Andreas and Jim Thorpe, PA, and the Pocono Mountains provide the perfect environment for a vacation getaway. Whether you’re a romantic couple or a family looking for a great time, the area has everything, from wine and cuisine to camping and cultural exploration. Here’s a full itinerary for the ultimate journey.
1. Distilleries, Wineries & Vineyards
It’s filled with places to sip and sample local wine and spirits.
Cellar Beast Winehouse
An oasis in Andreas, Cellar Beast Winehouse is an artisanal wine shop that offers a traditional, French-inspired winemaking experience. In addition to having the most trained staff of sommeliers in Pennsylvania, Cellar Beast is known for being minimally interventionist and makes red, white, rosé, and sparkling wine varietals.
- Why Visit: Daily wine-tasting sessions with a certified sommelier, public tours of the biodynamic vineyard and wine production facility, wine club, wine trails, indoor and outdoor seating, and exclusive barrel room visits make this a must-visit winery.
- Don’t Miss: They’re known for sparkling wines, classic wines, and limited editions that will satisfy the palate and build an appreciation for wine.
- Atmosphere: On the weekend, it has an upbeat vibe with a mix of live music, food trucks, charcuterie boards, and, of course, fantastic glasses of wine. Be sure to check out their upcoming events.
Galen Glen Winery
Another Andreas treasure, Galen Glen Winery, is a family-owned winery and vineyard renowned for producing exceptional wines. It’s focused on traditional and innovative approach to wine-making, wine trails, and the scenic winery consistently scores high points for its superb bottles of wine.
- Signature Wines: Galen Glen’s Gruner Veltliner, a citrus-herb-driven white wine, and Chambourcin, a robust red with a kick of spice, are both standouts. They also have fantastic dessert wines, which give any meal a sweet finish.
- The Experience: Snacks and cheese boards on their beautiful patio overlooking hillside vineyards. The friendly staff will gladly walk you through their delicious wine selection, an excellent wine country stop for serious wine lovers and novices.
- Sustainability: Galen Glen values the practice of sustainable farming through their estate vineyard, which shows its love of the Lehigh Valley American Viticultural Area.
Eight Oaks Distillery
Just a short drive from Andreas, Eight Oaks Distillery is a small, family-owned business that offers a wide variety of small-batch, handcrafted spirits. A working farm, Eight Oaks, is about community and sustainability as much as it is about delicious drinks.
- Signature Spirits: Craft bourbon, smooth gin, and vibrant applejack are among their standouts. Try their coffee-based vodka or spiced rum for something different.
- The Experience: Visitors can tour the distillery and witness the grain-to-glass process. Cocktails are served in the tasting room using local ingredients and an outdoor patio to relax on.
- Sustainability: Eight Oaks produces most of its ingredients on-site, including grains for its spirits, and is farm-to-bottle.
Wild Elder Wine and Cider Co.
Nestled in Jim Thorpe, Wild Elder Wine and Cider Co. offers a refreshing take on traditional winemaking and cider brewing. This cozy tasting room specializes in small-batch wines and ciders made from locally sourced fruits, highlighting the natural flavors of the region.
- What to Try: Their elderflower wine is a standout, offering a delicate floral profile, while their artisanal ciders, like the crisp apple or tart cranberry blends, are a must for cider enthusiasts.
- Ambiance: The inviting, rustic atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for relaxed afternoons or casual date nights. Wild Elder's knowledgeable staff is happy to guide you through tastings, ensuring a personalized experience.
- Special Touches: Seasonal offerings and creative blends keep the menu fresh and exciting, with something new to discover on every visit.
2. Restaurants
The food scene in the Andreas and Poconos is as varied as the region, from quaint eateries to upscale restaurants.
Thunderhead Lodge
Thunderhead Lodge is a relaxed, friendly place to hang out locally and visit Andreas. It is known for its generous country fare, comfortable feel, and character.
- What to Order: Their prime rib, hefty burgers, and homemade desserts are their hit menu item.
- Family Appeal: Its relaxed environment and family-friendly menu make it perfect for a family dinner after a long day out.
- Special Events: Various Live entertainment, from Acoustic night to trivia, is an unbeatable component of the lodge.
The Mansion House
The Mansion House is an elegant yet friendly restaurant in a beautiful, renovated historic building in Summit Hill. It is known for its carefully prepared food and luxury setting, which makes it ideal for a date night or special occasion.
- What to Order: Treat yourself to their juicy prime rib, fish and chips, or creamy cheesecake or crème brûlée.
- Family Appeal: Although the restaurant is excellent for couples, its kid-friendly menu and welcoming service make it ideal for a family meal.
- Special Events: The Mansion House hosts seasonal events, wine dinners, and holiday specials, offering a taste of its charm throughout the year.
Curious Goods at Bake Oven Knob
For a genuinely singular dining experience, you can find Curious Goods in Bake Oven Knob serving up farm-to-table meals in a more traditional but contemporary setting. This restaurant is a hidden gem for foodies thanks to its innovative menu and dedication to locally sourced ingredients.
- What to Order: Sample their seasonal offerings like braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, or legendary home-baked breads and desserts.
- Ambiance: Curious Goods has a cozy, intimate atmosphere, perfect for a casual dinner or romantic date.
- Special Touches: The changing menu makes every visit feel like a new experience, featuring dishes prepared with the freshest local and seasonal produce.
Trattoria 903
In Jim Thorpe, Trattoria 903 offers a cozy, rural atmosphere and an array of traditional Italian classics. Ideal for a date or family outing, this intimate restaurant introduces Italy to the Poconos.
- What to Order: They are famous for their wood-fired pizzas, seafood fra diabolo, and fettuccine alfredo. For dessert, they offer homemade tiramisu or cannoli.
- Ambiance: The cozy rustic atmosphere and good service make it a perfect restaurant for couples or families.
- Special Touches: Seasonal specials and a carefully chosen wine list complete the dining experience with something new to experience every time you dine.
3. Accommodations
After a day’s adventure, retreat to one of these cozy cabins.
Lizard Creek Inn
The Lizard Creek Inn in Andreas is a bed-and-breakfast with rustic charm and contemporary comfort. It has beautiful rooms, balconies, and gourmet breakfasts with local ingredients. The quiet atmosphere will please couples and families.
The Inn at Birch Wilds
The Inn at Birch Wilds is an upscale retreat with spa facilities and mountain views. It is also couple-friendly and features cozy fireplaces, soaking tubs, and peace.
Great Wolf Lodge
Indoor water park and family entertainment await guests at Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos. Hosts are well-kept, and there’s always something to do and do around.
4. Outdoor Adventures
Discover the wilderness of the Poconos through fun activities for everyone.
Hickory Run State Park
The state park has miles of trails, a beautiful fishing lake, and Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark.
Blue Mountain Resort
For adventure seekers, Blue Mountain offers skiing and snowboarding during the winter, zip-lining, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides during the summer.
5. Cultural Highlights
The local history and arts culture offers many opportunities to relax and explore.
Jim Thorpe’s Old Jail Museum
Visit this old jail to travel back in time. It has haunting legends and ghost stories, and on-site tours illuminate its local history and most notorious offenders.
The Mauch Chunk Opera House
This friendly place in Jim Thorpe entertains, from concerts and comedy to plays and film screenings. The Opera House's historic charm makes it an appealing cultural attraction.
Asa Packer Mansion Museum
A historical and architectural highlight, this beautiful restored Victorian house in Jim Thorpe features escorted tours to learn about the life and work of local industrialist Asa Packer. The fine craftsmanship and deluxe furniture will leave you spellbound.
Dimmick Memorial Library
This 19th-century Jim Thorpe library is a bookish museum and a part of local history. Beautiful Gothic Revival buildings and snug reading areas will leave you tempted to stop by whether you are a book lover or a nostalgic visitor.
Penn’s Peak
One of the premier Poconos concert venues, Penn’s Peak also features live music by well-known and rising artists. Besides, there is a fantastic panorama of the mountains from where you can have a hearing and an eye experience.
The Harry Packer Mansion Inn
This beautiful Inn, located next to the Asa Packer Mansion, hosts Murder Mystery Weekends. The impressively restored property allows visitors to experience a theatrical performance in an elegant, past-embedded environment.
The Mahoning Drive-In Theater
Step back in time and enjoy a nostalgic movie experience at the Mahoning Drive-In Theater, located in Lehighton. This iconic venue celebrates classic cinema, screening retro films, cult favorites, and double features on one of the largest outdoor screens in the region.
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Take an old-time train and travel through the beautiful scenery of the Lehigh Gorge. This attraction is great for families and couples because it offers views and an air of nostalgia.
Anthracite Heritage Museum
Discover the coal mining heritage of this fascinating museum near Scranton. You’ll hear about miners' lives and how the industry shaped the region, from exhibits to artifacts.
Adding these cultural experiences to your travel plan will give you a comprehensive tour of Andreas and the Poconos, encompassing history, the arts, and local flair.
Conclusion
Andreas and the Poconos have something for everyone, craft beverages from a couple wineries to an aged spirit distiller. With all the cozy lodges, great restaurants, and outdoor activities, this place will provide you with an unforgettable vacation and a fun experience. Andreas, Jim Thorpe and the Poconos can be discovered whether you’re searching for local wine selections, rambling through the woods, or kicking back in a cozy inn.
