Pennsylvania
8 Cutest Small Towns In The Poconos To Visit In 2024
Generations of travelers, especially from cities along the eastern seaboard, have vacationed in the Pocono Mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania. The kitschy honeymoon motels with heart-shaped bathtubs have largely been replaced with big resorts (several with indoor water parks), but the natural grandeur of the Poconos remains. There are also still dozens of small towns tucked away in the Poconos, full of history and charm and just waiting to be explored. Check out our list of eight must-see small towns for 2024.
Lehighton
Coal mining in the Poconos goes back centuries, and Lehighton was long an important coal-shipping town along the Lehigh River and the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Nearly all of the coal mines have long since closed, so Lehighton now thrives on tourists seeking to explore the beautiful outdoors that surround the town. Nearby natural highlights include Lehigh Gorge State Park and the D&L National Heritage Trail. Lehighton also hosts lots of fun community events, such as the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival in October, held at the “World’s Largest General Store,” Country Junction.
Jim Thorpe
Once called Mauch Chunk, the town of Jim Thorpe is named for one of the greatest American athletes of the twentieth century, who is also buried in town. Most of the buildings downtown long predate the 1954 name change and represent an impressive array of architectural styles, making Jim Thorpe perfect for a walking tour. After checking out the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, book a trip on the 16-mile-long Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for some lovely natural sightseeing. Jim Thorpe also keeps a busy community social calendar, with highlights including the Independent Film Festival (April), Fall Foliage Festival (October), and Olde Time Christmas Weekends (December).
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg (population 6,000) is the largest town in the Poconos, and as a result, it bustles with festivals and community events all year long. To name just a few examples, Stroudsburg hosts the Quiet Valley Farm Animal Frolic in May, the Pride Festival and Juneteenth in June, the Pocono State Craft Festival in August, and StroudFest in September. Even if there is not a festival going on in town, Stroudsburg is a great place to explore, with longtime shops such as Dunkelberger’s and historic highlights like the 1795 Stroud Mansion and 1890 Monroe County Courthouse. The fantastic Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is also just a short drive away.
Bushkill
The little community of Bushkill is home to one of the region’s most famous natural features: Bushkill Falls, a series of eight waterfalls known as the “Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania.” Visiting the falls requires some hiking, but the stunning beauty of the natural scenery is more than worth the effort. Bushkill is also home to Poconos Park, a 10,000-seat amphitheater that hosts some of the region’s biggest events. The 2024 calendar includes TacoFest (May), Motorcycle-themed (May), and 1980s-themed (July) music festivals, an Independence Day carnival (July), a haunted house (October), and drive-through holiday lights (December).
Delaware Water Gap
The town of Delaware Water Gap is named for the towering and narrow mountain pass cut through by the Delaware River. The community sits on the valley floor, and the Appalachian Trail leads up Mt. Minsi for an elevated view of the area. Outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy mountain biking on the McDade Recreational Trail, whitewater rafting along the river, and migratory bird watching (and much more) at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The town is also a live music hotbed and hosts the annual COTA Jazz and Arts Festival in September.
Honesdale
Honesdale is called the “Birthplace of American Railroading” and maintains a replica of the nation’s first commercial steam locomotive, the 1829 Stourbridge Lion, at the Wayne County Historical Museum. The Stourbridge Rail Line used to haul coal but now serves as a 25-mile-long scenic railway that is particularly beautiful in autumn. Honesdale’s residents also showcase their lovely little town with fun events all year long, including the Roots and Rhythm Music and Arts Festival in June, Wayne County Fair in August, Harvest and Heritage Days in October, and Winter Wonderland at the end of November.
Tannersville
Tannersville is one of the oldest communities in the region, with a history stretching back more than 250 years, but it is much better known today for its modern tourist amenities. Tannersville is home to a Poconos mega-resort, Camelback Resort, which offers luxury accommodations and year-round activities ranging from skiing to zip-lining, along with a giant indoor water park and events like UllrFest in November. Shoppers also flock to the Poconos Premium Outlets in Tannersville, home to more than 100 outlet shops. For a nature getaway, hike to the summit in Great Pocono State Park to soak in fantastic panoramic views.
Tobyhanna
Like Tannerville and Camelback Resort, the little community of Tobyhanna is home to a mega-resort (Kalahari Resort) that brings in vacationers and convention-goers from near and far. Kalahari’s African flora and fauna theme may not relate much to the Poconos, but the resort has excellent amenities, including a 220,000-square-foot indoor water park. For a more authentic Poconos experience, head to nearby Tobyhanna State Park for boating, hiking, and more. Or, zip over to Pocono Raceway, a famous auto racing track that hosts a NASCAR event each July and other races throughout the season.
The Poconos region of Carbon, Pike, Monroe, and Wayne counties has transformed itself into a true four-season destination. The region’s small towns play their part by hosting fun community events throughout the year, and also simply by being lovely little places to visit. Whether you prefer historic architecture, scenic railways, mountain trails, live jazz, or indoor water parks, you cannot go wrong exploring the small towns of the Poconos. So, make your 2024 travel plans today!
Pennsylvania
Woman extradited from Pennsylvania, charged with murder after deadly 2024 Waterbury shooting
WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — A 19-year-old Waterbury woman was extradited from Pennsylvania in connection with the fatal shooting of a 38-year-old man in 2024, according to Waterbury police.
Desire Aitken was arrested on Friday and charged with murder, two counts of first-degree robbery, illegal discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit and first-degree assault.
She was charged in connection with the death of 38-year-old Keno Williams of Waterbury, who was pronounced dead after receiving a gunshot wound to the back of his head on Jan. 30, 2024.
On the day of his death, police responded to Bertie’s Restaurant around 7:49 p.m. regarding a motor vehicle crash. They found that the car had drove through the parking lot and backyard area of a nearby home, where it struck several objects before coming to a stop.
Williams was found with a gunshot wound to the back of his head and succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at the hospital.
Aitken, who was a juvenile at the time of the alleged shooting, was found in Pennsylvania on April 10 and taken into custody. She was extradited and served with an arrest warrant in Waterbury on Friday.
She’s being held on a $2 million bond.
Pennsylvania
Sherry Buchanan, Farrell, PA
FARRELL, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Sherry Buchanan, 87, of Farrell, Pennsylvania, passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, May 4, 2026, in UPMC Jameson Hospital, New Castle.
Mrs. Buchanan was born on May 6, 1938, in Barkeyville, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Marion L. (Stanley) Smock.
Her husband, James Eugene Buchanan, whom she married on February 5, 1954, passed away on August 12, 2014.
A dedicated homemaker, Sherry loved to cook, crochet and watch wildlife in her backyard. Her life revolved around her family and her children. When her children were in school, she was highly involved in the Jefferson Elementary School PTA, and was the Past-President. Sherry also had a passion for fishing and bird watching. In her free time, she relaxed by reading and doing puzzles.
She is survived by four daughters, Jamie Dobrozdravic, Cyndi Buchanan, Regina Scott, all of Florida, and Karen Spehn (Jack), of Arizona; three sons, Robin Buchanan (Pam), of Alabama, Gregg Buchanan, of Greenville, Pennsylvania, and Jeffrey Buchanan (Sue Ann), of Farrell; 12 grandchildren, Geno, Jeffrey, Amy, Todd, Heidi, Ryan, Shana, Tyler, Spencer, John, William, and Jeffrey, Jr.; several great-grandchildren; and a dedicated niece, Joy Hayden.
In addition to her parents and husband, Sherry was preceded in death by a son, James Buchanan, Jr.; a son-in-law, Paul Dobrozdravic; and a sister, Jerry Thompson.
The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, at 2599 Broadway Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148; or ASPCA, at www.ASPCA.org
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 9, 2026 in the chapel of Hillcrest Memorial Park, 2619 East State St., Hermitage. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com
Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
Arrangements are being handled by the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sherry W. Buchanan, please visit our flower store.
A television tribute will air Wednesday, May 6 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.
Pennsylvania
It’s back: What is ‘senior assassin’ and why are Pennsylvania police warning against it?
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — As high school graduation season approaches, so does a rise in teens participating in a popular game known as “senior assassin.”
The Swatara Township Police Department is asking parents to speak with their kids about the risks associated with the game, where students try to “eliminate” each other by spraying each other with water guns or squirt bottles.
“The game is played outside of school hours and away from school property but has been reported to be causing disruptions and posing risks to participants and bystanders alike,” police wrote Tuesday in a news release.
READ MORE | What is the ‘Senior Assassin’ game?
The police department said there have been reports of students playing the game outside of local businesses and alarming the public.
There are online resources that advise students avoid private property and use brightly-colored water guns, police said, but not all students are following those rules.
Police said some students have used paintball guns, which can lead to injuries.
“We urge parents and guardians to speak with their children about the potential risks associated with participating in this game and to discourage them from taking part,” the Swatara Township Police Department wrote. “The safety of students and community members is our top priority, and we must work together to ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone.”
Another Pennsylvania police department out of Bucks County, the Buckingham Township Police Department, said the game sometimes results in 911 calls reporting “armed subjects.”
“In case you are unfamiliar, Senior Assassin is a game that involves high school students ‘stalking’ and ‘shooting’ each other with water guns in an attempt to be the last senior standing,” Buckingham Township police wrote. “We have heard that some students are using Nerf guns or silly string. Think of this game as ‘hide and seek.’”
The Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department also spoke out about the game back in 2023, warning that students sometimes use water pistole that could easily be confused for real firearms.
“This behavior, though intentionally innocent, could easily be perceived, reported, or confronted as suspicious behavior by unknowing persons and outcomes could have serious consequences,” the police department had said.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | ‘Senior Assassination’ game among high schoolers concerns police in Lancaster County
While the Buckingham Township Police Department said it does not condone the game, it offered the following safety tips for students who might decide to play anyway:
- Do not use realistic-looking weapons; use clearly identifiable, brightly colored water guns.
- Do not wear masks or behave in ways that would make a reasonable person to believe you are a threat.
- Avoid trespassing on private property or playing in public spaces, especially at night.
- Immediately comply with any police officer’s instructions and stop playing if instructed to do so.
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