Watch Autumn Leaves Fall Into Place in the Pocono Mountains

by Alizajane Hicks
Last updated: 5:00 PM ET, Sun October 29, 2023

Autumn. Changing of the leaves. “Cuffing Season.” The Season of The Witch.

The time of year when you rewatch Gilmore Girls—these are all ways we would describe the time of year most of us know as fall.

This is the allure of the Poconos Mountains.

The four-county region is about an hour-long drive from New York City and is famous for its scenic beauty and various adventure parks.

Although there are activities to do all year-round like, Great Wolf Lodge or Camelback Resort, there’s just something about the colorful mountain trees and local businesses decked out with over-the-top Halloween decorations that makes the Poconos the perfect fall weekend getaway for couples, leaf-peepers, wedding parties and the whole family.

The Spirit of The Town

The best thing about the Poconos is the people.

The entire town is decorated with pumpkins, ghosts, skeletons, and witches on tiny brooms. Make a visit to the "haunted" Candle Shoppe of the Poconos where you’ll find more than 300 different scents of candles (including Faded Blue Jeans, Kitchen Oder Eliminator, Pocono Wildflowers, etc.) that are made on property.

I came home with Christmas Pecan Waffles and Mahogany Apple.

The shop is in a large Victorian-style house, built in 1897.

The lore, featured in Animal Planet’s The Haunted is explained on their website: "The original owner, Doctor William Redwood Fisher, lived in this house with his family, and he also used it as his workplace. Dr. Fisher had a biological research laboratory in the basement of his home. Here, he performed research on primates which allowed for the creation of Smallpox and Yellow Fever vaccines."

Allegedly, he and the monkeys still haunt the store today. You can purchase a ticket to a guided history tour for $20.

While you’re out shopping, you can stop by The Consignment Shop at Ye Old Village Trader, located in a quaint shopping strip. The store has six floors and features more than 40 vendors, so there’s something for everyone (a great place to do some holiday shopping). The shop pulls you in with its grand store-front display of pumpkins, sunflowers, and a puppet show of a dancing turkey, dinosaur, and panda bear trio.

Once you’re hungry enough for lunch, find locally made beer and spirits at Barley Creek Brewing Company, the first micro-brewery in the Poconos since Prohibition. The log-cabin like interior had giant ghosts, clowns, and skeletons hung from the ceiling.

The family restaurant features a “Brewtique,” a heated outdoor seating area separated by a garage door, an official Wiffle ball stadium (located out back) and autumn themed “Creektails” (they’re big on puns here) like "Sparkling Pumpkin Pie" and "Waffle on the Rocks."

Sit Back, Stay Awhile

After a long day of shopping, brunching and hiking in Big Pocono State Park, you’ll have no shortage of options to lay your head to rest, including the two famous aforementioned resorts. Another notable stay, and first casino to come to the Poconos, is Mount Airy Casino Resort and Spa.

The lobby has seasonal trees covered in twinkle lights, paired with comfy leather couches and a custom-made sea glass chandelier. On the hotel side of the building, there’s a concert happening next door to a murder mystery dinner party. A short walk away is the indoor/outdoor pool and wellness spa overlooking the golf course.

Upstairs, the casino floor hosts the main restaurants, where if you’re still feeling spooky, you can grab a cocktail in a skeleton-shaped mason jar at Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen. For a more relaxed autumn vibe, try the "Smoke Em If You Got Em" whiskey-based drink from Bistecca by Il Mulino.

If you’re thinking of a fall wedding in the Poconos, Mount Airy also hosts ceremonies outside in a gazebo backdropped by red and orange fall foliage. Conveniently, the casino upstairs is the perfect spot for a bachelor/bachelorette party, while the resort offers a place for guests to stay.

Try booking a date in mid-October, as it’s the peak leaf-peeping season in the Poconos.

Sweater Weather Staycation

The next time you’re looking to escape city life or need a quiet town to relax in, think of the Pocono Mountains. The seasonal festivities will continue into the upcoming holiday season, so book your stay, play some slots, and do some shopping all while appreciating the mountain air and kind souls of this spectacular region.

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