Jim Thorpe, PA - Exploring The Switzerland of America

[@knucklehoagies]

I'm a PA native and I've been around Europe as well..... I visited Jim Thorpe once last fall. It's a beautiful and very scenic town but I think it's a bit overkill to call it "The switzerland of America".... it is nothing like Switzerland. It has it's own charm and beauty. Just leave it at that. I feel like the town would benefit greatly from having some kind of Amtrak line going through it. Parking can be a nightmare depending when you go and traffic around the area is such a headache.

[@DopeyDetector]

Amerikkkans think that if there isn't a Starbucks and a red lobster every 2m, then it's european🤣😅this is a podunk little American town. Nothing more Fuckin Switzerland 😅😅😅

[@futball24]

The Switzerland of America was what it was named about a century ago. It used to be destination for city folk to vacation at summer hotels for exercise, clean air and to enjoy nature. Most of those grand hotels burnt or were razed. It was named because it was nestled in between many large steep hills and peaks. It was essentially the first place where people rode the old coal gravity railroad for fun. Teddy Roosevelt even came to ride it before it was dismantled.

[@DopeyDetector]

@@futball24 😅😅😅

[@capmidnite]

Sometimes driving through the mountainous areas of the USA (Colorado, New England, etc), I'll see a house or resort area built up to look like a Swiss village. Why try to be something else when the local American-style buildings have their own charm and style?

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Fur sure it would be great if you could get to it by public transportation especially from Philly or NYC. Thanks for your input and for watching!

[@samgarofalo2461]

My sister Elissa Garofalo was instrumental in the revitalization of JT and more. She pioneered efforts which led to Jim Thorpe's main street (Broadway) being named one of the Great Places of America by the American Planning Association. During her 21-year tenure with the D&L, she had an enormous positive impact across the entire heritage area, in individual towns, and to the people she worked with. She left us way too soon on 2-15-23.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

I'm so sorry for your loss. And she did an amazing job as the city's main street truly is a great place in america and an amazing urban corridor- besides traveling I'm also a professional city planner- and I can assure you that she did an amazing job. Thank you Elissa and thank you so much for watching. I hope the video helped you to see what an amazing impact her work had on others.

[@samgarofalo2461]

@@ProjectGaiaTravel Thank you Elissa was also the one who pushed for the pedestrian bridge, and was the 1st to cross it on the opening day.

[@stormyrocks4562]

Important to note seeing as the town is named after him and famous for him, Jim Thorpe is not a local athlete. He is born and raised In Oklahoma. He never lived in or visited the town. He was an exceptional athlete who made it the Olympics and was the first Native American to win gold medals for the USA. After death, his remains were “bought” by the town in 1953 from his wife. they built a monument for him and renamed the town to gain notoriety and draw people in.

[@jeremyjedynak]

Came here to post this comment. Thanks for getting here first!

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

yes found this out later. Thanks for the clarification and for watching!

[@augustasimone9323]

The town has a creepy vibe and adding this informaation about purchacing a dead athlete's remains to bury them here is very creepy when the USA gov. was very harsg and dare I saw criminal in their treatment of Native Americans. I bet this town is very haunted. Thank you for sharing this story!

[@Wendisue-g3o]

@@augustasimone9323 i’m sure because of the jail with the Molly Maguires

[@msrobinru]

@@jeremyjedynak Me too! Appreciate kindred spirits.

[@ddelli]

I live in Hazleton, 12 miles north of Jim Thorpe. It has become a very busy and growing area in the past few years. Glad to see others enjoying it. You missed the key story of the jail. Lore is an innocent man on day of his execution swore to god he was innocent and to this day his hand print on the wall. It wont wash away. The town is known for its antiques and homemade artwork as well. The Emporium of Curious goods store was a very original playhouse. It used to hold psychic mediums and all sorts of paranormal items. Very unique gem of the area. Fall is my favorite time there. Each weekend has different themes with local vendors in addition to the shops and winery.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Thanks for all this great information and the tips. Maybe will have to make a Jim Thorpe part 2 and include all of your suggestions. Thanks for watching!

[@chriskidwell8595]

My family’s from Hazleton too! Your info is spot on. Watch the movie “Molly Maguires” to understand the “hand print” prisoner. Don’t miss the Asa Packer mansion for the self playing “music box” that is still in working order. Awesome, and long live Hazleton!

[@rustyfan89]

It has gotten very busy there, when I started going there like 15 years or so ago it was pretty quiet now you get off the northeast extension and head towards Jim Thorpe you hit traffic right over the bridge and you look ahead and it’s a big line of cars from about the fire works store all the way down to the train station have you ever toured the tunnels?

[@goose33]

That hand print is repainted there all the time I knew someone that worked there lol

[@vidiot57]

Nice video..Worth visiting.. I was born 2 towns away from here.. The old name of Jim Thorpe was Mauch Chunk.. The pronunciation is "Mach Chunk" .. As far as the Molly Maguire there was movie made about this subject..Parts of the movie were actually filmed in this town !! I can remember as a child .. they covered many of the streets in dirt during filming.. For those that are interested.. The movie featured Sean Connery and Richard Harris in the movie.. One other cool thing to do there is to do a Whitewater Rafting trip down the Lehigh River..which cuts right through Jim Thorpe...

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Hey Mike thanks for watching and all the great tips. I definitely will have to check out the whitewater rafting trip next time I’m in the area. All the best, and stay tuned for more content around America!

[@slaygony2029]

I used to deliver for amazon in the more touristy part of that town and let me tell you, NO TOWN GAVE ME MORE ANXIETY. the roads are incredibly tight so you have no choice but to completely block traffic. tight corners and barely any address numbers. I'm sure being a tourist there is great. there's a train ride and plenty of places to go and eat, but delivering there is terrible.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Hahah i could imagine delivering would be a nightmare, the narrow streets are almost European-like. Thanks for watching!

[@GorgonsRestmm]

Yup I delivered papers. No thanks

[@williamfotiou7577]

I’m sure that 99.8 % of people will be just visiting. But thanks, I’ll be sure not to deliver there.

[@alipainting]

Amazon needs to either supply smaller vans like those used in Europe or have an out of town delivery warehouse for customer pickup, or use USPS.

[@williamfotiou7577]

@@alipainting or hire people that work and don’t cry! That sounds better!

[@angelcat7753]

I love Pennsylvania. The architecture is amazing and was amazed that not many fences exist between houses. And in the country windows contain candles to light a strangers way just in case. Very friendly people. Can't wait to visit again and see Jim Thorpe.

[@johnlozauskas778]

I concur!!! I'm at the point in the video where he is talking about about the Italian architecture of the mansions. How could they be Italian if there is no Mary On The Half Shell in front? ;)

[@yankees29]

I live in Long Island. As a kid and still to this day most of my vacations are in Pennsylvania. My wife and I love it there. We go to the Poconos and also to Amish country/Hershey Park. I plan on moving to PA at some point in my life.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

PA is one of the most interesting states in America because it has so much history, is centrally located to visit other interesting east coast sites like Philadelphia and NYC- not a far ride from New England either and has so many unique towns- Jim Thorpe being one of them. I am a PA lover as well. Thanks for watching!

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes PA is beautiful and more and more NYers are realizing it's beauty and diverse things to see and do. Thanks for watching!

[@ninecatsmagee8384]

Was born and raised in Pennsylvania south of there, but have lived in Europe for the past 30 years. Jim Thorpe seems like really well-preserved American culture -- reminds me of Mahanoy City where relatives of ours emigrated from Ireland. Can't really say I see any similarity to Switzerland [or Europe for that matter] but it has a great character of its own, a truly beautiful town. Must be very cosy to live there and you pointed out some great places to make it well worth visiting. Looking at a map I see that Mahanoy City and Jim Thorpe are ten minutes apart. No wonder they're similar!

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

For sure. I'll have to look into Mahanoy City as well. I think its using the Switzerland thing because of the historic architecture, the train, and the quaint nature of the town. Thanks for watching!

[@ninecatsmagee8384]

@@ProjectGaiaTravel When people get to Europe and see the difference in vintage -- the incredible age of places here -- they realise that nothing really compares in the USA. Here "historic" usually means something from three or four hundred years old to thousands. Like the Colisseum or Stonehenge. Or Windsor Castle from the 11th century.

[@krusaderp]

@@ProjectGaiaTravel I lived in Mahanoy City up until recently, it's not much anymore. It's lackluster compared to Jim Thorpe nowadays. I'd suggest Pottsville, but that's just my opinion.

[@Austin8thGenTexan]

@@ninecatsmagee8384 I was thinking the same thing about Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. Twice I smelled how it used to smell - the unmistakable aroma of the ages. No one will be able to smell that again for several hundred years hence. Now I look forward to visiting and smelling the new lumber and freshly cleaned interior. 👍

[@hollymcclelland8388]

Love your channel

[@SG-91]

What a cool town. It does really have a European vibe and I love how close it is to the mountains. I bet it is really nice around Christmas time. This is one I definitely have to see. Thank you for the fabulous tour.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Hi SG. Yes the town is unique and really earns its reputation as "The Switzerland of America". You can visit the town then head into the mountains by train, car, bike, or by hiking. I've never been there for XMas, but I will look into an Xmas special in Jim Thorpe!

[@devonmiller2406]

I live 30 minutes away... the big time of year there is fall. Many a festival and crowded on weekends in Jim Thorpe. I would say visit during the week to avoid but that would do you no good as lots of shops are only open on the weekend.

[@PA-Tammy]

No it's not nice for us that live in JT all of the people that come to see this cute town make it hell to live here.

[@DoctaFknJay]

It doesn't look like a European town when you start seeing the people who live there😅😅 and the way you describe it makes it seem like you'd actually want to go there for any reason but to get to Glen. 😅

[@DopeyDetector]

Sounds like you've never been to Europe 😅🤣🤣🤣

[@luisv7117]

The drive fron NJ is also real nice right on the mountains; great video brought me memories thanks

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@jennagle5554]

My dad was born here before they changed the town's name. It originally was called Mauch Chunk pronounced Munkchunk. Every year we had a huge family reunion there, I miss it.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Very cool. What a wonderful place to see all of your family again. Thanks for watching!

[@nosaj3856]

For those who do not like crowds. it is worth mentioning that there are times during the Fall, especially during their Fall festival that you can't get to this town by car. They have you park 20 minutes away and take a shuttle bus in. It is a nightmare and everything is packed!

[@Ratlins9]

Thank you for your comment, I abhor crowds.

[@robinheberlig6434]

Thank you for this information. Good to know as Fall is a time we would be likely to visit - to avoid the crowds and see the mountain colors.

[@WanderWithAdnan]

yes absolutely right. I was there a week ago during fall foliage festival and took me more than an hr to find the parking. We couldn't even find the train ticket because they were sold out.. Going to upload the video soon - it was so busy.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes the fall can be a little out of control with all the people trying to get a glimpse of the foliage. I went in spring during the week and found that it was pretty quiet and had a lot of the place to myself. Thanks for the suggestion and for watching!

[@cauthoncrazy]

Note that you can take the train from Reading to Jim Thorpe and back, Definitely an option. I am visiting by bus thanks to the new Megabus route.

[@kelb6073]

I grew up there. I love my hometown. Tourism has made it a bit of a headache for locals though. It gets crazy in the fall. Lots of Irish, German and native American history. The Lenape lived there. The area was called Mauch Chunk.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

It really is a unique and interesting place in PA. Thanks for watching!

[@praxedes2]

​@@ProjectGaiaTravel I grew up in the neighboring town: Summit Hill. However my grandfather was raised in East Mauch Chunk; my great-grandfather has a plaque dedicated to him over by the Broadhead Mansion; he was the caretaker there as borough president for a time. My great grandfather was born in the town of Markirch (present day Ste-Marie-aux-Mines) in Alsace. His wife's family was from the town of Schwyz, Switzerland. The area was a true melting pot of Native American, Germanic, Italian, Irish, and Eastern European heritage. In recent years, the area has again become home to persons who are new resident in the United States.

[@christophercucchi6048]

Loved it will return again

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

It's a very unique and interesting city. Glad you had a good time and thanks for watching!

[@Leeniebean]

The town is like a Victorian era town you would find in North Wales. It's absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for sharing.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it. It truly is a unique city in America with a European-like vibe. Thanks for watching!

[@MJ19438]

Lol. I live an hour south of Jim Thorpe......in a town named North Wales

[@larrycold]

I agree and the scenery on the train ride looks like parts of Southern Ireland, Yorkshire UK and the Scottish highlands. I bet you can get great tea and scones there.

[@MJ19438]

@@larrycold You can indeed. I live not far from there

[@oliverw3646]

I was there a couple of times. Marvelous place and the scenic train ride through the Lehigh valley is spectacular

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes It is an inspiring and enchanting village for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@LifeProducersofNewJerseyLLC]

There is a town nearby that looks like it came out of the rocky mountains called Palmerton. I love that whole area, the AT trail goes through there, the views are great, and its affordable.

[@futball24]

Great hiking, challenging rock scrambles and awesome views of the old superfund site caused by smelting. However, the town has nothing going on. Similar to most of the once great deteriorating coal country towns.

[@marysalmon2367]

@@futball24 I live here and have watched Palmerton grow over the years. It's beautiful, safe, has 3 parks one with a pool, lots of great eating places, 2 excellent gyms, a large grocery store, a medical complex, it's situated close to options for hiking, trail running, bike riding. The AT is a mile away as the crow flies and we really are a trail town, welcoming hikers with 2 options to camp in town. Neighbors know each other and there is a real sense of community. Palmerton is far from deteriorating. We have a busy and thriving downtown. The superfund site you mention is now regrown, green and beautiful. It's a great comeback story. You must have visited many years ago.

[@futball24]

@@marysalmon2367 It was probably a decade ago. We only came down for supplies from gas station. We were actually stolen from. They ransacked our packs that were left out front. When we confronted the men, they swung at us and told us to get the F out of our town.

[@hillbillylivesmatter2608]

Stop advertising our area.. to many transplants moving in… y’all screwing with the locals…

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes stay tuned for a video on Palmerton and thanks for watching!

[@utp216]

Great video! My wife and I visited for our five year anniversary and it was a wonderful trip! The train rides are really nice!! 🤗

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it! What a nice anniversary trip. Thanks for watching!

[@josecordova6647]

I had no idea that this place existed. Wow what a find! Thanks for giving us this amazing tour and looking forward every week to more of your content.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Of course and thank you for watching!

[@MadMoonMan1]

Dude this is actually crazy I’m 13 and have lived deep in the mountains of Jim Thorpe but spend a lot of time in town this is crazy you should take some time to learn about the Molly maguires and the crew also the Asa Packer mansion was a great addition

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

For sure the Molly Maguires were a big deal in this part of PA and there was even a movie made about them that was filmed in town. Thanks for watching, and please subscribe for other videos of historical places across the country.

[@davesauerzopf6980]

Honorable mention would be the D&L Trail that goes for miles North and South along the Lehigh River. Biking, Hiking, and Rafting are a must to try. If you bike/hike the D&L trail South from Jim Thorpe you have Weisport, Lehighton, and Slatington. All 3 towns are wonderful to see as well. The D&L trail is basically the RR path from back in the day. Many things to see and observe along the way.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

I've never been to the D&L trail. I'll have to check it out next time I'm in the area. Thanks for the recommendation and for watching!

[@CDA129]

Jim Thorpe, the man, deserves better than the tiny blurb you mentioned about him. James Francis Thorpe was an American athlete and Olympic gold medalist. A member of the Sac and Fox Nation, Thorpe was the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States in the Olympics. The man was one of the greatest all around athletes in the entire world.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

This is a TRAVEL video, not a biography. Nobody cares

[@YahDude]

Aside from people who live here, nobody cares, and frankly many people who live here don't care either. They would have been better off keeping their old name, which sounded much cooler.

[@Swampzoid]

Beautiful and interesting old town and area. I never heard of it before.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes a lot of people are unaware it even exists. Its a very unique and historic town. Check it out.

[@kelf114]

I've been to Jim Thorpe a couple times for shows. I got stranded there once too. It was a miracle bumping into someone we knew who could give us a ride back home! That was pretty amazing.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

"Thank you for watching and sharing your story, Kelf! Jim Thorpe always seems to create unforgettable experiences-getting stranded there must have been quite an adventure. It’s amazing how things worked out for you! What shows did you see, or is there something about the town that keeps bringing you back? If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to subscribe and check out more content on the channel for more amazing destinations!"

[@luisv7117]

I had been there some of the stores the owners live in the secod floor, super friendly I got some spectacular photos too

[@ChadStormTheAftermath]

I lived there for a couple of years before I moved to Las Vegas. It is definitely a beautiful area.

[@camilleney7487]

I lived in Las Vegas for 2 years then I had to come back to " my" mountains. I live a bit further south near Gettysburg though. I do miss the Vegas of the early 1990's though.

[@dilipkaarticbaboo5012]

Thank you for showcasing this hidden gem.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

"Thank you so much for watching, Dilip! Jim Thorpe, PA, really is a hidden gem with so much charm. Have you visited before, or is it on your list now? If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to subscribe and check out some of the other videos on the channel-we’d love to share more hidden treasures with you!"

[@forgottenworld]

Great way to look at this little town. Jim Thorpe was a famous athlete who played for Buffalo.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Thanks for watching! I checked out some of your videos and you have great content too. Subscribed.

[@forgottenworld]

@@ProjectGaiaTravel You do a good job with your on-camera presence. I find it difficult to remember what I am supposed to talk about when camera is on me. Lol.

[@danskinner9669]

Jim Thorpe never even lived there. The town won the rights to his body and brought it to Jim Thorpe and made a memorial. Now the family are in a battle to get his body removed and brought back to them last I heard

[@forgottenworld]

OMG I didn't know that. @@danskinner9669

[@ladyhawk1083]

But did he have any relatives there because my daughter because my daughter married a Thorpe there and she lives there now

[@travelingman484]

I live in the Poconos. I love this place so much as I’m a train guy and plenty of that there as well. I take my wife and get in the touring bike and head over a few times per year. In the summer it gets busy folks so be patient as it’s a small town packed with tourists.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes Jim Thorpe is definitely a unique place to visit and train enthusiasts would love it. I also heard that the railway has a train that will bring bicyclists up the mountain where they can then ride down. Worth a look into. Thanks for watching!

[@HardToBeSomeone]

Parking is a BIG problem - The shops aren’t what they used to be. Not many left. Very pricey. The Packer mansions are pretty interesting. Parking is very costly these days.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes unfortunately the more hip a place becomes the parking tends to go down the tubes. Thanks for watching!

[@titlesticker]

I live just south of Jim Thorpe in Montgomeryville Bucks County area. Have been going to Glen Ononko park for years. How things have changed. I can remember going there and it seemed like it was an unknown hidden gem with the waterfalls hiking up the side of the mountain to the top and also the train tunnel. Jumping off the bridge into the water below. It has definitely come about with time and has become a tourist attraction which is great for the community…….

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

For sure. I love Bucks county as well. Thanks for watching!

[@coalregionrider18960]

Im from upper bucks myself as well.

[@jonathangaliano2617]

Went to the falls for the first time yesterday. Know of any of good falls/trails?

[@jcgross7106]

I was born and raised in Lehighton, just a couple of miles south of Jim Thorpe, and grew up during the time when Jim Thorpe was in pretty bad shape, long before it was cultivated into a tourist hub in the 80s. I no longer live in the area, but still visit occasionally, and have been in Jim Thorpe many, many times, had relatives living there, and remember it well. It has truly come a long way in the last several decades. Visitors might be interested to know that the film, "The Molly Maguires", starring Sean Connery, Richard Harris, and Samantha Eggar (you can Google where to watch it online), was filmed partly in downtown Jim Thorpe (when they went "into town" and to the courthouse) and the surrounding areas. They literally covered the streets in truck loads of dirt and repainted and covered the fronts of some of the buildings to resemble how the town looked during the Molly trials at the courthouse. The courthouse still looks as it did during the dangerous Molly days. It's sad that the famous Flagstaff Park and Dance Hall on top of the mountain directly over the town on the south side, is no longer open to the public. But I hear someone new bought it relatively recently. The views up there of the Lehigh Gorge are amazing, and I think you would have loved that. They used to hold Big Band dances up there every weekend....my mother and her sisters used to go there to dance in the 40s and 50s. Maybe one day developers will reopen it, or at least a lookout point for tourists, so keep an eye out. Also, on the other side of the concrete bridge, on the right, north of the train station, and continuing east to the top of the mountain, is the actual grave of Olympian Jim Thorpe, whom the town is named after. His Native American relatives have petitioned the town to get his remains returned to Oklahoma. But I haven't heard that it's actually going to happen. Anyway, I thought you'd want to know that there are a couple of minor errors in your video. First of all, the original Indian name for the town, Mauch Chunk, is pronounced "Mock" Chunk, not "Mawch" Chunk. And the senior railroad tycoon, Asa Packer, was a man. Harry Packer was his son. Thanks for the nice video of my old stomping grounds. Jim Thorpe looks particularly pretty during the holidays, especially with a couple of inches of snow on the ground, if you can time your visit just right! Just don't risk driving the Mansion House Hill coming into town in bad winter weather, or you could end up flying toward the Lehigh River a hundred feet below! Not kidding!

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Thank you for all of the helpful additional information. Yes I heard that a good portion of the movie was filmed in town and they had to make the town look older and more worn down for historical accuracy. Thanks for the input of additional places to go and see- this always helps fellow travelers- and thank you for the clarification on some of the inaccuracies. I really appreciate your thorough input and I'm glad I could show you a bit of your old stomping grounds in the video. Thanks for watching and please subscribe for more videos of historic places around the country.

[@ThomasCummiskey]

Great video. I discovered JT back in the late 80’s when it first started coming back to life. I hope that little diner is still there near the courthouse. Great memories!!

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Thanks for watching! It truly is a unique and fascinating town in PA.

[@anathebudgetfriendly5963]

I live like around an hour from Jim Thorpe and it’s one of my favorite place to visit, we haven’t able to go this month in October to their fall event cause it’s been raining every Saturday 😢

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Ughh i Know tell me about the rain. There are memes already talking about how its nice all week then on Saturday- always rain. Thanks for watching!

[@praxedes2]

When it wasn't raining, you couldn't get into town. Traffic was backed up all the way up the Mansion House Hill. There was an article in the Times News where they called is "Trafficgeddeon." If they are going to continue doing Fall Fest, they either need to add commuter rail, or more extensive shuttles. It's a great place to go and fall is beautiful, but I feel that it's best visited anytime OTHER THAN fall, because it's not built for the crowds that come.

[@SilverHonda0767]

Used to live in Lansford and went to Panther Valley high school. Also, use to run in the annual race back in the day. Not quite sure if they have their running races in Jim Thorpe anymore? Also, used to catch the Martz Trailways bus in Jim Thorpe to go to Atlantic City.

[@thejdmeffect3257]

I live in Allentown PA. And I passed by Jim Thorpe several times and it's beautiful. Need to come back and take some pictures. And of course, great video. Very detailed and good information about the place.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!

[@seviregis7441]

Thanks for the tour. Looks like a quaint lovely historic town to visit.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it and stop in for a visit if you're ever in the area. Thanks for watching!

[@wwbuirkle]

Took the packer tour this past weekend and it was fantastic

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Oh wow, glad you got to see it, was closed on my trip but will be heading back soon. Thanks for watching!

[@sirduckgtag]

Hey, I like it here it’s very nice. I love Jim Thorpe

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

It truly is an amazingly historic and quaint town. Thanks for watching.

[@Pleasure_Baron]

Thanks for sharing! Loved your video. I will I admit I lol’d every time he said, “big mountains.” The east coast mountains are “big” in our hearts.

[@nuckels188]

I think it's the shapes and colors that people find beautiful, rather than the prominence/scale of peaks like out west. I grew up in PA so the west always fascinated me more but apparently a lot of people from out west find novelty in the rolling green ridges

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

haha west coasters call our east coast mountains hills. Thanks for watching!

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes there is definitely a romance in the rolling peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. Thanks for watching!

[@patriciabritton5917]

Been there when My husband and I lived in PA. It is a neat town. I like the feel about the town.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

for sure it has a unique vibe to that is hard to find in a lot of towns across America. Thanks for watching!

[@charliejg]

Jim Thorpe has definitely blossomed as a tourist spot since the late 80s/early 90s. I live in the Lehigh Valley and spend quite a bit of time in the JT area hiking. Back in the early 90s I did loads of mountain biking and even worked during the summer as a mountain bike guide for one of the rafting/biking companies. The one thing I would add to your information would be the nearby outdoor activity locations like Mauch Chunk Lake, Hickory Run State Park, Lehigh Gorge State Park, Beltzvile State Park and loads of trails on Pennsylvania State Game lands in the area.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Thanks for all of your input, suggestions, and for watching!

[@arseniypogosyan5197]

Lovely place really! Thanks for a tour :)

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Hi Arseniy. Yes Jim Thorpe is one of the most picturesque towns in Pennsylvania and on the east coast of the USA. Thanks for watching and please subscribe if you haven’t already for more videos around Pennsylvania and the world 🌎

[@sneifert1968]

Ten minutes from where we live in Lehighton, PA. Great little town, great people and lots to do.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Jim Thorpe is definitely a unique town to check out in PA. A Lehighton video may be coming up very soon so please stay tuned. Thanks for watching!

[@georgepolasky9809]

Great video. Great town. Wonderfully and enthusiastically narrated. Super job. Thank you.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the tour and thanks for watching!

[@wesschellenbaum2585]

Nice video presentation. You convinced me to go to Jim Thorpe for at least a day trip.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Great I'm glad the video inspired you to go. It's a very interesting and unique town. Thanks for watching!

[@danielcarroll5667]

Thanks , new addition to my "must see" list !

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

It's definitely worth a look- an incredibly historic and unique town. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelfickel]

Beautiful place. Nicely done, thank you.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video tour! Thanks for watching!

[@davehightower1851]

STROM BROTHERS Slate & Copper Roofers do a lot of the Slate and Copper Roofs in that area. They are one of the best Slate & Copper Roofers in the Nation. Top Quality materials and excellent craftsmanship.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Very cool. In a world of mass produced crap we need more builders like this. Thanks for your input and for watching!

[@davehightower1851]

@@ProjectGaiaTravel It's like working with old craftsmen who know their craft when they work. They did a copper roof on our porch 20 years ago and it's still like brand new. PA has all sorts of little towns and cities that are so unique. It's a wonderful state with I believe some of the friendliest people. They need to correct their vote problems so they maintain the beauty of their unique state.

[@katrinascreationscrafting]

The Harry Packer Mansion was the model for the haunted mansion in Disney World.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Very cool. Thanks for the input and for watching!

[@rymillerjr50]

Im surprised you didn't show Jim Thorpe's grave, an Olympic Gold Winner 🏆🥇. His Grave is amazing, fully adorned in the Spring and Summer months. Beautiful Place. ❤

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Next time for sure need to visit the grave. Thanks for the recommendation and for watching!

[@rymillerjr50]

@@ProjectGaiaTravel thanks for making the video. I'm 4 hrs away. Been trying to break away to catch the train ride.

[@jaywhips]

Went there a couple times with my Ex because she grew up going there. Very cool town, awesome to look into the history !

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes Jim Thorpe has a ton of history and a lot to see. A very unique place in PA. Thanks for watching!

[@midnightflyer7510]

Just went white water rafting there this past July. First time there. About a 2 hour drive from where I live in NJ. Had a great time!

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes there are a lot of good outdoor activities nearby and is a quick drive from NJ and NYC area. Thanks for watching!

[@godbluffvdgg]

Weird, I'm in philly for 60 years, I've heard of Jim Thorpe, but never heard it referred to as the "Switzerland of America"...PA is one of the best states in the U.S...

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

I agree. There is so much to do. Many different vibes in the area, and it is filled with history. Thanks for watching.

[@jaywattley335]

as a Truck Driver being I'm always up & down I 476, I only know and been to the Jim Thorpe Travel Plaza on I 476.. but I figured there was a small town somewhere. absolutely beautiful town.

[@ronshireman2401]

Great job, you did the town proud!

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Thank you! Glad you liked it and thanks for watching.

[@628steves]

Never heard of this town. What an interesting video. Greetings from Staten Island. Subscribed.👍👍

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

A lot of people don't know about Jim Thorpe and it is a very interesting place not too far from Staten Island. I live in Brooklyn here myself. Thanks for subscribing and for watching!

[@lisaskokowski1870]

I went there 2 years ago with my daughter and one of her best friends from childhood,we absolutely loved 🥰 this town and I went to so many places when I was there.We also went up the mountain to the music 🎵 venue to see Sara Evans❤ what a great show and great food and shopping too !!

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Very cool, sounds like an amazing experience with your daughter- one where you made nice memories. Thanks for watching!

[@jasonortiz312]

Great job my friend!! You are really great at this. I hope you get your own show on the travel channel or of the like. I very much enjoyed the masterful and professional way you shot this video.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Thank you! Hopefully soon right..... I'm glad you've enjoyed the video and thanks for watching.

[@theclearsounds3911]

I grew up just on the other side of the Delaware Water Gap in New Jersey. I've heard about Jim Thorpe, but never went there. I'm glad to see it's really beautiful!

[@marisantiago6287]

I think Lincoln New Hampshire has a more American Switzerland vibe it’s a beautiful town in the mountains of New Hampshire with so many beautiful sites to see but this town seems cool too I like the small streets and building designs it has own style which I like

[@T-money0985]

I lived a town over in Lehighton for a few years. Nice, scenic towns with neat shops.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes Lehighton is beautiful too. Stay tuned for a video tour.

[@DesireMorley-m7p]

I always love it in fall it’s beautiful

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Will have to check it out for the changing of the leaves.

[@robrobbins]

Jim Thorpe is my favorite small town in Pennsylvania. It is very classy with some fine restaurants and art galleries. You won't find that in other small towns. Although a bit touristy it still seems authentic.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

For sure it has an elegant vibe as well with some of the high end restaurants and galleries. Thanks for watching!

[@PotatoeJoe69]

Grew up in Jim Thorpe. Moved away in 2015 and have only been back once. I miss it.

[@rambojambone4586]

Thank you. I had a friend in the service that was from Jim Thorpe. I got a kick out of my friend explaining how the name came to be!😊

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

I'm glad you've enjoyed the video and thanks for watching!

[@GuniKristofer]

Interresting town.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes it definitely is different and has a unique character.

[@jennsylvania1633]

Beautiful town...Great video!

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the tour of Jim Thorpe. Thanks for watching and please let me know if you have any questions at all.

[@Day1Adventures]

Great information going this weekend

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

I hope the video helped you narrow down what you'd like to see. Thanks for watching!

[@nickrodriguez9867]

I live a 45 min from Jim Thorpe. Always heard of it, never been -- but, it looks really awesome up there.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Definitely take a look at the town if you are in the area. It is definitely unique and interesting to see. Thanks for watching!

[@williamfotiou7577]

Great town, we love it there. Like stepping back to when life and people were better!

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

for sure it really transports you back to the past. Thanks for watching!

[@Kevin-fb7dg]

I love 30 minutes from Jim Thorpe. I used to go there a lot when I was a kid. My great Aunt lived right on Broadway. Not sure what her house is now. It was a bed and breakfast at one time. Love Jim Thorpe

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

It definitely is an interesting and unique place to visit. Must have been nice living right on Broadway. Thanks for watching!

[@Austin8thGenTexan]

The (Packer built) Episcopal Church is architecturally awesome ! Much nicer than the jail. The Packers also built the magnificent chapel on the campus of Lehigh University. 💒

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

I'll definitely have to check out the Episcopal Church next time I'm in Jim Thorpe. Thanks for the excellent suggestion. And thanks for watching!

[@danskinner9669]

The stained glass in that church has blue colors in it that are almost impossible to recreate now.

[@wendabonazza5536]

Great video I live here. I’ve never heard the Switzerland reference before

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Thanks for watching and the support! Yes the Switzerland reference is a newer thing- but is definitely being used lately to bolster tourism.

[@Acts2-38]

This is a great documentary/informational video I really enjoyed it! The one thing about it is the music is so modern, I almost expected to hear the Andy Griffith whistling in the background lol. I'm planning on going up there this weekend on a train ride and we're going to spend a few hours up there and then have the train ride back to reading! So I'm really looking forward to it thanks for the suggestions!

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it! Hope it helps you plan you trip and thanks for watching!

[@HughCorbyCruick]

Great place for a weekend visit.

[@scottyV1000]

Nice summary but there are a lot of historical sites in this town. Probably the most interesting are that some of the Molly Meguires were hung at the jail. One of the cells has a hand print on the wall from one of the Mollies that keeps coming back even though it has been painted over. The film The Molly Meguires was filmed in Jim Thorpe and Eckley’s Miners Village near Hazleton. I worked with one of the extras in the film who told stories of working with Richard Harris and Sean Connery. Another interesting item is the Switchback Railroad used to haul coal over the mountain from Summit Hill to the Lehigh Canal. After the railroads took over this was used as an amusement ride and was considered the first roller coaster. It is long gone but the trails it ran on are still there and worth the hike. The Episcopal church is built into the mountain and has a rock wall. It also has a French elevator. The Packers were the founders of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. I also believe they have a connection to Bethlehem Steel. The whole story of how Mauch Chunk became Jim Thorpe is interesting too. I live in Palmerton to the south and have visited Jim Thorpe many times. It is a bit of a tourist trap now but has done a good job of bringing itself back from the coal boom and bust.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

I love the history of the town and the immediate area. This part of Pennsylvania always fascinated me with its quaint and historic towns, all filled with an interesting story. Thanks for all of your input and for watching!

[@DopeyDetector]

This really belongs on the Who Gives a Shit Channel

[@francisebbecke2727]

Nice town named after a great athlete. I'll have to visit it next time I am in PA.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Definitely check it out. Thanks for watching!

[@shawneldridge4465]

I use to live up here in Jim thorpe off and on since I was 13 years old give or take. I will say the best time to come up to Jim thorpe to visit would be during the fall season. There may not be that much up there to do but it's a nice quiet beautiful little town. Great video for sure

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

I'm sure Fall is amazing due to the changing of the leaves lighting up the sides of the mountains. Maybe worth it to do a Jim Thorpe fall video? What an amazing town to grow up in. Thanks for watching!

[@shawneldridge4465]

@@ProjectGaiaTravel You're very welcome

[@andrew5401]

I live 5 minutes away from Thorpe, it’s a cool place to visit. Nice place to take the motorcycle for a ride.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes for sure I have a lot of friends who ride and like taking the bike up near Jim Thorpe. Thanks for watching!

[@CraigKoppel]

You gave an exceptional review on this beautiful historic town. I am really impressed. I was just here a few days ago. I also made a video that will probably be released Monday. It’s gonna have a lot of drone shots of the town. Again- really nice job here. I liked and subscribed. Have a great day.👍

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it! And I'll check out your video too and subscribe. Happy traveling.

[@lisaflemming2342]

I live in Weatherly, pa, my husband n I go here often. We love JT. Check out sound check records. Great place for hard to find music and memorabilia. Also the opera house is awesome to catch a live show.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Thanks for the recommendations. I'll have to check that out next time. Thanks for watching!

[@DesireMorley-m7p]

I love the nostalgia of it

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Me too it is like stepping into yesteryear. Thanks for watching!

[@larryturfus5897]

Thanks for a great video

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it. It truly is a unique city. Thanks for watching!

[@AK-rr5gt]

🎉 We live a 10 min drive from the center of Jim Thorpe - it's quaint and offers hiking & train rides thru scenic mountains. Stop at the 'pop up' bakery tent near the train station to score a pastry the size of a football! (no joke). Molly Mcquires is awesome for a seat under the back deck on a warm, foggy rainy day to enjoy a coffee and the mountain views. The neat little stores are very unique and offer a lot.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Thanks for all of the great suggestions and for watching.

[@naluczak]

Great little town. Stayed at The Dolan House with my wife for an anniversary. Best spot in town, and makes everything walkable. I highly recommend.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

I'll have to check out the Dolan House next time I visit. Do you remember if the hotel had parking? Thanks for the recommendation and for watching!

[@naluczak]

@@ProjectGaiaTravel yes, a small private lot in front for guests only (seen in 9:56 of this video). The owners are great, one is the chef, the other used to run QC for a “major international hotel chain” and has hospitality down. They will call and make dinner reservations for you at local restaurants that they have deals with, he will also provide a daily itinerary if you just ask and are willing to listen

[@stanleyszymanowski2559]

I have been there lots of times very cool old town

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

It really is. Thanks for watching!

[@MechInfantry2AD]

Wife and I drove down from CT on many occasions to walk through here.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

It definitely is an interesting and unique place and not too far from CT. Thanks for watching!

[@whynot69734]

Keep up the good work JP. You have some of the best videos on youtube!

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Thanks for watching and the support!

[@hirampriggott1689]

Cool train collection. I've been there.I've ridden Lehigh River Gorge on my moutain bike. The town itself is super quaint.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes it is very interesting, quaint, and different. Thanks for watching!

[@lamontraub455]

GREAT VIDEO, I WAS BORN ON RACE ST. MACH CHUNK 73 YEARS AGO. YOU SHOULD HAVE SHOWN A GLIMSE OF THE JIM THORPE GRAVE MEMORIAL UP ON RT 903 GOING EAST OUT OF TOWN UP INTO THE MOUNTAINS TOWARD ALBRIGHTSVILLE PA.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Thanks for watching and yea for sure next time I visit will have to check that out. Maybe I'll make a short for this and add it to the Pennsylvania playlist.

[@LornaT460]

Great for cycling on the rail trail. Bike rentals are available right in town near the trail.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Sounds like a great time. I'll have to rent a bike next time. Thanks for the suggestion and for watching!

[@Michaelengelmann]

I’ve known about it. It was a big thing in high school to go there/the Poconos with friends. I never been. 😭😭😭 Bucks PA.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Definitely check it out. Bucks County is great too. I love New Hope and Doylestown. I have a video on New Hope and a Doylestown one should be coming soon. Thanks for watching!

[@marysalmon2367]

I live 12 miles from JT. If you come here, be sure to explore the switchback trail, which you access right in JT. The D&L is a great trail f0r families to bike together, its level and easy. you can take the Lehigh Gorge trail all the way up to White Haven if you want, that whole area is very beautiful. And Hickory Run state park is adjacent to the Lehigh Gorge state park, so if you hike, trail run or bike this area is amazing. As for the town itself, I visit in the off season. Like many locals, we leave it to the tourists in the fall.

[@ronnrayy5449]

I remember being sent to the camp Adams there in like 2001 or 02 and at some point we took a little field trip to the town of Jim Thorpe and I thought it was a fake town 😆 like it was set up just for show and that outside of touring the place, it was just a ghost town or something. But it was a nice looking little town. It definitely had a different feel to it

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Yes the town definitely maintains a unique vibe. Thanks for watching!

[@futball24]

Is that the juvenile detention camp?

[@stormyrocks4562]

@@futball24yes. And a lot of kids from the “kids for cash” scandal from Luzerne County were sent there.

[@hauntedbearchild]

I live just east of here but the town is basically impossible to drive in. The streets are very small and crowded and very hilly. I would love to explore it more, maybe one day. I also wish they would go back to the Mauch Chunk name. They named it Jim Thorpe when he died while married to this third wife, who became impoverished. The town wanted to draw people to visit and paid the widow to have his body buried there, although he had never even visited the town. His son wanted him buried in Native American burial grounds in Oklahoma and it went through Federal court and was won by the son, then lost on appeal. So, Jim Thorpe remains buried there and the name stays.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

That is a very interesting strategy to bolster economic investment- bury an athlete there. I think a lot of people in the city would like the name reverted to the original as well. Thanks for the info and for watching!

[@sailingslapshot]

That's a huge point to mention! Yes, Jim Thorpe never knew of this town or stepped foot in it. I see it eventually changing name properly back to Mauch Chunk. Also just FYI, Asa Packer was a man. Founder of Lehigh University, railroad exec, and member of House of Reps. But a great video otherwise and Jim Thorpe is great little town to come spend a couple of hours in if you are in range.

[@ladyhawk1083]

My daughter married a Thorpe and lives in Pennsylvania and yes they do have relatives that's up in the mountains

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Very cool and interesting. Thanks for watching!

[@Tunda2]

I have a lot of family down there and in Palmerton. Beautiful area named for a versatile man

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

It sure is! Thanks for watching!

[@jordanskeleton8197]

I always thought it was Ouray Colorado and you can really ski and snowboard there and the mountain replicates Matterhorn please see it ❤

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

I've been getting a lot of suggestions for Ouray Colorado. and it sounds like a great place. Stay tuned that may be coming up soon.

[@YouBetterPreach]

We love Jim Thorpe. We visit often and there is SO much to do. Don't forget to visit the candy store and get their hot chocolate with whip cream and marshmallows.

[@ProjectGaiaTravel]

Thanks for the suggestions and for watching!