Milford, PA: Your Good Fall Getaway within the Poconos

A fall getaway to Milford, PA ensures greater than beautiful surroundings: chase waterfalls, discover winding trails backdropped by autumn leaves, store your approach via a captivating historic downtown, and linger over dinner in cozy historic taverns. This small Pennsylvania city deserves to be in your bucket record.

Exploring Milford, Pennsylvania within the Fall

There aren’t many locations the place you may sip espresso in a well-known Michelin-key lodge, uncover Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall, discover Gilded Age mansions, and eat in a restored Nineteenth-century gristmill subsequent to a 24-foot waterwheel all in a day. In Milford, PA, you may.

First settled in 1796 and often known as the “Gateway to the Poconos,” Milford is the proper mix of pure magnificence, centuries-old attraction, and small-town heat. With a historic downtown that includes over 400 buildings on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations inside a half mile, you may store small, go antiquing, eat in cozy historic taverns, and uncover museums housing a few of America’s most vital artifacts.

Solely 75 miles from NYC, Milford sits on the sting of the Delaware Water Hole Nationwide Recreation Space, hugged by the Delaware River the place you may hike, bike, and kayak your approach via over 70,000 superb acres. With fast entry to a number of the most scenic trails and waterfalls within the Poconos, Milford’s location makes it one of many greatest day journeys from Philadelphia for nature lovers.

On our getaway right here, we discovered fall brings out Milford’s greatest: crisp air, colourful foliage, cozy streets, and postcard-worthy views. Should you’re planning a weekend getaway from Philadelphia, Milford needs to be on the prime of your record. Right here’s the place we stayed, what we did, and what we ate whereas exploring this charming vacation spot.

The place to Keep in Milford, PA

Milford’s boutique lodges and inns provide greater than a spot to relaxation – they’re a part of the expertise.

Lodge Fauchère

For luxurious with a legacy, Milord’s well-known Lodge Fauchere has been drawing vacationers, notable figures and celebrities to Milford for the reason that 1800s. And when you like quiet, historic boutique properties like we do, you’ll like it.

Within the coronary heart of Milford’s historic district, it was first based as a summer time retreat and aspect hustle by Louis Fauchère in 1852, a Swiss born grasp chef who made a reputation for himself Delmonico’s, the US’s first wonderful eating restaurant in New York Metropolis. The primary one to introduce wonderful eating to city.

Not too long ago awarded a prestigious Michelin key, Lodge Fauchere gives a relaxed and intimate retreat recognized for its elegant lodging, personalised service, and its two wonderful eating eating places – Bar Louis open for dinner and the Delmonico Room open for brunch on Sundays. The lodge’s present constructing, with a sweeping coated porch the place you may chill out with a ebook or dine ‌ in model, dates again to 1880.

And with solely 16 cozy rooms and suites, this quiet property is the proper place to recharge.

The rooms right here have lush trendy comforts like plush beds, Carrera marble and Pennsylvania bluestone bogs, radiant-heated lavatory flooring, Frette linens, and trendy decor that elegantly blends with classic accents.

Whereas meticulously restored with the lodge’s unique grand historic attraction, trendy facilities like good TV’s and free WIFI will maintain you linked to the current.

A few of our favourite options in our room had been the Nespresso machine, the warming towel racks and our personal balcony with a firepit. With a glass of wine, it was the coziest solution to unwind on a fall night.

Exterior the room, the sunlit library is the proper spot for studying or doing a puzzle. Or head exterior to their serene backyard with flowing outside fountain, the place complimentary yoga is obtainable to company on Saturdays.

Even evening owls will love waking up right here. Every morning, a complimentary buffet breakfast is served right here every day with eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, fruit, and freshly baked croissants.

A particular deal with we couldn’t get sufficient of is their home made vanilla yogurt and granola. To get a caffeine repair, a espresso bar with Starbucks espresso is out there for company to get pleasure from all through the day.

For specialty espresso drinks like frappes, cappuccinos, pastries, scones, muffins and cafe fare, head subsequent to their annex at 403 Broad Cafe subsequent door. It’s a fantastic historic house to compensate for some work or gasoline up to your subsequent journey.

Then discover Milford on considered one of Lodge Fauchere’s seashore cruisers accessible for company. Whether or not you wish to make an appointment at native spa or want a information for a hike or a neighborhood advice, the concierge right here will information you in the proper path,

La Posada

La Posada gives one thing surprising in Milford – a boutique inn and quiet escape that appears like a portal to Mexico within the Poconos.

Housed in a lovingly restored Nineteenth-century constructing, La Posada is an 11 room boutique property the place Mexican hospitality meets small-town Pennsylvania attraction.

It’s intimate, trendy, and comfy unfussy lodging for a snug keep. And every room right here is thoughtfully designed with handcrafted particulars, clear strains, trendy furnishings and a palette that embraces Mexico’s heat and vibrancy.

Choose suites have views of the Delaware River and provide king and queen beds with sleeper sofas. Different handy facilities embody free WIFI, good TVs, bottled water, microwaves, mini fridges and room service when the onsite restaurant, Felix’s Cantina is open.

For extra space, contemplate reserving their expansive Presidential suite with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, eating room, lounge and studying nook with library. Visitors are handled to a complimentary breakfast at Lodge Fauchere each morning.

Whether or not you’re right here for a romantic weekend, a culinary getaway, or a stroll via Milford’s historic downtown, La Posada invitations you to decelerate and keep awhile.

Eating in Milford, PA: From Underground Speakeasies to Riverside Mill Eating places

Milford’s eating scene impressed us with its vary of eating places. From cozy historic taverns to stylish brasseries and genuine worldwide delicacies. You received’t stroll far with out discovering contemporary gourmand espresso, and that’s positively not a nasty factor.

Bar Louis: An Iconic Underground Brasserie

Dinner at Bar Louis, Lodge Fauchere’s underground wonderful eating brasserie, was a spotlight of our journey. Accessed via an understated aspect entrance and down a flight of stairs, this subtle speakeasy transports you to a different period.

The gallery wall showcases notable lodge company all through historical past: Charlie Chaplin, Andrew Carnegie, JFK, Babe Ruth, Mae West, Sarah Bernhardt, each Presidents Roosevelt, and extra. However probably the most iconic characteristic? Uncommon Nineteen Seventies and 80s Andy Warhol pictures by his pal and collaborator, photographer Christopher Makos. Behind the bar hangs the rarest of all of them: Andy Warhol kissing John Lennon. It’s an exquisite backdrop for having fun with their distinctive craft cocktails.

We visited on a Monday for Oyster Evening – $1 uncooked or $2 roasted. We went for a half dozen roasted, and so they had been juicy, contemporary, and scrumptious. For appetizers, the Escargot arrived in Burgundy shells drenched in garlic herb butter with grilled crouton. Our entree, the seared buttery Halibut in saffron broth with fingerling potatoes, creamy fava beans, asparagus, shaved fennel, and child artichokes, was plated superbly. The halibut was tender and wealthy. For dessert, Bar Louis’s refined Carrot Cake glad our candy tooth with its moist, deeply spiced crumb.

Bar Louis is open Thursday via Monday for dinner and Sunday brunch – a neighborhood favourite for date nights and celebrations.

The Delmonico Room: Sunday Brunch Custom

For a extra formal expertise, The Delmonico Room at Lodge Fauchere continues the property’s wonderful eating legacy. Whereas we loved the every day complimentary buffet breakfast throughout our keep, the Sunday brunch on this elegant eating room is a Milford custom value experiencing.

Tom Fast Inn: Italian-American Consolation in a Victorian Landmark

For soul-warming Italian-American consolation meals, we headed to Tom Fast Inn, simply steps from Lodge Fauchere. This superbly restored Victorian landmark, as soon as an 1800s stagecoach cease, is now a culinary gem serving hearty plates and handmade pastas.

Inside, darkish woods, a big winding vintage bar, stylish classic accents, and a fire create a comfortable ambiance. An surprising characteristic? A big tropical fish tank. The outside veranda is a neighborhood favourite in heat climate, however we beloved the intimate indoor setting.

Standout dishes included the wealthy TQ Chowder, which blends Manhattan and New England kinds, and the sixty-hour braised brief rib served over creamy mashed potatoes with Romanesco cauliflower and purple wine demi glaze. Crispy shallots added a welcome savory crunch.

Don’t skip the craft cocktails. Our Passionfruit Mojito with rum, muddled mint, and lime juice was completely balanced. The nice and cozy hospitality right here makes each meal really feel particular.

Apple Valley Restaurant: Roadside Americana at Its Greatest

Should you’re craving consolation meals, quirky retailers, and somewhat roadside nostalgia, Apple Valley Restaurant & Village Outlets is your go-to cease. Simply off Route 6 and throughout from Gray Towers, this restaurant and mini-village modeled after Peddler’s Village in Bucks County, blends Americana attraction with Pocono hospitality, making it a favourite for locals and vacationers since 1966. And we like it.

Open for lunch and dinner every day with a full bar, Apple Valley serves hearty American consolation meals like blooming onions, nachos, brisket, fajitas, and burgers, with seasonal surprises like Oktoberfest specials bringing schnitzel and bratwurst to the desk.

We couldn’t resist the savory mushroom Brie soup and the Valley Sampler Platter with hen and lemongrass pot stickers, deep-fried mozzarella moons, and buffalo hen tenders served with teriyaki, marinara, and bleu cheese sauces – nice for sharing. For dessert, the Brownie Bomb is unbeatable: a heat chocolate chip-filled brownie topped with peanut butter ice cream, contemporary whipped cream, candied walnuts, chocolate syrup, and peanut butter sauce.

After your meal, wander via the cottage-style retailers to browse handmade presents, Christmas ornaments, outside gear, and sweet. The grounds characteristic apple bushes, koi ponds, a restored 1800s schoolhouse, and picnic tables for enjoyable.

The Waterwheel Cafe: Eating Beside Historical past

The Waterwheel Café, Bakery and Bar gives considered one of Milford’s most original eating experiences. Right here you may get pleasure from American, French, and Vietnamese consolation meals whereas eating beside a totally restored, three-story-high Nineteenth-century waterwheel listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.

By way of the glass window within the eating room, you’ll watch the totally purposeful waterwheel flip whereas having fun with dishes like tempura tender shell crab wraps, bánh mìs, open-faced brie melts, Cubanos, croissant sandwiches, and rice noodle salads. When climate permits, the deck overlooking peaceable Sawkill Creek is the place to be.

The bakery is a vacation spot in itself, with freshly baked scones, ache au chocolat, and rotating pies. The combined fruit and berry pie is a standout. Earlier than leaving, browse the linked nation retailer full of antiques and classic finds, then take a self-guided tour of the mill and waterwheel.

Felix’s Cantina: Genuine Yucatán in Pennsylvania

For actually genuine Mexican delicacies, Felix’s Cantina on the bottom flooring of La Posada exceeded all expectations. The menu options Yucatán dishes produced from household recipes – queso fundido, ceviche, arrachera, complete fried snapper, hen mole, and tres leches cake served in an area that transports you to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Fortunate to go to on Taco Tuesday, we had been blown away by the contemporary, genuine flavors. Standouts had been the cochinita pibil tacos and flash-fried Puffy Hen Tacos made with handmade corn tortillas topped with lettuce, grilled marinated hen, tomato, avocado, and pickled onions.

We constructed our personal margarita with guava and a Tajin rim – a refreshing complement to our meal. Should you’re a fan of uncommon or small-batch tequilas, Felix’s cabinets are stocked with hard-to-find bottles you received’t see in big-box shops.

With colourful décor, heat hospitality, and a menu inviting exploration, Felix’s was considered one of our favourite stops in Milford. Felix’s is closed Wednesdays and Thursdays, however don’t miss Margarita Mondays or Taco Tuesdays for eating and drink specials.

Extra Milford Eating Price Exploring

The Social (224a Broad St) serves excellent informal Italian, pizza, and small plates. We devoured a Shrimp Parmigiana Hero and Sausage Pizza with contemporary, tangy sauce, mildly spicy sausage, and a lightweight and chewy crust with a crisp edge. With solely a handful of tables, it fills shortly throughout peak hours. It’s BYOB, so seize a bottle from Milford Wine and Cheese Co a couple of doorways down.

Historic Dimmick Inn (101 E Harford St) is considered one of Pennsylvania’s oldest pubs, initially constructed by Samuel Dimmick in 1828. Not too long ago restored with three eating rooms, a fire, and a renovated bar embellished with classic finds and native artwork, it’s recognized for hearty American fare and award-winning French Onion Mac and Cheese. We beloved their large Bavarian beer pretzel served with creamy Yuengling buttermilk cheese sauce. The wood-fired Fig and Pig pizza, topped with contemporary mozzarella, whipped ricotta, fig, pancetta, scorching honey drizzle, and arugula was candy, savory, and spicy.

Milford, PA Issues To Do: Waterfalls, Mansions, and Hidden Parks

Raymondskill Falls: Pennsylvania’s Tallest Waterfall

For a magical expertise, go to Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall, Raymondskill Falls, simply 4 miles from downtown Milford. A 5-minute stroll on a straightforward, beginner-friendly path (about 0.3 miles) results in one of many area’s most lovely pure wonders. At 178 ft tall, it’s just a few ft shorter than Niagara Falls.

Raymondskill Falls has two viewing platforms—one close to the highest trying down on the falls and one putting you on the heart of the waterfall’s three cascades. For one of the best view, head to the decrease platform. Better of all, it’s free. This waterfall is particularly beautiful in fall when surrounded by colourful foliage, making it a spotlight of any fall foliage street journey of the Northeast.

Tip: Put on footwear with good grip as some path elements may be slippery when moist. Park on the first of two parking heaps for direct entry to the decrease platform. Weekends may be busy, however on our early weekday go to, we encountered solely a handful of individuals.

Gray Towers: The Birthplace of American Conservation

Simply exterior downtown, Gray Towers is a Gilded Age mansion and Nationwide Historic Web site thought-about the birthplace of American conservation and considered one of Milford’s most spectacular sights.

Inbuilt 1886 by rich wallpaper service provider and philanthropist James Pinchot, this French chateau-inspired property later turned residence to his son, Gifford Pinchot. Gifford turned the primary Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, appointed by Theodore Roosevelt in 1905, and a two-term Governor of Pennsylvania. He believed that “with out considerable assets, prosperity is out of attain” and that managing forests was for “the best good for the best quantity in the long term.”

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This 102-acre property turned a gathering place for conservationists and politicians whose discussions formed early U.S. environmental coverage. At present you may tour the architectural grandeur of this property with its fairytale turrets, sweeping mountain views, manicured gardens, seasonal blooms, and shaded trails. The grounds are open to automobiles and pedestrians from sunup to sunset year-round.

Self-guided residence excursions can be found, however verify the web site earlier than you go for hours and updates, particularly throughout holidays and authorities shutdowns.

Milford Seaside: River Entry and Scenic Trails

With a launch website for canoes and kayaks, Milford Seaside is a well-liked spot for swimming, paddling, picnicking, and exploring trails minutes from downtown. Open year-round, you may stroll alongside the seashore or entry the northern gateway of the 37-mile McDade Leisure Path operating the size of the Delaware Water Hole Nationwide Recreation Space.

The path gives beautiful views of the Delaware River, forests, fields, and passes previous homesteads, canal locks, and colonial-era landscapes. It’s wonderful for birding and seeing wildlife like bald eagles, herons, and deer. In winter, the path turns into a snowy hall for cross-country snowboarding.

Within the low season, there’s no entrance payment and also you’ll have all of it to your self – nice for a picnic or a peaceable seashore stroll.

Ethel Barckley Memorial Park: A Hidden Overlook

For a hidden gem with beautiful high-up panoramic views of the Delaware River, cease at tiny Ethel Barckley Memorial Park. This pocket park is devoted to notable Milford resident Ethel Barckley, a panorama artist named Pike County Girl of the 12 months in 1954, founding member of the Milford Backyard Membership, and first secretary of the Pike County Historic Society.

With a swing and a bell that chimes with robust winds, it’s a peaceable spot for a brief relaxation, simply steps from downtown. We found this gem earlier than consuming at Felix’s Cantina at La Posada, which is throughout the road.

The Columns Museum: Standing Inches from Historical past

At The Columns Museum, you’ll stand inches from one of the haunting relics in American historical past inside a 1904 Neo-Classical mansion. Discover this historic 22-room mansion to seek out the blood-stained flag that cradled Abraham Lincoln’s head the evening he was assassinated, together with Pike County’s most fascinating artifacts together with a restored 1850s stagecoach, Civil Battle memorabilia, classic style, uncommon pictures, and extra.

Curated by the Pike County Historic Society, the displays honor the folks and tales that formed this nook of Pennsylvania, together with the indigenous Lenape tribes who lived right here.

Customer Tip: The museum is often open Wednesday via Sunday, with a modest admission payment supporting native preservation efforts. Guided excursions can be found and effectively value it for the deeper tales behind the artifacts.

Buying Downtown Milford

Discover Milford’s charming mix of boutique finds, artisan items, classic treasures, and regionally made presents in a walkable half-square-mile downtown.

Don’t miss Willow (317 Broad St), a fantastic eclectic store with classic and trendy wares the place you may browse distinctive presents, residence decor, clothes, and playing cards. For treasure looking, go to Outdated Lumberyard Antiques, the place over 40 distributors provide their distinctive finds.

For an natural espresso bar, bakehouse, cafe, juice bar, and bookstore with neighborhood spirit, take a look at Higher World (322 Broad St #2). Take pleasure in nice espresso, sourdough, and gluten-free treats whereas searching curated books, puzzles, toys, and distinctive presents like grow-your-own kits and important oils selling sustainable dwelling.

Should you love charming procuring villages, you’ll additionally wish to discover Peddlers Village, one other beloved Pennsylvania vacation spot about 90 minutes from Milford.

Milford’s Vibrant Festivals

Milford hosts vibrant festivals celebrating music, movie, and storytelling all year long. In June, the Milford Music Competition fills the streets with stay performances and native vitality. For literary lovers, the Milford Reader and Writers Competition gives readings, panels, and conversations with each native and nationally acclaimed authors. Previous company have included Pulitzer Prize winners and New York Occasions bestsellers. October brings the Black Bear Movie Competition held on the historic Nineteen Twenties Milford Theater, showcasing indie movies in an intimate setting.

Attending to Milford, Pennsylvania

Milford sits proper close to the borders of New York and New Jersey in northeastern Pennsylvania, making it a fast tri-state gateway. Nestled alongside the Delaware River, it’s simply accessible from main cities.

From New York Metropolis (~75 miles / 1.5–2 hours): Take I-80 W or I-84 W to US-6 W

From Philadelphia (~120 miles / 2.5 hours): Take I-476 N to I-80 W, then US-209 N

From Allentown, PA (~70 miles / 1.5 hours): Take PA-33 N to US-209 N

From Washington, DC (~3 hours): Milford additionally makes an amazing day journey from Washington DC for these seeking to escape the town for pure magnificence and small-town attraction.

Public Transit: From NYC, take the Metro-North Port Jervis Line to Port Jervis, NY, then a brief taxi or rideshare to Milford.

Remaining Ideas

Milford is the proper mix of pure magnificence, centuries-old attraction, and small-town heat. Like stepping right into a postcard from the previous, it’s precisely what you need from small-town journey. Whether or not you’re in search of outside journey or an upscale hideaway, Milford PA is well worth the drive.

On our fall getaway, we discovered Milford brings out one of the best: crisp air, colourful foliage, cozy streets, and postcard-worthy views. From sipping morning espresso at a Michelin-key lodge to standing beneath Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall, from exploring the birthplace of American conservation to savoring genuine Yucatán tacos in a boutique inn, Milford gives experiences you received’t discover anyplace else.

With a historic downtown the place over 400 buildings grace the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations inside a half mile, fast entry to over 70,000 acres of the Delaware Water Hole Nationwide Recreation Space, and a eating scene that punches effectively above its weight, Milford deserves its popularity because the Gateway to the Poconos.

Whether or not you’re right here for a day or a weekend, this charming Pennsylvania city will go away you refreshed and impressed—and already planning your return go to. For extra Pennsylvania getaway concepts, discover our guides to Gettysburg, Nemacolin Resort, Glasbern Inn, Downtown Lancaster, and our Southeast Pennsylvania’s foodie street journey.