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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.

When the New York Times puts on a travel show, anybody who's anybody makes it a point to go. The PMVB was there.  Along with Skytop Lodge, we occupied a corner booth with a giant rock wall.  The tie-in:  The Adventure Center at Skytop Lodge.

The name is fitting, as participants will find all manners of adventure and outdoor fun at the center.  There is paintball, geocaching, rock climbing and more of the activities that make the Pocono Mountains a first-class outdoor recreation spot. Their rock wall is a good 30-foot, and several paths to the top will challenge even the most experienced climbers with difficult overhangs and tricky handholds. 

Skytop offers a rare combination of world-class facilities with tons of recreation on site.  When you go, visit The Adventure Center and test your outdoor skills!

So here we are again desperately awaiting the arrival of spring but dealing with the lion's component of March. I'm sure you all know the old adage "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb". Well it got me to thinking does that always hold true? I would have to say three days into March it seems to be spot on. I'm looking out my office window at grey skies, snow lined streets and temperatures in the mid 30's. I've decided that I am going to test the laurels of this famous saying and let you know at the end of the month just how lion and lamb like March turned out to be. In the meantime, I would love for you to check out our very own LION...

Yea, that's right; we have a lion right here in the phenomenal Pocono Mountains. It's not a traditional lion, but it's our lion, the Stourbridge Lion! The Stourbridge Lion arrived in Honesdale, PA in July of 1829. It was the first steam locomotive to run on a commercial line in the United States. Built by Foster, Rastrick & Co. in 1829, the Stourbridge Lion's historic first run took place on August 8 of that year. Being your resident Socialista and not your local historian I won't irk you with all my fun fact's, I will just encourage you to take a trip to the Wayne County Museum this spring to check out the Lion!!

Now for something you can indulge in while you are waiting for the museum to open. Check out the Women's Day Ski & Spa package offered by Shawnee Mountain and The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. On March 19 indulge in breakfast with your best girlfriends, hit the slopes for your morning exercise then pamper yourself with a 20-minute massage, a mini-facial and hand paraffin treatment. Then spoil yourself with an afternoon of delights including wine and chocolate!!  It's like a mini-winter fantasy!

Next week's blog will be all about the most important holiday of the year... Of course I'm talking about St. Patrick's Day.  Ciao for now...

The winter season is beginning to wind down in the Pocono Mountains and I am planning to do my last winter fling at Fernwood Hotel and Resort as they host their Spring TubeFest. This event promises to be a lot of fun as it has a unique way of combining spring and winter seasons!

This Saturday and Sunday, you will find me enjoying the luau-like atmosphere and thinking of spring and warmer weather at the Fernwood Winter Fun Center! I'm sure that you won't want to miss all of the activities that are in store for this fun-filled weekend in the snow.

Have you ever worn your bathing suit or your Hawaiian print shirt to go snow tubing? You may want to do just that because anyone dressed in resort wear costumes will receive $5 off of their snow tubing ticket. I am trying to think of something original to wear.

Does anyone know how to limbo or hula? You may want to practice as prizes will be given out for the limbo contest and the snowball toss! There will be so many activities to participate in! Or perhaps you may want to just sit by the fire and stuff yourself at the outdoor barbeque. I am also looking forward to the live entertainment. Erin McClelland, a popular regional vocalist will be performing!

Come out for a day or for the entire weekend! Fernwood Hotel and Resort is offering great packages beginning at $252. This fantastic rate includes four tickets to the Winter Fun Center's snow tubing park and two nights accommodations.

As always, no matter what you do this weekend in the Pocono Mountains I'd love to hear from you! I hope to see you at the Spring TubeFest!

Video games, TV and texting...it's no doubt that this is what children are into these days.  I'm not saying that there is anything flawed with these things.  Personally, I take pleasure in my Wednesday night lineup of TV shows, I love my whimsical video games and I enjoy texting, maybe a bit more than I should.  Before Nicholas gets old enough to comprehend the brilliance of technology, and how fun (and addicting) it can be, I want to introduce him to a more hands-on approach to fun. Aside from our regular outdoor hiking expeditions, festival jaunts and snow play, I try to be a little more "crafty." 

It was around Thanksgiving when I thought (and I stress the word thought), it would be cute to help Nicholas create his first work of art for his scrapbook.  My kitchen table was stocked with a variety of non-toxic paint, construction paper, ribbon and buttons. My idea for his project was to make a Thanksgiving turkey portrait by using his hand as the turkey.  Carefully, I painted Nicholas' tiny hand with red paint.  My PLAN was to place his painted hand on the center of the paper and pepper the rest of the masterpiece with buttons and ribbons.  Unfortunately, Nicholas wasn't having it.  He cried and slapped his hand all over the construction paper.  The finished product ended up looking like a picture of a murder scene rather than a cutesy turkey picture.  Perhaps I should wait until he is a little older for crafts that include paint.  All in all, it was a great memory and looking back at it now, it's funny. 

My craft material collection is adding up quite nicely thanks to the American Ribbon Outlet in Stroudsburg. They have a variety of ribbons, fabric and other essential craft supplies.  I spend hours there rummaging the shelves and browsing the extensive collection of ribbon and fabric.  Needless to say, Nicholas will be entertained on those rainy summer days or frigid winter evenings.  So whether you have a hobby or you are looking for something new to do, why not visit the American Ribbon and Craft Outlet!  Until next time...celebrate family, friends and traditions.