By Tim Vetter | Photos By Joshua Coates

THINGS CAN GET A LITTLE CONFUSING WHEN TALKING ABOUT THE DELAWARE WATER GAP. As a geographical feature, the name refers to a bend in the Delaware River where the flowing water carves a path through the Appalachian Mountains, marking the line between Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

But it also refers to a popular hiking spot, as the Appalachian Trail crosses through 20 miles of the namesake Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. As a four-season destination, the region draws thousands to its trails and waters. In autumn, the mountains surrounding the river explode in vibrant hues of red and orange.

And then there’s the village of Delaware Water Gap, home to just 675 residents but serving as the gateway to this region’s activities. Sure, it’s a key stop for thru-hikers who need to stock supplies or have a good meal. But this small, unassuming town also brings in hungry locals and travelers looking for a delicious meal in a scenic setting.

The Lenni Lenape were the first people to inhabit the Poconos region, and it was the Munsee subtribe who lived in these woods when the French and Dutch first colonized the region. The advent of rail in the mid-1800s connected the area to nearby cities, bringing vacationers and new residents alike. Today, the area continues to offer many reasons to visit—even if it means you encounter a detour to avoid some ongoing nearby road construction.

9AM

MYSTICAL MUG

Mystical Mug is the brainchild of Kailyn Rifendifer, and a rebranded and relocated continuation of the witchy themed coffee shop, The Coven Coffee. She sources from Santa Mama Roasting Company, right next door. All coffee options are fantastic, but a standout is the iced vanilla latte, which is refreshing and perfect for those early fall days when the summer’s heat still lingers. Baked goods and a rotating roster of sandwiches (like avocado BLTs, chicken salad, and their “Green” Witch sandwich packed with fresh veggies) are also available. Mystical Mug serves as a vital community space for Delaware Water Gap by hosting workshops, running events, and selling wares from creative local makers and producers.

10AM

THE VILLAGE FARMER AND BAKERY

This homespun spot, a mainstay for 30 years run by Susan Cooper, has what you need to fuel up before or after the trails. It’s a little bit of everything: a breakfast and lunch counter that also offers baked goods and a general store that stocks locally produced snacks, sauces, jams, pies, and pantry staples. They are well known for their sweet and savory homemade pies, baked daily, and the kitchen serves everything from French toast breakfast sandwiches to lobster rolls. Grab an outdoor seat; you’re sure to be eating alongside hungry hikers fueling up for the day’s trek.

11AM

HIKING THE GAP

A day at Delaware Water Gap ideally includes time spent in the mountains or on the river. At the southeastern edge of town there is trail access to Resort Point Overlook, as well as the Mount Minsi trailhead. Look for the small parking lot off Mountain Road for the Minsi Trail, which will take you past the charming Lenape Lake. The Cherry Creek Crossing Loop Trail is an easy hike for families with children. Even the footbridge that runs parallel to I-80 affords beautiful views, if you’re willing to brave the wobble of the road as cars and trucks barrel past.

1PM

JOE BOSCO AUTHENTIC SMOKEHOUSE BBQ

Head to Joe Bosco for a hearty lunch from a menu with many options. You will find classic barbecue fare such as pulled pork, St. Louis–style ribs, smoked sausage, and tender, juicy brisket, smoked with attentive care for 14 hours. You can also choose from a loaded selection of delicious sides like Brussels sprouts, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and their home-baked corn bread.

3PM

ANTOINE DUTOT MUSEUM AND GALLERY

Named after the founder of the borough of Delaware Water Gap, the museum and gallery are housed in the original schoolhouse that served the local community from 1870 until 1969. The museum features Native American relics and artifacts from the days before the arrival of Europeans through the years of Delaware Water Gap serving as a resort destination for city dwellers. The gallery also features the work of local artists throughout the year.

4PM

SANGO KURA SAKE BREWERY AND BISTRO

Sango Kura is Pennsylvania’s first and only brewery to produce sake—the crisp, delicious, Japanese fermented rice wine served chilled, warm, or room temperature. In addition to sake, Sango Kura offers a full menu of small plates and ramen dishes (and the sushi is sustainable!). Opt for a flight of sake to try five of their eight house sake varieties, and snack on a spread of their delicious appetizers like karaage fried chicken, cold cucumber salad, and Japanese potato salad. (And it’s no accident that Sango Kura, run by Jason Cooper, is located next to his mother’s business, the Village Farmer.)

YOUR DAY AT A GLANCE

Mystical Mug
48 Main Street
267.666.9824

Village Farmer and Bakery
13 Broad Street
570.476.9440

Joe Bosco Authentic Smokehouse BBQ
55 Broad Street
570.664.9888

Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery
24 Main Street
570.476.4240

Sango Kura Sake Brewery and Bistro
39 Broad Street
570.476.0132

Asparagus Sunshine
6 Delaware Avenue
973.769.9246

Deer Head Inn
5 Main Street
570.424.2000

Sycamore Grille
92 Main Street
570.426.1200

5PM

ASPARAGUS SUNSHINE

This antique shop sells home goods, works from local artists and craftspeople, and all manner of vestiges of Americana. Located directly across the street from Deer Head Inn, Asparagus Sunshine is a great place to fill your time before your dinner reservation. Pick up some vintage gear and give Tinker the cat a pat on the head when he darts out from behind the well-worn wine crates.

7PM

DINNER OPTIONS

Deer Head Inn is a hotel, restaurant, and—believe it or not—the oldest continually operating jazz club in the United States. You never know who will show up on the tiny stage to perform. The ambiance is old-school New York jazz cool—plenty of performers from the city play here regularly. Dinner is served starting at 5:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights with music beginning at 7, and on Sundays from 4pm, with music beginning at 5. Dine with music and order from its mostly traditional American menu, which includes everything from burgers and crab cakes to seared tuna.

For a more low-key vibe, head to Sycamore Grille for dinner and drinks. Low lighting, attentive bartenders, and the faint smell of beer gives you the feel of your favorite neighborhood haunt. Standard pub fare like chicken wings, sandwiches, burgers, and quesadillas makes this an excellent casual dining location for unwinding from a long day at the Water Gap.