If you’ve been invited to a wedding at Carley Brook, you’re probably looking for things to do in Hawley and Honesdale beyond the ceremony itself. This guide is for guests planning a weekend around the wedding, people who want a practical, honest take on what’s actually worth their time before or after the big day.
It works just as well for couples putting together a welcome note for their wedding party. Below you’ll find outdoor activities, local restaurants, downtown exploring, historic spots, and where to stay, all laid out so you can build a relaxed long weekend without over-scheduling it.
What Are Hawley, PA and Honesdale Like?
Hawley and Honesdale sit at the northeastern tip of the Pocono Mountains, in Pike and Wayne counties. They’re close enough to New York City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia to be a straightforward drive, but far enough to actually feel like a getaway. Hawley has the bigger tourist draw, mostly because of Lake Wallenpaupack, while Honesdale, the Wayne County seat, is quieter, more historic, and has its own character. Both are worth a visit, just for different reasons. And neither is more than a short drive from Carley Brook, wherever you’re staying.
What Outdoor Recreation Can You Enjoy Near Lake Wallenpaupack?
Most of the outdoor activity here centers on the lake and the state parks nearby, and there’s a lot to work with.
Lake Wallenpaupack: Boating, Kayaking and Fishing
Lake Wallenpaupack is the main draw. According to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, it covers roughly 5,700 acres, stretches about 13 miles, and reaches around 60 feet at its deepest point, spanning Pike and Wayne counties. That’s a lot of water, enough for a full afternoon of boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing, with several public access points around the shoreline. Guests who arrive a day early or stay through Sunday will find this the easiest way to fill an afternoon. If you’re still in the planning stages, our full guide to planning a wedding near Lake Wallenpaupack covers venues, hotels, transportation, and guest logistics.
Scenic Trails and State Parks
For guests who’d rather be on foot, both Promised Land State Park and Prompton State Park are within a short drive of Honesdale. Promised Land has trail options for different fitness levels, and the PA DCNR maintains up-to-date information directly. Prompton is the quieter option, with trails that wind around a smaller lake. If you just want a short walk without committing to a full park visit, Grant’s Woods near town is a pleasant alternative.
Where Should Wedding Guests Eat? Farm-to-Table Dining and Wallenpaupack Brewing Company
The food here leans local, which is part of the charm.
The Settlers Inn
The standout for a proper sit-down meal, seasonal, locally sourced, and genuinely good. A strong choice for a rehearsal dinner eve or a slower evening before the wedding.
Wallenpaupack Brewing Company
Craft beer, a solid food menu, and a fire pit outside. A natural spot for a relaxed evening with friends before the weekend kicks off.
Three Hammers Winery
Worth a stop for wine tastings across its grounds, a good option for guests who’d rather sip wine than head to a bar.
Cocoon Coffeehouse
An easy choice in downtown Hawley for coffee and house-made pastries, especially the morning after the reception when no one wants a full sit-down breakfast.
The Dock on Wallenpaupack
Seafood and pizza right on the water. If you want a meal with a lake view, this is the one.
What’s There to See in Downtown Hawley and at the Hawley Silk Mill?
Both towns are best explored slowly, not checked off a list.
Hawley Silk Mill
The centerpiece of downtown Hawley, a former mill built in 1880, restored in 2011, and now home to artisan boutiques, cafes, and small galleries under one roof. Worth an hour or two on its own.
Downtown Hawley
Main Street has art galleries, antique shops, and local stores worth browsing alongside the Silk Mill. All told, it’s a good two to three hours on foot, charming and compact, but not a full-day thing.
Historic Downtown Honesdale
Honesdale carries real history. This is where the Stourbridge Lion, the first full-size steam locomotive to run on a common-carrier railroad track in the United States, made its trial run in August 1829, a milestone documented by the Smithsonian. A morning walk through the historic storefronts, cafes, and bakeries here is a genuinely easy and rewarding way to spend a couple of hours.
What Family-Friendly Activities and Seasonal Events Are Worth Planning Around?
Not every guest wants a hike or a lake day, and the area has enough variety to keep families and bigger groups happy:
- Costa’s Family Fun Park – mini golf and low-key activities for all ages, good if you’ve got kids or grandparents in the group.
- Bingham Park – a green space by the river with a historic bandstand, hosting a seasonal farmers market on Friday afternoons. A nice spot to sit and decompress between wedding events.
- Hawley Harvest Hoedown – a local autumn fair that’s become a highlight on the area’s events calendar. Check the schedule if your visit falls in fall. If you’re planning an autumn wedding, our guide to fall weddings in the Poconos covers foliage timing, weather, and the best dates to book.
- Winter visits – quieter, cozier, and far less crowded. The small-town feel really comes through when the summer visitors are gone.
- Spa and wellness – several lakeside resorts offer spa treatments and packages, which makes for a very easy morning-after plan when a slower pace is exactly what you need.
Where Should Wedding Guests Stay Near Carley Brook?
Lodging runs the range from classic inns to lakeside rentals, so there’s something for most group sizes and budgets.
The Settlers Inn
The Settlers Inn in Hawley is an easy choice. It has its own dining and entertainment on site, so you don’t need to drive anywhere after dinner. Good for guests who want a self-contained, low-effort stay.
The Waterfront at Silver Birches
A larger lakeside property worth knowing about even if you’re not staying there. It’s a useful landmark for getting your bearings around the lake, and worth checking for availability if you want a waterfront base.
Vacation Rentals Around Lake Wallenpaupack
For groups traveling together, rentals around the lake are plentiful and often the most practical option, especially for wedding parties or extended family who want to stay under one roof. Book early for May through October weekends, because inventory moves fast. Our guide on the best time to get married in the Poconos breaks down each season by weather, availability, and pricing if you’re still locking in a date.
How Do You Build a Long Weekend Around Hawley and Honesdale?
A day-by-day approach works well here. The area rewards a relaxed pace more than an ambitious itinerary. For a deeper look at building the whole trip around your venue, our guide to choosing a Poconos wedding venue for a full wedding weekend is worth reading before you finalize the plan.
- The day before: arrive, check in, head to downtown Hawley or out on the lake for the afternoon. Dinner at the Settlers Inn or Wallenpaupack Brewing Company, then an early night.
- Wedding day morning: there are usually a few free hours before the ceremony. A short walk near the venue, a coffee at Cocoon Coffeehouse, or a slow morning at your accommodation all work. This isn’t the time for an ambitious day out.
- The day after: brunch locally, then a short hike at Promised Land or Prompton, or a quiet morning by the lake before driving home. If you’re staying through the weekend, the Stourbridge Line scenic train is a memorable way to see the Lackawaxen River valley before heading out.
Carley Brook is on 185 acres in Honesdale, so guests staying overnight have the property itself as a morning option, worth knowing if you’re not in a rush to leave.
Discover the Perfect Place for Your Wedding Weekend
Hawley and Honesdale have a way of surprising wedding guests, in the best way. Between the lake, the trails, the local food, and the history, this corner of the Poconos is worth more than a quick stop on the way to the ceremony.
If you’re still exploring venues in this part of Pennsylvania, Carley Brook sits right in the middle of all of it, 185 acres, an open-air chapel, and a property that gives guests a genuine reason to arrive early and stay a day longer.
