LEDGES HOTEL

With just a two-hour drive from New York City, you can escape to a chic boutique hotel that combines modern luxury styling in a unique historical building with a jaw-dropping natural setting. Perched over Wallenpaupack Creek and uniquely integrated into the natural bluestone ledges of Paupack Falls and its surroundings, Ledges Hotel in Hawley, Pennsylvania, is an example of adaptive design and historic preservation at its best.

This unique Pocono Mountains hotel boasts a sleek, modern feel while preserving many of the historical touches of the O’Connor Glass Factory, which operated at the site in the 1890s. Enjoy the incredible views of the gorge’s falls while hanging out in the spacious Great Room or on one of the three multi-level decks cleverly integrated into the ledges of the gorge. Lounge on the comfortable couches and easy chairs in the Great Room or settle in with a book from the library collection or get competitive with one of the provided games and puzzles. Come afternoon, enjoy a complimentary Champagne cocktail. When the temperature rises, choose your spot on one of the spacious decks or in the walled garden and enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail while enjoying the beautiful outdoor setting

IDEAL STAY
A variety of rooms, from a compact European-style queen platform bedroom to spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, are among the hotel’s accommodations. All rooms feature adaptive reuse furnishings from the original Silk Mill trusses; large stone set windows that illuminate the rooms with the intent to bring “the outside in,” room décor featuring artwork from local artisans, and luxurious Green Earth bamboo towels.

Breakfast is included each morning, but it is not served on-site. Instead, guests can enjoy the full breakfast menu at the hotel’s sister property, The Settlers Inn, or a voucher for use at Cocoon Coffee House. Ledges is one of five properties owned by Settlers Hospitality and the Genzlinger family. Hawley is home to three of their properties—the Settlers Inn, Silver Birches, and Ledges. Check the Daily Activities sheet for the many activities available to guests at all the properties. The resort fee includes admission and classes at Lake Region Fitness, guided walking tours, historic building tours, a variety of wine and champagne tastings, and some tempting goodies like s’mores by the lake and bakery bites at Cocoon Coffee House.

DIVINE DINING
The building’s industrial past is evident throughout the hotel but is especially pronounced in the hotel’s restaurant, Glass—Wine. Bar. Kitchen. The walls of the bar area reveal the original brick. In contrast, original glass mold prints and displays incorporating the historical features of the O’Connor Glass Factory accent the decor of the dining room areas. Glass recently underwent a significant renovation improving the lounge area and enhancing the views of the gorge from the dining room.

The Glass menu offers a variety of small plates and tapas-style dishes ideal for sharing. A specialty of the house is the cheese and charcuterie board, which provides a wonderful variety of cheese and sliced meat options with a bounty of accompaniments—indeed, a perfect way to begin your sharing experience at Glass. Another excellent choice is the Spicy Tuna Cracker with Crispy Sushi Rice, Tiger Sauce, Eel Sauce & Tobiko. Vegan diners will do well with the Polenta with Crispy Wild Mushrooms & Brown Butter. Finally, anyone looking for a more traditional entrée can choose from the Garlic-Rubbed NY Strip or the Thai Style Whole Fried Fish.

The lounge features an “All-American Wine and Beer List,” emphasizing American spirits in their exquisitely crafted cocktails. In addition to exceptional quality food, guests will enjoy stunning views of the river gorge falls in the panoramic dining room and decks at Glass. A group of 4 to 8 diners may find the idea of Greenhouse Dining a perfect way to experience the incredible views of the falls and the fine cuisine of Glass. Greenhouses are available for the prix-fixe menu only and must be booked in advance with menu selections.

WHAT TO SEE & DO
Settlers Hospitality’s commitment to historical preservation while creating ways to repurpose once abandoned buildings is evident in Ledges Hotel and the adjacent Hawley Silk Mill and Cocoon Coffee House. A primary goal of the Genzlinger family’s role in the community is to repurpose buildings focusing on serving community needs. This goal is seen in Ledges Hotel, the Hawley Silk Mill, and the excellent coffee shop, Cocoon, which initially housed cocoons that supplied the mill’s silk. Today the Silk Mill houses various shops, the Looking Glass Art Gallery, and Lake Region Fitness.

Although you may be content to lounge around Ledges for the day, the opportunities to get out and enjoy some of the area’s beauty are plentiful. After all, Hawley is at the northern end of Lake Wallenpaupack, which offers numerous water sports like boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. And the fact that Hawley is located in the Pocono Mountains means that there are numerous hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and biking opportunities.

For more information on Ledges Hotel—a member of the Select Registry and Historic Hotels of America, visit: ledgeshotel.com