Make Honesdale, Pennsylvania Your Family Destination for History and Excitement

01/01/2006

Press Release/2006
Alicia Richie
Phone: 570-421-5791
prdept@poconos.org

Make Honesdale, Pennsylvania Your Family Destination
for History and Excitement

POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pa. – Visitors are invited to experience the pure enjoyment and unique history of Honesdale, Pennsylvania in the Pocono Mountains. This, the Birthplace of the American Railroad located in Wayne County, is where visitors can find anything from shopping at friendly downtown boutiques, themed railroad tours, bits of American history, or simple relaxation in the beautiful outdoors.

Honesdale boasts a unique history of being remembered as the Birthplace of the American Railroad. In 1829, The Stourbridge Lion was brought from England to be the first steam locomotive to run on commercial tracks in the United States. It came about because of Honesdale’s early 19^th Century involvement in transporting coal by gravity railroad from Carbondale, to the towpaths of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, before it finally reached New York City.

The Wayne County Historical Society Museum hosts a replica of the Stourbridge Lion as part of its award winning History of the Delaware and Hudson Canal exhibit. Part of the exhibit displays the Eclipse, the original passenger car that traveled the rails of the Gravity Railroad. Its beautiful hand stenciled ceiling, wood carved interior, and paymaster’s buggy, is truly a historic treasure that the whole family will enjoy.

Visitors can be apart of this history by boarding the Stourbridge Line Rail Excursion at the site of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company’s original boat basin. This is where coal was transferred from the Gravity Railroad onto canal boats where it began its 108-mile journey to New York City. As one of the most exciting attractions in Wayne County, The Stourbridge Line Rail Excursion takes visitors from Honesdale to Hawley on a number of themed trips. Ride the Stourbridge Line as it gets ambushed by masked marauders on horseback, take the dinner theater run for a sumptuous dinner and a play at the Ritz Company Playhouse, or witness the splendor of the fall colors in action along the Lackawaxen River. These are just a few of the fascinating trips to be had aboard the Stourbridge Line.

Reminiscent of its Victorian charm and heritage, visitors are sure to find special treasures along Honesdale’s Main Street. A favorite activity of any season is strolling the quaint shops and restaurants that are graced with friendly, personalized service. On Saturdays, The Wayne County Outdoor Farmer’s Market at the Visitor’s Center is a great place to stop for fresh, locally grown, fruits and vegetables. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the serenity of Honesdale’s Central Park. Passersby can enjoy the fall colors, become mesmerized by the sparkling fountain, and let the hectic lifestyle disappear.

Honesdale hosts a kaleidoscope of events throughout the year that celebrate its past and present. Among the most popular are the Winter Carnival in February, Spring Fest in April, Red, White, and Blue Days on Memorial Day Weekend in May, Stars and Stripes Weekend for Independence Day, Street Festival and Sidewalk Sale later in July, Train Days in August, Harvest and Heritage Fest in October, and Honesdale for the Holidays in November. All of these events are fun-filled for the whole family with music, crafts, vendors, children’s activities, and much more. The Wayne County Fair in early August is the largest of all events held in Honesdale and is considered, “northeast Pennsylvania’s family tradition.” Come for a week of rides, games, demolition derbys, great food and fun.

Free and comprehensive Pocono Mountains tourism information is available online at 800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (762-6667). The Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, Inc. is the designated marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.

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