Need Advice/Suggestions on PA & The Poconos

[hschisler]

My wife and I, along with another couple, are taking our first-ever "real" trip on our LT. (The other couple is riding their new Gold Wing, but that's irrelevant...)

Anyway: we are going to the Poconos. Have never been there before. Looking for your suggestions on (a) routes from Columbus, OH; (b) places to stay; (c) places to see once we are there.

We'll travel one day, stay 2 nights, then return home in 1 day. We might stop at my brother's house near Pittsburgh on the way out and back to break up the trip. (yes, I'm aware it can be done in 1 day but we have stock seats and the ladies aren't psyched about riding that many hours in 1 day; we're just happy they're going with us!)

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and tips.

[BLBantz]

Hi Howard, I have ridden frequently to and from Meadville, PA and usually take Rt. 6 across the state instead of Rt. 80. 6 goes through a bunch of old small towns. It is a beautiful winding road through the Allegheny National Forest that ends in the Poconos at the NJ border. I make it from Meadville to the Pocono region in about 8 hours. Once in the Poconos the primary roads are Rts. 611, 209, 191 and 402. On 611 in Tannersville is a very large outlet shopping center called "The Crossings", and along 611 in the same area are numerous other cutesie shops for antiques and candles, etc. North of The Crossings on 611 is the Pocono Brew Company, excellent for pub food, etc. Take 611 south to 209 north and about 8 miles up is Alaska Pete's. Also terrific pub food and steaks. Take 191 north (a very nice winding ride) into Hamlin and turn left at the light and about 300 yards on the left is a giant outdoor Bar-B-Que place with ribs and chicken and all the fixins. Can't remember the name right now, but the food is great. From there you can take 590 to Hawley by Lake Wallenpaupack. This is the largest lake in PA. Pick up Rt. 6 east and ride to Milford. The Blue Mountain Inn is on the right as you enter town for good food, or the Dimmick House is an old Hotel also on the right at the light for something a little fancier. Take 209 south and you are back where you started on 611 in Stroudsburg. I have stayed at the Shawnee Inn and the Pocono Manor. Both are turn of the century inns that have been kept up pretty well offering breakfast and dinner packages. The Pocono Manor is a little nicer but the Shawnee Inn is more quaint and charming. Also a little smaller and right on the Deleware river. It is close to Alaska Petes. Rates at both are pretty good too. If not, there are lots and lots of chain hotels and small Mom and Pop places too. Getting long here, PM me if I can be of any further help. Have a great ride.

[messenger13]

There's a restaurant in Oil City, PA that's not too far from Pittsburgh and I really enjoy it. Not for the atmosphere, but their food (and soup list!) is really really good. It's called 'Villa Italia Restaurante'. More information by clicking HERE (http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&lr=&q=restaurants+italian&near=Oil+City,+PA+16301&radius=0.0&latlng=41431936,-79691648,15909739657533241904&sa=X&oi=local&ct=result&cd=1).

Don't leave without trying some soup! They'll have 10 to 15 soups on hand (made that morning) on any given day.

I don't know the route you're taking, but riding on 62 headed northeast is a nice ride, then to 6 east.

[ksailor]

Howard: Brian covered the highlights pretty well. One additional suggestion, travel the gorge down into Jim Thorp. Very quaint, nice town with a RR museum. Great bike riding roads.

[rmg08057]

Howard

I have done the Philly to Columbus trip numerous times. Its a fair ride and I think with passengers and plenty of stops, you are going to need most of the day, without real stops.

I would go out one way (say the northern track) and back the other (the south). The PA Turnpike is pretty enough in sections to warrant a ride so thats good. Personally, I found the 6 far too slow and congested, its promise of quiet backroads riding remains unfulfilled from several visits.

I'll leave the middle day to those who know the Poconos better than I do (though Jim Thorpe is kinda quaint and Welsh-like).

If you start early and went the southern route, you could do one of the following:

1. Get off the 70 at Zanesville and run down the 555 to Parkersburg, then north up the 77 to rejoin the 70. The 555 is one of Ohio's gems.

2. Get off the 76 at Somerset and visit Fallingwater - I've been 3 times and am happy to go another dozen times. You can then rejoin the 76 or make your easting by travelling parallel further south on the 40 and I-68 to Hagerstown, then cut north on the 81 which delivers you right into the Poconos.

3. Across the 76 as far as Carlisle and cut down to Gettysburg. Wow, what a place.

4. Get off the 76 at York and take a run thru Amish country (I can give you a detailed routing), heading up to the Poconos thru Reading etc....

You have some nice choices.