HAWLEY, PA — Walking around Main Street Hawley, it’s easy to sense the history embedded in this quiet corner of Northeast Pennsylvania. Names crown the brick-walled buildings, the remnants of the buildings’ original occupants: the Murray building, the Hensel building, the Oddfellows Hall. 

Alongside that history exists a wide range of opportunities from relaxation, including shops, restaurants and trails. 

What's better than diner food in the morning? Lake Wally Cafe has that in spades.

RR photo by Liam Mayo

Lake Wally Cafe

Looking for a solid start to the morning? Look no further than the Lake Wally Cafe. The establishment offers the full menu of diner-style favorites, from omelets and pancakes to biscuits and gravy, as well as some specialty fare, such as a “Lake Wally Burger” hearkening to the nearby Lake Wallenpaupack, with two patties, onion rings and “wally sauce.”

If in doubt of what to get at Queen of Cups, try one of its specialty drinks; they're delicious!

RR photo by Liam Mayo

Queen of Cups

Located in the Hawley Hub, Queen of Cups offers refreshment for any Main Street stroller. In addition to a rotating roster of delectable seasonal drinks (current offers include a Cherry Vanilla Espresso Seltzer and a S’Mores Iced Latte), the cafe offers a delicious array of salads, sandwiches and treats. Those visiting the café can also peruse an eclectic collection of vintage finds, for sale off a side room at the back of the shop. 

Entering Housefly Fishing, you get welcomed in by an open-space floorplan and lots of warm, wood-tinged light.

RR photo by Liam Mayo

Housefly Fishing

For the fly-fishing a-fish-ionado (and for those who would be interested to learn), Housefly Fishing offers books, home goods and, of course, fishing gear, inspiration and equipment for an expedition to the nearby Lackawaxen or to parts beyond. “We strive to couple our love for fishing and the outdoors with conservation and community,” reads the about page on their website. 

Beware, the wandering wallet that makes its way to Final Boss, for it may leave lighter than it came...

RR photo by Liam Mayo

Final Boss

Looking for a new card game—or for a place to play it? Final Boss has a full calendar of events bringing together gamers from around the area for in-store play or restocks on collectables. For those in need of gift ideas, board games can be an excellent housewarmer or party inclusion (depending on the level of competitiveness shown by your family or friends).

Chocolate never goes out of style, and Lee's Chocolates and Souvenirs makes it easy to indulge.

RR photo by Liam Mayo

Lee’s Chocolates and Souvenirs

For those who prefer their gifts of the edible variety, Lee’s Chocolates and Souvenirs has you covered! The store offers a wide selection of hand-dipped chocolates, as well as locally-themed souveniers—for instance, a shirt adorned with a skeleton diving beneath the waters of Lake Wallenpaupack to explore the town flooded at the bottom. 

Some blocks off of Main Street, the Grains at Vogler's Feed Store offers books, home decor and a selection of witchy vibes, located in a historic feed mill covered with trailing vines.

RR photo by Liam Mayo

The Grains at Vogler’s Feed Store

Some blocks off of Main Street, the Grains at Vogler’s Feed Store offers books, home decor and a selection of witchy vibes, located in a historic feed mill covered with trailing vines. Anyone looking for secondhand books or for beautiful notebooks will find their fill, here. 

The Gorge Trail winds through lush, green forests (or, at this time of year, through forests surrendering to autumn's bronzing touch.

RR photo by Liam Mayo

The Gorge Trail

Those who enjoy spending time outdoors have lots of options in and around Hawley. One of them, the Gorge Trail, offers 1.6 miles of hiking connecting downtown Hawley with the expanse of the Wallenpaupack Creek Trail beyond, allowing the intrepid traveler to make it all the way to Lake Wallenpaupack. Parking for the trail is located at the Riverside Dog Park, 757 Church Street; the trail itself starts at 204 Cromwell Street, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Main Street’s shops. 

There wasn’t enough space on the page to highlight all of Hawley’s fabulous spots (we didn’t even touch on the magical world of vintage that can be found there!). Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know at liam@riverreporter.com