On the Map: Stroudsburg Here We Come (Again)

Narration provided by Wondervox.

On the Map is a feature at LGBTSr highlighting travel experiences and destinations of interest.

By Mark McNease

We just got back from one of our two-night ‘surprise trips,’ when one of us makes travel plans and the other doesn’t know what they are. We’ve been doing this for many years, and it was my turn to be surprised.

It was a return visit for us, to a town in the Poconos we enjoy spending a couple days in: Stroudsburg, PA. It’s not a fancy place, and it doesn’t have the kind of tourist vibe you’ll find in a lot of other locations in that area, but we like it.

We stayed at the local Hampton Inn, my favorite hotel chain. Maybe it’s the 24-hour coffee, or just the middle-brow feel of the place, but I like it there.

We had dinner one night at Marita’s Bar and Grill, a local Mexican favorite, and the next night at Garlic Restaurant and Bar, a slightly upscale eatery with superb (and expensive) food, much of which has – you guessed it – a garlic theme. On the way back to the hotel we stopped at Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, where you can pick from a dizzying selection of candies, chocolates, and dime-store souvenirs.

The only mitigating factor? It was the beginning of the first heat wave of the summer, and it was hot! But whether it’s hot, cold, or somewhere in-between, I recommend a trip to Stroudsburg. And if you go to the Stroud Mall, make sure you get a spa pedi at Nail Trix. Ask for Annie. It was the best spa pedi I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot of them.

Now some more about Stroudsburg …

Stroudsburg is a town of about 6,000 people in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, a region known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and historic attractions. Founded in 1799 by Jacob Stroud, a Revolutionary War veteran who donated land for the town’s development, Stroudsburg offers a variety of experiences for visitors and residents alike.

History and Culture

Originally inhabited by the Lenape Indians, who called it “Analomink” or “the talking waters”, Stroudsburg was also a site of several battles during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the town became a popular destination for tourists, artists, and writers, who were drawn to its natural beauty and small-town charm. Some of the notables who visited or lived in Stroudsburg include poet Robert Frost, painter Edward Hicks, and novelist Pearl Buck.

Nature and Recreation

Surrounded by the Pocono Mountains, Stroudsburg offers a range of outdoor activities and attractions for all seasons. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, you’ll find something to enjoy in the Poconos. You can also visit some of the natural wonders and landmarks in the area, such as the Delaware Water Gap, a scenic gorge that forms the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey; the Bushkill Falls, a series of waterfalls that are known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania”; the Big Pocono State Park, a 1,300-acre park that offers panoramic views of the mountains and valleys; and the Pocono Wildlife Park, a zoo that houses and rehabilitates native and exotic animals.

Stroudsburg has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or recreation, you’ll find it in here. Stroudsburg is a perfect place to visit for a weekend getaway (or two nights during the week!), a family vacation, or a romantic escape.