There are so many reasons you should visit Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. I am not sure how well known this town is outside of NY, NJ, and PA. But I am sure that it is worth knowing. This post will detail all the reasons that I think you’d enjoy and should visit Jim Thorpe.
How to get to Jim Thorpe
By Car
If you’re coming from anywhere in the PA, NJ, NY region, the easiest way to visit Jim Thorpe is by car. Make sure you have parking at your accommodation in town as it can be difficult during peak season. It is only a few hours from both Philadelphia and New York City, making it quite easy to visit Jim Thorpe from either of those major cities.
By Plane
To visit Jim Thorpe by plane you’d have to fly into one of those major cities like Philadelphia or New York and then make the drive. You could also try the Wilkes Barre airport, which is about 45 minutes from Jim Thorpe.
Where to stay
When you visit Jim Thorpe accommodation can get interesting. You have to remember that this is small town PA and there isn’t really anything here that we could consider luxury. You’re really going for that charming, down home experience. We’ve stayed in a few places in town that we found to be sufficient.
The Y on Broadway
This hotel used to be an old YMCA club. The rooms are very nice and have been newly renovated. I can highly recommend getting the king room with the terrace. We loved having the space to sit outside and people watch. The bed was incredibly comfortable and the space was large and clean.
The Y also has it’s own little bar area so you can sit outside or inside and have a drink. We were provided a free drink coupon on arrival. The breakfast is just your basic hotel breakfast, but it is included and makes things easier. This hotel also has parking and is right in the middle of town. This makes it a great place to stay when you visit Jim Thorpe.
If you’re interested in viewing and booking the Y on Broadway you can check it out here —–> Y On Broadway
The Inn At Jim Thorpe
This is what I would consider the most popular place to stay in town. It’s kind of old school and has a unique charm. It has some rooms with balconies overlooking the town. Being a popular option it also sells out quickly especially for peak weekends. Booking in advance is imperative here.
We have enjoyed our stays here and the location can not be beat, it is right at the “gateway” to town and it is easily walkable to everything you’d want to see when you visit Jim Thorpe.
If you’re interested in booking this hotel when you visit Jim Thorpe you can check it out here —–> The Inn At Jim Thorpe
Apartment Rentals
There are also lots of options for B&B and apartment style rentals in Jim Thorpe. If this is the kind of thing you like when you’re visiting somewhere you can check out some options here ——> Jim Thorpe apartment/B&B options
How Long Should You Stay
When you visit Jim Thorpe how long you stay really depends on what you’re looking for. I think a full weekend is a perfect amount of time to enjoy the town. I think you could add a few days if you wanted to explore a lot more in the surrounding area. If you like hiking or skiing, depending on the time of year you visit, you may want to extend your stay a few more days.
There is not a lot going on in town during the week and some places are closed during the weekdays. Make sure to look before you book.
When is the best time to visit Jim Thorpe
Fall
I am listing my favorite times to visit Jim Thorpe in order. Fall is the most LOVELY time to visit Jim Thorpe. It is also the most crowded time to visit. This area of the mountains in PA is SO lovely when the leaves start to change colors. There is a scenic train ride you can take through the Lehigh Valley Gorge and it is a very popular fall activity.
Spring
Spring is an excellent time to visit Jim Thorpe because the weather is perfect for wandering around and there are less crowds than in the fall. We went during the first weekend in May last year and had the most lovely time.
Winter
If you visit Jim Thorpe around the holidays you will find it to be very lovely! I think it is a little slower during the January-March time of year though. Christmas it is delightful and the town will always have a lot of unique things going on during the weekends. You could also base yourself in Jim Thorpe and go skiing in the surrounding area.
Summer
Especially the shoulder season of summer would also be a nice time to visit Jim Thorpe. You could do hikes to lakes and waterfalls in the area and then spend your afternoons in town.
Things to Do
Wander & Shop
You should definitely know before you visit Jim Thorpe that the whole town is a little quirky. It is part of the charm. However, if you’re not into that, it might not be the place for you. One of the best things to do when you visit Jim Thorpe is to just stroll the main street, shop and enjoy. There are so many quirky, unique, and special places to shop and check out here.
Enjoy Coffee Spots
For such a small town there are actually multiple coffee shops here. They are all unique in their own ways, some have baked goods, there is even a Harry Potter themed shop.
Walk or ride the Train along the Lehigh Valley Gorge
This is one of the most popular activities for those who visit Jim Thorpe. The train is about a 70 minute ride and goes through some beautiful scenery. This is a novelty train ride for viewing the surrounding area, not a train to get anywhere. The train ends back in Jim Thorpe. People especially enjoy this ride in the fall when all the leaves are changing colors.
Explore the markets or events in town
Almost every time we visit Jim Thorpe on the weekend there has been a little market down by the train station. This is always so nice to check out. There are usually some wonderful baked goods, popcorn, food trucks, snacks, etc.
Take the Wine/Beer Trolley
I haven’t personally done this yet, but I’d really like to. The trolleys roll through town all day long and everyone looks like they’re having such a great time. They take you to a few local stops in the area to try wine and beers.
See a show
There is a theater in Jim Thorpe called the Mauch Chunk Opera house. It is a small and intimate venue so you should make sure if you want to see something here that you get tickets in advance.
Visit the Haunted Mansion
The Harry Packer Mansion is another neat attraction when you visit Jim Thorpe. They host haunted dinner parties here. They also have a beautiful interior that you can visit when they’re not closed for events. You can have a drink at their bar. You can also stay here when you visit Jim Thorpe for a unique experience. It is also beautiful to view from the outside and it has been said that Disney’s Haunted Mansion took inspiration from this place!
See the Jail
You can also tour the old Jail Museum in Jim Thorpe. There is a lot of history connected to the jail and it is a unique site to visit if you visit Jim Thorpe.
Find Unique Art Installations or Galleries
There is no shortage of unique art and curiosities in this town. You can almost always find something going on. Sometimes it involves walking a bit up the main road out of town.
Where to eat
Moya
This is our #1 spot to eat when we visit Jim Thorpe. No visit is complete without coming to Moya. I HIGHLY recommend making reservations as the secret is absolutely out about this place. The chef at Moya is from Ecuador and this spot is named after his hometown. Moya is absolutely excellent. The menu is changing and seasonal with some classics as well. I recommend ordering as much as you can and sharing among the table. There is so much good food here it would be a shame to only eat one thing!
Stone Row Pub & Eatery
This is on the most charming street, a big row of stone houses, hence the name! One thing we loved about the menu here was the emphasis on local ingredients. They got their meat and veggies from the surrounding areas. This place also caters well to vegans and vegetarians so it really is perfect for anyone! It is small and charming and currently they do not take reservations. Dinner in Jim Thorpe is a bit easier as many people day trip here. I recommend shooting your shot for dinner instead of lunch if you’re in town. But either would be wonderful!
Perch at Jim Thorpe
If you visit Jim Thorpe from the Philadelphia area you will likely pass this place on your way into town. Although it is a short drive from the main area of town, it is really delicious. They make delicious bagels, breakfast sandwiches, chocolate milk, and more! Worth a stop on your way in or out.
Marion Hose
This is a cute bar and restaurant right across from the theater! You can dine outside here which is super nice. The place is a restored firehouse. They have great cocktails, wine, and beers and nice bar food. This is a popular spot for lunch/brunch in town. I recommend going right around when they open so you don’t have to wait.
Molly McGuires
Your typical Irish pub in America. If you like this kind of thing it fits the bill. It also unexpectedly has really delicious perogies.
Donerds Donuts
A specialty donut shop with lots of different types of donuts. They are fun and enjoyable and there is often a line here so try to hit it at an off peak time.
Final Thoughts
It is really enjoyable to visit Jim Thorpe in any season. I highly recomend saying at least a night if not a weekend.
Also if you have any interest in visiting the real country of Switzerland, you can check out my posts here ——> Switzerland Blog Posts
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