Little big town: Honesdale a charming destination for culture, history and eats

Aug. 16—Sometimes, the best day trips aren't far from home.

Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, the Wayne County seat of Honesdale isn't a secret to the people of Northeast Pennsylvania. But even lifelong residents of NEPA might not know about all the recreational opportunities in this small town that's only a 40-minute drive from Scranton.

"It's got that kind of charm where it's not overly developed and it doesn't feel like it's driven directly to attract tourists. It's just its authentic self," said Jim Hamill, director of public relations for the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau and a Honesdale borough councilman. "The town has this appeal because the people are real, the people are caring and welcoming, and that's I think just what is indicative of a great destination."

From scenic railroad excursions to shopping, eating and sipping brews downtown, Weekend Times consulted the experts and put together ideas for a Honesdale itinerary that would be worth the drive.

"It's a charming, historic town. It has a lot of history," said Greater Honesdale Partnership Executive Director Sandi Levens. "We have great shops and restaurants and a beautiful Main Street to walk down."

All aboard

Ride the rails in the birthplace of America's commercial railroad.

The Stourbridge Line, 812 Main St., takes visitors back in time with scenic rides along the Lackawaxen River in vintage railroad coaches, with themed excursions that make it a destination for every season.

Just to name a few, Fridays through Sept. 1, the Ice Cream & Family Game Night excursions take visitors to White Mills and back, with sundaes included. Those 21 and over can listen to live music and sample local beer, wine and cider during the next Tunes & Tastings excursion on Saturday, Sept. 16.

The Farmers Market Explorer, offered most Fridays through October, stops in Hawley for riders to shop at the local farmers market and explore the town. The Dinner Train, catered by Sidel's Restaurant, runs a few times a month, next on Sundays, Aug. 20 and 27.

Look out for other themed excursions later in the year, including the Pocono Foliage Express and Winter Wonderland Express. Costs for the excursions vary. (thestourbridgeline.net, 570-470-2697)

"You've got to do it in just about every season," Hamill said.

Hit the downtown

There's no shortage of locally-owned eateries and shops to check out in Honesdale's downtown, Levens and Hamill said.

"The small mom-and-pop shops are the lifeblood there," Hamill said.

Both said they're excited to welcome Runaway Train Brewery, 2 Chapel St., which opened in Honesdale this month. Its grand opening events continue Friday, Aug. 25, with live music by Steppin' Eddy at 8 p.m. (runawaytrainbrewery.com, 570-228-2899)

Additionally, they encouraged visitors to look for concerts, classes and other happenings at The Cooperage Project, 1030 Main St. The nonprofit also hosts the Main Street Farmers Market from November through April and launched the Northern Poconos Mobile Farm Market this year. (thecooperageproject.org, 570-253-2020)

A few Weekend Times picks for downtown Honesdale:

Shopping

Maude & Main, 1023 Main St.

Gather, 1019 Main St.

Mount Pleasant Herbary, 1023 Main St.

Wallflower, 513 Main St.

Crazy Otto's Vintage, 1008 Main St.

Dining

Camp Umpy's Bagels & Stuff, 622 Main St.

Here & Now Brewing Company, 645 Main St.

Native, 560 Main St.

Branko's Patisserie du Jour, 501 Main St.

Bà & Me, 1008 Main St.

Mark your calendar

Lots of community events take place in Honesdale throughout the year.

Check back for the dates of next summer's Honesdale Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival typically held in June, and the Wayne County Fair, which wrapped up its 161st year last week.

Up next, the Greater Honesdale Partnership hosts Harvest & Heritage Days downtown on Saturday, Oct. 7, and Sunday, Oct. 8, with local vendors, hayrides, pumpkin painting, a corn shucking contest and wood carving demonstrations. The weekend will feature ghost tours of Honesdale's supposedly haunted locations.

Around the holidays, Honesdale becomes a winter wonderland. It's been said that the town's Central Park inspired the classic song "Winter Wonderland" written by Honesdale native Richard B. (Dick) Smith. Now, a historical marker sits outside of his childhood home at 922 Church St.

The Greater Honesdale Partnership also organizes the Winter Wonderland Parade and Tree Lighting downtown the day after Thanksgiving. That weekend, businesses will participate in Shop Small Saturday to kick off the holiday shopping season. (visithonesdalepa.com)

Happy trails

Get a panoramic view of Honesdale from Irving Cliff at Gibbons Memorial Park, 199 Gibbons Park Road, on the 1-mile out-and-back hiking trail. During the holiday season, a huge star atop Irving Cliff lights up the town.

Those looking for an outdoor adventure can stop in Sawmill Cycles/Northeast Wilderness Experience, 833 Main St., which offers rentals and guided trips for biking, kayaking and more. It also operates campsites. (sawmillcycles.com, 570-352-3444)

Just outside of Honesdale in White Mills, the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, 55 Suydam Drive, offers miles of walking trails open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. It hosts the Wildflower Concert Series every summer, which just finished for the season. (dorflinger.org, 570-253-1185)

Take a factory tour

Moka Origins, located on the Himalayan Institute campus outside of Honesdale, 952 Bethany Turnpike, specializes in ethically-produced chocolate and coffee with farming partners around the world.

Every Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Moka Origins offers free tours and tastings at its bean-to-bar chocolate factory and coffee roastery. Visitors also can book a private tour and tasting for a fee.

The Moka Origins factory store and café are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (mokaorigins.com, 570-979-1010)

The Himalayan Institute also offers wellness classes, retreats and more on its 400-acre campus. (himalayaninstitute.org or 570-253-5551).

History, arts & culture

Learn about Honesdale's rich heritage with the Wayne County Historical Society.

The Main Museum building, 810 Main St., once served as the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company headquarters. It also houses a full-size replica of the Stourbridge Lion, the first locomotive to run on commercial track in the U.S.

Currently, it welcomes visitors Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $5 for adults, and it's free for those 18 and under.

Make sure to ask about other sites the Historical Society oversees, such as the Bethel School and Old Stone Jail. (waynehistorypa.com, 570-253-3240)

Also, take a look at one of the nation's largest collections of Dorflinger glass in the home of its founder. Located on the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, the Dorflinger Glass Museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

The suggested donation for admission is $5 for adults, $4 for members and seniors 55+ and $2 for ages 6 to 18. (dorflinger.org, 570-253-1185)

Additionally, there's a lively arts scene in Honesdale. See what's on display at the Wayne County Arts Alliance, 959 Main St., which produces the Great Wall of Honesdale at the intersection of Fourth and Main streets and just opened the 959 Shop to sell artwork of its members.

The WCAA is open Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours Fridays until 6. (waynecountyartsalliance.org, 570-729-5740)

It's also worth a visit to the Art Factory in White Mills, 736 Texas-Palmyra Highway, to see work by more than 70 local artists. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., it also offers classes and workshops. (theartfactoryofwhitemills.com, 570-251-1181)

Find out more

Make sure to check with each place before you go for the most up-to-date information. Visit the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau at poconomountains.com or the Greater Honesdale Partnership at visithonesdalepa.com for more information.

Contact the writer:

bwilliams@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5107;

@BWilliamsTT on X