Located in Jim Thorpe, PA, the Harry Packer Mansion is a historic landmark that “blends old world opulence with modern day convenience”. The Mansion is very popular for their Murder Mystery Weekends.

Harry Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
   Harry Packer Mansion History
   Harry Packer Mansion Accommodations
   Attractions
   Educational Opportunities
   Special Events

Harry Packer Mansion History

Harry Packer Mansion History

© Harry Packer Mansion

In 1874, founder of Lehigh University and the Lehigh Valley Railroad, Asa Packer built the Harry Packer Mansion for his son Harry. The Mansion was Asa’s wedding gift to Harry and his new wife. Six years later, Harry hired Addison Hutton to renovate a few sections of the Mansion. Together, the Harry and the Quaker architect expanded the Mansion by building a study wind and a front veranda. The front veranda is one of the most recognizable features of the Mansion, as it is made out of blue stone from New York, tile, and a mahogany ceiling (all of which still stands today).

In 1983, Robert and Patricia Handwerk purchased the Harry Packer Mansion. When the Handwerks purchased the Mansion, only the first level had electricity, the house had no plumbing or heat, and the roof appeared to be crumbling. With hard work and dedication, the Handwerks were able to restore the beauty of the Harry Packer Mansion.

Today, the Mansion operates under the Handwerk family of Pat and Bob, their son Taylor, and his wife Kristen. Thanks to Taylor and Kristen, the Mansion has expanded from a typical bed & breakfast to an added Libations Lounge, which serves a fine variety of alcohol.


Harry Packer Mansion Accommodations

Harry Packer Mansion Accommodations

© Harry Packer Mansion

Guests can choose to stay in either the Mansion or the Carriage House. It’s important to note that since the establishment is historic, children are not allowed and smoking is strictly prohibited. Rooms inside the Mansion include:

· Queen size beds

· Private bathrooms

· Egyptian cotton sheets with 700 thread count

· Air conditioning

· Free WiFi

As for the Carriage House, Asa Packer originally built this facility in 1861 as a place to service the Mansion. It is 50 feet away from the Mansion, and is decorated like a classic hunting lodge. Currently, there are six guest rooms in the Carriage House. Anyone who stays in the Carriage House also has access to the Mansion. Each room within the Carriage House includes:

· Queen size beds

· Private bathrooms

· Free WiFi

· Access to a communal Keurig coffee maker


Attractions

Attractions

© Harry Packer Mansion

Aside from the Mansion and Carriage House being attractions within themselves, guests are welcome to hang out in the Libations Lounge. The Libations Lounge offers a selection of fine spirits, beer, and wine inside a Victorian setting.

Aside from the Libations Lounge, many people visit the Harry Packer Mansion to participate in one of the Murder Mystery Weekends. Murder Mystery Weekends occur almost every weekend from Friday through Sunday. The storyline of the Murder Mystery is a combination of reality and fiction. While detailed information is unavailable, what is known is the Packer fortune is involved in the plot.

Each Murder Mystery Weekend is offered for 11 couples. Larger groups are encouraged to participate in Murder Mysteries throughout the midweek. For larger groups, individuals can volunteers to act as certain characters, and others can work in teams. It’s important to note that the price of rooms are different for Murder Mystery nights.

For more information about the Libations Lounge, Murder Mystery Weekend, or any other attraction at the Harry Packer Mansion, visit the Mansion’s official website.


Educational Opportunities

Educational Opportunities

© Harry Packer Mansion

If you’re interested in learning more about the Harry Packer Mansion, but you don’t want to spend the night there, you could always take a self-guided tour. A self-guided tour has an admission per person, and allows participants to explore almost every nook and cranny of the Mansion. It’s important to note that the second floor is only accessible when there are no guests. If the second floor happens to be closed, the tour fee will be cut in half.

If you’re interested in learning about wine, what the difference between “good” and “bad” wine is, anything else wine related, then take one of the Harry Packer Mansion’s wine classes. Each wine class teaches a group of six or more about the basics of wine, how to decipher and understand a wine’s label, information about pairing wines, and how to evaluate the taste and quality of a wine.


Special Events

Special Events

© Harry Packer Mansion

The Harry Packer Mansion hosts a combination of public and special events throughout the year such as First Friday Wine Tastings where guests can enjoy appetizers and wine in The Lounge and New Year’s Eve special events. Private events and parties may also be booked through the event staff at the mansion.

Back to: Things to Do in Jim Thorpe

19 Packer Ave. Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, 18229, website, Phone: 570-325-8566


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