It’s that time of year again: Time to boost some of our favorite Pennsylvania small businesses and help readers with their holiday shopping in the process. From rocks glasses to fresh flowers to one-of-a-kind jewelry, there's something for everyone on your list.
For years, factories and mills anchored PA communities large and small. The question of what to do with these beautiful, historic buildings is an essential one, and there is no single answer. In Johnstown, metalwork has returned to a shuttered steel facility, while in the Poconos, a new generation of residents are setting up laptops and sipping lattes in an old silk mill.
Warmer winters are a challenge for Pennsylvania's ski industry, which has a long and storied history. To thrive in this new reality, the state's resorts are going green, expanding their year-round offerings, and improving snow-making technology.
Next time you book a stay in the mountains, you'll be helping to preserve the very natural landscape you've traveled to see. In this majestic region, environmentalists have joined forces with the vibrant tourism industry. Funds from hotel stays and drink purchases support conservation efforts, including the successful resurrection of the local bald eagle population. It’s a great way to justify your next vacation.
Looking for some refreshment in the Poconos? Look no further than this eatery and microbrewery in Lehighton (about five miles from Jim Thorpe). Owner Frank Potoczak is serving up 16 types of suds alongside bar food classics and Polish specialties like kielbasa and haluski.
Whether you're looking to bike, hike, paddle, antique or sip local brews, this Poconos hamlet has you covered. And if you're also excited by dramatic stories of history and revitalization, Jim Thorpe has that, too.