Silver Birches Resort

The land on which Silver Birches sits was originally a rural farm before the construction of Lake Wallenpaupack in the mid-1920s. The owners promptly built a 14-room inn on the lake’s man-made shores in anticipation of a local tourism boom. This original weatherboard building remains the inn’s cornerstone, but over the years the property has expanded into 13 structures -- stretched out across a 700-foot shoreline that drapes the entire property, including every room, in panoramic lakefront views. Extensive renovations in 2016 gave much of the resort a fresh face, but interiors retained plenty of their cozy cottage-like ambience, with wooden floors, big leather-and-wood armchairs, and a stone fireplace in the lobby, plus a lovely sunroom with huge windows overlooking the lake.

Silver Birches sits on the edge of Lake Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania’s Hawley -- a popular Pocono Mountain destination. The hotel is an eight-minute drive from Hawley’s charming town center -- with its quaint antique stores, galleries, and eateries -- and within a five-or-so minute drive of Costa’s Fun Family Park, the Hawley Silk Mill, and the Ritz Company Playhouse. A little farther afield, yet still within a 15-minute drive, are the Lighthouse Harbor Marina, Alice’s Wonderland, and the Dorflinger Glass Museum. A number of popular hiking trails are also located nearby: Wallenpaupack Visitors Center and Hiking Trail (two minutes), Shuman Point Hiking Trail (seven minutes), and Bingham Park River Walk (eight minutes). The closest major airport is Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, at about 50 minutes away.

The Silver Birches Resort's 29 rooms come in an array of categories, largely broken down into four types: guest rooms, suites, cottages, and houses. Many open onto porches or decks, and they all have views of the lake. Guest rooms and Suites are divided over five buildings, and while interiors are all fresh thanks to 2016 renovations, each space has its own unique layout and design. While some feature laminate floors and bold clean-lined red furniture that stands out against the all-white bedding, others have a cozier, more traditional feel, with carpet floors, heavy wooden furniture, and plaid armchairs.

Regardless of the season, guests are welcome to join the free Champagne toast held each day at sunset. Silver Birches Resort restaurant The Dock on Wallenpaupack (a former 1940s roadhouse) is one of the area’s most popular casual eateries. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Dock’s menu spans American favorites with plenty of fresh seafood, steaks, and gourmet salads, along with a solid wine list, signature cocktails, and a full bar. There’s seating in the social bar area, the marine-inspired dining room, and the open-air deck right over the water. Pub games and live music on weekends are also on offer. A private dining room and function space are available to Silver Birches Resort guests hosting events.

Silver Birches’ main feature is its lakeside address, though it mostly comes to life in the warmer months when all amenities are in full swing. There’s a lovely outdoor pool and poolside bar, both with panoramic lake views. The seasonal recreation center offers rentals for dock slips, kayaks, pontoon boats, and stand-up paddleboards. Recreational necessities such as ice, cups, snacks, sunscreen, and fishing and boating supplies can be purchased from an on-site store. Scenic lakefront grounds are scattered with fire pits, circles of Adirondack chairs, and outdoor lawn games, along with a couple of gas barbecue grills available to guests. There's also a small playground for the kids.
Silver Birches guests have free access to Lake Region Fitness, as well as discounted access to Woodloch Springs Health Club, which features a hot tub, sauna, and indoor swimming pool. Free, property-wide Wi-Fi and outdoor parking are provided.

The Waterfront at Silver Birches Resort is the property's waterfront wedding venue, able to accommodate 250 guests. Several wedding packages are available and coordinators are available to help plan the ceremony.