Going to a show at Penns Peak in Jim Thorpe Pa. on 7-31-4. What else might be interesting to do either on Sat. or Sun? Is there a chain motel close to the area? I guess Atlantic City is about 2.5 hours away. Not interested in Hershey Park. we have been to Philly and NYC, looking for something unique to do. Any ideas?

Well there's always 'Steamtown USA' in Scranton (not far) It's actually a national park and has most every type of train ever made - great if one of you is a train buff.

There's also a coal mine that you can go down into in Scranton - I think it's called the McDade Mine and it was interesting.

We enjoyed a rafting trip on the Lehigh River.

For hotels in Scranton I would recommend the Hilton (just opened last year) or the Radisson. Both are easily accessible from Rt 81.

The Radisson would be the train station.

A short drive (1.5 hours) to Williamsport, Pennsylvania takes you to the Home of Little League Baseball (birthplace and world series are here).
A very nice museum related to little league is open to the public.

Also in this area: Hiawatha Paddle Boat cruise, very nice 2 hour boat tour of the Susquehanna river. Historical museums, and Knobels Grove amusement park all close by.

I'm also planning a trip to Jim Thorpe next month to do paintball and family float trip on Lehigh River, and found Comfort Inn Whitehaven to be one of the closest chains in the area. There are several places that offer rafting trips and mountain biking excursions if that's something that interests you. My brother lives within a half hour of there and says that Jim Thorpe is a very quaint town with antique and art shops. Camelbeach in Tannersville is about 40 mins. northeast of there and is a big water park. Bushkill falls is a pretty hike and is also NE of there. Have fun!