If your ideal fall day includes mountain views, charming cafes, and maybe a few ghost stories, Jim Thorpe is the town for you. From butterbeer lattes and vintage train rides to riverside trails and historic mansions, here’s how to spend an unforgettable day in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.
Morning
Start your day with a magical twist at Mugglets Mug, a Harry Potter-themed coffeehouse and local gem. Choose something from the extensive menu of quiches, scones, muffins, and homemade poptarts. Order a Butterbeer or Deathly Hallows latte, which you can get with or without coffee. Settle into a window seat beneath floating candles and watch a Harry Potter film streaming overhead. Don’t leave without saying hello to Charlie, the friendly café dog.
If the wizarding world isn’t your thing, head to Perch at Jim Thorpe for a hearty breakfast. Line up early for house-made bagels in flavors like cinnamon raisin and jalapeño cheddar. Dig into the Porch Poutine for next-level comfort, or ask for the Big Poppy—pastrami, fried egg, arugula, pepper jack, and dill pickle cream cheese piled high on a poppyseed bagel. Pair your meal with a cup of coffee and find a cozy spot on the outdoor terrace.
Climb aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for a vintage train ride that puts you front and center for peak leaf-peeping. Sit down in a 1910s-era coach and chug along the river for 16 miles of cinematic views through Lehigh Gorge State Park. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, waterfalls, and lush cliffs steeped in fiery fall foliage. Want a behind-the-scenes thrill? Upgrade to a cab ride and ride inside the locomotive itself.
Alternatively, tour the Asa Packer Mansion Museum to immerse yourself in Gilded Age grandeur. Step into this 1861 Italianate mansion perched above the town and explore 18 rooms filled with original furnishings, gilded mirrors, and carved woodwork. Listen to stories of Asa Packer’s railroad empire and peek into Mary Packer’s untouched bedroom for a glimpse of 19th-century life. Don’t miss the Lehigh River views from the cupola or the intricate trefoil window arches. Just be ready for steep stairs—it’s all guided and well worth the climb.
Afternoon
Head to Notch Eight Craft House for a laid-back lunch in a rustic, steampunk-inspired setting. Embrace fall vibes inside a restored 19th-century building with exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and vintage lighting. Sample house favorites like the brisket cheesesteak egg rolls, PB&J pork belly tacos, and chicken shawarma bao buns. Pair your meal with a local craft beer, or go big with a flaming Campfire Old Fashioned.
For an allergy-friendly alternative in an equally historic setting, choose Stone Row Pub & Eatery. Indulge in plant-forward comfort food in an 1880s storefront, with menus designed to accommodate a wide range of diets. Order the Kim-Cheese Beef Burger or the Bangkok Bowl with crispy millet and curry sauce. Ask for a craft cocktail flight to try specialties like the Floral Elixir and The Butterfly Effect, or go for a zero-proof mocktail like the Lavender Lemonade.
Wander through a 19th-century jail at the Old Jail Museum. Embark on a guided tour of the historic lock-up to see original cells and pose for pictures in the eerie dungeon. Hear the chilling tale of the Molly Maguires and the infamous handprint they left behind—still visible today. Stroll dim corridors and preserved gallows while listening to stories of Irish coal miners, labor unrest, and small-town justice. You might even experience an encounter with one of the friendly ghosts.
Prefer a less spooky outing? Gear up for an outdoor adventure along the D&L Trail. Rent a bike from Pocono Biking near the train depot, then shuttle to White Haven for a mostly downhill ride back to town along a crushed stone path. Pedal along the Lehigh River, cross the Glen Onoko pedestrian bridge, and cruise past the occasional waterfall. During the fall, bask in uninterrupted stretches of vibrant foliage throughout your peaceful journey. Consider blending train and trail by riding the scenic railway one direction, then biking back to create your own autumn loop.
Evening
Treat yourself to dinner at Moya, one of Jim Thorpe’s most romantic dining venues. Step into an intimate dining room adorned with abstract paintings created by the co-owner. Expect brightly colored walls, wood-plank floors, and a warm yet elegant atmosphere. Start with a craft beer or an apple cider cocktail. Savor rotating small plates inspired by the seasons—like octopus salad, spicy mussels, and fresh pappardelle. Plan for 2-4 dishes per person to make it a full, flavorful meal. This spot fills up fast on the weekends, so book a table in advance.
Craving casual pub vibes instead? Make your way to Broadway Grille inside the historic Inn at Jim Thorpe. Embrace the Victorian-style atmosphere, complete with cast-iron balconies, tin ceilings, and gas fireplaces. Choose from 20 beers on tap, or sip a seasonal cocktail like the Blackberry Bourbon Sour. For dinner, start with the brie and fig dip or lamb lollipops before digging into an elk burger or a classic chicken pot pie. Stick around after your meal to listen to live music by local blues singers and acoustic acts.
Catch a show inside the historic Mauch Chunk Opera House, one of America’s oldest vaudeville theaters. Today, the circa-1882 building houses year-round concerts and tribute shows in everything from jazz and classic rock to folk and bluegrass. Check the schedule before you go for seasonal shows and Halloween bashes. Afterward, walk over to Wood’s or Annie’s on Broadway to wrap up your weekend in Jim Thorpe with soft-serve ice cream.
Get swept up in the spooky spirit of the season with a Jim Thorpe Rotary Ghost Walk. Join a costumed guide for a lantern-lit stroll through the Victorian village. Wander past gothic churches, haunted hotels, and the former gallows. Hear chilling tales of the Molly Maguire trials, paranormal mining lore, and reported hauntings tied to the railroad age. Arrive early to snap a souvenir photo, and reserve your spot in advance—tours sell out fast this time of year.
