The Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania has been called the Honeymoon Capital of the World. While it is a great place for lovers, there is much more to do in the Poconos than just honeymoon.
Vacationers have been enjoying the 2400 square miles of mountains, lakes and rivers that make up the Pocono Mountains region since the 1800s. The Poconos offer something for everyone all year long. Popular outdoor recreation activities include skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, hiking, fishing, boating, water parks, and family play parks.
Winter is still the main vacation season in the Pocono Mountains, with winter sports dominating the region. Skiing and other snowsports are the favorite pastime of vacationers during the winter months. Activities that are popular during the other three seasons include hiking, bicycling, canoeing, whitewater rafting, and golfing at the 35 area golf courses.
One of the more notable sites to see is Bushkill Falls (http://www.visitbushkillfalls.com). Located off Rt. 209 in Bushkill, PA, and described as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” the falls is actually a series of eight waterfalls existing within the Pocono Mountains.
The Poconos has its share of shops from which to choose for those interested in shopping, including antique shops, flea markets, farm markets, craft shops, specialty shops, factory outlets, and gift shops. The Crossings Premium Outlet (http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=59),located in Tannersville, PA on Rt. 611, features over 100 designer and name brand outlet stores, including Adidas, Eddie Bauer, and Timberland, to name a few. If antiques are your bag, you might want to visit Pocono Peddler''s Village antique mall on Rt. 611 in Tannersville. This antique mall spans three buildings in which 90 vendors sell their wares.
Although the Poconos are noted for being a honeymoon destination, family lodging also exists. One of the top-rated family lodges is the Skytop Lodge in Skytop, PA (http://www.poconosbest.com/resortskytop.htm). This 5500 acre resort features nature programs, indoor swimming, hayrides, golf, fishing, and tennis. Three meals a day are included in the price, which averages $399 per night during the winter season.
If you are looking for a couples'' only resort for a lovers'' getaway or perhaps even a honeymoon, the most famous one in the Poconos is Caesars Cove Haven in Lakeville, PA (http://www.poconosbest.com/resortcovehaven.htm). This is the resort housing the famous heart-shaped tubs, which also offers guests champagne, breakfast in bed, and other amenities suited to couples only. Rates range from $225 to $475 per night, depending on the date and the package chosen.
Dining choices abound in the Poconos. One of the most favorably reviewed restaurants is The Meadowbrook Inn (http://www.meadowbrookinn.net/rest.html), located on Cherry Lane Rd. in Tannersville. Its country inn elegance makes it a popular spot. It is open for dinner only Wednesday through Sunday. Entrees range in price from $24 to $40.
Another favorite of both tourists and locals is The Stone Bar (http://www.stonebar.com), located on Rt. 209 in Snydersville, PA. Open just for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, entree prices average from $20 to $40.
If you''re looking for a place that serves lunch, and features a children''s menu, Alaska Pete''s (http://www.alsakapetes.com) on Rt. 209 in Marshalls Creek, PA is a good choice. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week from 11 am until close, their lunch prices average from $8-$10 and dinner entrees average about $20.
Mollie''s (http://www.molliesrestaurant.net) , located on Main St. in Stroudsburg, PA, is famous for its good, homestyle food. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week at reasonable prices.
For your next vacation, why not head to the Pocono Mountains, where there''s always something to do, no matter what time of year?
