RECENTLY OPENED LAKE WALLENPAUPACK VISITORS CENTER REACHES 10,000 VISITORS IN JUST 4 MONTHS

08/11/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release/August 11, 2009
Alicia M. Quinn / Gillian Moore
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
570.421.5791
alicia@poconos.org / prdept@poconos.org 

POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pa., August 11, 2009 –The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) is proud to announce that its new Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center has reached its 10,000^th visitor since its grand opening on Saturday, April 25, 2009. Hitendra Abuwala, accompanied by his family, was the 10,000^th visitor on Friday, August 7. Abuwala, resident of Old Bridge, N.J., received a Pocono Mountains canvas tote full of tourism goodies.

"This is quite a testament to how popular the Lake Region of the Pocono Mountains is to visitors and locals alike," said Carl Wilgus, President/CEO of the PMVB.  "In recent weeks, we have been averaging about 1,000 visitors each week."

The centers' prime location on Route 6, along the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack, is a partnership of the PMVB, Palmyra Township, Pike County and the Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack (HLW) Chamber of Commerce.  PPL Corporation played a significant role in making this new $1 million facility a reality by donating 10 acres of land to the township, which includes the footprint of the center and The Palmyra Township Public Beach.

The PMVB's visitors center certified Brand Ambassadors assist both local residents and visitors with immediate tourism information including referrals, reservations, directions and brochures.  A complete collection of current information on a variety of activities, attractions, dining and lodging options is available in addition to displays and exhibits interpreting not only the Lake Region of the Pocono Mountains, but also the surrounding communities.

A new addition to the center since its opening is a pre-WWII canoe donated by Jeannie and Grant Genzlinger, owners of the Settlers Inn in Hawley.  This canoe is similar to the one that belonged to Genzlinger's grandparents who used to vacation in the Pocono Mountains during the 1940s.

The Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center is one of four Visitors Centers operated by the PMVB and conveniently located in the Pocono Mountains.  The public is encouraged to visit the new center, whether a local resident or in town for business or pleasure, and enjoy the lakeside view from the deck and find out all there is to see and do here.

About the Pocono Mountains

With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania's Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers.  Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and even snowshoe their way through snowy wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261 miles of hiking and biking trails, over 35 golf courses, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing and open access to nine state and two national parks. 

Any time of year is a good time to visit the Pocono Mountains, located within driving distance of most major East Coast cities.  This region teeming with history offers year-round cultural tours and art exhibitions, abundant antiquing and brand-name shopping and a full calendar of festivals showcasing the heritage, music and food of the Pocono Mountains. 

Even the most discerning traveler will find comfortable accommodations in the Pocono Mountains, which offers an eclectic mix of resorts, distinctive properties and quaint, country inns and bed and breakfasts.

Comprehensive Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).  The Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.   

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