Ashley will soon turn 13 so her days of wanting to take birthday trips with her Uncle Jay are coming to an end as she gets more independent and busier with her friends and activities. Prior to her birthday, Uncle Jay proposed a trip to the Poconos but was met with a less than enthusiastic response from Ashley. She has a boyfriend now (Chase) and spending time with him takes priority over spending time with Uncle Jay.
Which thrilled Uncle Jay NOT AT ALL! "She's too young to have a boyfriend!"
I had a "She's not a little girl anymore, she's growing up" Come to Jesus talk with Jay and told him "If you want her to say yes to the trip invite Chase along. Then Ashley will say yes to the trip. Look...Ashley has a good head on her shoulders. Either you trust her or you don't. Which is it?"
Jay re-approached Ashley and (very reluctantly) invited Chase to go along with us.
Just like that, suddenly Ashley couldn't wait until we left for the Poconos.
And unlike our other trips, we left it up to the kids to plan the itinerary. Although I did suggest to Ashley that since Chase was very nervous about meeting Jay and Jay was less than thrilled about the whole boyfriend thing, that they make the first item on their itinerary a golf game - as Chase loved golf as much as Jay does.
By the time we'd played 18 holes one would've thought those two guys had been bff's for years, especially after Chase asked Jay for pointers on his golf technique/game. Jay fed right into that!
We had nothing to worry about. Chase was a very nice kid with impeccably good manners and he treated Ashley like a princess and with respect. He was every bit as respectful to Jay and I.
There are a whole lot of really nice resorts in the Poconos and we looked at several before the four of us decided Great Wolf Lodge was the way to go. 1 Great Wolf Dr, Scotrun, PA
We were tempted to book at Skytop Lodge due to all of the activities it offered - until we realized those activities had additional charges to them even if you were a resort guest - but that they were all open to the public for $10 over the resort guest price. And although they had a kids 12 and under stay, play and eat free promotion, when we crunched the numbers Grey Wolf Lodge was far more economical - even when booking a loft suite. (In the Lodge).
-
Two queen-size beds with a TV
-
Full bath
-
Semi-private living area with corner gas fireplace, full-size sofa sleeper, and TV
-
Loft with queen-size bed, TV and a half bath
-
Private balcony
-
Internet
-
Security safe
-
Mini-fridge
-
Coffee maker
This way Chase had his own space up in the loft and Ashley had her own space at night in the room with the sleeper sofa. The base rate was $518 per night but we booked when Great Wolf was holding its 50% off Wolf Tracks Sale promotion. Our reservations included 4 water park passes for 8 days.
Tip for the waterpark: TRY to get there before park opens so you can be first in line to get tables & chairs and be first in line for popular rides. We got there 40 minutes after it opened and there wasn't a chair to be had.
You can rent a cabana for $300 a day. Steep price yes...but a cabana gives you a protected home base when the water park is crowded. You might also want to bring earbuds/headphones and some music as the park gets very noisy when crowded.
Plus, be aware that if you stay in the new Tower, for example, you'll have a LONG walk to and from your room.
We also purchased a Wolf Pass for each of the kids that gave them access to all of the Lodge's activities. $100 each. This included MagiQuest, Ten Paw Alley Bowling, Northern Lights Arcade, Moonstone Mirror Maze, Howl In One Mini Golf.
There were also free events that came with our reservations, like a Family Dance Party, Ropes Course and others.
The Lodge also had a variety of in-house dining options right on the property, which is handy in the Poconos.
Check in is easy with the App & Kiosk. You can easily avoid the lines as the Kiosks will distribute wrist bands & you'll receive a text when your room is ready. Check-in is 4pm but our room was ready by 12pm. Hit a store or the check-in area later in the day when there are no lines to claim your FREE wolf ears!
(We had to chuckle...the kids weren't too old to want to claim their free wolf ears. LOL)
You can also order food from their restaurants using the app.
The Skytop Lodge with all of its activities is 45 minutes away from Great Wolf Lodge.
Get settled into your accommodations. Our suite opened up early around noon so we got settled and grabbed some quick lunch at Buckets, Burgers & Bites. $
The snack bar restaurant offers burgers, chicken, salads, pizza, snacks and sweets.
Both alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages are also offered.
After lunch we took a walk around the lodge and grounds to get the lay of the land.
Evening: Dinner at Fireside in the lodge.
Fireside, Great Wolf Lodge’s newest restaurant, brings families closer with fire-cooked food that evokes the vibe of a warm summer’s night in the north woods. The outdoors-themed environment creates an inviting setting to discover mouth-watering offerings, from inspired twists on shareable snacks to build-your-own innovations on classic dishes.
Both kids ordered Smokehouse Burgers -
Schweid & Sons 7 oz. steakhouse burger patty, pulled pork, smoky bacon, melted American cheese, pickles, crispy fried onions, bourbon sweet bbq sauce, on a soft brioche bun. $22.49
I had Shrimp Alfredo $26.99 and Jay had New York Strip Steak $47.99. All were very good.
You do need a reservation for Fireside.
Following dinner Ashley and Chase wanted to visit the Arcade so they did while Jay and I rested in the room.
Money $aving Tip: Groupon is currently offering discounted accommodations at Great Wolf Lodge, starting at $168.54 per night.
Cities near Scotrun & Great Wolf Lodge:
-
East Stroudsburg (15 minutes)
-
Phillipsburg (35 minutes)
-
Tannersville (3 minutes)
-
Tunkhannock (1 hour)
-
Indian Mountain Lake (23 minutes)
-
Marshalls Creek (20 minutes)
-
McIlhaney (15 minutes)
Morning: Breakfast in nearby Tannersville at The Morning Toast at Barley Creek.
1774 Sullivan Trail, Tannersville, PA
This is NOT your average breakfast. It's breakfast in a brewery, Like their handcrafted beer and spirits, the Morning Toast goes beyond the typical. All ingredients are fresh, PA sourced - which is why Morning Toast is a favorite breakfast spot among locals and tourists alike.
The kids couldn't scarf down their Oreo stuffed French Toast fast enough! $13
The Creek Chesapeake Benny was nothing to sneeze at either - Two Sunny Eggs | Toasted English Muffin |
Crabcakes | Hollandaise sauce | Old Bay Seasoning | Breakfast Potato Crisps | $22
Great breakfast restaurant!
Ashley had taken my advice on starting things off with a golf game so it was off to Mount Airy Golf Course:
312 Woodland Rd, Mount Pocono.
Designed by architect Hal Purdy after Sport’s Illustrated’s “The Best 18 Golf Holes in America”, the course is designed to challenge golfers of all levels.
I will say you're surrounded by breathtaking scenery, where meticulously manicured fairways carve their way through rolling hills with breathtaking views and the course had kind of a zen affect as you played it.
The guys must have felt that zen affect too as the "frostiness" between them dissipated and Dr. Ice Man Melteth decided maybe the boyfriend wasn't that much of a national disaster after all. They bonded over their shared love of golf. Mission accomplished.
Famous holes from dynamic courses such as Pebble Beach, Oakland Hills, Merion and Augusta National have been reinterpreted and redesigned for Mount Airy’s course.
The result is over 6,500 yards of stunning fairways, picturesque view and outstanding golf course conditions expected at private country clubs.
Looks aside, the 72.4/132 rated golf course is a true test of skill for every level golfer that takes on the challenge. Numerous ponds, streams, hazards and elevation changes make for a great test of your game.
Mount Airy has a beautiful clubhouse and Pro Shop as well.
*Proper golf attire and footwear is required (collared shirt and no denim).
Note: The Mount Airy golf course is part of the adults only Mount Airy Resort & Casino so no children under the age of 8 years are allowed to play golf on the Mount Airy golf course.
Afternoon: There are 3 dining facilities at the golf course that allow children - The Ballroom, the Main Dining Room and the Patio. Each has its’ own distinctive feel, and a full menu is available in each area.
We grabbed sandwiches and wraps on the Patio for lunch - $11 per sandwich or wrap. $5 per side.
The food was good but typical of golf course Clubhouse food.
With that we were off on our next adventure - arrow tag at Skytop Lodge, 45 minutes away.
Photo credit: Skytop Lodge
If you haven’t heard of Arrow Tag, it’s an outdoor, action-packed game that’s similar to dodgeball, but played with bows and foam-tipped arrows. And it's a BLAST! We played 2 games (an hour each) - Jay and I vs. the kids, then the guys vs. we gals.
Your group will be split into two teams. Each team battles to be the first team to knock out all the centers of their opposing team’s 5-spot target. Inflatable bunkers on both sides of the field add to the challenge of the game as players try to tag other players out with the arrows.
The game ends in one of three ways:
-
All of an opposing team’s members have been tagged out.
-
All the 5-spots have been eliminated on an opponent’s target.
-
Time’s up! If the game ends because the time frame has expired, then the team with the least amount of center spots knocked out wins.
The “non-lethal” foam-tipped arrows look like big marshmallows. Additionally, the bunkers used to take cover from the opposing team are inflatable. You must be 8 years old to play.
Only Arrow Tag arrows are permitted. Must use a traditional-style bow. Bow must have a 28-pound draw weight or lighter. You can rent the equipment from the Adventure Center for $20 per person, per hour.
Money $aving Tip: We took advantage of a Groupon offer (now expired) that gave us a 50% discount at the Skytop Adventure Center so we only paid $10 per person, per hour for the arrow tag equipment rental.
Check Groupon for future Adventure Center discounts!
Evening: Have dinner at the Skytop Lodge restaurant, Lakeview. Lakeview offers breathtaking views of one of Skytop’s lakes and their golf course. You have the option of indoor or outdoor dining.
Photos credit: Skytop Lodge
Contemporary Mediterranean cuisine prepared by Chef Stanford Murphy. $$$
The food was delicious but we found the menu to be somewhat limited, especially where the kids were concerned. Lakeview does have a kids menu but it's no longer enough to feed those two without them leaving the table hungry. - especially Chase who's in that teenage "Eat everything in sight" stage.
Having driven 45 minutes to get to Skytop we all wanted to do the Evening Kayak Paddle.
Tranquil and exhilarating at the same time, try kayaking at dusk on Skytop Lake.
Must be 16 and up to go alone. Must be 6 and up in a double with an adult. Experience Required.
(This is supposed to be a resort guests only activity but no one bothered to check whether or not we were resort guests when renting us our kayaks.)
We rented 2 double kayaks and since the kids weren't 16 yet, Jay and I each took one of the kids in our kayaks, even though both are experienced kayakers. It was a nice end to the day.
Rental Prices
Single Kayak $20. Double Kayak $30
When we returned to Great Wolf we visited the water park (10 am to 8 pm) and played a game of Howl At the Moon glow mini golf.
If you purchased the Wolf Pass, that covers the cost of the mini golf. If not, pricing is:
Single Admission: $7.99 per round
Family Admission: $24.99 one round per person for up to six family members
The hours for mini golf are 9 am to 9 pm daily.
Morning: Have breakfast at Crepe Soleil in Tannersville.
1000 Premium Outlets Dr, Tannersville.
Fresh and healthy ingredients. The crepes are made right in front of you and they're fantastic!
Fast service and plenty of seating outside or in the food court.
Crepe Soleil offers both sweet and non-sweet varieties of crepes.
Sunday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Spend the morning at the water park - a 120,000-square-feet indoor water park kept at a perfect 84 degrees year-round. While the kids took to the high thrills slides and rides Jay and I took it easy, floating down the Crooked Creek and lounging in the warm and inviting South Hot Springs.
From the water park we tried our hand at Ten Paw Bowling.
Enjoy bowling for toddlers, teens, and adults alike. Shorter lanes and smaller bowling balls make this a perfect way to spend time together as a family, whether you’re trying for a perfect game or simply playing for fun.
We love 'just for fun' challenges so it was guys vs. gals. I think they were at a disadvantage because the bowling balls were smaller than they were used to bowling with, but Ashley and I whooped their butts. So the guys had to buy us ice cream at Wood's End Creamery.
Have lunch at the lodge's Hungry As A Wolf Pizzeria.
Brooklyn-style hand-stretched pizza, savory Italian, garlic cheese bread, and freshly made salads fill the menu.
Hours
11:00 am to 10:00 pm
One of the attractions that make Great Wolf Lodge unique is its proximity to Lake Harmony.
100 Moseywood Rd Lake Harmony, PA.
Lake Harmony is located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, making it easily accessible from Great Wolf Lodge. When planning your trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Pennsylvania, you should consider spending time at Lake Harmony. The water-based activities at this picturesque lake will surely provide a perfect day of fun and excitement. No matter what interests everyone in your family, there's something for everyone at Lake Harmony.
The lake offers swimming, fishing, both motorized and non motorized boat rentals, picnicking, waterboarding, water skiing, tubing, paddleboarding. You can also take a pontoon boat cruise around the lake.
On land, hiking trails like Hawk Falls beckon, leading to cascading waterfalls and panoramic overlooks. The Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area’s paths meander through wildflowers, ideal for birdwatching.
Family outings include pony rides at Daisy Field Farm or paintball battles at Skirmish Paintball, where strategy meets adrenaline in forested arenas. Lake Harmony Cruises offer narrated tours, delving into local lore while cruising the shores.
Take your pick of activities to fill your afternoon.
We rented a speedboat from Yeti Watersports (1 Lake Dr, Lake Harmony, PA) to do some water skiing and wakeboarding. $$
Evening: Have dinner at Louie's Prime Steakhouse. 244 Lake Harmony Road, Lake Harmony, PA.
Louie's Prime is fine dining in a casual atmosphere.
Their menu consists of 4 pages of appetizers, soups, salads, handcrafted entrees, grilled items, sides and desserts. Louie's also has a full bar.
Although a bit on the pricey side, their prices were less than what most fine dining establishments typically charge.
Every Thursday Louie's hosts A Taste Of Italy - a 3 course Italian meal for $29.95. That's what we ordered and it was awesome and filling.
Reservations highly recommended.
Hours
Monday & Tuesday Closed
Wednesday & Thursday 4 pm to 9:30 pm
Friday & Saturday 4 pm to 10 pm
Sunday 4 pm to 9:30 pm
Return to Great Wolf Lodge.
Fast service and plenty of seating outside or in the food court.
Have breakfast at the Scotrun Diner. 2576 Route 611, Scotrun, PA.
Scotrun Diner is your no frills neighborhood style diner with good eats at reasonable prices.
We ordered the 222 Special - choice of 2 pieces of Pancakes or French toast, 2 eggs, 2 pieces of meat for $13. The portions were hefty and the food good. The only downside that we found was that they syrup was cold rather than warm but that didn't affect the quality of the meal.
The diner is 1/2 mile from the Great Wolf Lodge parking lot.
Get out in nature and explore Hickory Run State Park, 30 minutes from the diner.
3 Family Camp Rd, White Haven, PA
The 15,990-acre Hickory Run State Park, Carbon County, lies in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. This large park has:
-
More than 40 miles of hiking trails
-
Three state park natural areas
-
Miles of trout streams
Boulder Field, a striking boulder-strewn area, is a National Natural Landmark.
Boulder Field
With over 40 miles of hiking trails and seven miles of biking trails, there's plenty for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
If you're up for a challenging hike, check out the Shades of Death Trail. This 6.5-mile loop trail takes you through rocky terrain and past waterfalls and streams. The challenging terrain is not for the faint of heart, so make sure to come prepared with proper footwear and plenty of water.
For a more leisurely hike, the Hawk Falls Trail is a great option. This easy-to-moderate 0.9-mile trail follows a gentle stream and leads to a beautiful waterfall. There are also several picnic areas along the way, making it the perfect spot for a family outing.
If biking is more your style, Hickory Run State Park offers several options for cyclists. The Sand Spring Trail is a 1.4-mile loop along a former railroad bed. This easy trail is perfect for beginners and families with children. We always bring our bikes along when we travel so we biked the more challenging Boulder Field Trail that is a 3.5-mile loop that takes you through the park's impressive boulder field.
If you need to rent a bike: Pocono Bike Rental
Boulder Field Bike Trail
Another popular activity at Hickory Run State Park is fishing. The park is home to several streams and lakes where you can fish for trout, bass, and other species. Make sure to have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license before casting your line.
In addition to hiking, biking, and fishing, Hickory Run State Park also offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and camping. With all these options, it's no wonder why the park is a popular destination for visitors to the Pocono Mountains.
Afternoon: Lunch at White Haven Family Diner. 302 Main St, White Haven, PA. $
Just exactly what you want in a small town diner. Open 6AM to 3PM Extensive menu with breakfast items served until 2pm. Great selection of sandwiches. salads, and platters. Service was great.
The kids ordered burgers and what came out were burgers 6" in diameter!
Note that this is a cash only restaurant but there's an ATM right across the street.
Hours
Sunday 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Photo credit: Restaurant Guru
Jay came up with a novel activity to do after lunch - iFLY Indoor Skydiving - King of Prussia.
290 Goddard Blvd, King of Prussia, PA
If you're staying at Great Wolf Lodge PA and are looking for some thrilling activities to try nearby, then you should definitely consider indoor skydiving at iFly King of Prussia.
Located just 20 minutes from the lodge, iFly is an indoor skydiving experience that lets you experience the thrill of skydiving without having to jump out of an airplane. The facility uses a vertical wind tunnel that creates a smooth cushion of air that you can float on, giving you the same feeling as a freefall without the danger.
One of the best things about indoor skydiving is that you don't need any special equipment or experience to do it. All you need is a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. iFly provides all the necessary gear, including a jumpsuit, helmet, and goggles.
They offer a variety of different packages including a reduced rate 2 Flights Super Saver when you book off peak hours. $79 per flyer.
But when we compared prices for the 4 of us we found we'd get 10 flights for up to 5 flyers with all photos and videos included for only $143 more booking the 10 Flight Shareable. $459.
We got 15% off that price using a discount promo code.
Money $aving Tip: Promo codes
Evening: Dinner at Seasons 52 in King of Prussia, PA. 160 N Gulph Rd Suite 101, King of Prussia, PA
Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. The seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful.
The dining room is large and a bit upscale without being stuffy. Service was attentive without being overbearing. This is the best value in fine dining in the area for selection, quantity and above all quality that we found.
I had the grilled mahi mahi fish tacos with a fresh and tender summer salad. Phenomenal.
Jay ordered the grilled scallops that he said were done to perfection.
I don't remember what the kids ordered but there were no complaints from them...too busy eating.
Be sure to try their various flatbreads! Heaven on earth!
Hours
Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
After dinner return to your accommodations. The kids went to the Arcade area to use more of the activities on their Wolf Passes while we submerged ourselves in the water park hot tub.
Morning: Drive 36 miles to Jim Thorpe, PA.
Downtown Jim Thorpe, PA
Believe it or not, it was the kids that decided we should visit the town of Jim Thorpe! Maybe they're becoming seasoned travelers???
We stumbled on another crepe breakfast eatery - Ma's Crepes & Cakes. 46 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA
Ma's serves both sweet and savory crepes and baked goods. It also has a seasonal menu of crepes.
Prices run $15-$16 per crepe and the servings are large. The staff is super friendly too!
Offering both the charms of a European village (It's called "Little Switzerland") and the thrills of a mountain sports destination, this historic town nestled in Lehigh Gorge in Carbon County is one of the great gems of the Poconos.
Yes, the town is named after the greatest athlete of all time, Jim Thorpe.
You can explore the town by taking a walking tour, using the downloadable map below.
You can also hop a trolley to explore Jim Thorpe.
**2 Susquehanna St** This 1 hour 10 minute historic trolley tour of Jim Thorpe is the best way to see and learn about this amazing town! Tickets can also be purchased at their booth in front of the visitor center or Online.
Duration: 70 Minutes (approx.
You can also take to the rails on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to explore the small towns in the Poconos.
Watch the scenery through the windows of a cozy railcar as you ride through charming Pocono Mountains towns like Jim Thorpe, Delaware Water Gap, Honesdale, Hawley and East Stroudsburg. For families, couples and curious travelers, a narrated train tour is a memorable way to explore the Pocono Mountains.
Being big railroad fans we opted to take the train ride through the Poconos. You have a variety of different train cars to choose from and the price varies with the type of car you choose.
We decided to treat ourselves and take the First Class Lounge Car. Ride in style in the plush, padded arm chairs located on either end of this car. There is also restaurant-style booth seating available. This car is fully climate controlled.
Passengers riding in the Lounge Car are offered complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages during the ride.
The ride and scenery were spectacular and we were able to see towns we wouldn't have been able to see or visit otherwise. If you are looking for a fun way to spend a bit of time while exploring Jim Thorpe, PA, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is a fantastic choice.
Adult: $54
Child (age 3-12): $45
Children 2 and under receive a FREE TICKET.
Plan on arriving 1 hour early in order to find parking.
Lehigh Gorge Trains are located at 1 Susquehanna Street, Jim Thorpe, PA.
Money $aving Tips:
Discounted Rates: Seniors, active military members, and children under a certain age may qualify for discounted rates. Check the official website or call for the latest figures.
Advance Booking: Booking tickets in advance, especially for weekend rides or during peak seasons, can help secure better rates.
After our train ride we returned to Jim Thorpe as the kids wanted to tour the Old Jail Museum.
128 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA
The kids picked a winner...this guided tour was SO interesting! It must be popular because there was a long line to get in after our tour finished.
This is a YOU CAN'T MISS IT! landmark. The guide was so informative, especially with her stories about the warden and inmates - including a guy who starved himself to be able to fit through the very narrow windows to escape. He made his escape attempt just 2 weeks before his sentence was up and wound up back behind bars for another 2 years. He actually did make it through the narrow window and may have been successful in his attempt, had he not tried to escape during the noon hour stark naked! In order to get through the window, he had to remove all his clothes and soap himself up from head to toe. A woman sitting on her front porch across the street watched him squeezing through the window and reported him to the jail. (They didn't believe her at first and the police wound up chasing him down 4 hours later outside of town). After the jail closed, the guy came back and asked for a free tour of the jail in exchange for him telling his side of the story.
The jail was built in 1871 and was used as a county jail until 1995! Unbelievable when you see the condition of the jail especially the dungeon, which is no more than 8 concrete holes in the wall. One "luxury" dungeon cell has a toilet and sink, the rest of them contain buckets.
They have recreated the gallows used to hang the four famous Molly Macguires over a hundred years ago.
The Old Jail is best known for its connection to the Molly Maguires, a secret society of Irish coal miners who fought against the oppressive working conditions in Pennsylvania's anthracite coal fields during the 1870s.
During this time, miners faced dangerous working conditions, low wages, and discrimination. The Molly Maguires, originally an Irish vigilante group, emerged as advocates for miners' rights, though their methods—which allegedly included violence against mine bosses and sabotage—remain controversial to this day.
The highlight of the tour is a handprint on the wall in a cell where one of the Molly Macguires was held before his execution. To protest his innocence, he placed his hand on the ground and then on the wall and stated that his handprint would remain on the wall always, as evidence that he was in fact innocent.
They don't allow photos to be taken of the handprint on the wall, although I'm not quite sure why.
This enduring mark has become one of the jail's most famous and mysterious features, drawing visitors from around the world who wish to witness this unexplained phenomenon.
Upstairs in the jail are the warden's family quarters and the women's cells.
After the guided tour you are allowed to roam around on your own for a few minutes but the dungeon and certain other parts of the jail are off limits during that time.
You must buy your tickets in person at the jail but you want to do so well in advance of 3 pm as they usually sell out by then. Weekends are especially busy.
The tours last about 30 to 35 minutes.
Tour Pricing
Adults $12
Teenagers (13-17) $10
Children (5-12) $7
Small Children (2-4) $1
Active Military (with ID) FREE
US Veterans (with ID) $2 OFF
Business Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 12PM - 3PM
Friday - Sunday: 12PM - 4PM
Wednesday: Closed
Money $aving Tip: Book through TripAdvisor $25 off with code BOOK25
Book before 2/28 Terms apply
Afternoon: We just wanted something quick for lunch so picked up sub sandwiches from Tommy's Subs. $
32 W 4th St. , Jim Thorpe, PA. Then on with our adventures...
Touring the No 9 Coal Mine & Museum. 9 Dock St, Lansford, PA.
Jim Thorpe and the surrounding area made its living off of anthracite coal mining. In 1972, the mine was officially closed. However, its 117 years of operation makes it still the longest continuously operating anthracite coal mine in the world. Believe it or not, this is the oldest former coal mine that can be toured in the United States.
Tours of the Number 9 Coal Mine start off in the museum adjacent to the mine’s entrance.
Photo credit: Uncovering PA
The No. 9 Mine Museum, set in the historic “Wash Shanty,” boasts the area’s largest and most fascinating collection of mining artifacts.
Explore tools, blasting equipment, and household items that reveal the rich history of the No. 9 Mine.
The museum is quite large with an impressive number of exhibits. However, I do think if the exhibits were labeled better visitors might better understand what it is they're looking at.
Tours of the mine start from the museum where visitors are offered both a coat and a hard hat. I recommend bringing your own jacket so it fits you and if you're tall, the hard hat will protect your head in places where you have to duck during the tour.
You'll climb into a mining car (below) and your guide will take you 1/4 mile into the mountain.
Although as our guide pointed out, these mine hospitals didn't have any significant amount of medical supplies on hand with which to treat the miners so I can't imagine how effective they actually were?
Tours of the mine itself last about an hour and run every hour on the hour (with the last tour one hour before the site closes).
The ride into the mine is bumpy but flat. When you exit the car, you'll be 200' below the surface.
The tour doesn’t cover a significant amount of distance but does offer the chance to see several areas of the mine and you guide will give you the history of the mine.
For me, the neatest part of the tour was seeing the mine hospital that is carved out of rock.
The No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum
operates April through November.
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday through Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Mine Tour
Tour Begins Every Hour: 11 AM – 3 PM
Admission Rates
General Admission Adult: $15
Child (ages 4-12): $12
Children 3 and Under: FREE
Discounts for Foundation Members, AAA Members, Seniors (65+), and Veterans. No discounts offered on event days.
Tour tickets must be purchased in the Gift Shop.
The mine is 15 minutes from Jim Thorpe.
Drive about another 30 minutes and you'll arrive at Eckley Miners’ Village. 2 Eckley Back Road
Weatherly, PA
Interesting place in that you can see how the coal miners lived. Overall, I’d definitely recommend a visit to Eckley Miners’ Village to anyone who is interested in history or wants to better understand the culture of the coal region of northeastern Pennsylvania. There is probably nowhere in Pennsylvania that offers a better chance to learn about the life and times of coal miners. The Village has been beautifully preserved.
The community was built beginning in the 1850s as a company town for Sharpe, Weiss, and Company, a coal mining company in the region. The miners lived in the community, rented their homes from the company, and shopped in the company store. This reliance on the company created a cycle that many miners, most new immigrants to America, struggled to get out of.
After the coal company shut down, the community continued to be owned by one person who rented out the homes to tenants. However, the village was falling into disrepair, and Eckley was slated to be demolished to make way for strip mining.
However, in the late 1960s, the Hollywood film, “The Molly Maguires,” starring Sean Connery and Richard Harris, was looking for an old coal town to film in. They chose to film in Eckley, which effectively saved the community.
When filming wrapped, the residents bought the village and turned it over to the State. Today, the village is run as a museum telling the story of the life of the miners and their families. It is also still a tenant community, with several dozen of the buildings being rented out to people from the community.
Your tour of the village will start at the museum, which includes a short video giving you the history of the village.
The museum covers the social life of miners, ranging from leisure activities to the role of women in the community.
The community consists of 45 buildings along the road, which stretches three-quarters of a mile.
I’d recommend taking a guided tour through the community. These tours cost only $2 extra and are offered once or twice daily during the summer months. Lasting approximately 1.5 hours and about a mile in length, these tours allow visitors to not only learn more about the village but to also go inside several buildings.
If you take a self guided tour you will not be able to go inside the buildings.
The reproduction Company Store was built for the movie The Molly Maguires and worked into the village.
Inside, the shop has been set up as it would likely have been in the late 1800s. This store carried all of the goods that a mining family would need and served as the only place to purchase goods in the community.
The second item built for the movie (that can be seen in the movie’s trailer) sits across the street from the General Store and is a large coal breaker that visitors are not allowed to tour. While the coal breaker would have been close to town, it would not have sat so close to the community in real life.
The Coal Breaker
Museum Admission
Adults $8
Seniors (65+) $7
Youth (3-12) $6
Ages 0-2 Free
New payment option: Streamline your visit by purchasing tickets online in advance!
Please bring a copy of your ticket with you to the museum. Guided tours (available Saturdays at 1PM now through Labor Day) will cost an additional $2/person, charged at the door.
The village is free to walk or drive through, seven days a week from dawn until dusk.
We recommend allotting two to two-and-a-half hours for your visit.
Evening: Dinner at Thorpe's 903. 874 Rt 903, Jim Thorpe. $$-$$$
Thorpe's 903 is a vibrant restaurant, bar, and grill located in the heart of Jim Thorpe, PA. The menu features a variety of delicious dishes, from juicy burgers to fresh seafood, all made with locally sourced ingredients. The full bar offers a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails to complement your meal.
Steaks, chops, seafoods, pasta, soup, salads, desserts. Their lasagna roll (above) was yum!
Hours
Monday-Friday 12:00PM-8:00PM
Saturday 12:00PM-9:00PM
*Bar serves dinner until 10:00PM*
Sunday 9:00-8:00PM
Just simple breakfast bagel sandwiches at a really good price.
Hours
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Morning: Breakfast at Bagel 'N Go.
2497 Route 611, Scotrun, PA $
Having heard my whitewater rafting stories, the kids were anxious to do it themselves.
The Lehigh River in Carbon County is one of the most popular spots to go white water rafting in Pennsylvania, and on a busy weekend, you’ll see many people rafting down the river, especially if you head into Lehigh Gorge State Park.
There are several outfitters that offer rafting on the river with Jim Thorpe River Adventures being accessible from in town.
River trips last several hours, and depending on the route taken and the river conditions can range from Class 1-3 rapids. Some trips are even tame enough that younger kids can take the trip as well.
They have a choice of 3 different rafting trips you can take - Intro to Whitewater Rafting, Easy Rafting (Both ideal for beginners and/or families) and BigTime for experienced rafters who want to steer their own raft.
Since Ashley isn't that experienced yet and Chase had never been whitewater rafting before, we chose the Intro to Whitewater trip.
This trip is 10 miles long – along which you’ll experience 10 or more nice rapids. You can expect to be bouncing along in your raft for about 4 hours.
Intro to Whitewater Rafting Pricing
(All rates are subject to access and insurance fees)
Individual: $71.95 – adults 17+
$69.95 – kids 6-16 yrs.
Group of 15* (Adult & Youth) $67.95
You will also pay $12 for a box lunch that must be ordered 1 week before the trip date.
Evening: Dinner at Cook's Corner Family Restaurant. 3150 Rt 715, Tannersville, PA
All I can say is WOW! I wish we'd found this restaurant sooner! Great homestyle cooking (try the pork schnitzel with apple glaze!), superb and friendly service, a fantastic all around vibe and prices that are unbeatable! Just minutes away from Great Wolf Lodge.
Return to your accommodations and spend the rest of the evening any way you wish.
Our last day in the Poconos. Take this as a FREE day to do whatever you'd like to do before you leave PA.
We took a 40 minute drive over to Scranton to see the Harry Houdini Museum. 1433 N Main Ave, Scranton, PA
Step inside and immerse yourself in Houdini's world. From his humble beginnings as Erik Weisz in Budapest, Hungary, to his rise to international fame as the "Handcuff King" and "Master Magician" in the bustling streets of turn-of-the-century America, the museum's exhibits trace Houdini's evolution as a performer and innovator.
Marvel at authentic restraints and escape devices used by Houdini himself, and gain insight into the meticulous planning and sheer audacity behind his death-defying stunts. Explore rare photographs, posters, and personal effects that offer a glimpse into Houdini's private life and enduring legacy.
But the museum is more than just a repository of artifacts; it's a hub of magic and wonder, where visitors of all ages can experience the thrill of Houdini's illusions firsthand. Marvel at mesmerizing live performances, where world-renowned magicians pay homage to Houdini's artistry with spellbinding acts of sleight of hand and daring escapology.
They also have movies of Houdini performing some of his most amazing escapes.
Adults $20
Children Under 11: $20
Discount $17.95 for adults & $14.95 for kids when reserved in advance
Afternoon: A local tipped us off to a great little lunch cafe: Cuppa Cake Cafe. 701 E Market St, Scranton, PA
$$
Five thumbs up on every front! Absolutely delicious soups and sandwiches. Friendly, accommodating staff.
Very clean and the decor is cute as can be. Finish your meal off with some of their homemade cupcakes.
Scrumptious!
We only spent the morning in Scranton as we wanted to return and get packed up to leave the next morning, then spend the rest of the day and evening relaxing while the kids went to the water park and arcade before we grabbed dinner in the Lodge.
Hope you enjoyed exploring the Poconos!