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It is that time of year again, when my husband and I start to plan our itinerary for the family's yearly visit to Sculpted Ice Works, in Lakeville, for the annual Crystal Cabin Fever. Carl, Nicholas and I have been attending Crystal Cabin Fever since 2010. Each year, visitors can view spectacular, themed ice carvings; this year's theme is Safari based!

Upon entering take a walk on the wild side through the ice maze and snap pictures of the intricately carved ice sculptures of elephants, giraffes and much more. The festival includes a giant ice slide, wine tasting, vendors, and a petting zoo! Don't forget to check out the ice carving competition! The best part about the festival is that all of these wonderful activities are included with admission.

After we have our fill of icy goodness, we will head back out on the road to our lunch destination. Our first year lunch location was Ehrhardt's Waterfront Resort Restaurant, where we enjoyed the best crab cakes ever. Last year we visited Der Jaeger for a delicious family-style German meal, and this year we will be sure to try some place new. Thankfully, the Lake Region of the Pocono Mountains is the home to many wonderful dining establishments.

After we have warmed up and our bellies are full, we plan on taking a nice scenic drive along route 402 through the Delaware State Forest. This is about the time where I will be able to tell if Nicholas has had a great day. If he has, he will surely be sound asleep before we pull out of the restaurant parking lot.

There is one thing I know for sure, our annual visit to Crystal Cabin Fever is something that the three of us thoroughly enjoy. It's a tradition that we hope will continue for a long time to come. 

Until next time... Celebrate family, friends, and traditions.

Snow? Frost? Single digit temperatures? Can it be? Why, yes! We are actually experiencing some winter weather! The month of December was an unseasonably mild month and the first two weeks of January were just as, dare I say it... warm! Thankfully, Old Man Winter finally decided to make an appearance in the Pocono Mountains; and by the looks of it he is going to be sticking around for awhile.

As I sit at my desk, I am faced with the fact that there are 60+ full days of winter ahead of us.  That means there are officially 60 something days where families can enjoy every winter activity the Pocono Mountains has to offer. The slopes are groomed and the snow tubing parks are ready to go for some exhilarating fun. Whether you are a new to the winter sports scene, or a seasoned vet, I'm sure that you and your family can (and will) enjoy some winter family fun.

With that being said, here is a list of winter sports that you and your family can take advantage of in the Pocono Mountains. 

• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Snow Tubing
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Snowmobiling
• Dog Sledding
• Ice Fishing
• Ice Skating
• Bald Eagle Watching

Please keep in mind that winter sports are often weather dependent. Be sure to check out the snow conditions and the weather at 800poconos.com. Also, if you're a parent of a toddler, like I am, it is a good idea to contact the snow sport facility you will be visiting to confirm your little one will meet any starting age or height requirements. Not a skier or boarder, but would like to be? No worries, most of our ski areas offer both private and group lessons for adults and children, with a starting age as young as four.  Hope to catch you in your winter weather gear!!  Until next time... Celebrate family, friends, and traditions.

Last week we took a hike at Cliff Park Trails, which is a section of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area near Milford, PA in the Pocono Mountains. The weather was perfect and the trail was well-maintained and marked.

To access the Cliff Park Trailhead, you need to follow Milford Road to the entrance of Cliff Park Golf Course (the Golf Course is currently closed). You will take a rough dirt road from that point about ¼ mile to the trailhead parking lot. Bathrooms are available during the summer months.

There are several different color coded trails to choose from. We decided to start on the Buchanan Trail (orange) - named for the family that owned the land from 1803 through 2002, which connected us to Hackers trail (yellow). This trail took us to Hackers Falls - a beautiful area with great photo locations. We then made our way to the Cliff Trail (white) which has several scenic overlooks, 500 feet above the Delaware River and allows you to look into New Jersey. Since it was a clear day, we could see High Point, NJ from the overlook.

After several miles of hiking we decided to head into Milford and look for a restaurant to get a late lunch. There are a lot of great choices in Milford, but we settled on the River Rock Inn. The food and service was excellent and the portions were huge. We definitely plan to duplicate this itinerary in the near future!

So here we are! We have shuffled through the first week of the New Year, and so far it's been fantastic! I truly hope that I can make each day as productive and fun as the past few have been. With the New Year, comes renewed hope for a fresh start and the opportunity to reach towards our goals. As always, I plan to focus on my family and make 2012 full of activities we will cherish and remember forever.

Among my goals for this year, you'll find I would truly love to get to know the  (DWGNRA) in the Pocono Mountains. The DWGNRA is not only the home to some of the most rugged and mild hiking trails you can find in the northeast, it is also home to spectacular sights including waterfalls, sandy beaches, and the sparkling water of the Delaware River. The best part is that DWGNRA is extremely family friendly! The Park Service offers different programs including Family Fun Days, Junior Ranger Program, and a packed calendar of events. Children can earn badges to become a Junior Naturalist and a Junior Park Ranger. How awesome is that?

One of the other features of the DWGNRA that I find incredibly appealing, is that it encompasses portions of both Monroe and Pike counties in the Pocono Mountains. That being said, you can easily explore the great outdoors while still being close to the luxuries of civilization with the towns of Milford, East Stroudsburg, and Delaware Water Gap just a hop, skip, and a jump away.  After a day of discoveries, you can indulge your family and enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants located close by. So lace up those hiking boots, fill up those canteens, and get out and explore the DWGNRA with me and my family. And remember, don't be shy, let me hear all about your DWGNRA adventures!

Until next time... Celebrate family, friends, and traditions.

I am deeply saddened to inform my readers that my husband and I had to say a painful and heartbreaking final goodbye to Asti, the furry celebrity behind the PawPrints blog, on Wednesday, December 8, 2011. Asti holds a special place in my heart, and I will never forget the fond memories, and how she taught me to live, love, and laugh. Our house is quiet now, a lot quieter than it was during the 15 years that Asti lived in our home. Saying goodbye was more awful than I could have ever imagined and no matter how long our furry friends live, it is never enough time. So, this month's blog is in memory of our beloved Asti! I will share with you some places she loved to visit in the Pocono Mountains!

We started camping locally to see how she would do and found that the four-county region offers more than just camping with your pet. We visited motels, cottages, hotels and even top of the line resorts that offer pet-friendly lodging. Asti's favorite campground was Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort in Waymart, as she loved their "Pet Swimming Area Only" beach and her favorite hotel was a tossup between the Inn at Pocono Manor and the Chateau Resort & Conference Center.

I do believe her favorite Pet-Friendly Attraction had to have been shopping at Coach located at The Crossings Premium Outlets.  Oh, wait, that was one of my favorites with her. I think she enjoyed the Water Gap Trolley ride better than shopping. Asti's favorite State Park was Promised Land State Park located in Greentown, Pa.

Our last excursion this year was visiting Santa at the Country Junction, World's Largest General Store!   She really didn't want to sit next to Santa and have her picture taken but she did it for us. Amazing what our furry friends will do to show how much they love us!

I miss Asti everyday and it hurts like crazy. Only time will tell when the next visit to the animal shelter will be. In the meantime, I will be visiting the Pocono Mountains with my friends, family and co-workers furry buddies.

"If there are no dogs in Heaven then when I die I want to go where they went." - Will Rogers

It's Christmas week and it's almost Hanukkah (December 20-28, 2011)! What an exciting week it is. Whether you are getting ready to light a candle on the Menorah or add finishing touches to your Christmas decorations, it is a heart-warming time for so many people.

For those who celebrate the beautiful holiday of Hanukkah, visit Court House Square in Stroudsburg for the Annual Menorah Lighting. It is the largest Menorah in the Pocono Mountains! Everyone is welcome to attend the festival, which will not only include the kindling of the Menorah, but also delicious treats for purchasing. For more information about the Menorah Lighting at Court House Square, please contact Chabad Lubavitch of the Poconos at 570-420-8655.

Since this will be my last blog before Christmas and Hanukkah, I would like to extend a very sincere Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Happy Kwanza, and just a Happy Holiday to all of you! I do my best to bring you family friendly events the entire year and I always welcome your comments and suggestions. Until next time... Celebrate family, friends, and traditions.

So here we are, less than two weeks away from one of the most magnificent days of the year. Everywhere you go, you see people hustling along with large shopping bags filled with gifts for their loved ones. Doors, windows, and eaves are decorated with evergreens and bright red bows, and for some reason, hot cocoa tastes extra sweet all month long.

I cherish this time of year because I have the opportunity to spend one whole day with my ENTIRE family. We eat, laugh, play games, and sometimes even bust out into a Christmas carol or two. We always have a houseful of kids who run around and play with each other and their new toys, all while wearing big smiles on their sweet little faces.

However, for many families, it is difficult to get together on Christmas day. If that is the case for your family, why not celebrate a few days earlier? Skytop Lodge in the Pocono Mountains is offering their beautiful Gingerbread Weekend to those of you who, who can't celebrate with each other on the 25th. Friends and family can enjoy a weekend full of spectacular Christmas events including holiday stories, caroling, instructions on how to make your own gingerbread, and beautifully prepared holiday themed meals. Children will delight in their visits with Santa and nestle in front of the fireplace for a reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas". Don't forget to get your pictures taken next to the life-sized gingerbread house!  

To take advantage of the Gingerbread Weekend special offer, be sure to call the fabulous Skytop Lodge at 800-345-7759. The Gingerbread Weekend special offer is available December 16-18, 2011. Hurry time is running out!

Until next time...Celebrate family, friends, and traditions.

Last January, I played some golf in the Pocono Mountains. And, yes, it was outdoors, on frozen Lake Wallenpaupack!

The 21st Annual Ice Tee Golf Tournament is planned for Sunday, January 29, 2012. The event is presented by the Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, and is to be held at the Waterfront at Ehrhardt's on Lake Wallenpaupack.

Two nine-hole courses are set-up using recycled Christmas Trees to help mark the greens and tees (along with ice-sculptured tee markers). The holes are about 100 yards in length and you can only bring 3 clubs - no need for caddies or golf carts - although there were about 60 snowmobiles that came by to witness the event! Last year, they had over 300 golfers and many have made the trek to this unique event each year. I was paired up with 3 others and we had a great time. In addition, there are prizes and giveaways fun for golfers, non-golfers and spectators.

Tee times will be every 10 minutes between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the awards ceremony will begin at approximately 3 p.m. Just $15 per golfer in advance or $20 at the door. Applications are available by emailing visit@lakeregioncc.com or by calling 570-226-3191. Note to self....bring colored golf balls this year!

Do you remember the photos of you as a child on Santa's lap, or the excitement of waiting in line thinking of what you would tell Santa you wanted for Christmas?  Well, now your furry four-legged friend can experience this feeling at the Country Junction, World's Largest General Store in the Pocono Mountains!

Santa "Claws" will pose with pets and/or people this holiday season at the Country Junction.  We hear he loves all types of animals; so bring your cat, dog, or bunny; all ages are permitted!   If you have a fidgety pet they'll snap a few shots to ensure a picture perfect finish.   As you can see from Asti's photo, she wanted out of there.  Santa has no issues holding smaller pets on his lap but Asti was a bit too big.

While we were waiting for our pictures to be printed we took a walk over to the pet store where they have birds, reptiles, fish, bunnies, ferrets, kittens and puppies.  They also offer a large selection of pet food, toys and much, much more.  We picked out a new toy for Asti and stopped by the K9er-Diner for a few of her favorite iced cookies! 

After we picked up our photos we walked over to the petting farm and fed the llamas, sheep, and goats.  Asti wanted no part of the animals, which surprised me, until I turned around and noticed she met a new friend, a bull dog named "Sam". 

We then proceeded to the general store and walked the yellow brick road.  This place is exceptionally pet friendly!  There was a customer that had a really cute black poodle sitting in the cart, when I got closer a white poodle popped its head up from under the coat; Asti barked, I screamed, and the lady pushing the cart started laughing because there was yet another one in the cart playing with the items she was purchasing. 

In the general store you will find an endless shopping experience from foods, candy, ice cream, gourmet coffee, fresh popped popcorn to house wares, a flower shop, Yankee Candles, and an art gallery.  You will also find Ashley Furniture, Sorrenti's Wine Cellar (wine tasting available), ACE Hardware, and you can even have a delicious lunch and a movie in the "Barn Door", their restaurant and theater. 

‘Tis the season to make memories! So why not capture those memories with a picture of your furry friend with Santa "Claws" at the Country Junction World's Largest General Store located on Route 209 in Lehighton.  Santa will be there the next two weekends (Dec 10-11 and Dec 17-18) from 12 noon to 4:00 pm.  A variety of picture packages starting at $5 will be available for purchase and are printed on the spot! 

Have a barking good time this Holiday Season!

There is something special about the holiday season in the Pocono Mountains. Whether it's the way the holiday lights sparkle in the cool night air, or the way the people walk merrily on the sidewalks; it's just a wonderful time of year. It doesn't matter if you are attending a Christmas festival, a menorah lighting, a Kwanzaa celebration, or simply just enjoying a winter day; you can really feel the goodwill and cheer radiating throughout the streets, stores, and restaurants. After all, isn't that what it's all about?

Recently, Carl, Nicholas, and I visited the historic Inn at Pocono Manor for the delightfully festive, Magical Fireside Christmas. Evergreens, holly berry, twinkling lights, and a ton of other beautiful decorations, adorn the doorways, windows and the fireplace. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful horse drawn carriage ride, sip on hot chocolate next to the fire, visit the live animals, and more. Together, my family and I relaxed and enjoyed the sound of Christmas music all while admiring the site of the massive (and very impressive) Christmas tree. Nicholas was able to take part in the many children's activities which included, crafts, story corner, face painting, Santa letters, and of course a visit from the "Big Guy" himself, jolly old St. Nick! Nicholas was not the least bit interested in sitting on his lap, but at least we did manage to get one picture of Nicholas next to "Ho Ho".

Year after year, the Inn at Pocono Manor carries on their tradition of giving families and friends a chance to spend time together in a beautiful holiday atmosphere. Why not make this a family tradition as well? The Inn at Pocono Manor offers Magical Fireside Christmas lodging packages so you can take your time and explore all the sights and sounds of the season. The packages are created with special touches such as Elf Turndown Service, event tickets, breakfast, and a holiday gift; all for a great price. Don't forget to bring your unwrapped gift to donate to Toys for Tots. Remember it's not about receiving, it's about giving!

Until next time... Celebrate family, friends, and traditions.