Things to do in Drums, PA close to the house
For guests searching for things to do in Drums, PA, the closest options range from low-key local stops to outdoor recreation. Nescopeck State Park, Honey Hole Winery and other nearby destinations can fit into a short outing without turning the day into a long drive. For groceries and forgotten supplies, there is also a Dollar General on PA-309 in Drums, plus Weis Markets locations in Mountain Top and West Hazleton.
Store hours and services can change, so guests should confirm current information before making a special trip.
- Dollar General — 309 N. Hunter Highway, Drums
- Weis Markets — 237 S. Mountain Boulevard, Mountain Top
- Weis Markets — 100 Weis Lane, West Hazleton
Very local outings: park, winery and skydiving
Nescopeck State Park is in Drums and is one of the most convenient ways to add a real outdoor outing without committing to a long drive. Pennsylvania DCNR describes a 3,550-acre park with wetlands, forest, Nescopeck Creek and hiking trails; its hiking system totals about 19 miles.
Adults looking for a close-to-home tasting stop can visit Honey Hole Winery in Drums. For a very different kind of adventure, Above the Poconos Skydivers operates in nearby Hazle Township and offers tandem and experienced skydiving.
Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park is one of the strongest nearby choices for a classic Poconos outdoor day. Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources lists more than 40 miles of hiking trails, trout streams and three state-park natural areas across the 15,990-acre park.
Its best-known landmark is Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark. Hawk Falls Trail is another compact option, leading to a natural 25-foot waterfall; swimming at Hawk Falls is prohibited.
Lehigh Gorge, White Haven and the scenic railway
Lehigh Gorge State Park follows the Lehigh River between the Francis E. Walter Dam area and Jim Thorpe. The park is known for steep gorge scenery, waterfalls, whitewater boating and biking. The Lehigh Gorge Trail follows more than 20 miles of the D&L Trail on a former railroad grade.
For a lower-effort sightseeing day, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway runs round-trip excursions from Jim Thorpe through the gorge. It is an especially useful option for mixed-age groups who want scenery without making a hike the centerpiece of the day.
Jim Thorpe and regional history
Jim Thorpe offers a very different Poconos day: historic architecture, shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and access to mountain recreation around the Lehigh Gorge. It works well when a mixed-age group wants to combine sightseeing, food and walking rather than commit the whole day to one outdoor activity.
Closer to Drums, Eckley Miners’ Village preserves an authentic nineteenth-century anthracite coal patch town. The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission describes the site as including miners’ houses, churches, a doctor’s office and a general store.
Family day trips: Knoebels, Great Wolf Lodge and Kalahari
Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg is a distinctive family day trip. The park has free admission and free parking, with rides and attractions purchased separately, making it easy for a multi-generation group to spend a day there without everyone needing the same kind of ticket.
For indoor waterpark days, Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun and Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Pocono Manor are two major Poconos options. Kalahari advertises day passes for its indoor and outdoor waterparks; Great Wolf Lodge operates a large indoor waterpark resort in the Pocono Mountains. Guests should confirm current day-use policies and availability directly with each resort.
Winter: several ski mountains to choose from
Ember & Oar is within day-trip range of several established Pennsylvania ski areas, so guests are not tied to a single mountain. Options include Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton, Jack Frost and Big Boulder in the White Haven/Lake Harmony area, Montage Mountain in Scranton, Camelback Resort in Tannersville and Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie.
Each mountain has a different mix of terrain, lessons, tubing and seasonal operations. Snow conditions, operating dates and ticket availability change throughout winter, so guests should use the resort sites below for current information rather than relying on a static schedule.
Golf nearby
Golf options around Drums and Mountain Top include Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club, a public 27-hole course in Mountain Top; Sand Springs Country Club in Drums; and Grand Slam Golf in Drums, which focuses on a driving range and family-oriented mini golf.
Availability, tee-time policies and seasonal hours can change. Sand Springs describes itself as the “Public’s Country Club,” while Blue Ridge Trail explicitly identifies itself as a public course.
Pocono Raceway and seasonal events
Pocono Raceway in Long Pond is a major regional event destination. In addition to its annual NASCAR weekend, the Raceway hosts other events throughout the year, with schedules that vary by season.
Race weekends can materially affect traffic in the area, so guests traveling during a major event should check the current schedule and plan driving time accordingly.
Do less: use the house and community as the attraction
The most practical itinerary may be a mix of one or two day trips and several days at the property. The private beach, dock, paddle craft, seasonal pontoon, fire pit, hot tub, decks and game rooms give a large family enough variety to spend real vacation time without leaving the lake.
The Beech Mountain Lakes community center is only about a two-minute drive away and adds an indoor heated pool, fitness center, racquetball, indoor and outdoor basketball, outdoor volleyball, a game room, playground, community beach, tennis, bocce and other shared recreation, subject to community schedules and rules.