Bischoff Inn - Best Place to Stay in Upstate PA
Disclaimer: This blog post is in collaboration with Bischoff Inn. This has no effect on our recommendations or evaluations and all opinions are our own. Thanks for supporting our adventures!
The perfect getaway starts with superb accommodations, and we’ve scouted the next place you’ll absolutely want to stay at! If you’re looking to plan a trip to upstate PA (think Jim Thorpe, the Poconos, Hawk Mountain hiking, etc.) you NEED to stay at Bischoff Inn.
Located an hour and a half outside Philly, the Bischoff Inn is a newly opened, beautifully restored 5-room boutique inn. The building was originally the local Conrad Bischoff Planning Mill and Furniture Factory, and the owner has done a fantastic restoration job, creating a modern feel and highlighting historic components like the exposed brick walls and original hardwood floors.
The beautiful boutique inn
We stayed at the Bischoff Inn for a weekend hiking trip in early February. Upon arrival, we were immediately blown away by how charming, quaint, and welcoming the inn was. Every detail was thought out and we could feel the amount of love that went into this project. It was the perfect place to stay and enjoy a weekend of relaxation, discovery, and outdoor adventure! Visit their website to check out their grand opening specials and book your stay.
Contents
Inn Features
Location Highlights
Weekend Itinerary
The Inn
Let’s show you how beautiful this place is:
Relax, read, and have a coffee
Lounge
Airy and inviting, the lounge is the perfect place to sip a cup of tea in the morning or catch up on some reading in the afternoon sun. The Hardy Boys book coffee table was such a cool piece, we totally wanted to steal it.
This microwave? Adorable!
Amenities
Everything you need to get your day started. There’s a tea and coffee bar along with a fully stocked snack section. Yes, we did grab one of every snack before heading out on our hikes (trail mix and pirates booty? A hiker's dream!). The kitchenette has an eclectic mix of cups, glasses, plates and utensils all sporting logos of local organizations - a perfect touch that ties the inn with the community.
*Note - Bischoff Inn does not provide breakfast; only snacks, tea, and coffee. There are plenty of nearby quick and delicious options, like Hope and Coffee, within a 2 minute drive from the Inn.
An original Bischoff made bed frame!
Rooms
All guest rooms are uniquely designed, sporting the inn’s signature funky and eclectic style. Owner and artist Maria Stabio has included her original paintings and prints in rooms which add a personal touch. In each room you’ll find comfortable queen beds, built in work stations, and spacious living areas to relax in.
We stayed in the crown jewel of the inn - the Bischoff Suite. Spacious, luxurious, rustic and modern, this room made our jaws drop as we walked in. It’s outfitted with original Bischoff made furniture which makes the room feel extra special. We definitely recommend booking this suite!
Cozy work station
Location
Bischoff Inn is located in the small, historic town of Tamaqua, PA, which is close to many popular outdoor recreation areas and neighboring scenic towns.
It’s close to many larger cities, located just 45 minutes from the Lehigh Valley, 30 minutes from Jim Thorpe, 1 hour 30 minutes from Philadelphia and 2 hours 30 minutes from New York City, making it an ideal weekend getaway no matter where you live.
Crossing the Lehigh River on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway train
What To Do
Bischoff Inn’s location is perfect for those looking to get outside. Tamaqua is surrounded by rolling hills, pristine streams, and scenic vistas, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Check out the nearby state parks like Locust Lake State Park and Tuscarora State Park, for hiking, fishing, kayaking and boating.
Tamaqua is in Schuylkill County, which offers some amazing hikes. We recommend Hawk Mountain, which has many different trails ranging from easy to difficult. Bonus: you’ll likely spot many birds of prey in the fall months. Another great option is Pulpit Rocks, a fabulous hike with beautiful views. Pulpit Rocks can be extended to the Pinnacle trail - one of PA’s best hikes!
Crisp sunrise on Locust Lake
For those planning a fall foliage trip to Jim Thorpe, opt to stay at the Bischoff Inn and take the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad train from the Tamaqua station into Jim Thorpe. You’ll avoid all the crazy traffic and get a scenic ride in!
In warmer months, you can book a white water rafting trip in Jim Thorpe, kayak on Locust or Tuscarora Lake, or mountain bike around Owl Creek Reservoir.
For colder months, Bischoff Inn is less than an hour away from Jack Frost Ski Resort in the Pocono mountains!
North lookout on Hawk Mountain
Hiking areas near Bischoff Inn:
Hawk Mountain
Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop
Tuscarora Lake State Park
Locust Lake State Park
Lehigh Gorge State Park
Hickory Run State Park
Beltzville State Park
Itinerary
There are many activities you can choose from while staying at the Bischoff Inn. Itineraries for each season are included on their website as well as all guest books.
We detailed our weekend itinerary to kickstart your travel planning:
Friday:
Arrive at Bischoff Inn
Dinner at La Dolce Casa - split the entrees, they’re huge!
Don’t forget to grab a homemade cookie after dinner
Saturday:
Breakfast at Hope and Coffee
Drive or take the train from Tamaqua to Jim Thorpe
Take a ride on Lehigh Valley Scenic Railroad - purchase your tickets in advance here
Explore Jim Thorpe’s Main street - make sure to visit the Harry Potter cafe, Muggles Mug, get a donut from Donerds Donuts, and browse the many boutiques
Hike Glen Onoko falls - make sure to follow trail guides. Part of this trail has been closed since 2019. We followed this AllTrails route.
Dinner at Jim Thorpe - we loved Moya!
A beautiful frozen waterfall at Glen Onoko
Sunday:
Get up early for a sunrise hike around Locust Lake or Tuscarora Lake. In warmer months you can kayak or paddleboard.
Return to Tamaqua for a delicious Sunday brunch at the Train Station Restaurant
Explore Tink’s Antiques in Tamaqua and hunt for a unique find (Fun fact - lots of the decor at Bischoff Inn was found here!)
Stop by Coal Cats Cafe for some adorable feline interaction and a coffee pick me up
Hike Hawk Mountain (make sure to pick up some snacks from the Bischoff Inn before leaving) - There are great overlooks along the Lookout Trail. You can also extend your hike by completing the River of Rocks trail loop
Running into the sunrise on Locust Lake
Overall Thoughts
We will definitely be returning to the Bischoff Inn! It’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway no matter the season. The ideal location, charming furnishings, and proximity to so many outdoor activities made for an exceptional weekend away.
Their grand opening 15% discount is running until May 25th, 2023. Visit their website to start planning your getaway now!
