Flames swept through a family-owned Pennsylvania skate shop in November 2025, forcing its owners to close the doors of a business they had spent years building. Firefighters saved neighboring storefronts, but the damage left the family facing months of repairs and uncertainty.
The shop had become a gathering place for local skateboarders and snowboarders, offering equipment, clothing, and encouragement to riders of all ages. Its loss affected more than the people who worked behind the counter.
I love how the owners responded by rebuilding rather than giving up. With support from the surrounding community, they reopened in April 2026 and introduced an unexpected addition to the business.
Alongside the skateboards, snowboards, and lifestyle accessories, the revived location now includes a tattoo studio. The comeback gave the family a fresh start while preserving a place that local riders already considered their own.
The Surprise Is Waiting Behind All Those Clothes
Clothes up front, boards in the back. That simple layout is the twist at Holy Stokes, a skate and snowboard shop in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Plenty of people stop in expecting a basic board shop. Instead, the front of the store reads more like a lifestyle boutique, with clothing, accessories, and jewelry on display.
Keep moving, though, and the full board shop opens up in the back. Skateboards, snowboards, and the gear that goes with them live back there, ready for riders of every level.
I like how this setup works for mixed groups. One person can browse shirts while another studies deck shapes, and nobody has to wait in the car.
The combination also explains the shop’s name pretty well. Stoke is that buzzing excitement riders feel after a great run or a clean trick.
Holy Stokes seems built to hand out that feeling, whether you ride or not. A new hat counts as stoke too, at least in my book.
Small towns don’t always get shops with this much range. Having both a boutique and a board shop in one downtown spot feels like a pretty great bonus for the area.
A November Fire Closed the Shop for Five Months
On November 23, 2025, a fire broke out at Holy Stokes on Washington Street in East Stroudsburg. Firefighters from two departments responded and prevented the flames from spreading to neighboring businesses.
No injuries were reported.
The damage forced the family-owned shop to close for months. Owner Charles Pruettipun later described the experience as a shock, but said the family focused on rebuilding and returning to the work they loved.
Community support helped the business recover. By late April 2026, Holy Stokes had reopened its doors, bringing skateboards, snowboards, clothing, and accessories back to downtown.
The rebuilt business also introduced an unexpected addition: a tattoo studio. It marked a new chapter for a shop that had spent years supporting the local skateboarding and snowboarding communities.
Charlie And Dawn Are The Reason People Keep Coming Back
Owner Charles “Charlie” Pruettipun is one of the driving forces behind Holy Stokes, a family-run skate and snowboard shop with deep connections to the local riding community.
Charlie and Dawn help give the downtown shop its welcoming, family-run atmosphere. Charlie’s name pops up again and again whenever folks talk about board advice and honest help.
That kind of reputation doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from taking time with each person, asking questions, and steering them toward gear that actually fits their needs.
I can’t imagine a better way to shop for something as personal as a board. A website can’t watch you stand on a deck or ask how often you hit the mountain.
The owners also have a habit of answering messages with real warmth. Their replies often mention hoping to see someone and their family at the mountain, which says a lot.
It feels like the shop treats customers more like neighbors than sales. That’s a rare thing in a world full of quick clicks and faceless checkout pages.
So when you stop by, go ahead and ask questions. Charlie and Dawn clearly enjoy sharing what they know, and their excitement tends to rub off fast.
Your First Skateboard Can Be One You Helped Build
Gracie’s first skateboard build happened right here. Her dad shared the moment, and the shop answered by hoping to see her out skating soon.
Building a board is a big deal for a beginner. You pick the deck, the trucks, the wheels, and the bearings, then watch it all come together.
Holy Stokes helps walk new riders through that whole process. The staff can explain what each part does without making anyone feel silly for asking.
Here’s my practical tip for parents. Bring your kid along instead of buying a board as a surprise, because the choosing is half the fun.
A custom build also teaches kids how their board works. When a wheel feels off later, they’ll have a better idea of what to check.
Adults are welcome to start fresh too. Plenty of first-timers have gotten set up with a board here, and nobody hands out age limits on learning something new.
I like how a single afternoon can turn into a whole new hobby. One shop visit, one finished board, and suddenly the driveway looks like a skatepark waiting to happen.
Snow Season Brings Out The Shop’s Other Superpower
Skateboards get top billing in the name, but winter changes the mood. Holy Stokes carries snowboards and snowboarding gear for riders heading into the Pocono Mountains.
That makes a lot of sense for this corner of Pennsylvania. Ski areas sit within easy reach, and riders need a reliable place to gear up before the first big storm.
The staff will recommend a snowboard based on your riding style and skill level. That matters, because a board that works for an expert can frustrate a beginner fast.
So be honest when you talk with them. Tell them how often you ride, what terrain you like, and whether you’re still learning to link turns.
Goggles, outerwear, and accessories round out the winter side of things. The shop carries snowboarding equipment and accessories, although specific brands and available sizes can change with the season.
Nobody wants to pick a snowboard in a rush on the way to the lift. A little planning means more time carving and less time fiddling with the wrong gear.
Kids Get Their Own Fun Corner Of The Racks
Tiny army guys riding tiny skateboards. Those little toys once had a young shopper hooked, and honestly, I get it.
Holy Stokes stocks a surprising selection of clothes, and that includes options for kids. Families don’t have to settle for adult sizes and rolled-up sleeves.
That small detail makes the shop feel welcoming to parents. A family trip downtown can include something for everyone instead of one bored kid tugging on a sleeve.
Kids who already skate will love poking around the board section too. Seeing real decks and wheels up close can spark a lot of excitement.
Here’s a smart move for birthdays and holidays. Let your kid pick a small accessory or shirt, then save the bigger board purchase for when they’re ready to ride.
The owners have a clear soft spot for young riders. Their replies often mention little ones and hoping to see families at the mountain.
I believe that’s how lifelong riders get started. A friendly shop, a cool toy, and a grown-up who takes their questions seriously can stick with a kid for years.
Accessories That Make Browsing Dangerously Fun
Sunglasses, jewelry, shoes, and beach towels all share shelf space here. That’s quite a lineup for a shop with skateboards in the back.
Holy Stokes leans into its lifestyle side with fun accessories. Shoppers have picked up affordable shades, skate shoes, and Sand Cloud towels during their visits.
Those towels are a fun find for summer plans. They make a handy pick for lake days, beach trips, or tossing in the car for a spontaneous adventure.
Jewelry adds another layer of personality to the store. It gives non-riders a reason to linger, and it makes gift shopping a lot easier.
My tip is simple. Set a browsing budget before you start, because small items add up quickly when everything looks this good.
Skate shoes deserve a special mention too. Good skate shoes need grip and durability, so trying them on in person beats guessing your size online.
I like that the accessory section never feels like an afterthought. It reflects a whole outdoor lifestyle, from snowy mornings to sunny summer afternoons, all in one cheerful corner.
Local Makers Get Shelf Space Too
Shopping local gets even better when the products are local too. Holy Stokes has carried locally made goods alongside its clothing and boards.
That choice keeps money circulating in the community. It also gives area makers a spot downtown where shoppers can see and touch their work.
I like how this fits the spirit of an independent shop. Big chains can’t easily copy the feel of products made by people just down the road.
Local items also make excellent souvenirs. A visitor to the Poconos can bring home something with real roots instead of a generic keychain.
Ask the staff about what’s currently in stock. Selections in small shops change over time, so today’s local find might be different from last season’s.
The shop’s support for the area goes beyond the shelves. Holy Stokes has a reputation for backing the local skate and snow communities through events and more.
That connection makes every purchase feel a little more meaningful. You walk out with something cool, and a neighbor gets a boost at the same time, which is a pretty sweet trade.
The Skate And Snow Crowd Has A Real Home Base
A skate shop is more than a store when it backs the riders around it. Holy Stokes has built that kind of role in East Stroudsburg.
Holy Stokes has supported the effort to improve Dansbury Skatepark in East Stroudsburg. Owner Charlie Pruettipun helped organize fundraising activities for a proposed concrete skatepark designed to replace aging equipment and give local riders a safer place to practice.
For newer riders, this is huge. Finding people to skate with can feel intimidating, and a friendly shop helps break the ice.
Charlie and Dawn also seem to keep up with riders long after a sale. Their messages often mention seeing people at the mountain or out skating.
Here’s a helpful tip if you’re new in town. Follow the shop’s social media to stay in the loop about upcoming events and community happenings.
Plenty of folks make a point of stopping in whenever they’re in the area. Some even make the drive up just to visit, which says plenty about the vibe.
I believe every town needs a place like this. Riders get gear, sure, but they also get encouragement, connection, and a crew that’s happy to see them land their next trick.
Plan Your Trip Around These Downtown Hours
Timing matters with small shops, especially when visitors are planning a trip to the Poconos.
Washington Street puts you right in the heart of town. That makes it easy to pair a shop stop with other downtown errands or a stroll.
Holy Stokes operates from its downtown location at 114 Washington Street, Suite 200, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Its official website provides current business-hour information, so visitors should check the latest schedule before planning a trip.
I’d suggest calling ahead if you need something specific. Board sizes and seasonal gear can sell out, especially when snow is in the forecast.
Visitors heading to Pennsylvania ski areas can swing by before hitting the slopes. Grab goggles, ask a quick question, and roll out ready for the day.
Spending a little extra time here is worth it. Between the boutique up front and the board shop in the back, you’ll want more than five minutes to see everything properly.
