Looking for something new to do this summer while vacationing at Mountain Nest? Although not widely marketed, discover the magic of Dorflinger‑Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in Honesdale, then settle in for an unforgettable evening at the Wildflower Concert Series. It’s a weekend filled with woodland exploration, glass‑history, and live music under pine‑tree canopies.
🐦 Step Into Natural Beauty at Dorflinger‑Suydam
Begin your morning at the Dorflinger‑Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, a nearly 600‑acre treasure less than an hour north of Mountain Nest. This sanctuary preserves quiet woodlands, meadows, ponds, and over five miles of well‑maintained hiking trails—perfect for spotting deer, herons, turtles, and countless native wildflowers and songbirds.
As you stroll along shaded paths, you’ll feel the sense of calm that comes from a deep connection with the forest. Interpretive signs along the way reveal details about the sanctuary’s mission and ecology—bringing a layer of wonder that makes it feel part museum, part magical retreat.
When you’re done with your hiking, check out the on‑site Dorflinger Glass Museum, housed in the estate of 19th‑century crystal magnate Christian Dorflinger. With over 900 pieces of ornate cut‑crystal to admire, it’s a fascinating look into the region’s history and artistry. Don’t miss the gift shop to take home some one-of-a-kind treasures from your adventure.
🍔 A Perfect Picnic Among the Pines
After exploring trails and glass, enjoy a picnic on the sanctuary grounds or in one of the designated picnic areas. Bring some prepared snacks and refreshing drinks—it’s a peaceful moment by a pond or in a meadow, where utter stillness becomes part of the experience.
🎶 Evening Magic: Wildflower Concert Series
As the sun begins to dip, return to Dorflinger‑Suydam for the Wildflower Concert Series, taking place Saturday evenings from July 6 to August 17, 2025. Concerts begin at 6 p.m., with seating opening around 5 p.m.—all in a natural amphitheater beneath towering pines. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, pack a picnic supper, and settle in for music and memories.
The 2025 summer lineup is an eclectic delight:
- July 5: Yacht Rock classics with Boat House Row
- July 12: Broadway star Nichelle Lewis
- July 19: Rooted bluegrass from Colebrook Road
- July 26: Tribute to The Beach Boys with Sail On
- August 2: Head‑banging delight of Zeppelin Reimagined
- August 9: Celtic‑pop fusion from Doolin’
- August 16: Multi‑talented Aubrey Logan
Each evening is a sensory feast: live music echoing through the woods, fireflies flickering at dusk, and the fresh scent of pine lingering in the air. Families gather early to spread out blankets, savor snacks, and let children chase the last butterflies of summer.
🌌 Why It All Works
This is the kind of vacation that balances activity with relaxation:
- Nature & history in the morning at the sanctuary—moving with wildlife, learning history, breathing in forest calm.
- Community & culture in the evening at the concert—a chance to connect, sway to live music, and savor summer nights.
It’s restful and also rich with experience. Your kids will be enthralled by glass artistry in the museum, the hush of a forest walk, or the excitement of crowding for a concert under the stars.
💡 Tips for the Trip
|
Tip |
Details |
|
Arrive early for trails |
Early morning is best for spotting wildlife and enjoying cool shade. |
|
Snacks and water |
Bring trail bars, fruit, and hydration whatever the day holds. |
|
Picnic essentials |
Cheese, crackers, sandwiches, cold drinks—plus a blanket to dine under pines. |
|
Concert prep |
Chairs or blankets, bug spray, layers—summer evenings can get cool. |
|
Weather backup |
Check the site—they use Hawley’s high school auditorium if it rains |
🎟️ Note: 2025 Regular adult admission is around $30; youth tickets tend to run about $15. General admission covers the whole series. You can buy your tickets HERE
🌲 Book Your Trip
Ready to pair trails with tunes? Book your stay at Mountain Nest and craft a weekend at the intersection of nature, music, and heritage. The sanctuary opens early summer, and tickets for the Wildflower Concert Series go fast—so plan soon!
Let the Poconos’ summer soundtrack be your own: footsteps through ferns, soft discussions by ponds, and live music under pine‑lit skies. This is more than a getaway—it’s a story you’ll be sharing for years.
If you’re planning a visit to Honesdale after exploring the Dorflinger–Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, here are two top local dining spots your family or group will love:
🍝
Eleganté Ristoranté • Pizzeria
(851 Main Street, Honesdale)
A neighborhood favorite for over 30 years, Eleganté serves classic Italian-American dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Expect hand-tossed NYC-style pizza, house-made pasta, calzones, stromboli, and hearty meaty rolls—all made with fresh ingredients. It’s the perfect stop after a woodland trek: family-friendly, relaxed, and utterly comforting.
Why it stands out:
- Cozy and casual sit‑down dining (or take‑out if you’re heading back to the cabin)
- Meals range from pizza and pasta to wraps, salads, and antipasti
- A welcoming vibe for kids, with familiar favorites and relaxed service
🥞
Town House Diner
(920 Main Street, Honesdale)
This old-school American diner—Scarfalotos Town House diner—is a local institution. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., it’s the go-to spot for breakfast, classic diner fare, and friendly service. Ideal for breakfast before your sanctuary visit or a casual lunch afterward.
Highlights:
- Hearty omelets, pancakes, burgers, and comfort food staples
- Generous portions and quick, friendly service
- A nostalgic small-town diner feel that’s hard to beat
Bonus Option
If you’re looking for a slightly more modern but still family-friendly meal, Tick Tocks on Terrace, on Terrace Street, offers a chef-driven menu featuring seasonal and locally sourced dishes—perfect for lunch or dinner in a fresh, modern setting.
📅 Plan Your Summer Escape
Imagine a day that starts with gentle hikes, wildlife sightings, and crystal history, then ends with music echoing through a forest canopy. That’s the Poconos charm in action: a place where discovery meets rest, where simplicity meets wonder.
Don’t miss this pairing: Dorflinger‑Suydam in daylight + Wildflower Concert Series at dusk. Together, they make a weekend—a memory—you’ll treasure all year long.
Book your stay at Mountain Nest and let the summer good times roll…