Things To Do Near Mount Airy Casino
You've got a lucky streak going at the slots or a hot hand at the blackjack table, and now you need a break. Maybe your travel companions aren't into gambling, or you just want to see what else the Poconos have to offer beyond the casino floor. Finding worthwhile activities near Mount Airy Casino that don't feel like a tourist trap can be a real challenge. The good news? The area around Mount Airy is packed with everything from adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures to quirky local museums and fantastic food spots. This isn't about generic suggestions; it's a real guide for players looking to mix up their trip.
Outdoor Adventures in the Pocono Mountains
The casino is nestled right in the heart of the Poconos, making it a perfect base camp for nature. You don't have to be an expert hiker to enjoy the scenery. For a quick, stunning view, head to the Mount Airy Trailhead just minutes from the property. It's a manageable hike that rewards you with panoramic vistas. If you're visiting in the warmer months, whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River is a classic Pocono experience. Companies like Pocono Whitewater offer trips ranging from mild family floats to intense Class III and IV rapids. In the winter, Jack Frost Big Boulder and Camelback Mountain Resort are within a 30-minute drive for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Camelback also has a massive indoor waterpark, Aquatopia, which is a year-round hit.
Golfing Getaways
If your idea of relaxation involves a set of clubs, you're in luck. The Mount Airy Casino Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-71 course designed by Hal Purdy, right on the casino grounds. It's challenging, beautifully maintained, and offers stay-and-play packages. For a change of scenery, the historic Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort is a short drive away. Their 27-hole course, originally designed in 1906, is situated on an island in the Delaware River and is one of the most picturesque places to play in Pennsylvania.
Local Eats and Drinks Beyond the Buffet
While Mount Airy has several excellent restaurants like Bistecca by Il Mulino and Guy Fieri's Mt. Pocono Kitchen, venturing out introduces you to local flavor. For a genuine Pennsylvania Dutch meal, head to The Frogtown Cafe in nearby Canadensis. It's unassuming but serves massive, homemade breakfasts and lunches that are legendary. Craving a craft beer? Barley Creek Brewing Company in Tannersville is a bustling brewpub with a great selection of house-made beers and solid pub food. If you're willing to drive about 25 minutes, The Settlers Inn in Hawley offers a fine-dining experience in a rustic-chic setting with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients from their own garden and local purveyors.
Quirky Attractions and Family Fun
The Poconos are famous for unique, sometimes delightfully odd, attractions. The Pocono Snake and Animal Farm in Marshalls Creek lets you get up close with reptiles, mammals, and birds—a great stop if you have kids with you. For a blast from the past, visit Callie's Pretzel Factory in Mountainhome. You can take a free self-guided tour to see how pretzels are made and, of course, sample the goods. A bit further out, the Old Jail Museum in Jim Thorpe is housed in a former Carbon County prison and is known for its "spirit wall," where alleged ghosts of outlaws left handprints on the wall.
Day Trip Destinations Within an Hour
If you're staying for a few days and want to explore a bit further, you have some fantastic options. Jim Thorpe, often called the "Switzerland of Pennsylvania," is about a 45-minute drive. This Victorian town is built into a mountain gorge and offers charming shops, historic mansions for touring, scenic train rides along the Lehigh Gorge, and a vibrant arts scene. Heading east, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is roughly 40 minutes away. Here you can drive along the river, hike to waterfalls like Dingmans Falls, or simply enjoy a picnic with some of the best views in the region.
Nightlife and Entertainment Off the Casino Floor
When the sun goes down but you're not ready to head back to the slots, the area still has plenty to offer. Check the event calendar at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, which hosts concerts, comedians, and live performances. For a more low-key evening, many of the local breweries and wineries, like Renegade Winery in Stroudsburg, have live music on weekends. If you're feeling lucky but want a different vibe, the Pennsylvania State Police Museum in Hershey is a longer drive but offers a fascinating look at law enforcement history.
FAQ
What is there to do at Mount Airy Casino besides gamble?
Plenty. On-site, you can play the 18-hole golf course, relax at the full-service Moment Spa, see a concert or comedy show at their event center, or dine at one of their eight restaurants and bars, ranging from Guy Fieri's casual spot to the upscale Bistecca by Il Mulino steakhouse.
Are there any good hiking trails really close to Mount Airy?
Yes. The Mount Airy Trailhead is practically on the property and offers a network of trails with varying difficulty and great views. For more extensive hiking, the Appalachian Trail crosses Route 611 just a few miles south of the casino, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has dozens of trails within a 30-40 minute drive.
Where should I eat that's close but not inside the casino?
For a quick, delicious bite, try The Frogtown Cafe in Canadensis for huge breakfasts and lunches. For dinner and drinks, Barley Creek Brewing Company in Tannersville is a local favorite with great craft beer. If you want a fine-dining experience, The Settlers Inn in Hawley is worth the 25-minute drive.
Can I visit the casino if I'm under 21?
No, you must be 21 or older to enter the casino gaming floor at Mount Airy. However, individuals under 21 are permitted in other areas of the resort, including most restaurants (when accompanied by an adult), the hotel, the golf course, and the spa. Always call ahead to confirm the policy for specific venues or events.
Is Mount Airy Casino good for a weekend trip?
Absolutely. It's designed as a destination resort. You can easily fill a weekend splitting your time between the casino, the golf course, the spa, and exploring the surrounding Poconos attractions like hiking, rafting, or visiting towns like Jim Thorpe. Their hotel packages often bundle these activities.