Ledges Hotel- Hawley, PA

The Ledges Hotel is all about the great outdoors. Yes, it is a fabulous reuse project, situated in a fun old factory, but its location and grounds steal the show. With several spaces overlooking the magnificent Wallenpaupack Falls, you won’t want to stay inside for long.

Built in 1890 as the John S. O’Connor American Rich Cut Glass Factory, the impressive three story bluestone building was not just functional; including ornamental touches such as pediment windows and decorative cornice, the Federal style structure almost complimented its surroundings. Seemingly carved out of the bedrock at the base of the falls, the factory relied upon hydropower for its production process, with a 300 candle power dynamo in its basement.

Known for their fine Brilliant Cut glass, the factory produced several collectible patterns throughout the Gilded Age, including Parisian, Florentine, and Princess. In 1926, the factory was sold, and production shifted to silk manufacturing, then later general textile production. During World War II, the Arrow Throwing Mill produced nylon for parachutes at the scenic site.

Unbelievably, the mill remained in use until 1987, outliving almost all other such factories in the Northeast. In 1988, the substantial structure was converted to an inn, with wood from the original Bellemonte Silk Mill trusses incorporated into the design, which is surprisingly modern, and feels somewhat Scandinavian. The Contemporary Rooms here are stark, and very small. Like dorm room small, with many having a less than impressive view of the parking lot.

That said, you truly won’t spend much time in your room. In addition to several firepits and decks, the hotel features a fabulous wine bar, with views of the falls. It also offers shuttle service to its sister properties, which include the lakeside Silver Birches and the Arts and Crafts stunner Settlers Inn. That is, if you get tired of the scenic surroundings of The Ledges, which you probably won’t.