Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Honesdale, Pennsylvania: A Captivating Walking Tour (Look Up America Series)

Are you ready to explore the picturesque town of Honesdale, Pennsylvania? Grab your walking shoes and immerse yourself in the rich history, charming architecture, and stunning natural landscapes. This comprehensive walking tour will guide you through the hidden gems of Honesdale, allowing you to truly appreciate its unique character.

From quaint storefronts to scenic trails, Honesdale offers an unforgettable experience for curious travelers. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a delightful escape, this town has something to offer for everyone. So, let's dive into this captivating walking tour of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, as a part of the Look Up America Series.

Begin Your Journey at the Historic Main Street

As you step onto Main Street, you'll be transported back in time. The Victorian-era buildings, lined with charming boutiques and local businesses, exude a sense of old-world charm. Take a leisurely stroll along the well-preserved sidewalks and immerse yourself in the town's rich history.

A Walking Tour of Honesdale, Pennsylvania (Look Up, America! Series)

by Doug Gelbert(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1166 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	29 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Item Weight	:	1.06 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.5 x 0.84 x 8.5 inches
Paperback	:	334 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Don't miss the Wayne County Historical Society, where you can delve deeper into Honesdale's past. The society's museum exhibits offer a fascinating insight into the town's development and the impact of the Stourbridge Lion, America's first commercial locomotive.

Explore the Wayne County Farmers Market

Located at the heart of Honesdale, the Wayne County Farmers Market is a thriving hub of local produce, artisan crafts, and lively community spirit. This open-air market welcomes visitors from all walks of life and offers a vibrant atmosphere you won't want to miss.

Indulge your senses as you peruse the stalls adorned with freshly harvested fruits, vegetables, and homemade treats. Engage in friendly conversations with the passionate vendors, who are more than happy to share their stories and local knowledge. The Wayne County Farmers Market truly embodies the essence of Honesdale's strong community bonds.

Immerse Yourself in Nature at the Honesdale River Trail

To truly experience Honesdale's natural beauty, head to the Honesdale River Trail. This scenic pathway weaves alongside the rushing waters of the Lackawaxen River, offering breathtaking views of Pennsylvania's lush greenery.

As you walk through this tranquil oasis, listen to the soothing sounds of nature and breathe in the refreshing scents of the wildflowers. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home, as they gracefully blend in with their surroundings.

Step Back in Time at the Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions

For a unique experience that combines Honesdale's rich history and stunning landscapes, embark on a journey with the Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions. Climb aboard a beautifully restored train and enjoy a leisurely ride through picturesque countryside.

As the train chugs along the tracks, you'll be captivated by the ever-changing scenery, including rolling hills, majestic forests, and old-fashioned train stations. The knowledgeable guides on board will regale you with intriguing stories about the area's railroad heritage and its impact on Honesdale's development.

Discover the Calming Presence of The Himalayan Institute

If you're in need of a peaceful retreat, make sure to visit The Himalayan Institute. Nestled in the heart of Honesdale, this spiritual haven offers various wellness classes, meditation sessions, and yoga retreats. Achieve inner harmony as you explore the beautiful grounds and participate in guided practices led by experienced instructors.

Unwind in the tranquil gardens, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and let your worries melt away. The Himalayan Institute is the perfect place to find solace and reconnect with your inner self.

Experience Culinary Delights at Local Eateries

After a day filled with exploration, indulge in the diverse culinary scene that Honesdale has to offer. This town boasts a wide array of unique restaurants, cafes, and eateries, each offering their own take on local and international cuisine.

Sample traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the quaint country-style diners, or savor fusion delights at a contemporary bistro. Don't forget to try the local specialties, such as scrapple or shoofly pie, for a truly authentic taste of Honesdale.

Wrap Up Your Tour with a Visit to Irving Cliff

End your walking tour by hiking up to Irving Cliff, a spectacular overlook providing panoramic views of Honesdale and the surrounding area. This vantage point offers a stunning display of the town's diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to picturesque valleys.

As the sun begins to set, witness the sky ablaze with vibrant colors, painting an awe-inspiring backdrop for your farewell to this charming town. Take a moment to reflect on your journey and soak in the serenity, knowing that you have explored the hidden treasures of Honesdale, Pennsylvania.

Embarking on a walking tour of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, is like stepping into a storybook. From the historical buildings to the bustling farmers market, the tranquil river trail to the breathtaking viewpoints, each step unveils a new chapter of Honesdale's enchanting beauty.

So, lace up your walking shoes and immerse yourself in this captivating adventure. Let the Look Up America Series guide you through the hidden gems of Honesdale, where history, nature, and community seamlessly blend. Discover the charm of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A Walking Tour of Honesdale, Pennsylvania (Look Up, America! Series)

by Doug Gelbert(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1166 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	29 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Item Weight	:	1.06 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.5 x 0.84 x 8.5 inches
Paperback	:	334 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

There is no better way to see America than on foot. And there is no better way to appreciate what you are looking at than with a walking tour. Whether you are preparing for a road trip or just out to look at your own town in a new way, a downloadable walking tour from walkthetown.com is ready to explore when you are.

Each walking tour describes historical and architectural landmarks and provides pictures to help out when those pesky street addresses are missing. Every tour also includes a quick primer on identifying architectural styles seen on American streets.

Only in the latter half of the eighteenth century did settlers from Connecticut get around to clearing the land in the wooded northern hills of Wayne County. Dyberry Forks, which was to become the county seat, was then just a swampy wilderness at the point where the Dyberry River joins the Lackawaxen on its way to the Delaware.

The town got started in the 1820s because of Maurice and William Wurts’s coal business. To get their anthracite coal from the mines in Carbondale to seaboard cities, they decided to build a canal from Dyberry Forks to Rondout (now Kingston),New York, on the Hudson River. That was only the second of their two problems - the coal wasn’t in Dyberry Forks - it was in Carbondale across 1,942-foot-high Farview Mountain. In 1825, backed by Philip Hone, a successful businessman turned mayor of New York, the Wurtses succeeded in raising over $1 million for their Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, and they were off.

By October 1828, Philip Hone, inspecting the newly completed D&H Canal, marveled at the ‘’stupendous stone work’’ and the impressive rock cuts - entirely achieved by men, mostly ‘’wild Irish’’ immigrants, wielding pick and shovel and the unpredictable black blasting powder of the day. The canal negotiated a drop of 1,030 feet by means of a series of more than 100 locks, in the 108-mile journey to Kingston.

Honesdale was incorporated in 1831. Its sole purpose was to serve as the jumping off point for canal barges loaded with coal headed for New York City markets. That coal came over the mountain from Carbondale on a ‘’gravity railroad’’ as loaded cars were hauled up on tracks on a series of planes, or inclines, to the top of Farview by stationary steam engines, then lowered by gravity down planes on the other side to the town of Waymart, finally coasting on a steady downgrade into Honesdale. Empty cars were brought back to Waymart by horse or mule. At one time Honesdale had the largest stockpile of coal in the world.

By the mid-19th century Honesdale was a bustling waterfront town; it became the county seat in 1841. Our walking tour will begin in the parking lot in the center of town in front of the Visitor Center, that was actually a boat basin once at the start of the historical canal...