If you are a film enthusiast or always wanting to explore new places, set-jetting offers a unique way to combine both passions! Set-jetting involves traveling to the real-life locations where your favorite movies and TV shows were filmed. The Poconos region, with its picturesque landscape, has quietly played a role in several films and shows over the years. Whether you’re looking to walk in the footsteps of Hollywood stars or simply want to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, the Poconos offers a perfect set-jetting adventure.
The Molly Maguires (1970)
The Molly Maguires is a historical drama set in a coal mining town in Pennsylvania. Based on true events, the film follows a group of Irish immigrants who engage in acts of sabotage and violence as they fight against harsh conditions imposed by the mining companies.
Most of the film was shot in the Poconos to capture the rugged location. Take a quick drive over to the historic town of Eckley where most of the movie was shot. Well known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, the mining town has been converted into a museum that you can visit today. The Eckley Miners’ Village museum has the coal breaker prop that was used in the movie.
Take a scenic journey over to the town of Jim Thorpe and the Carbon County Courthouse. Here you can see where the iconic trial scene was filmed. Special note: for those who are indie film buffs, be sure to catch the Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival, held in April every year. You can enjoy 90 world-class films of every description, plus live music and parties packed into America’s most charming Victorian town.
The Office (2005 – 2013)
Considered by many to be one of the greatest sit-coms of all time, The Office was famously centered around Scranton, PA and the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. Michael Scott and his crazy crew of office staff had many encounters all over this Pennsylvania area. You can still see some iconic references from the show including bars and restaurants. Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe, which was famously confused for Pizza by Alfredo, is still serving up great pies. Plus you can check out Cooper’s Seafood House, which was included in several episodes, and boasts the largest “Office” themed gift shop in the US. Poor Richard’s Pub, The Steamtown Mall and the iconic Penn Paper Tower, from the introduction, are also popular places to visit.
School Ties (1992)
School Ties, a powerful drama with a star-studded cast featuring Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck, was filmed in various locations across Pennsylvania. The opening scenes are composed of shots of the Bethlehem Steel Plant in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Mobile Station, Chip’s Diner and the Roxy Theatre were all filmed on Main Street in Northampton, Pennsylvania, as well.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
- Night Shyamalan’s iconic thriller, The Sixth Sense, was primarily filmed in Philadelphia. Starring Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment, this gripping movie had an ending that is still revered as one of the most shocking! It grossed $672.8 million worldwide, and was nominated for 6 Oscars, including “Best Picture”, “Best Director and Best Original Screenplay” for Shyamalan, “Best Supporting Actor” for Osment, and “Best Supporting Actress” for Collette. The movie was the highest-grossing horror film until 2017 and considered one of the greatest horror movies of all time. You can see some of the iconic buildings that are in the film in Philadelphia, such as St. Augustine’s Church on 4th and New Streets in Old City and on Saint Albans Street in Southwest Center City. Other locations that filming took place were Blue Bell, as well as the grocery store fronts in Bryn Mawr, PA.
The Florentine (1999)
The Florentine is a drama that delves into the lives of the working-class characters in a small Pennsylvania town as they frequent The Florentine, a local bar, in the days leading up to the bartender’s sister’s wedding. It was filmed in various locations across the Poconos. Visitors can go to Allentown to explore some of the landmarks that capture the spirit of the film. The interior of the iconic bar is Mother’s Tavern in Centre Square, Easton. The exterior of the bar is the Mount Vernon Ale House, at 6th and Northampton St. in Easton, PA.
Your Set-jetting Experience
Set-jetting in the Poconos offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich film history. And to make your adventure truly unforgettable, set up your home base in one of our large and charming vacation rentals. As the leader in offering large homes for groups and large families for over 25 years, Pocono Mountain Rentals has some stunning properties just waiting for new memories to be made!
