This time of year, the area springs to life with an abundance of special events and activities. Here’s our pick of 21 things to do this spring in the Poconos Mountains. Stay at The Settlers Inn in Hawley and enjoy all the area has to offer this season, from art-centered affairs to happenings for outdoor enthusiasts. After a day out and about, return to the Inn for an unforgettable farm-to-table dinner and accommodations that surround you in comfort. Be sure to spend some time exploring the grounds, which include an artfully designed garden. Our Arts and Crafts style lodge borders the Lackawaxen River and is surrounded by woodlands.
APRIL
The Museum at Bethel Woods Opening Day
April 1
Be among the first to experience, “Meet Me at Woodstock.” The new augmented reality tour is narrated by longtime volunteers Nicole and Bobbi Ercoline, who are featured on the cover of the Woodstock album! Distance from Hawley: 32 miles
Jazz Fest Night
April 1
Take your taste buds on a culinary tour of the Big Easy. The special dinner at Kol Steakhouse in Carbondale will feature New Orleans style cuisine. Distance from Hawley: 20 miles
Easter Egg Express
April 1, 2 & 8
Hop on board the Stourbridge Line for a train ride with the Easter Bunny. The two-hour excursion will include lots of fun and festivities for families. Children may have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny and each child will receive a special gift upon return to the station. Departures are scheduled for 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m. each day. Distance from Hawley: 9.5 miles
Slab and Cab Wine Dinner
April 14
Savor a classic steakhouse dinner paired with a selection of bold cabernets. The meal at The Settlers Inn kicks off Wally Wine Fest Weekend in Hawley.
Wally Wine Fest
April 14-16
Savor a weekend of tastings, food, shopping and seminars overlooking Lake Wallenpaupack. Over 100 domestic and international labels from around the world are featured at this one-of-a-kind wine festival at The Waterfront at Silver Birches Resort in Hawley. The event draws wineries from as far away as New Zealand, Italy, France, Napa Valley and the Pacific Northwest as well as varietals grown and produced in the Pocono Mountains region. A Marketplace features fine food, gift items and décor for wine lovers, plus bottles of every featured wine are available for sale.
Bridge the Gap: Pond Paddle
April 16
Explore the pond at Pocono Environmental Education Center in Dingmans Ferry. Learn boating tips or paddle at your own pace. Call ahead to reserve a boat. Distance from Hawley: 28 miles
Main Street Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday
Buy direct from local farmers and artisans. The Cooperage hosts this open-air market in Honesdale from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.. Distance from Hawley: 9 miles
Earth Day Crafts at the Reserve
April 21
Kick off Earth Day festivities by creating crafts with the Delaware Highland Conservancy. Drop in to the Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake any time between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Distance from Hawley: 13.2 miles
Foods of the Delaware Highlands
April 29
Savor farm to fork cuisine in celebration of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Dishes prepared with locally grown, organic ingredients are paired with fine wines. The evening will also include exciting live and silent auctions with exclusive items up for grabs. The fundraiser gets underway at The Inn at Woodloch. Advance reservations required.
Earth Day Festival
April 29
Celebrate the planet at Pocono Environmental Education Center’s (PEEC). There will be hands-on learning stations, interpretive hikes, conservation exhibits, crafts, food, music, and much more in Dingmans Ferry. Distance from Hawley: 28 miles
MAY
Claws ‘N’ Paws Opening Day
May 1
The animals at this woodland wildlife park welcome back visitors after a long winter. Catch up with Jethro the Giraffe, Kiera the Siberian Tiger, Capuchin Monkeys Dax and Puchina, plus Lakota and Vinny the wolves along with the rest of the menagerie. Claws ‘N’ Paws is open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in Hamlin. Distance from Hawley: 13.2 miles
Pocono Express
May 6, 13, 20 & 27
Spend some quality time aboard the Stourbridge Line. Train excursion departs Honesdale for a scenic 1.5 hour spring ride through the Northern Pocono Mountains. Distance from Hawley: 9.5 miles
Birds and Brews
May 6
Spring migration has begun at Pocono Environmental Education Center. Enjoy guided hikes that teach how to identify birds by sight, sound and habitat. At night, gather around the campfire for tastings from local breweries. Distance from Hawley: 32 miles
Mother’s Day Celebrations
May 14
There are a variety of ways to honor Mom in Northeast PA this Mother’s Day. The properties of Settlers Hospitality offer brunch, sit-down dinners and buffets to treat the important ladies in your life.
Mother’s Day Sip and Snip
May 18
Share a beautiful experience with your mom or the lovely ladies in your life inside the serene setting of Gorgeous Floral. Savor a cocktail or mocktail as you learn the basics of floral design to create your own masterpiece to take home. 210 Welwood Ave., Hawley
Tap NY Craft Beer & Food Festival
May 20-21
Featuring 100 NY breweries throughout the beautiful Bethel Woods campus, unlimited sampling from more than 200 carefully-crafted beers, all-you-can-eat food court (with additional food offerings available for purchase),plus live music from The Wallflowers, The Nude Party, Almost Queen and Black Dog. Distance from Hawley: 32 miles
Perennial Exchange
May 24
The beautiful blooming garden of The Settlers Inn in Hawley is the setting for this annual event. Enjoy a tour of the Inn’s manicured gardens and a talk at 11 a.m. followed by lunch. Meet other gardening enthusiasts, bring a perennial and take home a new favorite.
The Great Poconos Raceway Airshow
May 27-28
Pocono International Raceway hosts this two day event headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. This unique, stadium-style show will feature the same program and acts both days. Distance from Hawley:42.2 miles
Blues, Brews & BBQ
May 28
One of the most popular events of the summer returns! Listen to live blues music by talented artists, enjoy local craft brews and savor a barbeque style meal while overlooking Paupack High Falls. The event at our sister property in Hawley, Glass- wine.bar.kitchen at Ledges Hotel is a signature of the summer season in the Lake Region. Blues, Brews and BBQ happens every Sunday during summer from 5-9 p.m.
JUNE
Dinner Train
June 4
Ride and dine aboard The Stourbridge Line’s Dinner Car. Enjoy the scenery as you ride the rails to Lackawaxen and savor dinner created by Sidel’s Catering. Distance from Hawley: 9 miles
Jazz on the Deck
June 7
The highly-anticipated summer concert series at The Settlers Inn. Talented musicians perform on the covered outdoor deck every Wednesday evening through the end of August. Guests may enjoy a splendid dinner of farm-to-table dishes overlooking the Inn’s beautiful gardens accompanied by tunes from an impressive lineup of talented performers.
Your Spring Escape Awaits
Book our Bed, Breakfast and Dinner Package, which includes an overnight stay and dinner for two at our award-winning restaurant. Make The Settlers Inn your home base while enjoying all of the things to do in the Poconos this spring.