The Poor Mom Revolution

The holidays are my favorite time of year! Everything about the season is magical and brings out that giddy, childhood side of me. I love going on adventures, seeing all the lights and making beautiful memories together. Of course this season is also a time where we, like many others, are struggling financially between gift-giving, wanting to experience all the adventures and simply living life. With the cold weather approaching we also are inside a lot more, it’s getting darker sooner so the days feel shorter and the winter slump start to set it. I’ve been on the hunt for activities for us to do in and around the Pennsylvania area and I’ve compiled a bunch for you in case you were interested in taking a trip, need a weekend getaway or just an evening activity for the locals. Feel free to let me know of any other fun activities you’ve experienced and I’ll add it to the list!

Peddlers village in Lahaska, PA

• 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA 18931
• Events & festivals are the draw at this charming, old-fashioned “village” with 65 shops & an inn especially around the holiday times
• Tons of fabulous bars and restaurants with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian menu options.
• Just an hour outside Philadelphia, 90 minutes from the Poconos and 10 minutes from New Hope Pennsylvania.
• It’s free to walk around and is open 10am to 9pm Just about every day!

Jim Thorpe train ride (Santa special)

• Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
• 1 Susquehanna Street, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
• 70 minute train ride allows for a meet and greet with Santa and a little treat with his elves on Friday, Saturday and Sundays through December 24th!
• Train departs promptly at 10:30 am, 1pm and 3:30 pm
• Standard Coach:
  •  $20/adult, $9/child (3-12); 
• Open Air Car:
  • $24/adults; $10/child (3-12), free for children 2 and under
• Jim Thorpe has a ton of cute small town shops and restaurants to spend the day. My favorite is the Harry Potter themed coffee shop! 

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA

• A Longwood Christmas from November 17th 2013 to January 7th 2024.
• Enjoy a very retro Christmas with beautiful trees, nostalgic moments, tons of lights
• The fountain water show that is set to music
• Ticket pricing:
  • $30 adult
  • $16 youth ages 5 to 18 
  • $27 seniors 62+
  • $27 student with student ID
• They have restaurants and beer gardens, so there are plenty of places to stop for food and drinks during the day with vegan/ vegetarian friendly options for the whole family.