Travel: Jim Thorpe, Pa -- An Easy, Fun Getaway from southern NJ

There’s something to be said for the “quick getaway” – an overnight trip to somewhere fun you can reach by car in only a couple of hours. For us, that go-to place is the always-charming Poconos town of Jim Thorpe, Pa. – which, in recent years, has become an increasingly popular year-round destination for outdoor activities, shopping and good dining.

Arriving after an easy two-hour drive from South Jersey, we were excited to stay at the buzz-worthy Y on Broadway – a 19-room boutique hotel that opened last fall. It’s housed in a spacious, former 1890s YMCA (the Y’s motto is still clearly seen on front top of the building) that had most recently housed borough offices.

Located in the middle of Jim Thorpe’s downtown, we were impressed from the minute we entered the Y’s cozy lobby. Our spacious room with two queen-sized beds, came complete with a retro-styled refrigerator and Italian toiletries. The Y even has an on-site spa (treatments by appointment-only), and an included continental breakfast. (Plans are underway to also open a bar just off the lobby). We loved the historical photos scattered about, including some from when the original YMCA was in use (it closed in 1984). With its modern amenities and a nod to its magnificent past, the Y on Broadway is a welcome addition to Jim Thorpe, and we left pondering when we could return for a longer stay.

Yet we managed to get quite a bit done during our 24 hours in the Poconos. After checking in at the Y, we headed out for a 40-minute drive to nearby Lackawanna County, home of the town of Old Forge – also known as the “Pizza Capital of the World.”

Old Forge Pizza is quite different than what you’ll find in South Jersey, but, don’t worry, it’s incredibly delicious. We went to the popular Arcaro & Gennell – in business since the early 1960s – and savored both red pizza and the two-layered white version. Each “cut” – don’t call it a slice -- or tray is made fresh-to-order. It was worth the extra drive to savor this regional specialty. You can learn more about the history of Old Forge Pizza at www.visitnepa.org

On returning to Jim Thorpe, we did a little late afternoon shopping – there are a ton of fun stores in town. We especially enjoyed Bee Stung – a fanciful and hip boutique with unique, handmade (and very reasonably priced) jewelry. We also got a big kick out of the town’s record shop, Soundcheck Records, which has everything from LPs to CDs and cassettes to memorabilia. It’s great.

We took a stroll up to the Mauch Chunk Opera House to check out its schedule of upcoming concerts and relaxed with a locally brewed beer at the Notch Eight Craft House. Depending on the season, there’s always something fun happening in Jim Thorpe, from whitewater rafting to train rides to weekend-long festivals in the winter and fall. Check out www.poconomountains.com to learn more. (And yes, the famed Olympian Jim Thorpe is buried in the town; there’s an elaborate memorial in his honor).

After a yummy breakfast at the Y (bagels, yogurt, fruit, and locally made donuts), we made one last side trip before heading home. Les than 10 minutes away, we arrived at the non-profit Carbon County Environmental Center. I immediately headed over to the bird enclosure, where I saw a gigantic Raven (complete with a “Nevermore” sign behind him, a nod to Edgar Allan Poe), Red-Tailed Hawks, a Peregrine Falcon, a Bald Eagle, and other raptors. It’s a great place and I’m sure in the warm weather, an even better place to relax with a picnic lunch.

Our overnight visit to Jim Thorpe – with its historic architecture, array of shops and restaurants and innate charm – felt like a true getaway. Next time, we’ll stay a little longer.

For more information about The Y on Broadway, visit: www.theyonbroadway.com; more information about Jim Thorpe can be found at: www.poconomountains.com/jim-thorpe

Nicole Pensiero is a South Jersey resident and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association.