Things to Do in Delaware Water Gap: An Insider’s Guide

1. Enjoy the Borough's Restaurants and Shops

Delaware Water Gap and its Main Street area are conveniently accessible via Exit 310 off of I-80, and the charming small town businesses in Delaware Water Gap are well worth a visit! Take your pick of delicious restaurants: Joe Bosco Authentic Smokehouse BBQ specializes in prime beef and artisanal pork, and don't forget to try the hush puppies! The Sycamore Grille offers hearty meals, weekly specials, and a full bar. Don't forget to save room for dessert! The Village Farmer and Bakery makes their mouthwatering pies from scratch. In the mood for ice cream? The classic, turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor at The Shoppes at Castle Inn is the place to go.

2. Accommodations & Places to Stay

Accommodations in Delaware Water Gap carry on the area's long legacy of welcoming visitors. Get a taste of the Gap's resort heyday at historic hotels like the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort or enjoy live music at the Deer Head Inn, home to the oldest continuously running jazz club in the country. A stay at a scenic campground such as the Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA or Driftstone Campground means you won't miss a moment of the natural beauty. Find modern accommodations at the Pocono Inn & Banquet and space to spread out in the vacation rental villas at Club Wyndham Shawnee Village.

The region was touted as a "Wonder of the World," and lavish resort hotels sprung up to host the crowds of tourists. "Water Gap" became household words known all over the country, and a New York Times correspondent covered happenings in Delaware Water Gap every summer. Musicians showed their skill at local venues including Deer Head Inn, then Central House, and Shawnee Inn, with John Philip Sousa performing at the Castle Inn. Theodore Roosevelt, Fred Astaire and Bette Davis were a few of the famous guests of the era.

As the twentieth century dawned and the advent of the automobile tempted vacationers further afield, two of the most popular resorts, Water Gap House and The Kittatinny, were claimed by fires and never rebuilt. The pace of life in Delaware Water Gap began to slow, but the lure of the area's natural beauty remained. In 1965, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area was created, encompassing 70,000 protected acres. Today, modern outdoor enthusiasts find the same peace and tranquility tourists savored in the past, and the tradition of welcome in the local community is as strong as ever.

While in Delaware Water Gap, why not step back in time at local museums? Dive into the area's rich history at the Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery, housed in a nineteenth century brick schoolhouse on Main Street. The echos of the rush of Victorian vacation life can still be felt as you Tour the Castle Inn, a beautiful venue built in 1906. Tours are available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. In 1907, the "Mountain View Line" trolley picked up passengers in front of The Historic Castle Inn as it pursued its route between Delaware Water Gap and nearby Stroudsburg. These days, it's The Pocono Historic Trolley Tours that picks up in front of the Castle, taking guests on a narrated journey through the Minisink Hills and Shawnee, the perfect way to learn about the past.

4. Explore the Area's Natural Wonders

Following the Delaware River as it winds its way between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is home to a treasure trove of wilderness wonders. The borough of Delaware Water Gap is located at the southern end of the recreation area, and both the town and the park take their name from the geographical feature, the point where the Delaware River cuts through the Appalachian Mountains. Delaware Water Gap hiking takes trekkers along the mountain ridges to discover panoramic views. Watch for birds and wildlife in the quiet forests or descend to the river valley to bike the McDade Recreational Trail and spend a day at the beach. Breathtaking foliage covers the area every autumn, and when the snow arrives, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area becomes a winter wonderland for skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers.