WE’RE OUTTA HERE

a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads

Oh, oh…. Here comes the future. That was what many thought back in the early 1800s as machines and technology and innovation came to the forefront and what is known as the Industrial Revolution took hold. For you Luddites out there, the Industrial Revolution transformed economies that had been based on agriculture and handicrafts into economies based on large-scale industry, mechanized manufacturing, and the factory system. New machines, new power sources, and new ways of organizing work made existing industries more productive and ef cient. What took hours now took minutes. What took a dozen men now took…umm – no one. It was a worldwide phenomenon, but in the United States, it was especially huge in the northeast. In the Pennsylvania town of Hawley industry took off in a big way. Glass seemed to be at the forefront here. Today we don’t think twice about glass – but for centuries it was a mystery. This is where our featured hotel comes in. According to the hotel’s history… In the 1890s, J.S. O’Connor American Rich Cut Glass Factory churned out thousands of exquisite pieces. In its heyday, it was one of the largest glass cutting factories in America. J.S. O’Connor was an Irish immigrant and Civil War veteran. After 23 years working as the head of the Dor inger Glass Factory in nearby White Mills, O’Connor built his own factory on Wallenpaupack Creek with water from the creek powering the plant. For years the O’Connor Glass Factory was one of the largest employers in Wayne County. But time moves on and in 2011 Settlers Hospitality acquired the property and transformed the ve-story Federal-style building into a boutique hotel and restaurant. Settled between the ourishing natural beauty of rock ledges and Paupack High Falls, in Hawley, PA, Ledges Hotel affords modern conveniences amid rustic charm. We had been to this hotel years back, but we visited it during our Indian Summer romp. Ledges could be a hovel and it would not matter – as the Paupack High Falls are extraordinary in every way. But Settlers Hospitality has made this into one of the nest hotels we have stayed in in a long time. When we were there the falls were running their natural ow – but if you are there when they open the dam it is truly amazing. Still, this evening we had a full Beaver moon in the middle of our starry dome with Jupiter keeping watch high above. The hotel has a wonderful and easy-going feel – even it is a bit of an upscale place. Around the property, and the spectacular Paupack High Falls, are a number of spots where you and yours can simply sit with a glass of wine and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds the hotel, which ts in quite nicely with it all. Like it has been there from the beginning. The staff can make or break a lodging, and the folks at Ledges were very accommodating, putting up with my repeated historical queries. The hotel, located in the old glass factory, has 21 rooms. They could have twice as many, but they chose to make each room big, comfortable, and special in its own way. Our room that night

BACKROADS • APRIL 2022 Page 17 had a very neat aircraft motif. Two levels with an 18-step spiral staircase that leads to the bedroom. This brings me around to the restaurant and bar. Glass. Wine. Bar. Kitchen. Before dinner, we sat down for a cocktail and Shira ordered the oddest thing. A smokey bourbon concoction that looked like something from a ‘50s evil scientist movie – but, evidentially, it was quite good. The bourbon girl would know. Stepping outside we took in the falls, lit nicely this evening, and the stunning full moon.

As Buffett would say – “Life was good on our boat.” Even if the day was a warm Indian Summer, when the sun dropped so did the temperatures, but the enclosed dining porch was comfortably warm. The food was comfortably delicious, all prepared by Chef Travis Lugo; I took in what others were ordering and the presentation. Ordering would be tough. Our waitress was personable and there, but never intrusive. Shira was going for small plates, from which I would gleefully steal. Spanishstyle meatballs, ash-fried with a creamy polenta & ragu and the Wild Boar Bolo, a superb combination of Bolognese, tagliatelle, and incredibly avorful parmesan Reggiano. She added onto this the fried Brussel sprouts done up with local honey from Lukan’s Farm; a family-owned farm that has been harvesting some of the best honey in the northeast. For me I went for the Lamb Chops – two beautiful and fairly large lollipop-style chops done in a deep red wine bordelaise. All wonderful. They also offer Seared Royal salmon, duck, New York strip steak and the cheese & charcuterie is a family-sized monster and is a meal all on its own. The bed, shower, and everything else were four-star and if you are searching for a special place – the Ledges just might be it. ~ Brian Rathjen