Illustration by Stephen Michael Haas.
My knowledge of Pennsylvania is vast, or at least I thought so. That is, until I stumbled upon some information while researching places where the fall foliage display is the most dramatic.
It turns out that the Delaware Water Gap, nestled in Monroe County near the Delaware River, takes the prize as one of the more-striking areas for viewing fiery fall foliage by foot, bike, kayak or, as in my case, trolley. What surprised me the most, however, is that the small borough is also home to the oldest, continuously operating jazz club in the United States.
After touring the Delaware Water Gap, I continued on to downtown Stroudsburg—a funky, friendly place where thrift shops co-exist with boutique shops and street art is intermingled with galleries. The walkable area attracts many a Delaware Water Gap visitor looking to shop, dine and perhaps take in a show.
The Trolley Tour
The easiest way to learn about the Delaware Water Gap and its history is to sign up for a Pocono Historic Trolley Tour offered by the Pocono Daytripper.
When I visited, Pocono Joe regaled riders with tidbits about the area and how it was once the second most popular inland destination in the country. On the tour, Joe also pointed out structures like the Castle Inn. Built in 1906, it once attracted many tourists seeking to escape the heat of the city and was the area’s first resort with running spring water and electricity. The tour also includes a drive through the Shawnee Inn Golf Resort, which was established in the late 1890s when native New Yorker and business owner Charles Campbell Worthington made it his summer home. Over the years, the resort has hosted celebrities like Jackie Gleason and Arnold Palmer.
Riders will also hear how Fred Waring made his mark on the area. Those of a certain age may have heard of Fred Waring & the Pennsylvanians, mostly due to Christmas albums that played in households once a year. Waring, a Penn State grad, also brought to market an invention that helped revolutionize the American kitchen: the Waring blender. According to Pocono Joe, Waring was fond of using it to mix drinks for his musician friends.
Trolley Riders also are able to disembark to take photos of scenic Buttermilk Falls, which flows down a series of rocky ledges and is a favorite spot for photographers, especially as the trees explode in a riot of color during the autumn season.
It’s so rewarding when people tell me they enjoy the tour and our local history,” said Peter Luck, owner of Pocono Daytripper. “It means everything to me.”
All That Jazz
The Deer Head Inn is a Victorian-style building with two stories of sprawling, wraparound porches, perfect for relaxing as the music wafts its way outside. Built between 1853 and 1865, it was originally called the Central House and was renamed The Deer Head Inn in the 1930s.
Jazz enthusiasts have been known to flock to the destination, especially for the annual Jazz Fest that is held the weekend after Labor Day. Those who are interested in staying awhile can choose from among eight rooms and two suites.
Ian Carrig, nephew of owner Dennis Carrig, lists some of the jazz artists who have played at the club, including Stan Getz, Keith Jarrett, Phil Woods, Urbie Green, Nellie McKay and Nicole Glover, to name a few. Carrig works as chef at the establishment and turns out dishes like crab cakes, baked salmon, shrimp scampi, burgers, sandwiches and more.
Funky, Fun and Friendly
If you like getting your shop on, look no further than downtown Stroudsburg, where you’ll find clothing boutiques, thrift shops and galleries tucked among eateries, bars and street art.
Grandpa Joe’s offers friendly service at their candy shop located at 730 Main St. When I visited, they were handing out popcorn-flavored taffy and enjoying people’s reactions. (It was surprisingly good.) Not far from Grandpa’s is Carroll & Carroll Booksellers, an independent bookstore selling new, used and rare books. And for antique lovers, there’s Olde Engine Works. Located at 62 N. Third St., it’s one of the largest antique co-ops in northeast Pennsylvania.
If you work up a thirst while shopping, Stroudsburg is also home to Bovino’s Brewery, Stonehaus Meadery and the Raw Urban Winery and Hard Cidery, all on Main. Just outside downtown there’s the Mountain View Vineyard on Walters Road and the Eagles Rest Cellars at 188 Eagles Rest Lane. And for something a little different, there’s Sango Kura, Pennsylvania’s first and only sake brewery—but you’ll have to return to Delaware Water Gap to indulge in those libations.
You may also want to check out the historic Sherman Theater, also located on Main. The theater dates back to early 1929 and today features comedians like Vic Dibitetto, musicians like Ace Frehley of Kiss fame and various tribute bands, to name a few of the acts that have entertained crowds just this year.
Whether you embark on a day trip, or stay a day or two, these suggestions should keep you busy as you explore eastern Monroe County—an area that offers a diverse array of experiences to cater to a wide range of tastes.
The Great Northeast
For more information on some of the places mentioned in this story, visit the following:
Pocono Daytripper
www.poconodaytripper.com
The Deer Head Inn
www.dearheadinn.com
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
www.grandpajoescandyshop.com
Olde Engine Works
www.oldeengineworks.com
The Sherman Theater
www.shermantheater.com
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