The town of Jim Thorpe definitely doesn’t roll up its sidewalks waiting for Spring once Christmas is over.
It’s the so-called off-season in Jim Thorpe, with Christmas over but no shortage of things to keep you occupied. But here’s the thing – in January, just about everything to do with shops, accommodations and restaurants is on sale, thanks to the town’s First Annual White Sale Days. The details are online at JimThorpe.org and discounts range from 10 to 50% off.
Skiers will be happy to know there are three ski areas within 20 minutes of town – Blue Mountain, Jack Frost and Big Boulder. Blue Mountain features the highest vertical in Pennsylvania (1,082 feet), 37 trails for all abilities on 162 skiable acres, and runs of up to 6,400 feet long. Big Boulder and Jack Frost are known for their superior snowmaking operations and glades providing excellent tree runs.
Consider staying overnight – Jim Thorpe is known not only for its sparkling downtown hotel, but also for its remarkable variety of bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses. Most of them cater to skiers, offering discounts – visit http://www.jimthorpe.org/ and get details on the packages being offered.
Downtown is lively, especially on weekends. There are a surprising number of restaurants that cater to a many different tastes, ranging from Irish pubs to fine cuisine, all within a few minutes’ walk of each other. Depending on how much exertion you put out skiing, a pint and dinner at the Molly Maguire’s Pub, or by the fire at the Broadway Grille is likely to taste especially good.
After dinner you can stroll up the street for a show at the Mauch Chunk Opera House. This January the venue feature the alt-bluegrass group Crooked Still, the folk troubadours Chris Smither and Steve Forbert, and straight-ahead country rock by the Americana group The Youngers. The environment is relaxed and the acoustics excellent. Meanwhile, courtesy of a newly re-seated balcony, you’re going to be close to the action no matter where you sit. Visit them online at or call at 570-325-0249.
The operative word is relaxed. During the day, go skiing nearby, or hike or snowshoe (the JTX leads snowshoe tours right from town – call 484-225-1209), then afterwards relax at a pub or restaurant. Take in a show at the Opera House (or, only 4 miles out of town is the renowned Penn’s Peak with a great schedule of national touring country and rock acts) and go back into town for a nightcap.
Or go for a hike on one of the many trails emanating from town, and then just relax with the company of a book or magazine. In Jim Thorpe, there are abundant quiet places for you.
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