Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Stroudsburg, PA

  • Published 2022/12/07

In the Poconos region of Pennsylvania lies the borough of Stroudsburg, the seat of Monroe County.

You can find this community roughly eight kilometers from the Delaware Water Gap, where the Brodhead, McMichaels, and Pocono Creeks join.

While Stroudsburg is a small community, it offers various excellent historical and cultural attractions.

During the mid-1700s, Col. Jacob Stroud and his family founded the area of Stroudsburg.

The colonel laid out plans for the area, which also bears his name.

As years passed, the Pennsylvania government incorporated the settlement in 1815, turning it into Fort Hamilton.

The fort protected the early settlers from Native American attacks.

Stroudsburg became the seat of Monroe County in 1836, also becoming the county’s commercial hub.

It also held various industries such as lumber mills, textile mills, and tanneries.

Today, the borough attracts tourists through its historical, cultural, and artistic attractions.

For example, visitors can check out the historical buildings in the area, such as the Stroud Mansion and the Monroe County Courthouse.

Do you want to know more about Stroudsburg, PA?

Here’s a list of the best things to do in town:

Experience Local History at the Stroud Mansion

Exterior of Stroud Mansion

Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The city’s founder, Col. Jacob Stroud, built this imposing 12-room mansion in 1795.

He had built the home for his eldest son, John, although he moved outside of town after a couple of years.

For many years, the Strouds owned the property, until 1893, when it became the town library, boarding house, and store, among others.

In 1921, the Monroe County Historical Association moved into the home.

Today, the mansion retains many of its original features, such as its symmetrical façade, simulated stone walls, quoins, and flat-arch window lintels.

Four of the mansion’s floors also hold exhibits on the town’s history, from the time of the Native Americans until today.

You can also visit the period-accurate rooms such as the Colonial-era cellar kitchen, the Stroud Room with 18th-century furnishings, and the Victorian parlor.

Likewise, you can visit the weapons and tool room or the textile and antique toy collections.

Grab Unique Souvenirs at the Olde Engine Works

This 22,000-square-foot indoor antique market is one of Stroudsburg’s top-shelf attractions.

Why?

After all, it operates inside a renovated historic building, an old machine shop constructed in 1903.

Besides selling antiques, the place is also a testament to the proud history of American manufacturing.

Today, the antique market hosts roughly 100 vendors who sell only the highest quality antiques, old furniture, collectible items, and vintage treasures.

You won’t find better items in all of the Poconos.

Likewise, the market itself is large enough to keep you searching for a whole day for the perfect item to bring home to your family.

You don’t even have to go too far from downtown to find this place.

It stands just off Stroudsburg’s Main Street, so you can’t miss it.

Sample Fine Ciders at Banter’s Hard Cider

The proud American tradition of innovation continues at Banter’s Hard Cider in Stroudsburg.

This brewery blends contemporary craft brewing methods with traditional cider-making techniques to create unique and delightful concoctions.

Likewise, the brewery crafts various types of ciders, from classic apple ciders to seasonal fruit versions.

You won’t run out of new ciders to drink here.

A rigorous process of trial-and-error led to the establishment of Banter’s Hard Cider.

Steve Brancato, the owner, tried many times before landing on the irresistible blend that his friends and family loved.

So, Banter’s Hard Cider began its journey as a leading Stroudsburg brewery.

Today, the brewery serves six ciders on tap as well as cider-based cocktails.

You can try the brewery’s flagship creation, the Overcast, for a taste.

Likewise, the brewery offers the popular Bön, an English-style cider reminiscent of champagne.

Grab Fresh Produce at Monroe Farmers Market

The Monroe Farmers Market has sold fresh fruits and vegetables directly from the farmers for over 40 years.

As a producer-only farmers’ market, the space strives to maintain a high standard separating it from other similar markets.

Likewise, they sell only locally sourced ingredients, top-quality food products, and produce.

What can you buy at this market?

You can buy plants, high-quality produce, raw natural honey, dairy products, bread, pastries, syrups, jellies, jams, even hand-roasted gourmet coffee.

Drop by the picturesque Courthouse Square in downtown Stroudsburg to visit the outdoor farmers’ market.

The affair lasts the whole morning.

During winter, the market moves inside the Renegade Winery on Main Street.

Try Fine Wines at Rowan Asher Winery

This family-owned winery is a work of love between Matthew and Misty Stallard, whose love story continued with a love of wine.

After a honeymoon in California and a sojourn in Europe, they fell in love with wine-making.

They immediately started fermenting wines inside their root cellar in 1999, under the name Valley View Cellars.

In 2015, they founded the urban winery Rowan Asher Winery named after their two sons.

Their wine-making expertise has earned the winery the honor of being named the Best Winery in Stroudsburg.

You can grab various wines, such as pinot grigio and Muscato, along with hard apple ciders.

Explore the Wilderness at the Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary

If you want to experience the wild outdoors at Stroudsburg, visit the Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.

It’s an enormous preserve spanning 166 acres. Longtime Stroudsburg resident Clayton Swink also donated 120 of those acres to help preserve local wildlife.

Today, the sanctuary offers several outdoor programs for everyone to enjoy.

Likewise, the property also hosts diverse habitats, from deciduous forests to evergreen stands and ponds.

You can also go hiking along the sanctuary’s trails, which are open seven days a week, year-round.

During the winter, you can also go cross-country skiing along these trails, such as the Black Beer and Songbird Trails. Camping is prohibited, however.

Catch a Show at The Sherman Theater

People lined up in front of The Sherman Theater

Timandjean, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you just want a good time in Stroudsburg, catch a concert at the Sherman Theater.

It’s the best place for high-octane entertainment in the Poconos Mountains.

The theater hosts local musicians, holds festivals, and stages major concerts from today’s top performers.

Every year, the Sherman Theater offers guests a full itinerary of entertainment events and shows.

Besides the shows, the theater also offers a fully equipped bar along with cutting-edge audio and lighting equipment.

Don’t even worry if the room gets packed because it can accommodate standing-room-only shows.

So, don’t miss out on the historic shows from today’s top artists at the Sherman Theater.

Check Out Masterpieces at Gamut Art Gallery

Art and history combine to create a unique experience inside the Gamut Art Gallery, located in downtown Stroudsburg.

The gallery operates inside a historic building, under a 190-year-old slate roof, in the heart of the town’s historic downtown.

Likewise, its collections of art and unique items originate from as far back as the 1890s.

Besides artworks, the gallery also features vintage collectibles, interesting antiques, sculptures, and contemporary art pieces.

Likewise, the gallery displays work from both international and local talents, showing the diversity of the art world.

Experience History at the Academy Hill Historic District

Immerse yourself fully in Stroudsburg’s history by journeying to the Academy Hill Historic District, a national historic district with 180 buildings.

This district is appropriate for the county seat of Monroe County and the oldest community in the Pocono region.

Likewise, the National Register of Historic Places added Academy Hill to its records in 1988.

The Academy Hill Historic District comprises several historic residential buildings, many of which come from the 19th century to the early 20thcentury.

During your visit, you’ll find houses built according to the popular architectural styles of the era, such as American Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, and many others.

Bring your camera and take some inspiration from these beautiful classic houses.

Play with Friends at the Klues Escape Room

Look no further for your next team-building exercise or friends’ night out than the Klues Escape Room in Stroudsburg.

Like many other escape rooms, Klues offers a thrilling adventure for family, friends, and colleagues.

You’ll need to work together with your mates to solve the puzzles and escape the room within 60 minutes.

Decipher codes, unlock doors, and answer riddles to complete your mission and leave.

Likewise, Klues Escape Room offers guests four unique themed rooms, the Mad Hatter, the Curse of the Pharaoh, Pocono Moonshiner, and the Mad Scientist.

If you’re looking for a great bonding activity, you know where to go.

Sample Innovative Wine at The Renegade Winery

Are you looking for an unconventional winery?

You’re in luck because there’s one such place in Stroudsburg, the aptly named Renegade Winery.

This winery is the first “urban concept winery” in the heart of the Pocono Mountain Region. Become a renegade and try their premium wines.

Their unconventional thinking and methods of wine-making have produced deluxe wines right in downtown Stroudsburg.

You don’t need to go very far to try unique wines.

During your visit, you can check out the wine bar to see how the winery creates its wines.

You can also taste the wines yourself.

Experience Diverse Art at the Create & Be Art Studio

If you love unique and vibrant art, you’ll love visiting the Create & Be Art Studio in Stroudsburg.

The studio hosts a diverse community comprising art lovers, artists, and various creatives, creating a lively and thriving art culture.

Likewise, the studio has built platforms for in-person guests and digital viewers, taking the art gallery space to new horizons.

These platforms also support the growing community of photographers, visual artists, and other creatives in Stroudsburg and nearby areas.

You’ll want to bring a few of these pieces home after your visit.

Wander the Forest at the Glen Run Nature Preserve

After walking around downtown Stroudsburg, commune with nature at the Glen Run Nature Preserve.

Bring your bike, too, to make the most out of their four miles of hiking and biking trails.

The property is also massive, spanning 182 acres, under the management of the Pocono Heritage Land Trust.

Take your bike and ride along the snaking trails, leading you through dense woodlands.

However, you can also enjoy the place on foot if you want to take it slow.

The property gives you terrific views at Godfrey Ridge, overlooking Stroudsburg.

Likewise, you’ll find the remaining foundations of the historic Churleigh Inn.

You can also fish at the preserve’s small stream, though it’s only on a catch-and-release basis.

Drink Up at the Siamsa Irish Pub

Stroudsburg’s Siamsa Irish Pub has become a favorite destination for residents and guests hankering for authentic Irish food and hearty American dishes.

You can find this spot inside an old bank building along Main Street in downtown Stroudsburg.

Likewise, this Irish pub is open every day, offering delicious Irish meals, along with a full menu of draft beers and cocktails.

You won’t go wrong ordering Irish food at this award-winning pub.

Then, go with your friends to chug your favorite drinks.

Blow Off Steam at Downriver Brewing Axe Throwing

Play with axes and let off some stress at Downriver Brewing, which offers rounds of axe-throwing fun to everyone who can enter.

The bar will also help you throw axes safely, thanks to the well-trained axe coach.

They’ll teach you the proper axe-throwing techniques and even help you spice things up with games.

Book an hour or two for yourself or your friends, and hurl all your problems at the wall.

Likewise, you can book the place for corporate team-building activities or memorable bachelor or bachelorette parties.

This axe-throwing facility is inside a craft brewery, too, so you can sample innovative microbrews from the Downriver Brewing Company.

Likewise, the brewery offers excellent artisanal food to pair with your beers.

Learn, Enjoy and Wander around the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm

A house at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm

Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Across the year, Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm offers a wide range of events and programs.

Prepare to discover the agricultural cycle, livestock management, delectable food, neighborhood festivals, customs, and innovation of a typical Pennsylvania family farm in the nineteenth century.

In addition to classes for adults, Quiet Valley provides interactive history courses for all ages, from kindergarten to high school, homeschooled to public school.

During summertime excursions to the historic houses and gardens at Quiet Valley, costumed interpreters welcome the public audience.

The staff and a small group organize annual activities for members and the general public, such as Spooky Days in October and Ice Harvest.

Sample Exquisite Wine as you Admire the Views at Mountain View Vineyard

Mountain View Vineyard is the ideal place to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Before the founders got enough grapes to launch their business, it took them around six years.

On September 1, 2009, the couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary by launching their Pocono vineyard.

Drop by and sample the best wine, beer, and distilled spirits made in the Poconos.

They have expanded their vineyard over the past 17 years, turning it into a 100-acre property with thousands of grapes encircled by stunning mountain landscapes.

Tastings of wines, beers, and spirits are available at Mountain View Vineyard.

On their wraparound porch or beside the fireplace, you may also have your drink and meal from their cafe while admiring the breathtaking views.

Feel the Adrenaline Rush at S&S Speed Ways

S&S Speed Ways has been a family-run business since it was founded in 1996.

They take pleasure in providing family-friendly entertainment for all generations.

Indulge in a dirt track racing adventure but without the dirt!

Driving requires a minimum height of 54″, tied-back hair above the shoulders, and closed-toed shoes.

Take advantage of the complete track sight, video games, pool table, and retail goods.

In addition to offering exclusive parties for your special events, they are open from Friday through Sunday during regular business hours and on special weekday holidays.

Spend a Peaceful Day at Pure Day Spa

Pure Day Spa first unveiled its doors in 2007, a haven of escape and well-being, emphasizing luxury and comfort.

The spa, situated in the heart of downtown Stroudsburg, is a serene setting that lets you take a break from your busy schedule and indulge in a pleasant spa vacation.

There are six tranquil treatment rooms, a wet room, and a comprehensive nail salon within the spa’s over 4,000 square feet of tranquility.

Walk out feeling pampered and revitalized thanks to their friendly environment, experienced staff, and premium goods.

Gift certificates for sale in Pure Day Spa are the ideal present to friends and loved ones on their birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.

Create Something Unique at Creative Canvas Studio

There is no doubt that Creative Canvas Studio is a distinctive way to socialize and have a good time.

They host events and lessons at their studio on Ann Street in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and provide mobile Sip & Paint Parties in the Pocono Mountains of that area.

An artist teaches step-by-step instructions and supplies everything you need to make your piece of art.

In Northeastern Pennsylvania, they throw parties in restaurants and bars, local companies, recreation centers, and private residences.

Don’t miss out on attending their kid’s parties, drink and paint sessions, and other events!

Final Thoughts

Stroudsburg is a great place for urban and natural adventures, so bring your friends or family for a neat vacation.

Its rich history and cultural heritage should also satisfy and delight all manner of tourists.

Book your Stroudsburg getaway today!

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