The D&L Blog

Post by: Lauren Drabenstott, D&L Marketing Intern

Exploring the D&L means more than biking, running, walking, and hiking. The National Heritage Corridor, with towns and trails alike, has pastimes for a day, a weekend, or an entire vacation. As I run through my day along the Corridor in Jim Thorpe, PA, you’ll see just how easy it is to take advantage of all the D&L has to offer. Get inspired to see the Corridor yourself, in Jim Thorpe or anywhere else.

From my arrival, the quaint, nostalgic beauty of Jim Thorpe captivated me. Surrounding mountains frame the town, giving it a charming European feel.

Once there, my first order of business was brunch. With just a day in Jim Thorpe, I had time for only one restaurant. I settled on Broadway Grille & Pub, for its downtown centrality and historic, Victorian charm.

Exterior of the historic Inn at Jim Thorpe, which shares a building with Broadway Grille.

This meal was no exception to my notorious over-ordering. I not only got French toast, but also eggs and potatoes. Unsurprisingly, I needed help finishing, but not much – the food was downright delicious, and I savored every bite.

Maple vanilla French toast, sunny-side up eggs, garden potatoes & toast.

To a large extent, this served as an indication of the town’s other restaurants. My advice? Experiment, try new places, and mix it up! Jim Thorpe has no lack of options.

Shops & restaurants in beautiful downtown Jim Thorpe.

Innumerable options exist for you in Jim Thorpe — so many that you’ll wish you had more time.

Contentedly stuffed, I took to exploring on foot. I couldn’t visit Jim Thorpe without seeing the Asa Packer Mansion, only a five-minute walk from downtown. Like the rest of the town, the mansion embodies the traditional Victorian style, but it goes further – it is positively majestic.

The stunning Asa Packer Mansion Museum, built in 1861.

Right next door is the Harry Packer Mansion, similarly historic and picturesque. If you’re looking for an overnight stay in Jim Thorpe, this is the place –  it even offers Murder Mystery weekends.

Harry Packer Mansion, now a bed & breakfast with historic Victorian charm.

The view of St. Mark’s Church from the hill where Asa Packer Mansion and Harry Packer Mansion are located.

I then departed on a short drive north of Jim Thorpe to Pocono Whitewater. There, I spent most of the afternoon and evening rafting for the first time. Twelve miles along the Lehigh River, surrounded by the gorge, left me breathless. If you’re in the area, take some time to whitewater raft. The experience is unparalleled.

Rafting with Pocono Whitewater down the Lehigh River, with spectacular views of the Lehigh Gorge.

The evening creeping in as my whitewater rafting trip comes to a close.

Another gorgeous view as we stopped for a quick snack before finishing up the last four miles.

As I neared the end of my day, I had to make one more stop: the D&L Trail, the heart of the Corridor. The sun’s low light thwarted most attempts for pictures, but I can attest to the views. You simply need to take a walk, run, or ride on this section of the D&L. It goes without saying, but visiting the trail is a must along any area of the Corridor.

Fading light along the D&L Trail after a long day in Jim Thorpe.

The perfect start, middle, or end to any day, the trail offers something special. It gives a sense of the connections that the D&L makes – among communities, nature, culture, and heritage. While Trail Towns like Jim Thorpe have their own distinct personalities, they are all threaded together by the trail. The result? Countless opportunities to explore, to discover something new, and to find your D&L.