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To experience that first streak of 60 degree weather is to experience a jolt of adrenaline.  While it's not exactly hot, it sure feels like it is after months and months of snow and ice.  I've seen people in shorts and t-shirts already.  This weather makes me want to do one thing - get outside and enjoy it!

 Whether it's biking on the Lehigh Gorge Trail with Pocono Whitewater or running up the McDade Trail in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, I just want to be outdoors.  I want to get away from carpets, fluorescent lights and those pesky little things called "walls."  Maybe I'll go golfing this weekend at the Water Gap Country Club.  I'm sure this time the wheels will stay on.  Or I could go fishing in Beltzville State Park.  There are almost too many options.  Almost.  A quote from a famous funny movie says it best, "It's all deadly."

It doesn't matter what I do this weekend, as long as I'm doing it outside, I'll be happy.  It's time to roll down the windows, break out the polos and slip on the shades.  It's getting warm out, baby!  Needless to say, I'm excited.

And so it began the dream of many... to have the tourist facilities in the Pocono Mountains compete for the title of Tourism Games - Fire and Ice Champions. It was an overcast day but spirits were high as spectators and future champions alike gathered at the base of Fernwood Hotel & Resort's snow tubing park to register for the first-ever Pocono Mountains Tourism Games. Eleven teams brought together 10 of their fiercest employees in the hopes of taking home the trophy and $1,000 prize. Our team consisted of one powerful man and eight ferocious women, lol (see pic)!  We came ready to conquer the world!

As the first event approached, teams worked on their strategies, indulged in libations and feasted on hearty burgers. Brent, Alicia and I walked to the starting line of the backward bobsled with high hopes and dreams of a top three finish. Unfortunately, crawling up a 30-foot snowy incline backwards with only the use of your hands proved much more difficult than expected and our dreams of a top three finish were dashed but our spirits remained high! Next up was the Olympic obstacle course, followed by Flip Cup then the Silly Suitcase Relay and what kind of spectator event would it be without a jello eating contest? I won't go into detail, let's just say the jello didn't stay in my stomach for very long. The final event was snow tubing and it was our last chance to get points on the scoreboard. Our tenacious Theresa qualified in the top three but was overtaken in the final run. Although we did not make it to the podium there is no denying that PMVB... Pure Energy was filled with team spirit and is more than ready to compete in the next tourism games.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the participating teams along with the podium winners. Teams from Camelback Ski Area, Fernwood Hotel & Resort, The French Manor Inn and Spa, Mountain Laurel Resort, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, The Shawnee Inn and Resort, Split Rock Resort & Golf Club, The Settlers Inn and Woodloch Resort all competed in the games. In third place was Shawnee's Best from the Shawnee Inn and Resort, second place was the team from Split Rock, H2OOooohh!! and the grand champions were the Frosty Mugs from Woodloch Resort.

Hope you can join us next time. Ciao for now...

Are you developing a case of Spring Fever? I know I am, and the Pocono Mountains has the cure! There is no better way to greet the season than attending the 33^rd Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Stroudsburg!

The parade will begin at Stroudsburg High School at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday and will wind its way through the towns of Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg, with Crystal Street being its final destination.

Everyone loves a parade! Bring the family and enjoy all of the fabulous floats, the sounds of the bagpipes and the smell of spring in the air. I usually watch the parade from the Sixth Street block in Stroudsburg and always enjoy seeing friends among the many people lining the route!

Don't forget to wear your green as everyone is Irish on Parade Day!  With that thought in mind, you'll definitely want to stop in at one or more of the local Irish pubs for some traditional Irish food and green beer or perhaps an Irish whiskey! A couple of my favorite places to be Irish are the Siamsa Irish Pub (636 Main Street, Stroudsburg) and Flood's (732 Main Street, Stroudsburg).

As always, I'd love to know where you are planning to be Irish this weekend in the Pocono Mountains. I hope to see you at the parade!

Little bread-and-butterflies kiss the tulips
And the sun is like a toy balloon
There are get up in the morning glories
In the golden afternoon
There are dizzy daffodils on the hillside
Strings of violets are all in tune
Tiger lilies love the dandy lions
In the golden afternoon...

~Alice in Wonderland

Spring will be making its grand entrance this weekend.  I am looking forward to the brilliant sunlight and the warm breezes that sway the buds that are ready to blossom on the trees. In addition to the warmth of the sunlight, I love the hypnotic sound of the rain that rhythmically falls upon my roof. Rain or shine, spring is wonderful.

I love how nature comes back to life with grand splendor. You can see daffodils growing in fields, and you can you hear birds chirping their happy tune. Another sign of spring is the beautiful farm fields that are freshly tilled or observing the newborn calves as they cling to their mother's side. If you have never been to a farm before or are looking to experience the spring season at its best, I suggest visiting one of our farms. Whether you are visiting a farm that has livestock, crops, flowers or an historic farm you will get the full understanding of how spring brings a natural renewal. Some of my favorite agricultural sites are:

• Couttes Berry Farm
• Cherry Valley Vineyards
• Reminiscent Gardens
• Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm

Many local farms in the Pocono Mountains offer tours and have items for sale. So enjoy the bright yellow of the daffodils, or the song of the robin. But most of all enjoy the beautiful weather with your family. Until next time... celebrate family, friends and traditions.

As if you needed another reason to visit Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains, their newest addition is about to be unveiled. To compliment their themed-suites and 84 degree  outfitted indoor waterpark, The Double Barrel Drop* is sure to be a crowd pleaser.  The description on Great Wolf's Web site reads "a high speed, six-story adventure that starts with a drop into a huge funnel, a 450 degree turn into a dark vortex tunnel and then a second funnel. This is followed by a 450 degree hairpin turn that shoots you into the second vortex before splashing down!"

Can you say...AWESOME!  I cannot wait to try it! Be sure your family is one of the first to try the latest attraction by booking their Double Barrel Drop Package during the month of April. The promotion is valid on all suites and includes waterpark passes for your entire stay.

After a day full of waterpark fun, story time and engaging in a game of MagiQuest, be sure to treat yourself to a spa treatment at Elements spa. And your children can do the same. Scooops is an ice cream themed spa designed exclusively for children 4-12 years of age. You have to see it for yourself!

Head to Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains and take a family vacation that all ages can enjoy. See you on the Double Barrel Drop... if you dare! 

*Riders must be at least 48" minimum in height

The Pocono Mountains Run for the Red Marathon will no doubt be one of the biggest events this spring. I've already begun my training. No really, I have.  A couple extra nights on the treadmill is considered training, right? I finished with a respectable time last year, but I'll be looking to improve come May 16.

Runners can choose to run a marathon, a relay marathon or a 5K road race through town. The 5K, which is the event I'll be choosing, starts and ends at Stroudsburg High School. All participants receive a shirt and a goodie bag. Registration is $20 until April 23 when it becomes $25. Most importantly, all proceeds go to the American Red Cross of Monroe County.

I finished 160^th place last year with just over a 9-minute mile pace.  I vow to crack the top 75 this year.  In truth, it doesn't matter where any of us finish. This 5K is all about friends and family, exercise and a good cause. I hope to see you there.

Growing up the daughter of Margaret Anne Ryan there was little chance of me not embracing my Irish heritage, no matter how long ago my ancestors crossed the mighty, mighty seas. Mom was one of seven including twins Kathleen and Patrick born on... you guessed it, St. Patrick's Day.  

As far back as I can remember I would spend several days creating my St. Patrick's Day costume. I wanted everyone to know how proud I was to be Irish, and boy would it peeve me when I would see people with absolutely NO green on whatsoever. I mean seriously, on St. Patrick's Day aren't we all Irish? As I've grown older and wiser, my obsession with wearing green on March 17 hasn't faded at all, although I have to be a little more conservative in the workplace, I still make sure my Irish is showing.  

Normally I don't admit this, but growing up does have its advantages. Not only do I get to wear green on the 17^th, I also get to wear it on parade days and I can drink green beer! There is no better way to celebrate the day than with corned beef & cabbage, potatoes and BEER. If you haven't already done so, meander your way to Stroudsburg and check out our authentic Irish Pub, Siamsa. Siamsa's bar was designed by Irish Designers, built in a factory in Ireland and shipped to Stroudsburg where it was assembled by Irish Craftsmen. You can't get more authentic than that without going to Ireland.

It's been three years since I've been able to celebrate my favorite holiday in the Pocono Mountains, and I am very much looking forward to a tasty meal at Siamsa, sans the beer. Why not get your Irish on and meet me down there! Erin Go Bragh!  

Next week a recap of the first annual Pocono Mountains Tourism Games!  Ciao for now...

What are your plans this Sunday? Join me at Blue Mountain Ski Area in Palmerton for the Cardboard Box Derby!

If you are 10 years of age or older, you will want to be at the Summit Lodge between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to register and the race will begin at 1 p.m. There is no entry fee for this fantastic afternoon of pure entertainment and enjoyment!

Bundle up and bring the family as this event is going to be so much fun! Each racing box may have up to four members. Imagine racing in your very own custom built box made from only cardboard, paper, glue, string and tape. Oh, and of course a functional braking system. Ok, wait, is this really possible?

I am looking forward to seeing all of the unique and personalized boxes as they race down Vista Trail! It totally amazes me that there can be so many different ways to design a racer made from a box and a few simple household materials. Did I mention that prizes will be awarded? May the best box win, and I hope it's yours! Send me photos of your entry!

As always, I'd love to hear about your plans for the weekend in the Pocono Mountains. I hope to see you at Blue Mountain for the Cardboard Box Derby!!

Green paper shamrocks are displayed in windows; Irish flags proudly flutter in the breeze next to the American flag, as the sound of bagpipes echo off the historic buildings of downtown Jim Thorpe. Walking the streets you can hear the clank of glasses in the local pubs as fellow Irishmen shout Sláinte before taking a swig of their green beer, or the "black stuff" aka Guinness. For over a thousand years, the Irish (and pseudo-Irish) have been celebrating the patron saint of Ireland every March 17.

On March 14, in the historic town of Jim Thorpe, everyone is Irish for the day! Celebrate the joyous history and culture of the Irish with your family. Festivities start early and will spill throughout the streets. Enjoy live entertainment, as well as the famous St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Treat your family to a lunch or dinner of corned beef and cabbage, or maybe some Guinness beef stew at one of the many restaurants. This is a great day for you and your family to learn about the rich history and deep Irish roots of the area while enjoying a celebratory parade.

Entertainment will be available all weekend long starting with the Tartan Terrors on Friday and Saturday and The Barley Boys on Sunday at the Mauch Chunk Opera House. So put on your kilts and get ready to jig.  Slán agus beannacht leat (Irish blessing). And to all of my favorite lads and lasses...celebrate family, friends and traditions.

  
Rare Brick Photography

It's officially the month of March which means Spring, St. Patrick's Day and National Nutrition Month! While the latter of the three may not be very well known, it may be the most important. In a nation where obesity runs rampant, we can all take a lesson or two on how to eat healthier.

While I consider myself an excellent cook and have learned from grandparents and parents who are some of the best, they come from a different generation. You know, when they didn't know butter and salt are some of the worst things to put into your body. This is why any skill level of cook from a frozen food consumer to Top Chef hopeful, can always learn from a cooking class!

The Pocono Mountains is actually home to two of the best chefs around. Both Chef Alice and Sheelah Kaye Stepkin come from extraordinary backgrounds and are extremely passionate about their work. Both own their own recreational cooking school and offer lessons. Let them know you're looking to celebrate National Nutrition Month and they'd be happy to help!

No matter who you are, cooking every night of the week is a difficult task. While the most popular excuse is time, it's always nice to treat yourself to an evening out. The problem that comes in is when you don't know what is being put into your food or where it hails from.  While an array of our restaurants indicate healthy dining options, it's nice to know restaurants that use home-grown or locally sourced items. The Settlers Inn and The Shawnee Inn are examples of two properties who believe in this philosophy. From utilizing herbs grown in their own gardens to menu items featuring local game and trout, these restaurants are sure to provide a local flair.

So whether you're learning from others or making smart choices on your own, experience wellness on your next trip to the Pocono Mountains.