*Photo from Ski Big Bear

The Downtown Hawley Partnership describes Hawley, Pennsylvania as having small town charm with big town culture, and our agents couldn't agree more. The charm radiates throughout Hawley, and at just two hours from NYC, it's an ideal location for home buyers. With just over 1,000 official residents and a beautiful downtown business district Hawley has something to do for everyone. Wintertime in Hawley provides an opportunity to experience nature in a completely different way. Here's how to make the most of your winter in the great outdoors in Hawley:

The Annual Winter Carnival, taking place on January 30th from 10am-4pm, is the perfect family-friendly event with winter games, food, and fun! Go out and enjoy ski races, obstacle courses, lollipop scavenger hunts, corn hole, and more. The celebration also includes food specials, music, and s'mores & hot chocolate by the firepit. Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain is 12 miles from downtown Hawley. The mountain features a 650 foot vertical drop, 18 trails, a Terrain Park and seven lifts, including three Magic Carpet lifts.

The Wally Ice Fest, taking place February 5th-6th, is another local activity you wouldn't want to miss. It celebrates everything winter is known for– snow, ice, and some old-fashioned pond hockey. Teams from Long Island, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and all points in between will compete during the Pocono Pond Hockey Tournament. Spectators can enjoy live music, bonfires, ice golf, key curling, keg tossing, and axe-throwing. Local brewing companies and food vendors will be rounding out the event with food and drinks for all!

The Annual Winter Beer Fest, taking place on February 5th from 12pm-3pm, is located at the Skytop Lodge Outfitter Shops. Grab your family and friends and enjoy the fresh winter air, live music, axe throwing, great assortment of foods, and ice skating on the lake!

Delaware Highland Conservancy 
Bald eagles are one of the world's most beautiful and mysterious creatures, and you have the chance to see them in their natural habitat. The Delaware Highland Conservancy is a non-profit organization based in Hawley and Bethel, NY that is dedicated to land protection. Spend the day on an eagle-watching tour. You will be transported on a heated bus to some of the area's most popular viewing locations. Trained guides also provide in-depth information and answer any questions you may have throughout the tour.

UTV Tours in the Snow
The UTV tours offer a little bit of everything with a cruise through the woods trails, an adrenaline filled trip through the challenge course and run down the outside of the race track alongside the Long Pond Straight. Tours are guided at all times, and are approximately 1 hour, the guides are in their own vehicles, and you will follow them throughout the trails. The team at Pocono Outdoor Adventure Tours is ready to give you a scenic and adrenaline filled tour on the property of the famous Pocono Raceway.

Happy Trails Stables
If you love to go horseback riding, head to Happy Trails Stables, located roughly 15 miles from Hawley. Open year around, their adventures include trail rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, hayrides and sleigh rides. So, get your boots, gloves and jackets. It is never too cold to go riding!

Ski & Snowboard Resorts near Hawley

• Ski Big Bear
• SkyTop Lodge Skiing
• Villa Roma Resort
• Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
• Elk Mountain Ski Resort

If you are thinking of relocating to the Poconos, Hawley is a fantastic option. View currently available homes for sale in Hawley, PA.