Northland Aviators - Helicopter or Airplane.   Breathtaking views of the local area.   All major credit cards accepted.   Cherry Ridge Airport.   570-251-2548.

Spirit Of Paupack Scenic and Dinner Cruises - Rte 6 & 507.   570-226-6266.

Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat tours - Rte 6, Greshams Landing.   570-226-3293.  

Claws and Paws Wild Animal Park - Rte 590, Lake Ariel, PA, 18436.   10 miles West of Hawley and Paupack.   570-698-6154.   Claws & Paws.   Email: Vince Hall.   Get close to the animals!   Over 120 kinds of exotic animals including: endangered white tiger and snow leopard, wolves, monkeys, reptiles.   Live animal shows, petting zoo, giraffe and parrot feeding.   Open May-October.

Around here you will find loads of antique shops from Milford to Honesdale and everywhere in between.   Most are open year round. Call for seasonal hours.

Nearby Hawley has many to visit including the famous Castle Antiques and Reproductions, which is housed in an old historic mill and is an attraction as well as an antiques store.   Castle Antiques.   570-226-8550.

Timely Treasures is another with 6 rooms filled with great stuff.   It contains a large selection of antique furniture.   Timely Treasures.   570-226-2838.

Hawley Antique Exchange is the Lake Region's largest multi-dealer shop.   It has everything from smalls to furniture.   Hawley Antique.   570-226-1711.

These are just a few of the antique stops.   For a complete list of area dealers: Antique Dealers Association.   570-383-8929.   Write or call for a free brochure.   PO Box 448, White Mills, PA, 18473.

More antique information can be found at the following websites: Hawley-Wallenpaupack C.C.,   Wayne Cnty C.C.,   Pike County.

"The Niagara of Pennsylvania":   Bushkill Falls.   570-588-6682.   Over 300 acres.   8 waterfalls, Native American exhibit, Wildlife Exhibit, picnic area, gift and souvenir shops, fishing, boating, mini-golf, food, hiking.   Make a day of it.   40-45 mins from both homes.

Go Down in history at the Lackawanna Coal Mine.   Descend 300 feet into the earth into an actual mine.   Take the tour and see how men slaved to harvest the "black diamonds".   Learn what life was like for a coal miner and his family in the 1800's.   Visit the Anthracite Museum and get the story of immigration and industry in the city that was once the Anthracite Capital of the world.   See videos, artifacts and images that will show you the history of coal in America.

After touring the mine and museum, visit nearby McDade Park.   You will find there hiking paths, picnic facilities, swimming pool, playground, ball fields, tennis and basketball courts and a fishing pond for the kids.   It's a fun and historical adventure for kids and adults.   Directions and brochures at house.   For information call:

Lackawanna Coal Mine-570-963-MINE
Pa. Anthracite Museum-570-963-4804
McDade Park-570-963-6764

No. 9 Mine and Museum.   Lansford, Pa.

Explore the worlds oldest continuously operated anthracite mine (1855-1972).   Ride by rail 1600' into the mountain.   See a miner's hospital cut in stone, explore an underground muleway and roam the "wash shanty" museum.   This museum contains the region's largest mining collection.   Plenty of free parking is available.   There are also many attractions nearby.   Brochure and directions at house.   PA Coal Mining.   570-645-7074.

The Delaware State Forest lies in the heart of the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania and is 81,794 acres, most of which is in Pike County.   It derives it's name from the Delaware River which drains the entire area.   The river was named for the Delaware Indians of the Algonquian Nation who inhabited its shores.

The forest provides a wide variety of recreation opportunities and attractions.   These include many lakes, streams, waterfalls, natural areas, nature centers, picnic areas, state parks and recreation areas that offer hiking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, mountain biking, x-country skiing, ATV and snowmobile trails.

Find out all about the Delaware State Forest or call the district headquarters at 570-895-4000.

The Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs has grown to 116 members since 1912.   Each showcases PA agriculture and home arts.   Get hands-on experience with arts, crafts, livestock, agriculture, and historic exhibits.

Many fairs have mid-ways with rides and games.   There are also rodeos, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, horse and livestock shows, live stage performances and, of course, food!.

The 3 PA fairs closest to the house and cottage are (by opening dates):

Wayne County fair in Honesdale, the first week of August.   570-253-2942.
Pike County fair in Bushkill, the second week of August.   570-296-8790.
Greene-Dreher-Sterling fair in Newfoundland (our favorite) the last week of August.   GDS Fair.   Email: GDS Fair   or call 570-676-5810.

For a complete list of PA fairs with websites and phone numbers, go to PA Fairs.   They can be found in the Northeast region.   Email: PSACF.

Located 2 miles from Lake Walk and 8 miles from Hemlock Walk, this quaint little town lies just inside the Wayne county line while the outskirts of town is in neighboring Pike County.   The beautiful Lackawaxen River runs right through town.   Alongside historic buildings are found a variety of restaurants, antique stores, churches, a theater, a newspaper, a park, a library and of course a good selection of modern businesses.   These include a printer, pharmacy, 2 laundry-mats, various garages, a grocery, insurance agent, bank, post office, firehouse etc.   Enjoy the beauty of the tree-lined streets in summer and surrounding snow-capped mountains in winter.   History, services, calendar of events and other information can be found at: Hawley C.C. and Wayne Cnty C.C. and Wayne Historical Society.

If you're a history buff, you can spend your entire vacation just visiting the many museums and historical sites in Pike and Wayne Counties.   The historical towns of Hawley, Honesdale and Milford all have plenty of places of historical interest, so you may want to spend a day in each town.   Many more interesting places can be found along scenic Rte 6, if you'd like the idea of a scenic and historic tour by car or bike.   No matter what your interest, whether trains, architecture, bridges or historical figures and their residences, the following links will help you plan the touring and sightseeing portion of your stay at the house and cottage:

Hawley History
Pike Cnty History
Wayne Cnty Historical Society
White Mills
Lake Wallenpaupack
Milford History
Pocono Mts.   Remember to search by counties: Pike and Wayne.

Be sure to visit the historic town of Honesdale, Pennsylvania.

Situated along the Lackawaxen River, this quaint little town boasts being "The birthplace of the American Railroad". The first locomotive, the "Stourbridge Lion", was manufactured in England and brought here in the push to bring coal East from Carbondale to New York by rail, in addition to the use of the Delaware and Hudson Canal.   Step back in time and visit the Wayne County Historical Society Museum and Library which houses exhibits and in-depth information on Wayne County, the locomotive, and the Delaware and Hudson Canal.

In Honesdale, you will find antique and specialty shops, and eateries mingled among modern stores and service establishments.   Most of the architecture is turn of the 20th century and earlier.   Stop and relax in beautiful Central Park.

A map of the town and list of all the business in the 8-block Main Street can be found in the "to-do" book at the house and cottage.   For more information, go to Wayne County Historical Society and Wayne County C.C.

This huge manmade lake was formed in 1926 by PP&L Electric Company as part of a hydroelectric project to increase electric generating capacity for the area.   Today the lake is used only as an auxiliary electric-generating facility for PP&L.

The Lake was made by damming Wallenpaupack Creek on the borders of Wayne and Pike Counties.   It is 13 miles long, 5,700 acres in area and 60 feet at its deepest point.   Species of fish include Walleyed Pike, Bass, Brown and Rainbow Trout, Muskies, Catfish, Perch and other pan fish.

Recreational opportunities abound.   There are fishing, camping, picnicing, hiking, boating, jet-skiing, swimming, water-skiing, and natural areas.

This lake is a short walk from Lake House and a 2 mile bike or car ride from hemlock Walk.   For more information on history, recreation , activities, maps and water levels, call 1-800-807-2474 or go to: Lake Wallenpaupack.

Other related links: Hawley C.C. and Pike Cnty C.C..

Libraries are listed in order of proximity to both the house and the cottage.   For hours and other information:

Hawley Public Library.   103 Main St., Hawley, Pa.18428.   570-226-4622.   Hawley Library.   It is 2 miles from Lake Walk and 8 miles from Hemlock Walk.

Wayne County Public Library of Honesdale .   1406 Main St., Honesdale, PA 18431.   570-253-1220.   Wayne County Libraries.   8 miles from Lake Walk and 13 miles from Hemlock Walk.

Pike County Public Library.   201 Broad St., Milford,PA 18337   Pike Cnty Public Library.

The historic town of Milford sits in Pennsylvania along the Delaware River near the conjunction of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.   Nestled in the Pocono Mountains of Pike County, Milford offers many museums, historical sights and fine architecture, some of which are listed on the National Historic Register.   There are also plenty of dining and shopping establishments there, and recreation such as hiking, canoeing, rafting, and picnicking along the scenic Upper Delaware River.

Milford is about an 18 mile drive from both the cottage and the house down scenic Rte 6 or Rte 84.   We definitely recommend spending a day there.   Interesting, educational and fun for all ages.   Brochures and directions at the house and cottage.   For lots more information on Milford, check out the following websites: Milford and Pike County History.

The Delaware State Forest has many natural areas.   A natural area is an area of unique scenic, historical, geological or ecological value, maintained in a relatively undisturbed manner where natural succession will be allowed to occur.   Six natural areas have been designated on the Delaware State Forest.   Those mentioned below are within an easy drive from both the house and cottage:

State Forest Activities

Messing Nature Center:   Public education programs are conducted at the Messing Nature Center located on the Marshall Creek Road.   The Monroe County Conservation District, with the help of other cooperating agencies, operates the nature center.   Environmental education programs at Messing cover a variety of topics for a range of interests, including teacher education, nature study, conservation, and natural history.   Annually, in the early spring, the process of producing maple syrup is demonstrated.   Numerous trails provide hikers with access to the site.

Tarkill Forest Demonstration Area:   The Tarkill Forest Demonstration Area was established in 1948 as an "outdoor textbook area."   This 82-acre tract contains sites where several different forest management practices have been conducted.   A self-guided nature trail showcases the results of these practices and various forest dynamics.   A trail brochure, which describes each site, is available.

Bruce Lake Natural Area covers 2,845 acres including two lakes, Bruce Lake and Egypt Meadow Lake.   Bruce Lake was formed during glaciation and is completely spring fed.   Virgin stands of pine and hemlock were cut in the late 1800s, leaving the area vulnerable to fires that destroyed the rich humus soil layer.   Egypt Meadow Lake was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935.   See Promised Land.

During the Civil War, the Stillwater Natural Area provided a sanctuary for Union Army deserters and young men evading conscription.   Shacks were built on the islands of the swamp or in the dense growth.   This 1,931-acre tract contains a mix of conifers and hardwoods.   About one mile of the Little Bushkill Steam offers "stillwaters" for canoeing.

Scrub oak, gray birch, aspen, and mixed oaks dominate the landscape of Pennel Run Natural Area.   This elevated area comprises 936 acres.   A portion of the Utts Swamp is located within this natural area.

A high mountain swamp surrounded by mixed oaks is located within the 535-acre Buckhorn Natural Area.   Reptiles and amphibians are protected by special regulations within Pennel Run and Buckhorn Natural Areas.

Pine Lake Natural Area is a 67-acre site.   Included is a 10-acre glacial bog that exhibits plant zones ranging from open water to tree cover.   Various flora and fauna inhabit this tract.

A boreal conifer swamp is located within the Little Mud Pond Swamp Natural Area.   Various emerging plants grow within the glacial bog.   Species normally found at more northern latitudes can be found on this 182-acre tract.

Lake Wallenpaupack also has several natural areas:

PPL Environmental Preserves
Shuman Point Natural Area: Shuman Point
Ledgedale Natural Area: Ledgedale

Beech House Creek: Beech House Creek

There are also many area Water Falls to view:

Pinchot Falls - Located on Grounds of Grey Towers in Milford
Shohola Falls- Rt. 6 East of both homes. Approx 9 miles.
Raymondskill Falls - Rt 209 to Raymondskill Falls Rd.
Dingmans Falls - Rt 209
Factory Falls - Rt. 739 to George W. Childs Recreation Area
Deer Leap Falls - Rt. 739 to George W. Childs Recreation Area

Promised Land State Park is located on Rte 390 in Pike County, 5 miles from Hemlock Walk and 9 miles from Lake walk.   This area covers 3,000 acres and is surrounded by 12,500 acres that comprise Delaware State Forest and includes Bruce Lake Natural Area.   There are 2 lakes in the park and 2 more in the natural area along with several streams that make for beautiful scenery, lots of wildlife and many attractions and recreation opportunities.   These include: Swimming, hiking, mountain biking, hunting (in season), horseback riding trails, picnics, fishing, canoeing and boating, camping and more.   In winter, there are snowshoeing, snowmobiling, x-country skiing, ice skating and ice fishing. A beautiful place to spend the day. &snbsp; For complete information: Promised Land or email: Promised Land or call 570-676-3428.

Other regional State Parks

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is administered by the National Park Service.   The recreation area straddles the Delaware River from Milford to the Delaware Water Gap, encompassing about 70,000 acres.   One highlight of the area is the George W. Childs Park located in Dingmans Ferry, PA.   A series of scenic waterfalls can be viewed from the trails.   Picnic tables are available.

The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is a 73 mile clear, free-flowing stream winding its way through a valley of diverse scenery.   Remains of a once busy canal, the restored house of famed author Zane Gray, and the oldest existing suspension bridge in the world are just some of the sights to be found in the river valley.   Throughout the year, canoeists, rafters, fishermen, and other outdoor lovers take advantage of the many recreational opportunities on the river.   The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Association is a working partnership of private individuals and local, state, and federal governments.   These groups are working together with the National Park Service toward the goal of preserving the river, its environment, and the communities in the valley.

In Pike and Wayne Counties, just about every road is a scenic route no matter what the season.   The most famous of these is Rte 6.   Totaling over 400 miles in PA alone, it winds its way through 11 counties, including Pike and Wayne.   Travel through a national forest, over Endless Mountains, alongside flowing streams and rivers and through quaint towns and villages like Milford, Hawley, White Mills and Honesdale.   There are lots of historic areas, attractions and recreational opportunities along the way.   See Driving Tours and Scenic Drives

We also recommend the following:

Rte 590 East from Hawley to Milford, which runs along the beautiful Lackawaxen River through Bohemia, Rowlands, Lackawaxen and Greeley, and out to Rte 6.

Rte 434 North from Rte 6 to Barryville, NY, and from there down Rte 97, which is known as the Upper Delaware National Scenic River, to Port Jervis, NY, and Matamoras, PA.   From there, take scenic Rte 6 West back to the house and cottage.

Rte 739 South from Rte 6 through Lord's Valley and the Delaware State Forest, down to Dingmans Ferry, PA, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.   From that place, take Rte 209 South along the Delaware River to Bushkill Falls and then head West to Rte 402 North back towards Rte 6.

There are plenty of road maps at the house and cottage.

Cinema 6 Theatre, Route 6 Plaza, Honesdale, PA 18431; (570) 251-FILM.
Way Off Broadway Theatre Company, PO Box 88, 114 Ninth Street, Honesdale, PA 18431; (570) 251-8251.
Ritz Theater and Playhouse, 12 Keystone Street, Hawley, PA, 18428, phone: 570-226-9752.
Mountain Laurel Center for the Performing Arts, Bushkill Falls Road, Bushkill, PA, 18324, phone: 570-588-8143.   Email: Mountain Laurel.   Website: Mountain Laurel.   675 acres.   Two Symphonies.   Opening in Spring 2003.   All types of music, broadway shows, center for learning.

Milford Theatre, 4th & East Catherine Streets, Milford, PA 18337(570)296-2033

Ride the Stourbridge Rail Excursion.   Fun for the whole family.   Enjoy a scenic ride along the beautiful Lackawaxen river on a 50 year old BL-2 locomotive pulling 5 vintage passenger cars.   Events include an Easter Bunny Run, Great Train Robbery Runs, Rail and Raft, Dinner Theater Run, Bavarian festival, Fall Foliage, Halloween Runs, Santa Express and Winterfest runs.   Experience shopping, touring and dining in historic Honesdale and Hawley.   Free parking.   Reservations are required.   For dates, prices, times and other information: Stourbridge Rail or call 570-253-1960.   Train departs from Honesdale.

For train and history buffs, plan a day at Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA, a 45-50 minute ride from the house and cottage.   Highlights include: Seasonal 26-mile round-trip excursions, Park Ranger guided tours and train operations demonstrations, history and technology museums, a restored roundhouse, seasonal tours of the historic Lackawana Station, special events and gift shop.   For more information, hours, dates, schedules and rates: Steamtown or call 1-888-693-9391.

Other sites to see while you're there: Electric City Trolley Station and Museum, Lackawana Coal Mine Tour, Anthracite Heritage Museum, and the Everhart Museum.

Wildlife abounds in the Poconos with many different places to view it.   Starting in your own back yard, both the house and cottage have plenty of turkey, deer, birds and other woodland creatures that pass through daily.   In Pike County, see Promised Land State Park at Promised Land and Delaware State Forest at Delaware State Forest offer many opportunities to view wild flora and fauna from hiking trails and nature centers such as The Eagle Institute at Eagle Institute.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: Water Gap
Snyder Quality Llamas: Snyder Llamas
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Area Delaware Recreation.

In Wayne County:

Dorflinger Wildlife Sanctuary: Dorflinger Wildlife and Lacawac Wildlife Sanctuary: Lacawac Wildlife are beautiful, fun and educational for all ages.   By Lake Wallenpaupack, there is Beech House Creek Wildlife Refuge: Beach House Wildlife.

See also Natural Areas and Hiking for other places to view wildlife.

Interested?   Questions?   Comments?   If so, contact us.

Have a great day!