Bicycling
Emmaus
Sep 1998, Vol. 39, Issue 8
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Tips for traveling to the historic old coal town of Jim Thorpe PA are offered.
The Molly Maguires pub and other places to see and visit in and around the town are described.
Copyright Rodale Press, Incorporated Sep 1998
Jim Thorpe is easily accessible from Philadelphia, NYC, and beyond-follow signs off the Mahoning Valley exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension to Jim Thorpe. When in town, park in any of numerous pay lots, which are quite safe. The Tourism Center is in the old train depot within the square. Then stop at Blue Mountain Sports &Wear (800/599-4421) for maps, tubes, trail conditions, and so on.
If you can snag him from the basement, local expert Chris Van Dine is an excellent tour guide (tips are welcome). Get your required pre-ride greasy breakfast at the Sunrise Diner (717/325-4093), with an ATM nearby. Espresso Express will jump-start your morning, and the Black Bread Cafe has decent java, awesome soup and the best lunch. Post-ride consumption depends on your mood-Antonio's Pizza is the best in town. Tap into incredible vegetarian fare at the Sequoyah House (717/325-8824), and mouthwatering American at The Inn at Jim Thorpe (800/329-2599), or across the street at Chunker's (deli, soups, desserts!) (717/325-2344).
Then go downstairs to Molly Maguire's Pub for Yuengling and Guinness on tap-and take time to ask if the "Legend of Jim Thorpe" is there-and we don't mean the deceased athlete. Try the lodging at The Inn at Jim Thorpe, Victoria Ann's Bed and Breakfast (570-325-8107; http://www.bnbfinder.com/bedandbreakfast/singleinn/3657 ) or other nearby hotels and B&Bs. Camping is abundant and easily found nearby.
Year-round activity is the norm, with Fall Foliage and Old Time Christmas the largest community events. And of course there's Jim Thorpe Mountain Bike Weekend every June, one of the oldest and best MTB festivals around, with rides of varying lengths guided by knowledgeable local cyclists.