gbs

We are taking daughter to school in Philadelphia, then going to Poconos for family reunion. Have one night and day free in between. Any good suggestions on an interesting place to stay and visit for one night between the 2 areas?

Liz

Have you seem Philadelphia already? What types of things are you interested in?

gbs

Will be in Philadelphia 4 days, then one free day before Poconos. Intersted in history, antiques, architecture, quaint towns, interesting sites.

Geoff

Ideas (other than attractions in either Philly or Poconos):

1. Lancaster/PA Dutch area
2. Reading - outlet malls
3. Allentown water parks
4. Historic Bethlehem
5. Hershey - chocolate and amusement park
6. New Hope/Lahaska

Liz

Sounds like you might enjoy one of my favorite, "different" things in the area:

Fonthill and the Mercer museum in Doylestown, which happens to be on your route from Philadelphia to the Poconos.

http://www.mercermuseum.org/

Nikki

GBS

stroudsburg is a lovely area and right on the edge of the Poconos. It's a nice sized town to walk around in. Longwood Gardens is also another lovely area. Another one could be a short drive away - Princeton - another gorgeous little town. Have a nice time.

gbs

thanks for the suggestions. I appreciate it. Anyone else?

BTilke

I second the historic Bethlehem option. If you stay at the Ramada Hotel right in the heart of the historic area, you won't need your car again until you head up to the Poconos. It's a beautiful little area, some nice museums, cafes, galleries, shops and the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the U.S. Read a little on Moravian history before you go to appreciate the area more.

Cindy

Actually, I believe the Hotel Bethlehem is in the Radisson chain.

gab

I'd suggest seeing New Hope and Lambertville. Good shopping and antiquing, nice restaurants and B&Bs.

BTilke

Yes, you're right, it is a Radisson, not a Ramada.

Cindy

Historic Bethlehem, very quaint, good day trip.

gbs

thanks for the input!

Henly Gold

I agree with New Hope!!!

princeton

I've been to New Hope and Princeton and I think Princeton is much nicer, hands-down. Beautiful campus, nice shops, restaurants, etc. I think New Hope can be overcrowded and super-touristy.

trt

tttt

gbs

Any more ideas out there? Thanks for the input

ttt

TTT

no

In the New Hope area is the Washington Crossing Park, on the Delaware River. Very pretty and scenic (plus you can see the spot where NBC TV anchor Jessica Savage drove off into the water).

xxx

It's Jessica SAVITCH, not Savage, and I assume you're talking about the Chez Odette restaurant area (CO has some of the lousiest French food I've ever eaten in the U.S., I had a chicken crepe there made with CANNED chicken). Given the lack of direct access to New Hope from Philly and then up to the Poconos, a trip to New Hope is a little out of the way.