Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Poconos Mountains. The forests are awash with bright earth tones, the air is crisp, and travelers indulge in pumpkin spice lattes and campfire cookouts. Families gear up for the winter, and look forward to holidays filled with comfort foods like turkey and stuffing with cranberry sauce.
There’s no need to put aside family traditions when you’re visiting the Poconos at Thanksgiving. From scenic drives to nature walks, hayrides and holiday buffets, Northeastern Pennsylvania offers plenty of traditional activities to make your resort feel like home.
Break Bread at Skytop Lodge
Travelers can still have the full holiday experience at Skytop Lodge, where resort chefs will whip up a feast of turkey, stuffing and other Thanksgiving essentials at an ala carte dinner at Lakeview Restaurant on Thursday, November 23. Skytop’s Turkey Day celebration goes beyond the bird with five days of guided hikes, wine tastings, hayrides and daily tea & cookies. If you’re staying over on the holiday, enjoy live music from the Doug Smith Band, plus dancing and a campfire marshmallow roast. The Windsor Dining Room will also host a Thanksgiving Buffet for guests who want to sample a little bit of everything.
Experience Native American Culture
Located in a renovated 1840s farmhouse and former Prohibition-era speakeasy, the Pocono Indian Museum features artifacts from the area’s Native American tribes. Learn how arrowheads were made, see authentic Delaware Indian pottery shards and weaponry, and shop for moccasins and other souvenirs at the onsite gift shop. A recorded narration is provided so guests can get the full educational experience. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but open throughout the rest of November and the holiday weekend.
See the Last of the Fall Colors
Pennsylvanians are serious about fall foliage. The local visitors bureau puts out a Fall Foliage Forecast detailing where and when the leaves are turning, and even sets up a camera with live feeds to the changing colors. The scenic hike to Bushkill Falls is often closed this time of year, so head for the 166-acre Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary for 2.5 miles of well-groomed trails open year-round. As temperatures fall to the high 40s, November marks the transition between fall and the ski season. Take one last look at the leaves on a scenic drive to Lake Wallenpaupack along Route 507.
There’s no need to time the turkey or turn on the TV when you’re visiting the Poconos at Thanksgiving. With two Thanksgiving dinner options and activities from horseback rides to massages, it’s easy to relax and turn your holiday over to Skytop Lodge. Call 855-345-7759 or contact us online to get your Turkey Day vacay in the works.