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Jim Thorpe, PA, was named after the 1912 Stockholm Olympic pentathlon and decathlon winner when his wife moved his body to Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, which later changed its name to Jim Thorpe. Delicious food and outdoor adventure await you in the breathtaking scene where the landscape is cut out by the Lehigh Gorge.
I can’t normally name athletes or even tell you a story about their lives, but I have a favorite Jim Thorpe story. Jim was a highly gifted athlete known for his chiseled physique. Subjected to racism, as a Native American athlete whose native name meant “Bright Path,” Jim was a legend in almost every sport he tried, with such astounding ease. Jim was competing in the decathlon event in the 1912 Olympics when his shoes were stolen. The event was about to start, and he had no shoes. He randomly found two different shoes, at least one, if not both, from a garbage can, not even the same size, not even his size. One of the shoes was so big he had to wear an extra sock to make it fit. He won two gold medals that day. On the final day of the competition, he was still competing in those same shoes, competing in ten events overall. As the first Native American to earn a gold medal, it is unfortunate that he was stripped of his gold medals the year following the Olympics. His shoe story inspires me and reminds me that no matter the circumstances, be in the present moment, deal with what is at hand, and trust yourself to figure out a way to be successful. Jim’s supporters today continue to fight to have his medals restored.
Update: July 2022 “Jim Thorpe has been reinstated as the sole winner of the 1912 Olympic pentathlon and decathlon in Stockholm — nearly 110 years after being stripped of those gold medals for violations of strict amateurism rules of the time.”
Walking the streets, you can almost envision a time when the town was a train “whistlestop for the emerging vaudeville stars, as well as a popular gathering location for dignitaries, merchants, and politicians.” Today themed restaurants and cafes are the stars of the show, along with scenic vistas that beckon you to see more!
Downtown Shopping – Blocks of specialty shops line the streets that beckon you to a gone era. There are many great shops selling beef jerky, sweets, candles, incense, and more, but these are just a few of my favorites!
Pocono Biking – Pocono Biking offers customized biking adventures in the Delaware & Lehigh (D&L) National Heritage Corridor. You could bike the 36-mile (in two sections) trail in a day or start with the 10-mile route. Either way, Pocono Biking has a variety of bikes, transportation to the trailhead, and a breadth of knowledge to make your adventure memorable. Take a picnic, plan to stop and take many pictures along the scenic route, and plan your next adventure now!
Jim Thorpe Side Car Tourz – Tour in a sidecar? Seriously? They are serious at Jim Thorpe Side Car Tourz about providing a fun and unique way to tour. They have various packages, inclusions, and time frames, including wine tasting, backwoods wilderness, and scenic mountain tours.
100 Mile View Winery – An amazing view with plenty of parking around the temporary outdoor winery tasting table at the 100 Mile View Winery. COVID delayed the building of the tasting room, but plans will be moving forward. In the meantime, stop by and meet owner Jake Arner, and try the Sunrise, Red Raspberry Wine. You can make a weekend of it, staying at Acres Above, a place to celebrate “life, love, and friendships” and wake up to that amazing view.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway – The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is a narrated round-trip train ride along the Lehigh River into the Lehigh Gorge State Park and back. Traveling on the outdoor upper deck or inside the vintage coach, you will enjoy cliffs, forest, mountain, and wildlife scenery. Tickets are purchased in person, so get there early if you wish to grab the popular upper deck.
Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary – Open Spring and Summer seasons, the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary provides an up-close experience with these beautiful creatures through their release experience or in their indoor sanctuary, open 7 days a week.
Mauch Chunk Opera House – “One of America’s oldest vaudeville theatres, in operation after more than 138 years,” the Mauch Chunk Opera house continues to be renovated and bring talent to the stage like Linda Ronstadt, and tributes to musicians like the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd.
Leigh Gorge State Park – “A deep, steep-walled gorge carved by a river, thick vegetation, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls characterize Lehigh Gorge, State Park.” Thirty-three miles of trails, with a 2% uphill grade traveling north, with steep terrain, reminds us all to exercise caution.
The Stabin Museum – Infamous illustrator, Victor Stabin, creates a one-of-a-kind experience at The Stabin Museum. You will be wowed from the ambiance in the café to the galleries, garden, and projection room. By sunset, the gallery is also a space for mingling, talking, and drinking. I’m always intrigued when I’m in the presence of someone being their authentic self, sharing their gifts with the world, and Victor Stabin does just that!
Jim Thorpe is not the place you’d expect to dine with an international flare at a table in Wonderland, or to choose your Hogwarts House, but indeed it is! So run like the Mad Hatter to an Underground dance party and drink a magical brew.
Notch Eight Craft House – A local tavern, Notch Eight Craft House offers local craft beer, handcrafted cocktails, and food creations you don’t expect in a bar atmosphere. Their crafted cocktails were original, creative, and engaging. It’s not unusual to see people snapping pictures of others’ drinks. Order the Campfire Old Fashioned, a combination of bourbon, smoked maple syrup, orange, luxardo cherries, black walnut bitters, club soda, and a flaming marshmallow.
Moya – Originally from Ecuador, chef, and owner Heriberto Yunda, international restaurant owner, opened Moya as an homage to his hometown. Decadent menu items tempt your pallet, made from the freshest ingredients, the menu changes often. The plates are meant to be shared, being delivered to your table when they are prepared, so you can experience the freshness of the meal.
Through the Looking Glass – Welcome to the Mad Hatters Tea Party from Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass is a themed restaurant. The Catfish Po’Boy is one of the best sellers which is enjoyed from their patio tables, people watching from this corner location.
Broadway Grille & Pub – The broadway Grille & Pub is hopping on most summer days and nights, rocking to the live music from the open-air stage. They also offer boxed lunches for the day’s adventures, along with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and an extensive bar menu. If you want to bust a move, the Underground’s public dance parties will have you movin and groovin the night away.
Muggles Mug Coffee Shop – Muggles welcome to drink up a magical brew at the Muggles Mug Coffee Shop. This Harry Potter-themed coffee shop is always packed, with a line out the door and worth waiting for. Even line waiting isn’t boring when you have a Harry Potter movie to watch while you wait.
Looking for a place to stay that offers views, history, and sexy accommodations? Jim Thorpe, PA has so many unique experiences to make your trip memorable, relaxing, and rejuvenating.
The Inn at Jim Thorpe – The Inn at Jim Thorpe, an 1849 inn known to have housed presidents and celebrities, offers bike storage, ping-pong, and spa services to today’s guests.
Blue Mountain Resort – At Blue Mountain Resort, everything is in one place, from lodging and glamping to food and activities for everyone. Take the scenic lift ride, check out the bike park, get your winter gear or zipline at the adventure park.
Open Acres – Open Acres is a luxurious glamping experience, including a fully equipped bell tent, a hot breakfast in the morning, and firepit S’mores at night, against the backdrop of a million-dollar view. Guided hiking tours through the miles of scenic trails are available.
The Inn at Birch Wilds – Unique sexy accommodations. The Inn at Birch Wilds is an adult-only (21+ years old) inn, with stunning views on 24 acres. Read a book in the spa tub with the fireplace crackling in your custom suite, or the full library, take in a game of pool or swim in the heated indoor pool. Breakfast is served with fresh local ingredients. Romance blooms when you add flowers to your room or an amenity basket to pamper your loved one with a romantic bath experience.
Poccono Mountains – Food, music, theatre, and entertainment events
Jim Thorpe Events – Dining, shopping and entertainment events
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The best in show pics create an amazing outdoor rejuvenation experience. Jim Thorpe, PA is all about the outdoors, breathtaking views, and delicious food. Walk, hike, sleep, and dine in the open air to let go of the stresses of life. Let it all go!
Things to Do – Pocono Biking – Pocono Biking, a family-owned business, offers bike rentals, transportation, and single or multi-day customized adventures that include hiking, biking, whitewater rafting in Delaware & Lehigh (D&L) National Heritage Corridor. Rent a bike or bring your own, traversing along the mixed gravel and paved paths. The biking, hiking, and transportation map can help you plan your next adventure.
Food – Notch Eight Craft House – A local tavern, Notch Eight Craft House offers local craft beer, handcrafted cocktails, and food creations you don’t expect in a bar atmosphere. This snug craft house offers friendly staff and patrons. Each time I went, I was welcomed by friendly patrons, locals, and visitors alike. Their food was so delicious I went back to try more items on the menu and best of all, I didn’t have to dress up to go! Outside seating available.
Accommodations – Open Acres – Open Acres allows you to “experience the great outdoors in a more luxurious, and hosted environment.” Your glamping experience includes a fully equipped bell tent with an off-the-ground queen bed, luxurious linens, dresser, and nightstand, lighting, and indoor/outdoor chairs. Wake up to a French press coffee, a hot breakfast, with mushrooms harvested right from the land but fall asleep with firepit S’mores. But let’s not forget the stunning view! Guided hiking tours through the miles of scenic trails are available.
Alise’s Favorites and Suggestions –
–A popular destination makes parking a challenge, so consider parking in the lot near the train depot, and expect to pay about $15 for 24-hours, even if you’re staying at a local hotel
– Contact Pocono Biking for customized trips and needs. They are wonderfully flexible and accommodating.
–If you are interested in riding the train, be sure to get there early. The upper deck tickets sell out first.
Pocono Biking– Pocono Biking offers hybrid biking, on paved and gravel paths, offering trips April through the first snowfall, and unguided day trips 10 miles to 36 miles, slightly downhill or uphill for a full workout. They offer transportation, e-bikes, hybrids, or bring your bike.
There are organized all-inclusive multi-day trip options in the Spring and Fall only. Custom pickups and drop-offs may be available. You can also take the train for 25 miles and then bike back (specific dates, check schedule).
Explore the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and plan your trip. Check out bike-friendly businesses if you are planning a multi-day trip on your own.
Road Biking – There are several great routes to choose from in this area and you can certainly make your own. Try this route: starting in downtown Jim Thorpe, cycle down Broadway, to Flagstaff Road, toward Tamaqua via 902, circling back toward town on 902 toward Beaver Run, catching Flagstaff Rd back to downtown, which is about 30 miles. Be sure to map out your trip before you go!
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These items will make your travels memorable.
November 12, 2021
The information provided through this website is for informational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any illness or disease. It is not professionaladvice, nor is it intended to create any type of relationship between us. You should not act on any of the information on this website without seeking professional legal, financial, medical, mental health, travel,or other professionaladvice or care. All subscribers that havejoinedthrough a request for information initiated by the subscriber have the opportunity to opt-out at any time. We are a part of multiple affiliate sales networks; we may be compensated if you (the consumer) choose to utilize the links located throughout ourcontent andour website.By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Affiliate Policy. Content may not bereproduced in any form.
