unplugged + relaxing family trip to the poconos and jim thorpe, pa | July 9, 2023 by Meghan Deeley
If you're looking for the perfect, quiet summer escape drive no further than the Poconos in Pennsylvania. With hiking trails, cute main streets, mom + pop restaurants, distilleries, breweries, and wineries there is so much to explore within a 30-mile radius.
We stayed in a gorgeous cabin in a private gated community at Arrowhead Lake in Pocono Lake, PA.
With kayaks, canoes, private beaches, pools, and a clubhouse - Arrowhead Lake offers plenty of amenities for folks of all ages! I always travel with my yoga mat + this scenery was perfect for my morning meditation and yoga practice.
We stumbled upon a sneaky-good spot, the Holy Ghost Distillery in White Haven, PA.
"HGD stands for community, faithfulness and most importantly, fellowship."
We sipped on bourbon and whiskey, taste-testing craft cocktails while munching on homemade tzatziki with their Mediterranean platter.
We couldn't leave without stocking our bar with their handcrafted Gin + 80-proof distillers reserve bourbon. Dad left with their 120-proof bourbon!
We took a day trip to Jim Thorpe, PA to ride the historic Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway- a trademark of the Reading & Northern Railroad.
Jim Thorpe, PA was established in 1954 with the merger of the boroughs of Mauch Chunk (“Bear Mountain;” inc. 1850) and East Mauch Chunk (inc. 1854).
The town was named after the famous Native American athlete - who ironically never visited the town and had no relation to the town.
We enjoyed exploring their quaint downtown filled with eclectic shops, bars, and cafes. We scored some vintage treasures at Dreisbach House for our wedding + dined at Molly Maguire's Irish Pub, sipping on local draft beer while enjoying fresh fish and chips. Before we left we did a quick tasting at Big Creek Vineyard and selected some bottles to bring home.
We hiked the Shades of Death trail in Hickory Run State Park - which was truly a gorgeous hike. With several waterfalls, interesting greenery, wildlife, and birds this 2-mile hike is ideal for any active couple or family.
The trail was quite rooty so we'd recommend wearing your hiking boots and maybe consider a walking stick if you find yourself off balance!
After our hike, we stopped at the Pocono Brewery Company to taste-test their large selection of craft beers and grab a bite to eat. The venue is huge - with indoor and outdoor seating, patio games, and live music on the weekends.
No Poconos trip is complete without a campfire and smores. Above all else - quality time together in nature is just what the soul requires. Unplugging with family sparks conscious conversations. Playing card games helps too!
Encouraging you to step out in nature this summer - go explore a local trail, lake, or beach. No time spent in nature is ever wasted.
Cheers, Meghan
photography: @lucid.ladybug | all rights reserved.
#poconos #pa #patravel #travelblog #travelblogger #consciousliving #jimthorpe #hiking #distillery #winery #brewery #vintage #vintagestyle #foodie
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