Jim Thorpe offers fun, charm and history even in winter
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Mauch Chunk, Little Switzerland: the quaint town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, has been called many things. But one thing you can't call it is dull. From the moment you arrive, whether for a few hours or a long weekend getaway, old-time charm awaits.
Peep the Victorian style structures, historic railroad station, cutesy shops, walkable streets — and the occasional horse and buggy.
This mountain town in the heart of coal country changed its name from Mauch Chunk to Jim Thorpe in 1954 in honor of the Olympic gold medalist, who attended school nearby for a time and is buried in a mausoleum is on North Street. The name is not without controversy, as the Native American athlete's family fought for years to have his remains returned to them and some locals have also petitioned to have the original name of the town restored.
More: Check out 12 day trips for families to take in the region
More: Harriet Tubman traveling sculpture unveiled at Philadelphia's City Hall
Whichever side you land on, Jim Thorpe — known for whitewater rafting, cycling and much more — is a fun destination anytime of year, with winter bringing its own pleasures.
We rounded up some things to do while day-tripping or spending the night in Jim Thorpe:
Cocktails, cocoa and yummy eats
Come rain or shine, Molly Maguires Pub and Steakhouse has a warm seat waiting for you.
Located across from the train station on the ground floor of the Hotel Switzerland (one of the town's oldest structures), the restaurant has a covered heated tent perfect for wintertime dining.
The menu consists of standard pub fare including chicken wings ($14.95), the veggie wrap ($11.95) and cheeseburger ($13.95).
Reservations are not accepted, so prepare to wait during busy weekends.
Info: 5 Hazard Square, Jim Thorpe, 570-325-4563, jimthorpedining.com
Trendy cocktails and sophisticated snacks set the scene at Broadway Grille and Pub at the Inn at Jim Thorpe, one of the town's landmark Victorian accommodations.
Request to sit by the gas-lit fireplace and order one of the fancy drinks such as the Merry Mimosa ($9) or the White Cranberry Cosmo ($12).
Suggested eats: lamb lollipops ($15), Brie and Fig Dig ($14), short-rib grilled cheese ($15), chicken marsala ($26) and lump crab cakes ($31).
During the weekends, live music takes place in the bar area.
Info: 24 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, 570-732-4343, broadwaygrillepub.com
Something magical awaits at Muggles Mug, a Harry Potter-themed coffeehouse.
Serving coffee from Philly-based Greenstreet Coffee Co., house selections include classic drip, cold brew, lattes, chai, and seasonal drinks such as spicy teas and hot cocoa.
More: These Pocono resorts were once honeymoon destinations. Now they're decrepit or destroyed
Take a seat on one of the comfy couches and check out one of the eight "Harry Potter'' flicks playing on rotation.
While you're there say hi to Mr. Charlie, the shop's resident pup.
Info: 79 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, 570-325-8530, mugglesmug.com/menus
From whites to reds, at Big Creek Vineyard and Winery's satellite shop (the actual vineyard is located in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania), you can sip by the glass or buy a bottle.
There's also an antipasto menu featuring cheeses, fruits, meats and other small bites.
Info: 41 Susquehanna St., Jim Thorpe, 570-325-8138, bigcreekvineyard.com
Crafts and artisan gifts
If you're on the lookout for something quirky, there are plenty of fun finds at Trend and Source Marketplace.
The shop is adorned with handmade jewelry, locally made beauty products and eats (pastas and spices), bohemian clothing, accessories, and home décor with humorous and snarky sayings.
Info: 101 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, bit.ly/3A7fvNm
Fans of the Grateful Dead or anything tie-dyed, may want to check out the threads at Horizons, a smoke shop specializing in Dead merchandise (glasses, candles, stickers, patches), designs by Delaware-based Blue Sky clothing and incense.
Info: 105 Race St., Jim Thorpe, 570-325-2079, facebook.com/horizons420
Mabacol brand of Artisanal Gifts sells handmade goods (inspired by Native American and South American artistry) including wallets, jewelry and winter gear made from recycled material and vegan-friendly leathers.
Info: 103 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, 570-657-7675, mabacol.com
It's shamrocks galore at Peggy's Treasure Shop, which sells imports from Ireland (clothing, jewelry, glasses and mugs and other home accents), along with religious items (rosaries, saint medals) and other unique trinkets.
Info: 44 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, 570-325-8380, peggystreasureshop.com
More: LOCAL HISTORY: Carbondale family made locomotives
All aboard!
One of the best ways to learn about Jim Thorpe's rich railroad history is aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway's train ride.
The 70-minute excursion, which provides a round-trip live narration of historical tidbits, offers picturesque views of the Lehigh River and over bridges into Glen Onoko and Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Relax in a remodeled old-time stagecoach as you listen to the sounds of diesel locomotive's roaring engine as it moves through steep curves and mountains.
Choose seating in the first-class dome car for a first-class experience. Tickets cost $17-$35. Departs Saturdays and Sundays in January and February.
Info: www.lgsry.com
Selfie stations and must-see mansions
After you've spent some time in Jim Thorpe, snap some pics and follow along to discover clues online.
Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency's list of selfie stations places you at 10 different landmarks including the Asa Packer Mansion Museum (closed for tours until April 2022) and the neighboring Harry Packer Mansion Inn (which was the inspiration for Disney Word's Haunted Mansion attraction).
The Libations Lounge (19 Packer Hill Ave.) inside Harry Packer's former estate is open Fridays and Saturdays and decorated with Victorian-era furniture.
Other stops include the Mauch Chunk Opera House (entertainment venue at 14 W. Broadway) and the Marion Hose Bar (16 W. Broadway).
Add a hashtag to your snaps and see if the town puts you on their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
If you go
Got questions?; The Jim Thorpe Visitor Center is located inside the Mauch Chunk train station (2 Susquehanna St.).
Parking is available adjacent to the train station starting at $12 for six hours.
The town's annual WinterFest takes place Feb. 19 to 20 and will feature ice carvings and ice bars, live entertainment, train rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, food and drink specials, along with the traditional Mug Walk. For $30, Mug Walkers take the official souvenir Jim Thorpe mug to participating shops and eateries for special discounts.
For info, go to jimthorpe.org
Micaela Hood is a features reporter with the Pocono Record and the USA TODAY Mid-Atlantic Region features team. Reach her at mhood@poconorecord.com.
This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: A gem of the Poconos, Jim Thorpe offers history and fun things to do
