Milford, PA: Your Perfect Fall Getaway in the Poconos

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

Exploring Milford, Pennsylvania within the Fall

There aren’t many locations the place you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to.

First settled in 1796 and referred to as the “Gateway to the Poconos,” Milford is the right mix of pure magnificence, centuries-old allure, 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’ll be able to store small, go antiquing, eat in cozy historic taverns, and uncover museums housing a few of America’s most necessary 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’ll be able to hike, bike, and kayak your method by way of over 70,000 superb acres. With fast entry to a few 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. In case you’re planning a weekend getaway from Philadelphia, Milford must be on the prime of your listing. 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 resorts and inns supply 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 should you like quiet, historic boutique properties like we do, you’ll find it irresistible.

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

Not too long ago awarded a prestigious Michelin key, Lodge Fauchere presents a relaxed and intimate retreat recognized for its elegant lodging, personalised service, and its two advantageous 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 lined porch the place you’ll be able to chill out with a e book or dine ‌ in fashion, dates again to 1880.

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

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

Whereas meticulously restored with the lodge’s authentic grand historic allure, fashionable facilities like sensible TV’s and free WIFI will maintain you related to the current.

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

Outdoors the room, the sunlit library is the right spot for studying or doing a puzzle. Or head exterior to their serene backyard with flowing out of doors fountain, the place complimentary yoga is obtainable to friends on Saturdays.

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

A particular deal with we couldn’t get sufficient of is their selfmade vanilla yogurt and granola. To get a caffeine repair, a espresso bar with Starbucks espresso is offered for friends to take pleasure in 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 good looking historic house to make amends for some work or gas up to your subsequent journey.

Then discover Milford on one in every of Lodge Fauchere’s seashore cruisers out there for friends. 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 correct route,

La Posada

La Posada presents 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 allure.

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

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

For more room, think about reserving their expansive Presidential suite with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, eating room, front room 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 by way of 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 classy 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 advantageous eating brasserie, was a spotlight of our journey. Accessed by way of an understated facet entrance and down a flight of stairs, this subtle speakeasy transports you to a different period.

The gallery wall showcases notable lodge friends all through historical past: Charlie Chaplin, Andrew Carnegie, JFK, Babe Ruth, Mae West, Sarah Bernhardt, each Presidents Roosevelt, and extra. However essentially the most iconic function? Uncommon Seventies and 80s Andy Warhol photos by his buddy and collaborator, photographer Christopher Makos. Behind the bar hangs the rarest of all of them: Andy Warhol kissing John Lennon. It’s a beautiful 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, they usually 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 fantastically. 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 by way of 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 advantageous eating legacy. Whereas we loved the each day complimentary buffet breakfast throughout our keep, the Sunday brunch on this elegant eating room is a Milford custom price 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 fantastically 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 hearth create a comfortable ambiance. An surprising function? A big tropical fish tank. The out of doors veranda is a neighborhood favourite in heat climate, however we liked the intimate indoor setting.

Standout dishes included the wealthy TQ Chowder, which blends Manhattan and New England types, and the sixty-hour braised brief rib served over creamy mashed potatoes with Romanesco cauliflower and crimson 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 Finest

In case you’re craving consolation meals, quirky outlets, and slightly 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 allure with Pocono hospitality, making it a favourite for locals and vacationers since 1966. And we find it irresistible.

Open for lunch and dinner each 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 rooster and lemongrass pot stickers, deep-fried mozzarella moons, and buffalo rooster 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 by way of the cottage-style outlets to browse handmade presents, Christmas ornaments, out of doors gear, and sweet. The grounds function apple timber, koi ponds, a restored 1800s schoolhouse, and picnic tables for enjoyable.

The Waterwheel Cafe: Eating Beside Historical past

The Waterwheel Café, Bakery and Bar presents one in every of Milford’s most original eating experiences. Right here you’ll be able to take pleasure in American, French, and Vietnamese consolation meals whereas eating beside a completely restored, three-story-high Nineteenth-century waterwheel listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.

Via the glass window within the eating room, you’ll watch the absolutely useful waterwheel flip whereas having fun with dishes like tempura gentle 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 blended fruit and berry pie is a standout. Earlier than leaving, browse the related nation retailer stuffed with antiques and classic finds, then take a self-guided tour of the mill and waterwheel.

Felix’s Cantina: Genuine Yucatán in Pennsylvania

For really genuine Mexican delicacies, Felix’s Cantina on the bottom flooring of La Posada exceeded all expectations. The menu options Yucatán dishes comprised of household recipes – queso fundido, ceviche, arrachera, entire fried snapper, rooster 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 rooster, tomato, avocado, and pickled onions.

We constructed our personal margarita with guava and a Tajin rim – a refreshing complement to our meal. In case 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 one in every 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 rapidly throughout peak hours. It’s BYOB, so seize a bottle from Milford Wine and Cheese Co just a few doorways down.

Historic Dimmick Inn (101 E Harford St) is one in every of Pennsylvania’s oldest pubs, initially constructed by Samuel Dimmick in 1828. Not too long ago restored with three eating rooms, a hearth, and a renovated bar adorned with classic finds and native artwork, it’s recognized for hearty American fare and award-winning French Onion Mac and Cheese. We liked their big 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 stunning pure wonders. At 178 ft tall, it’s only some ft shorter than Niagara Falls.

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

Tip: Put on sneakers with good grip as some path elements will be slippery when moist. Park on the first of two parking heaps for direct entry to the decrease platform. Weekends will 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 one in every of Milford’s most spectacular points of interest.

Inbuilt 1886 by rich wallpaper service provider and philanthropist James Pinchot, this French chateau-inspired property later grew to become dwelling to his son, Gifford Pinchot. Gifford grew to become 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 plentiful assets, prosperity is out of attain” and that managing forests was for “the best good for the best quantity in the long term.”

This 102-acre property grew to become a gathering place for conservationists and politicians whose discussions formed early U.S. environmental coverage. At the moment you’ll be able to 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 vehicles and pedestrians from sunup to sunset year-round.

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

Milford Seashore: River Entry and Scenic Trails

With a launch web site for canoes and kayaks, Milford Seashore is a well-liked spot for swimming, paddling, picnicking, and exploring trails minutes from downtown. Open year-round, you’ll be able to stroll alongside the seashore or entry the northern gateway of the 37-mile McDade Leisure Path working the size of the Delaware Water Hole Nationwide Recreation Space.

The path presents beautiful views of the Delaware River, forests, fields, and passes outdated homesteads, canal locks, and colonial-era landscapes. It’s glorious 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 Lady 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 sturdy 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 crucial haunting relics in American historical past inside a 1904 Neo-Classical mansion. Discover this historic 22-room mansion to search out the blood-stained flag that cradled Abraham Lincoln’s head the night time he was assassinated, together with Pike County’s most fascinating artifacts together with a restored 1850s stagecoach, Civil Warfare memorabilia, classic vogue, uncommon images, and extra.

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

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

Procuring Downtown Milford

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

Don’t miss Willow (317 Broad St), a good looking eclectic store with classic and fashionable wares the place you’ll be able to browse distinctive presents, dwelling decor, clothes, and playing cards. For treasure looking, go to Previous Lumberyard Antiques, the place over 40 distributors supply their distinctive finds.

For an natural espresso bar, bakehouse, cafe, juice bar, and bookstore with group spirit, take a look at Higher World (322 Broad St #2). Get pleasure from 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 residing.

In case 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 dwell performances and native power. For literary lovers, the Milford Reader and Writers Competition presents readings, panels, and conversations with each native and nationally acclaimed authors. Previous friends have included Pulitzer Prize winners and New York Instances bestsellers. October brings the Black Bear Movie Competition held on the historic 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 incredible day journey from Washington DC for these trying to escape town for pure magnificence and small-town allure.

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

Ultimate Ideas

Milford is the right mix of pure magnificence, centuries-old allure, 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 on the lookout for out of doors journey or an upscale hideaway, Milford PA is definitely worth the drive.

On our fall getaway, we discovered Milford brings out the most effective: 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 presents experiences you received’t discover wherever 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 fame 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.