Mauch Chunk a.k.a. Jim Thorpe

Mauch Chunk is the original name of the cute mountain town that I love and that is now called Jim Thorpe. Mauch Chunk was established in 1818 and was once known as the "Swizterland of America" when it was a bustling coal town and the center for distribution of coal to the cities between the railroad and river. But this small mountain town just like the others around it was hit hard by the depression. When petroleum replaced coal it became a town of yesteryear. In effort to revitalize it in the 1950's the town was named after the 1912 Olympic athlete/hero Jim Thorpe.

There remains some controversy today over the name since Jim Thorpe never lived in Mauch Chunk; however he did live in Pennsylvania. His wife (3rd wife) buried him in Mauch Chunk. For more history of Jim Thorpe, the athlete,: http://www.biography.com/people/jim-thorpe-9507017#synopsis  Jim was a Native American and his son and rest of his family fought in the court system for many years and won in 2010 to have his body moved to Oklahoma where he was born but that decision was overturned in 2014 and he is to remain in the city that is now named after him.

It took decades to turn around the old mining town. It is one of my favorite places to visit as there is much to do and its super cute. There is  nearby waterfalls, lakes, and hiking/biking trails. Jim Thorpe is home to museums, an opera house, haunted jail/ghost tour, old mansions, shopping, restaurants and much more! Anytime of year is a fun time to visit but October is extra special as the leaves are painted an array of colors and the town hosts a Fall Festival each weekend. You'll have to "pack your patience" because you'll sit in about an hour of traffic to get down the mountain. So if you're coming from the turnpike you'll want to stop at the dunkin donuts or one of the places next to it (these places are not far from the turnpike and on the way to Jim Thorpe) to run to the bathroom or grab a snack because soon after that you'll be in the traffic. Parking is usually only $5 (but don't quote me as prices may rise). Another tip for bathrooms at Jim Thorpe--the train station has a mini museum, a welcome station, and public restrooms.