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Monroe County's popularity
as a vacation destination dates back to 1820.
By 1900, the high altitudes were attracting
thousands of visitors from Philadelphia and New
York City. Today, tourism is the largest single
industry in Monroe County. Considered the
eastern 'gateway to the Poconos' through the
Delaware Water Gap, Monroe County is the most
populated of the four Pocono Mountains
counties. Similar to the other three, there is
a wide variety of year-round activities to
choose from.
Visitors to Monroe County
often search out "Sullivan's Trail," the
portion of the route of General John Sullivan's
famous march of 1778 from Easton to New York
that reaches from Tannersville to Pocono Pines.
This trail leads visitors to the road that
scales Big Pocono Mountain, one of the highest
points in the Pocono Mountains that offers
magnificent vistas.
Monroe County is home to
Pocono Raceway another popular attraction near
Blakeslee in the western Pocono Mountains. It
hosts two NASCAR Nextel Cup Series races in the
summer. Those interested in driving on the
famous tri-oval can go to the Stockcar racing
experience to take on the 2 1/2 mile track.
Blakeslee offers close proximity to such
attractions as Hickory Run State Park, Lehigh
Gorge State Park, and the Lehigh River. Ski
areas nearby include Big Boulder and Jack Frost
Mountain. Big Boulder and Jack Frost, along
with Split Rock Resort are also
desirable places for year-round accommodations
and entertainment close to Blakeslee.
The Pennsylvania portion of
the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
lies in Monroe and Pike Counties, straddling
the Delaware River. Hiking, cross-country
skiing and equestrian trails, fishing,
interpretive programs, and 25 miles of the
infamous Appalachian Trail are found in or
around the recreation area.
A visit to Monroe County
isn't complete without a stop in Stroudsburg,
the county seat. An old fashioned Main Street
community, Stroudsburg's quaint streets lined
with art galleries, restaurants, churches and
shops, invite visitors to sit a while and feel
right at home. Be sure to visit the Stroud
Mansion, the Monroe County Historical
Association Museum.
East Stroudsburg, adjacent
to Stroudsburg is home to many great spots for
shopping and dining. Along Crystal Street, the
town's main street, is Dansbury Park and
Dansbury Depot. Once a train station, Dansbury
Depot is now a popular restaurant. East
Stroudsburg University, a member of
Pennsylvania's state system of higher
education, is located in the heart of town. The
town hosts several seasonal community events,
including Fourth of July and Christmas
festivals.
Antiquing is quite popular
here as well. Throughout the county, dealers
are numerous and range from large cooperative
venues to independent vendors along a quiet
country roadway. In winter months, visitors can
choose from three major Pocono Ski Areas which
offer downhill skiing, snowboarding and
snowtubing.
No matter what the season,
you can rest assured that you'll find
activities to your liking here.
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