atop Spring Mountain at nearly 1,900 feet above sea level , Hazleton’s skyline sits above the valleys that once powered America’s coal industry . Today, its walkable downtown is filled with independently owned shops, multicultural restaurants, galleries, and historic architecture — all set against rolling countryside that turns fiery red in fall and sparkles with snow in winter. Hazleton isn’t just another Pocono escape — it’s a destination with soul, shaped by centuries of immigration, industry, reinvention, and creativity. A small mountain city with *big* history (and a few secrets) ------------------------------------------------------------ Hazleton’s story is anchored in the mountains — literally. In the early 1800s, anthracite coal was discovered beneath these ridges, turning a quiet settlement into a booming industrial powerhouse . Mines, patch towns, and railroads sprang up overnight, drawing waves of immigrants from Ireland, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Lithuania. Their traditions shaped the food, festivals, churches, and deep community roots that still define Hazleton today. One of the most intriguing remnants of that era sits just outside town: Eckley Miners’ Village , a perfectly preserved 19th-century coal company town that feels like stepping straight into another century. Rows of wooden miners’ homes line a narrow road, the church stands quiet on the hill, and the old company store still looks ready to open for the day . The setting is so authentic that Hollywood used it as the primary filming location for the 1970 movie *The Molly Maguires* starring Sean Connery. What makes Eckley special isn’t just the historic structures — it’s the atmosphere. Everything feels frozen in time in a way that’s eerily peaceful: laundry lines swaying behind clapboard houses, mine tracks vanishing into the woods, and a landscape that tells the story of the families who lived, worked, and built their lives here . Visitors can walk through original homes, tour the museum, and learn how entire communities functioned through harsh winters, early-morning shifts, and close-knit immigrant traditions. It’s one of the most immersive historic sites in the state — and one of the most underrated. A modern creative hub surrounded by wild adventure -------------------------------------------------- Hazleton today feels like a new chapter entirely — colorful murals splash across brick walls, independent galleries buzz with workshops, and a wave of new cultural energy has reshaped the city’s flavor. Start at the Hazleton Art League , home to rotating exhibitions, an outdoor art park, and the annual *Peace, Love, Chalk* Festival, when the sidewalks transform into giant pastel murals. Nearby, the Wiltsie Center hosts plays, concerts, and live performances inside what looks like a castle. For something completely different, the Sanctuary Stunt Studio stages live stunt shows — yes, in a converted church — complete with trained performers, wrestling rings, and immersive storytelling. Beyond downtown, Hazleton becomes an outdoor playground. Just minutes from the center, hikers can jump onto the Greater Hazleton Rails-to-Trails , a scenic route along a former coal rail bed that leads to the peaceful Dreck Creek Reservoir. Prefer something more adrenaline-fueled? Nearby Above the Poconos Skydiving offers jumps with mountain views, while the town of Weatherly is a launching point for Lehigh River whitewater rafting trips. Within 30 minutes, you’ll find six state parks , including Hickory Run State Park — home to the stunning 16-acre Boulder Field , a glacier-carved natural wonder that feels straight out of another planet. Winter brings its own magic: skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at nearby Eagle Rock Resort , plus snowy hikes through pine forests and cozy small-town streets lit with holiday decorations and warm wassail nights. Where to eat: old-school classics & modern global flavor -------------------------------------------------------- Hazleton’s dining scene is one of its most unexpected highlights — a true blend of old-world heritage and new-wave flavor. The Classic Spots: * Senape’s Tavern Pitza — home of Hazleton’s famous square “pitza,” a sweeter-sauce tomato pie beloved by generations. * Jimmy’s Quick Lunch — a retro diner serving its signature hot dogs since 1937. * T&L Pierogies — handmade pierogies celebrating the region’s Eastern European roots. * The Ovalon — a 1946 Italian-American institution perfect for red-sauce comfort meals. The New Hazleton: Over the last two decades, Hazleton has become a vibrant Dominican and Latino cultural hub , reshaping the town’s food scene in delicious ways. Expect amazing empanadas, mofongo, chimi sandwiches, and rich café con leche from family-run eateries downtown — spots that give the city a warm, neighborhood feel reminiscent of Washington Heights , but surrounded by mountains. 📍 Distance: About 2 hours from Manhattan 🌄 Vibe: Mountain air, small-town charm, deep history, and big cultural energy 🌿 Perfect For: Foodies, history buffs, hikers, art lovers, and anyone craving a fresh-air reset 💸 Bonus: It’s incredibly affordable compared to more touristy Pocono destinations Source: https://secretnyc.co/pennsylvania-mountain-city-hazleton-pa-small-town/