The Poconos – A Tale of Cities
Stories make us feel alive. A mindful journey is an archive intended to inspire, narrate, and recall adventures and authentic encounters with places and people that have sparked the soul. Enjoy the inspiration.
Cities within woodlands
August tenth, two thousand and twenty-one – It was a spontaneous and spur-of-the-moment journey where the three of us, a photographer, social worker, and writer, left our life behind for a couple of days. A common goal was to pause, repair, and refresh allowing ourselves to be led by greened hills, scenic routes, and small towns amid flower meadows. 10:30 Am, the sunlight hugged E-52 St, heat radiating into the day as voices and people woven together. New York City was wide awake, and we were on our way out. Driving across the North-eastern and Midwestern, deer and bear seeking (literally) while listening to songs that synchronized to the polarity of our souls. Two and a half hours of memorable drives later, we ended at this small town amid a chorus of mountains hugging the curves of the land rises to a peak. It was the doorway of the famous Pocono Mountains. Cities within woodlands – nestled on the eastern edge of Pennsylvania. The picturesque postcard haven with reds, green, yellow, brown wooded valleys, golden hue waterfalls, and mountain peaks overwhelm the senses. Yet, being there, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience, and words are simply inadequate to tell of its authenticity. The ambiance, the different sides of mother nature, the culture of simple living, and simple life – from the mist hugging the bushes, blanketing the earth to the singing crickets creating a through-the-night chorus, it is ineffable to justly depict wandering through the POCONOS.
JIM THORPE, The “Switzerland of America”
A picturesque postcard that overwhelms the senses. With romantic lodgings and enchanting valleys, it’s the doorway to Pocono Mountains. A row of Victorian Houses adds more to the charms of the town. The first city on your way to the Poconos, Jim Thorpe, is located on the field land of the Mountains. Mauch Chunk was its original name, meaning Bear Place, later changed to Jim Thorpe after a famous athlete. Branded the Switzerland of America, the charming town is your starting point and is the entryway to the Poconos. It feels like you are in Europe with its beautiful architecture, spectacular mountains, romantic lodgings, and enchanting valleys. The mountains enfold the curves of the land. The row of Victorian houses increases the town’s charms and is visually dreamy. The streets lined with stone apartments, charming shops, and vibrant restaurants are beneath them. There is an opera house for art lovers, and the Delaware gap is the picture-perfect spot for nature lovers who enjoy camping, biking, or hiking.
Newfoundland, The Essence of Simple Living
Newfoundland is nestled in an idyll of lush greenery just minutes from Mount Pocono. The hills fall in soft waves, and you notice the difference in the atmosphere. The earth smells warmer, and the natural scent is intoxicating -highlighting that living in a city does have a cost. The town allowed us to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of our surroundings from afar. Listening to birds and crickets sing, feeding chickens, deer that visit every morning, and a small bear casually looking for food on the side of the road are all highlights. Even a scenic drive on Stroudsburg through a rainforest searching for vegan ice cream is exciting. Our cabin, a mix of rustic and modern, quickly became our home.
Bushkill Falls,
Lehman Township, "The Niagara of Pennsylvania"
Dubbed the “ Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls is a gem in the Poconos. Located in Lehman Township near the Delaware Water gap, it has various waterfalls and hiking trails. Driving to this treasured waterfall alone is awe-inspiring and breathtakingly beautiful. Winding mountain roads stretching through forested areas, the verdant landscape will soak and stir you up unexpectedly.
The best moments happen when they are spontaneous. Forested peak. The sounds of the night. Deer. Bear. Bonfire and smores under the stars. Simplicity and stillness. It was a journey we needed. Those experiences stick with us, stories we get to tell even in old age.
Until next time, xoxo.
Sherdley S
