The Willow Tree

Photo courtesy of the Willowtree Inn

By Suzanne F. McCool

Although there has been a building and various businesses for over 200 years on the site of the present day Willow Tree Restaurant, it did not become the beautiful restaurant we’ve come to know and love until the 20th century. And now it continues into this 21st century.

The lovely Willow Tree Restaurant in historic downtown Stroudsburg is very historic itself, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a boarding house and eating establishment. The original structure predates the 1815 incorporation of Stroudsburg by the state legislature as a borough. Stroudsburg was named for Jacob Stroud who was a self-made businessman credited as being the first merchant of Stroudsburg. He is also known as Colonel Jacob Stroud (1735-1806) having served in the Pa militia and known as a Revolutionary War patriot.

In 1760 Stroud bought 300 acres of land, which encompasses downtown Stroudsburg, from Derick Van Vliet, an immigrant from Holland. Within a year Stroud built a large home, considered a mansion, at the corner of Ninth and Main Streets. Today it is known as the Stroud Mansion and houses the Monroe County Historical Association (MCHA). There are plans underway to add on to the present structure which is bursting at the seams, as it houses an enormous collection of Monroe County history and artifacts. Jacob Stroud was determined to create a planned community development which he named “Stroudsburg.” He and his son Daniel are credited with laying out the streets of Stroudsburg, some being named for his children.

Today the Willow Tree Restaurant is a popular, vibrant restaurant known for fine dining in a uniquely beautiful setting overlooking the Michael’s Creek through the spreading branches of the old growth “Willow Tree” for which the restaurant is named. For the past 30 years, the Willow Tree Restaurant has been owned and operated by George and Cat Nunn who have brought the restaurant to its present day level of fine dining and special ambiance in its beautiful serene setting. George Nunn, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY, is constantly innovating and revising their menu. He and Cat are proud to support local growers and to serve farm fresh food. The restaurant is attractively appointed with lovely antiques and often hosts large gatherings in various areas. George and Cat are known for their special Halloween display each year, even tilting the window shutters to make it look extra spooky!

Retiring after three terms as a Monroe County Commissioner, I know firsthand how popular the Willow Tree Inn has been with the Courthouse crowd, downtown shoppers and tourists. The changing daily specials are also a big hit with customers, and quite affordable. The choice of outdoor and indoor dining

Photo courtesy of the Willowtree Inn

Photo courtesy of the Willowtree Inn

has been especially practical and popular with diners during the warm weather months and especially during this time of COVID concerns.

Stroudsburg is a very attractive town with a rich history. After dining at the Willow Tree, one could amble over to the Stroud Mansion and pick up a brochure, designed by an historical architect years ago, which features many historic buildings and forts. Take a nice walking tour of historic Stroudsburg, and enjoy the many attractions in the borough.

Suzanne is a native of the Poconos and a former schoolteacher and former Monroe County Commissioner. She has recently published her own book, and lives with her husband Terry in Stroudsburg. Today, Suzanne enjoys writing, traveling and visiting her grandchildren. Willowtree Inn

(570) 476-0211 • www.thewillowtreeinn.net 601 Ann Street, Stroudsburg, PA

90 Washington Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 570-424-1131