The best part wasn't on our list.
We took our own advice. Here’s what happened. 🍂
Last month, we told you we were doing something we rarely do:
We booked our own cabin.
We had a whole bucket list planned.
And yes, we finally made it to Boulder Field. Hiked to Hawk Falls. Watched the leaves just beginning to change. And returned to the Lantern festival we'd been talking about for years.
It was every bit as magical as we remembered. ✨
But
here's the funny part.
Some of our favorite moments weren't on the bucket list at all.
It was having groceries delivered and cooking instead of going out.
Endulging in savory s'mores on the deck.
Cozing up by the fireplace.
Going back and forth between the sauna and the hot tub more times than we care to admit.
And when Sunday brought rain?
We stayed in.
We put on the record player, poured some pumpkin spice coffee, changed the decor from summer to fall, added all the cozy little touches and let the day unfold.
No rushing to squeeze in one more attraction.
Maybe that's what we had forgotten about getting away.
You don't need to fill every hour to make a weekend memorable.
Sometimes you need one or two really good adventures...
and enough empty space to actually enjoy where you are.
🍂 SO... WHAT'S WORTH DOING THIS FALL?
October is when the Poconos really start showing off, so if you're coming up, here are three things we'd put on the list.
🍁 1. CHASE PEAK COLOR — BUT CHECK THE MAP FIRST
Here's an insider tip: the entire Poconos does not peak at the same time.
The region has three different foliage zones.
Right now, the northern and central Poconos are projected to reach peak color around October 8–14, while the southern zone—including Jim Thorpe and Carbon County—is projected for October 20–28.
Translation?
You may have more than one chance to catch peak fall.
🚂 2. SEE JIM THORPE FROM THE OPEN-AIR TRAIN
October in Jim Thorpe is an experience all its own.
Our pick? Hop aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway and ride along the river through the changing mountains.
During Autumn Leaf season, the railway runs special 45-minute foliage trips, and we'd choose the open-air car for those unobstructed fall views.
Then give yourself time to wander Jim Thorpe afterward.
Coffee. Something delicious. A shop you didn't plan on finding.
You already know that's our favorite way to do it.
🍂 3. PICK ONE ADVENTURE. NOT FIVE.
Hike.
Take the train.
Find a scenic drive.
Spend an afternoon wandering Jim Thorpe.
But here's our recommendation after finally taking our own Poconos weekend:
Don't schedule every minute.
Leave an afternoon open.
Light the fire.
Get into the hot tub while there's still daylight.
Take another sauna session.
Do absolutely nothing.
See you in the mountains, 🤍
Marina & Dima Sojourn 🧡
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