Date of Latest Visit: May 30, 2022

Deep in Pennsylvania’s Coal Country, at the southern edge of the Poconos, is one of Pennsylvania’s most surprisingly charming small towns: Jim Thorpe.

Originally known as Mauch Chunk, a variation on a Native American word meaning “Bear Mountain,” the town’s name was changed to Jim Thorpe in 1954 in honor of the late Olympian, whose remains were shipped to the borough for burial. Despite the fact that Thorpe had never set foot in the town during his life, Mauch Chunk became his final resting place and the town was renamed in his honor. His grave can be found on the eastern end of town along Route 903.

One thing that hasn’t changed is Jim Thorpe’s Victorian charm. The town’s hilly streets are lined with original homes, many painted in bright, fanciful colors that add to the charm of Broadway – the town’s main commercial center.

Broadway climbs uphill from east to west. Its eastern terminus is the intersection of Route 209 at the base of the mountain. At the intersection sits the historic Jim Thorpe train station, easily identifiable by the “witch’s hat” turret.

Unlike many historic train stations across the state, the Jim Thorpe station still serves its original purpose as a station for the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad, which operates scenic passenger excursions into the namesake Lehigh Gorge State Park.

One of the most popular excursions is the bike train, where passengers – along with their bikes – are shuttled about 20 miles north to White Haven. From there, it’s a leisurely ride back to Jim Thorpe along the Lehigh River on a piece of the Delaware & Lehigh Canal Trail.

For those only interested in a two-wheel ride into the Gorge, Pocono Biking offers rentals just steps from the public parking area adjacent to the trail access.

In addition, the Reading & Northern Railroad – parent company of the LGSR – delivers passengers throughout the spring, summer and fall on all-day trips from Reading.

That was how we arrived on our most recent visit, disembarking from the train after a three-hour ride along the rails from our home in Berks County.

While many other passengers headed to the first restaurant they could find (it was nearly 12 noon when we arrived), we trekked up Broadway, beyond the business district to a hidden gem at the top of the mountain – the Stabin Museum.

The museum houses the unique, often whimsical artwork, of modern artist Victor Stabin. And it also happens to house of one of the town’s best restaurants, Café Arielle. Guests who stop in for lunch and dinner can roam the galleries and peek into Stabin’s workspace (the Museum is also the artist’s working studio – he lives in a home across the street).

Descending Broadway on the way back to the town center, we passed the Old Jail Museum, one of the area’s signature attractions. The jail was in use from the mid-1800s up until the early 1990s, but it is best known for four prisoners that were executed here 150 years ago.

The men were accused of being part of the Molly Maguires, an oft-debated secret society of Irish-American coal miners that was blamed for a series of crimes against their employers. The men maintained their innocence until the end. A handprint on the wall of one of the cells purportedly was placed there by one of the inmates and, like his spirit, can never be erased.  

Another historic site in the town is the Mauch Chunk Opera House. Built in 1881, less than 10 years after the Molly Maguire executions, the Opera House is still a hub of the community as a concert venue that hosts nationally recognized acts and premier tribute bands throughout the year.

Up and down Broadway, visitors will find an assortment of unique stores, art galleries and boutiques. In one block you can sample infused olive oils, admire watercolors of local artists, find a treat for your four-legged friend or for yourself.

We decided to treat ourselves at Curiosities Coffee & Tea House, a cute little spot serving coffee, tea and ice cream – supplied locally from Scoopendorf’s Ice Cream Company in Walnutport, Lehigh County.

Curiosities is located on the lower level of the two-floor Douglas House Marketplace which also includes a meadery, candle shop, vintage gift store, and more unique shopping.

The top level of the building is accessible via Race Street, a narrow one-way alley notable for the row of interconnected stone townhomes, many of which are now home to small businesses and eateries, including the namesake Stone Row Pub.

The townhomes along Race Street are quaint, but they pale in comparison to the Asa Packer Mansion. Located near the base of the mountain, the mansion was built by railroad tycoon Asa Packer in 1861 and features 18 rooms of “Victorian splendor.”

Victorian charm certainly abounds throughout the town, from its attractions to its quaint bed and breakfasts where you can turn your visit into a weekend.

But if you want to play a getaway during the town’s two signature events – the Fall Foliage Festival or Old Time Christmas – you will definitely want to book a room early.

Even if you can’t spend the night, make plans to visit Jim Thorpe. It is easily one of the best small towns in Pennsylvania.

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