Girl’s Weekend in the Poconos Mountains

Spending time with my girlfriends is like a shot of happiness for my soul. It doesn't matter what's going on in my life, whether it's grabbing a meal, chatting on the phone, or just having a chill evening with any of them. I always come away feeling so darn good. It makes me realize how precious my female friendships have become as I've grown older, and how important it is to make a conscious effort to spend time to nurture them.

My friend, Ari, and I were itching for a weekend getaway, and we both share a passion for hiking, the outdoors, exploring cute little towns, and, of course, eating good food. So, we decided on a trip to the Pocono Mountains. It turned out to be a perfect fit! We had the most fantastic girls' weekend, and I've put together a 3-day rundown of all the awesome things we did, places we ate at, and the cozy Airbnb we crashed in. So, if you're looking for some inspo for your next girls' trip, check it out. Enjoy!

**Day 1: Exploring Ricketts Glen**

We kicked off our adventure bright and early on a Saturday, leaving Philadelphia around 8 am. Our Airbnb check-in wasn't until 3 pm, but we were eager to maximize our time and squeeze in a hike before settling in. The Poconos Region offers a multitude of hiking options, and after much deliberation, we chose Ricketts Glen.

We had heard of the magnificent waterfalls along the trail and were drawn to the various route choices that could cater to our preferences. The park boasts around 26 miles of trails, offering something for every hiking enthusiast. Ari and I opted for the Falls Trail, a 5-mile journey filled with spectacular natural beauty. The trail was moderately challenging, thanks to steep inclines and slippery spots near the waterfalls, but the scenery was nothing short of breathtaking.

At the hike's pinnacle, we were rewarded with a private waterfall! An ideal spot for some well-deserved rest and snacks before we made our way back down. Post-hike, we continued on our way to our Airbnb, conveniently located in the charming town of Stroudsburg. The Poconos region is pretty spread out, so it's a great idea to stay near the area you plan to explore. Other great options include the Delaware Water Gap, Tannersville, or Stroudsburg, where we chose to stay.

Our Airbnb, initially chosen for its budget-friendly appeal, turned out to be a hidden gem. A cozy cabin in the midst of a picturesque field greeted us with adorable decorations. While I'd recommend this accommodation for two people or less, it met our needs perfectly.

After freshening up and unwinding from our exhilarating hike, we ventured into town for dinner. Sarah's Street Grill was our choice, and it didn't disappoint. We dined on the patio, sipped on frosé, and savored chicken finger salads and fries—highly recommended!

Dinner was followed by an irresistible urge for ice cream, leading us to Jimmy's Ice Cream. The homemade ice cream and gelato were available in an array of flavors, along with a tempting selection of sundaes. I opted for a strawberry brownie sundae and I’m still thinking about it till this day…

**Day Two: Delaware Water Gap Exploration**

Our second day began early with a trip to the Delaware Water Gap. We had heard of the amazing water views and were excited to see them for ourselves. To our surprise, we discovered that our chosen trail was part of the Appalachian Trail—which i found pretty cool! A word of caution for fellow hikers: parking near the trailhead requires careful attention to signage, as police tend to issue tickets for improper parking. Nevertheless, we loved our hike and we wrapped it up in about four hours, enjoying post-hike snacks during our ride back to our Airbnb.

En route back to our cabin, we stumbled upon the Village Farmer and Bakery, a charming farm stand offering fresh produce, jams, pies, and more. We also explored Asparagus Sunshine, an antique store brimming with unique paintings, jewelry, and home decor. Ari decided to take home a plant housed in an antique teacup while I opted for some stickers to remember our trip!

After some relaxation at our Airbnb and a change of attire, we headed to the Sorrenti Family Estate for Pizza and Wine. This is an absolute must visit if you find yourself in Monroe County. We dined on their patio, overlooking their garden and pond. The pizza was incredible, and their homemade sangria was heaven. Our day didn't conclude there; we decided to round it off with a visit to Shawnee Craft Brewery, where we enjoyed some live music.

**Day 3: A Memorable Farewell**

Sadly, our last day had arrived, and we were on our way back to Philadelphia. However, we couldn't resist the urge to sneak in a bit more exploration before heading home. We decided to stop in a delightful breakfast spot at Café Duet. The outdoor seating in their charming garden provided the perfect backdrop for a delicious meal. I opted for avocado toast, while Ari enjoyed the cheddar biscuit and yogurt parfait. YUUMMM!

As we made our way back to Philly, we realized that we'd be passing through Jim Thorpe, a quaint town renowned for its shops and restaurants. We couldn't resist a quick stop and were so happy we didn't. We only had a few hours to spare, but we explored various shops, sampled jams, admired jewelry, and sampled some olive oil!

Overall, our girls' weekend getaway was nothing short of perfect. I hope our adventure inspires you to plan a similar excursion with your friends soon. There's something so special about these trips and all the memories they create.