Imagine a 1920s Pennsylvania coal town that wanted a hotel so badly that the town’s business leaders went from door to door selling shares. That’s what happened in the Poconos mountain town of Hawley. After surviving the Great Depression and WW II, the former hotel became an upscale bed and breakfast called the Settlers Inn at Bingham Park. Today, the inn is a thriving mainstay of Hawley under the ownership of locals Jeanne and Grant Genzlinger who purchased the inn in 1980.

A historical Craftsman lodge, The Settlers Inn has 21 guest rooms, decorated in a variety of styles and tones. Many feature contemporary amenities such as fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. The Arts & Crafts décor reflects the Genzlingers’ emphasis on simplicity and artistry. Grant is an executive chef, and Jeanne has an interest in organic gardening and cooking. Together they have restored the inn and welcome guests who enjoy the warm hospitality of their upscale inn.

The innkeepers are proud to feature products of local farmers. The seasons and the cultural history of the area shape their ever-changing menu as well as the preparation of each dish. The inn’s fine dining is highlighted by the artisan bakery, which daily yields American and European style breads.

The inn offers several special mid-week, one-night-stay packages:

Romantic Getaway

The Romantic Getaway encourages couples to escape their everyday routine (leave the kids with the babysitter) and enjoy some quality time together. This package includes a rejuvenating, soothing half-hour massage and refreshing accompaniments. In the evening, the couple dines in the chef-owned farm-to-table restaurant featuring menus influenced by the season. $350–$455

A Day at the Spa A Night at the Inn

This package features a choice of two 30-minute spa services at the Utopia Day Spa, located minutes from the inn and a return to the Inn to relax in one of the lovely guest rooms. In the evening, enjoy dinner in the farm-to-table restaurant featuring menu selections highlighting the season. $370–$475

Wine Lovers Package

Joining the inn for one of the special upcoming wine dinners? Visitors can extend their evening in one of the graciously appointed guest rooms and awaken the next morning to a tantalizing homemade breakfast. Package includes lodging, breakfast and wine dinner. Priced accordingly per dinner. 

For information, call 800-833-8527 or visit www.thesettlersinn.com.

Hawley’s small town charm

Hawley is a small mountain town with more than a dozen antique stores, along with quaint shops, great restaurants and entertainment. Located on scenic Lake Wallenpaupack, Hawley has great outdoor activities in the winter months, including ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating at nearby Ski Big Bear in Masthope Mountain, which offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing. For information, visit www.ski-bigbear.com.

Hawley was originally called Hawleysburgh, named for Irad Hawley in 1849, first president of the Pennsylvania Coal Company, which figured prominently in the development of the Hawley-Honesdale area. In 1851 the name was shortened to Hawley.

Lake Wallenpaupack

Lake Wallenpaupack is a 5,700-acre manmade lake built in 1927 by the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company for hydroelectric power. It is 13.5 miles long with 52 miles of shoreline. In the wintertime, Lake Wallenpaupack becomes a winter wonderland. Bundle up and experience the lake’s picturesque winters by ice skating, ice fishing or cross-country skiing. Also, don’t miss one of the area’s biggest winter events, the Ice Tee Golf Tournament on Feb. 24.

For information on Poconos destinations, visit www.800poconos.com or call 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).

Torte Knox

One of the greatest pleasures of visiting a small town is discovering business owners who inspire and enlighten you. One such person is Sheelah Kaye-Stepkin, owner of Torte Knox Recreational Cooking School and Bistro, on Main Avenue, in Hawley.  Sheelah, a nationally renowned pastry chef who has a background in theater, transformed a 1902 bank building into a culinary art school and restaurant in 2003.

Sheelah, who combined her love of baking with theater, received national recognition in 1995 when she was invited to present her sugar artistry at the White House after she was featured in a pilot produced for PBS by the producers of Julia Child’s “Master Cook Series.”

At the top of her game, she was stricken with a brain tumor and endured major surgeries and illness for nearly a decade. In 1997, Sheelah purchased the turn-of-the-century national bank with the intention of turning it into a cooking school. With no funds and facing constant rejection from banks, she moved into the back conference room where she lived in a single room for almost seven years. During this time, she endured two more brain-related surgeries and career setbacks, yet put all her personal finances on the line to achieve her dream of opening a cooking school.

When a doctor in Manhattan pronounced her healed, she put everything she had into opening her cooking school. When she tried to get a liquor license to cook with wine, she was told she had to open a restaurant. So she did. The downstairs officially opened in October 2003.

Today Sheelah can be found wearing an evening gown and preparing evening meals as she gives cooking demonstrations in her “Grand Chef’s Arena,” to the delight of her customers.  “Never say die,” says Sheelah, who relishes her status of second chance.

The restaurant is open Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner and offers a Sunday brunch. For updated hours and information, visit www.torteknox.com or call 866-822-6266.

For information on Hawley and the Poconos area, visit www.800poconos.com or call 570-421-5791.