5 Best Things to Do in Hawley, PA

August 30, 2019 - Updated

Hawley is a small borough on the Lackawaxen River in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. Early industry focused on supporting nearby coal mines and manufacturing facilities. The former Bellemonte Silk Mill is the largest bluestone building in the world. The 1880 Silk Mill has been beautifully refurbished and converted into a shopping center. Ritz Playhouse is a popular community theatre located in the former movie and vaudeville theatre. Nearby Lake Wallenpaupack is a popular destination for boating and fishing.

1.Ritz Playhouse

Ritz Playhouse is a community theatre in Hawley, Pennsylvania, established in 1973 at the former Hawley's Ritz Company Playhouse, once a popular local movie and vaudeville theatre. The Ritz Players, as the company team called themselves opened their first season with the musical production "Brigadoon". Ever since, this passionate group of volunteer community theatre enthusiasts dedicated themselves to providing high quality live theatre productions to their community. Over the years, many theatre performers have gone on to study music, theatre, dance and film arts at various drama schools and colleges. The Ritz Theatre works with a number of local organizations and businesses to establish a number of different evening shows including a train/theatre trips and dinner and theatre arrangements.

512 Keystone St, Hawley, PA 18428, Phone: 570-226-9752

2.Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church

Until 1962, Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace Church was called St. Philomena’s church and had a long, rich history. St. Philomena's Parish was founded in April, 1852 by Rev. William O'Hara, who became its first pastor. A small wooden church was built on the corner of the current property with a seating capacity of 400. On July 22, 1900, the construction of the present building started and was blessed by a Hawley native Most Reverend Michael Hoban, Bishop of Scranton. The present Rectory was completed in 1911. One of the oldest cemetery in the Diocese of Scranton, St. Philomena's/ Queen of Peace Cemetery, was established in 1849. In 2001, the Gate of Heaven Section was added. Over the past 159 years, seventeen pastors have been assigned to Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace church. The present pastor is Rev. Richard W. Beck.

314 Chestnut Ave, Hawley, PA 18428, Phone: 570-226-3183

3.Hawley Skill Mill

Built in 1880, the Silk Mill in Hawley, Pennsylvania, has been an important part of the community in all its many incarnations: as a silk factory that used the most modern technology of the day, then later a textile factory, and an antique center. Today, the repurposed factory is envisioned as a gathering center for the folks of the Pocono Lake Region, a place where the residents and visitors can come to shop, hang out, eat, exercise, and learn. The ground floor Retail Center was designed by the renowned architect Peter Bohlin, The glass partitions separates the spaces, allowing the natural light from the River Gorge behind the Mill to illuminate the retail spaces. This space is occupied by a market and bakery, shop selling specialty beers, several art galleries, unique small shops selling clothing, shoes, antiques and home decor. There is also a bicycle shop and the Lake Region Fitness Center. The entire top floor of the Mill is occupied by the Lackawanna College, the only campus is Wayne and Pike Counties.

8 Old Rte 6, Hawley, PA 18428, Phone: 570-226-6130

4.The Settlers Inn

The Settlers Inn in Hawley, Pennsylvania, is located in a beautiful 1944 classic Arts and Crafts building, overlooking the Bingham Park, about 13.8 miles from Promised Land State Park. Charming warm rooms are furnished with period-style furnishings and have whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, cable TV, air-conditioning and free WiFi access. The inn’s farm-to-table restaurant is an elegant, cozy space with a fireplace, where Chef Ben Sutter offers innovative menus shaped by the seasons and what is available on local farms, pastures and producers. The inn has an award-winning wine list and craft brews from local, regional and international breweries. The sunny front porch is a wonderful place for morning coffee.

4 Main Ave, Hawley, PA 18428, Phone: 570-226-2993

5.The Boathouse Restaurant

Located on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack, in Hawley ,Pennsylvania, at the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, The Boat House Restaurant is a popular local eatery and the place where locals and visitors like to relax, socialize and enjoy a delicious meal. Spacious and bright dining room, with nautical theme and plenty of flat-screen TVS for following the latest game, is a perfect background for a meal of fresh seafood, juicy steaks and classic American fare. There is also a large , lovely shaded outdoor terrace and live entertainment on Friday nights. Full bar offers original and classic cocktails, beer on draft and in bottles and wines by the glass.

141 PA-507, Hawley, PA 18428, Phone: 570-226-5027