Stroudsburg, PA

Located in the Poconos region in northeastern Pennsylvania, Stroudsburg was founded in 1779, and became the county seat of Monroe County in 1836. Nestled in one of the most beautiful areas of Pennsylvania, this city of approximately 63,000 people has become a popular destination for visitors who want to enjoy outdoor activities any time of the year. Favorite activities include nature walks, horseback rides through the woods and downhill skiing. Honeymooners and those who are looking for a romantic getaway enjoy the many resorts created just for couples.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

No large corporations are based in Stroudsburg. With many of the older industries gone, Stroudsburg and the Poconos now rely on an economy based almost exclusively on tourism. Stroudsburg's other private sector jobs include trade, transportation, leisure and health, education and health services. Approximately 20 percent of local jobs are in local, state or federal government.

The city's leading employer is the Stroudsburg Area School District. The neighboring borough of East Stroudsburg is home to other major employers, such as Cadmus Professional Communications, Cooper Power Systems, East Stroudsburg University, and United Steel Products.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

This borough accommodates more than 2,600 houses, out of which 2,400 are occupied. Renter occupied houses count more than 1,400, whereas owner-occupied houses are just fewer than 1,000.

Downtown Stroudsburg reflects the rich and diverse culture of the Pocono Mountains, and features restaurants offering Middle Eastern, Irish, Asian, Polish, Mexican and American cuisine. Independent shops and boutiques offer modern and antique items from Africa, Latin America, Europe and Ireland, along with a variety of fashion collections. Art and music abound in fine art galleries and music stores that cater to a wide variety of tastes. Downtown is also known for its historic architecture, including the terra cotta panels that grace many of the area's late 19th century buildings.

BEST BETS

• Pocono Indian Museum features the history of the Delaware Indians, who were the original residents of the Stroudsburg area. The main building that houses the museum is one of the oldest frame structures still existing in the region. There are many educational exhibits and a gift shop where each member of the family can buy moccasins
• Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm lets visitors learn about the agricultural and weaving methods used by the Pennsylvania Dutch through historical reenactments. Special events and programs are held throughout the year, as well as workshops where visitors can learn how to make soap and candles or learn Ukrainian egg decorating.
• Dingman's Bridge spans the Delaware River and connects the Pocono Mountains with Northern New Jersey. It is one of the last bridges remaining that is privately owned and is a great experience for those who enjoy the history of the region.
• Bell School House was a working schoolhouse from the time it was built in the 1870s up until 1953. This one-room schoolhouse remains intact and is available for groups to tour on request.
• Stroud Mansion Museum is a 12-room mansion built in 1795 by the founder of Stroudsburg, Jacob Stroud. The home is operated by the Monroe County Historical Association and is open to the public.

FAMILY FUN

There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in the Stroudsburg area-skiing, horseback riding, hike, golf, and much more-as well as numerous resorts located in the area. Some of the highlights include:

• Raymondskill Falls is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania and is only four feet shorter than Niagara Falls. There are picnic areas not far from the parking lot and a trail that leads to the bottom of the falls.
• Appalachian Trail offers opportunities for both advanced and novice hikers to explore and enjoy nature.
• Gouldsboro State Park is 2,800 hundred acres of land that also includes the 250-acre Gouldsboro Lake. Perch, bass and catfish are some of the varieties available to fish in the lake. Ice fishing is also allowed, as is hunting. There are accommodations for disabled visitors as well.
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area spans 40 miles of the Delaware River. The recreation area's 70 thousand acres offer canoeing, camping, fishing, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing.
• Promised Land State Park is 1800 feet above sea level and is encircled by more than 12,000 acres of beech, oak, maple and hemlock trees.
• Mountain Creek Riding Stable features three miles of trails for riders of all skill levels.

For sports fans, the Pocono International Raceway has been a popular destination since 1968, when it held its first three-quarter track stock car race. NASCAR racing began there in 1974, and today the Raceway hosts two NASCAR Winston Cup races annually, along with many other events.

EVENTS

• At Millbrook Days, held each October at Millbrook Village, there are live demonstrations of what life was like in a turn-of-the-century village.
• The Pocono Garlic Festival is held annually and is sponsored by the Pocono Garlic Growers Association. Vendors offer a wide range of foods, and there is also live entertainment.

LOCAL CULTURE AND CUISINE

• Franklin Hill Vineyards & Winery is the oldest of the Lehigh Valley wineries, having been in business since 1982. It offers a variety of red, white, rosé, and specialty wines. This winery has won several awards for its fine wines and produces more than 19,000 gallons each year. The Franklin Hill Vineyards and Winery is part of the Lehigh Valley wine trail.
• Calkins Creek Vineyard has been in business since the year 2000 and features French-American hybrid and Vinifera red and white wines. It is open throughout the year and offers free wine-tasting. The area where this vineyard is located is dotted with horse and dairy farms.
• Barley Creek Brewing Company opened its doors in 1995 and brews Antler Brown Ale, Navigator Golden Ale, Cliffhanger Light Ale, Angler Black Lager, Rescue IPA, Iron Arm Belgian Style Wheat and Old '99 Barley Wine. Free tours of its 10-barrel brew house are available.