Blogs

On March 11, Fernwood will be abuzz with contests, relays, races and competitions, all to honor the hospitality industry for their outstanding work in the region.  So grab 10 of your friends in the biz and sign up today because the Pocono Mountains Cup and an array of prizes including overnight stays, gift certificates and apparel, will be up for grabs! Employees from any business who serve the tourism industry such as grocery stores, service stations and restaurants are eligible.

In addition to the games, you can head to Fernwood on Thursdays beginning February 25 and up until the games for Fire and Ice  Hospitality Nights. These evenings will be packed with live entertainment, drink specials and snowtubing discounts. So join the PMVB and and get your game face on because we're predicting a victory!

Promised Land State Park has a name that, if nothing else, makes us wonder what the park is all about.  It was allegedly given its title after early settlers were told they would find a "promised land" in the area.  In fact, many bought land based on the claims of its wondrous and magical attributes.  While it may not be the Eighth Wonder of the World, Promised Land State Park has a rich history and a lot to offer.

Much of the land was clear cut several times before eventually being acquired by the Commonwealth in 1902.  Three years later, the park opened to the public, cementing its spot in history as the fourth state park in Pennsylvania.  In 1986 and 1987, Bear Wallow Cabins and Whittaker Lodge became listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Like many longstanding parks in the country, Promised Land has seen its share of natural disasters.  Decades ago, hurricanes Connie and Diane dumped 20 inches of rain on the notoriously boggy soil of the park.  But as only the great ones can do, Promised Land bounced back.  A true sign of fruitful land, this park often has too many animals.  Bear and whitetail deer are so numerous that sometimes management initiatives are needed to curb the total population. 

Winter visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, ice fishing, orienteering, hunting and cross-country skiing.  Interested in snowmobiling? Promised Land offers more than 23 miles of snowmobile trails!  Those looking to ice skate should contact the park office for conditions.  Basically, anything you can do outside, you can do in this park.  

 In 1999, a pair of bald eagles began nesting at the 173-acre Lower Lake.  An estimated 11 fledglings have been produced since that first pair.  Perhaps these eagles are clinging to the "promised land" they've known for over a decade.  Visit the park this winter and you'll see why its name is well-deserved.

Unless you have been living under a rock, you must know that the 2010 Winter Olympics start in 16 days! I have always loved all the excitement that comes along with the winter games no matter where they are being held. This year is no exception.  I can't wait to see the speed and figure skaters, as well as our hockey team take to the ice, or Apolo Ohno skate to victory.  And who can forget the downhill skiers? What about the adrenaline rush when Team USA hits the Luge track?  Do you have the guts to slide yourself in feet first and face up and steer your way down the course?

Well if you do, I have an incredible opportunity for you! Although the sun is shining and the temperatures are slightly above normal this week, you can most definitely enjoy winter in the Pocono Mountains!  This weekend Blue Mountain Ski Area is proud to announce the 2010 Luge Challenge.  The event will take place both Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

If the Luge isn't high on your to do list, head over on Saturday and enjoy Blue Mountains' First Annual Winter Festival.  With dog sledding, musical entertainment, ice carving, snow sport demonstrations and cuisine to warm your soul, there is sure to be something for the entire family to enjoy! Embrace winter this weekend. Ciao for now...

If you are beginning to develop a case of the Mid-Winter Blues, the Pocono Mountains has the cure! Beautiful downtown Stroudsburg will be hosting its 10^th Annual Winterfest this weekend.

I am planning to spend the whole weekend wandering around Stroudsburg and stopping in at one fantastic place after another to listen to as many different Bluegrass bands as possible.

I plan to begin at a few of my favorite places, The Main Street Lounge (438 Main Street) a local bar and grill with plenty of hometown atmosphere and hospitality. Fun begins at 7 p.m. with Uncle Pete Tawny and The Juggernaut Band. I'll continue by strolling uptown to The East Café (628 Main Street) at 9 p.m. with The Lost Ramblers and Friends. Then, it is off to The Hideaway Lounge (7^th and Main Streets), inside the Pocono Inne Town, for a night of Heavy Traffic. All of these bands will get you tapping your toes and clapping your hands!

But wait, Friday's Bluegrass continues in The Cedar Room at the Pocono Inne Town with Danny Stewart's Open Jam at 10 p.m. This is guaranteed to be a great time, so bring your instruments and start jammin' or just come hang out and listen! Either way you will definitely enjoy yourself and the best part is that there is no admission fee for the Jam Sessions!

The Sherman Theater is the place to be on Saturday, as several Bluegrass bands will be on stage. The doors will open at noon and the show will begin at 2 p.m. Come out and enjoy the sounds of The Lost Ramblers, Hillbilly Water, Aimless Pursuit and several other great bands! I'm sure that you don't want to miss out on this great concert packed with plenty of bluegrass, so reserve your tickets today! General Admission tickets are $25 and reserved seating is $35. Tickets may be purchased by calling 570-420-2808 or online

Sunday, January 31 will wrap up Winterfest Weekend at the Elks Lodge (260 Washington Street in East Stroudsburg). The show will begin at 10 a.m. with a Traditional Gospel Celebration. Admission is $15 or $10, if you have your ticket stub from Saturday's show at The Sherman Theater. Tickets are only available at the door and I plan to be the first one in line! In addition to the show, a variety of instrument workshops will be offered along with a special show for children.

This is just a sample of all that Winterfest has to offer. Visit for more information. Plan to come for a night or the entire weekend. The Pocono Inne Town, Stroudsburg's oldest hotel, is offering a special rate of $79.00 per night! Call 570-421-2200 to make your reservations. In order to get this great rate, just mention that you are coming for Winterfest and of course read the PMVB's blog about it!

As always, I'd love to hear where you plan to jam this weekend. I hope to see you at Winterfest in Stroudsburg!

You might be asking yourself: What on earth can I do with my family on a day like this?  Believe it or not, there are plenty of options.  I did some browsing and found that there are a ton of indoor family fun activities.  Here is a small sampling to ponder:

• Big Wheel Family Roller Skating
• Callie's Candy Kitchen or Callie's Pretzel Factory
• S&S Speedways - Indoor Go-Karts
• Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center
• No. 9 Mine & Museum
• PPL Environmental Learning Center
• H20ooohh Indoor Waterpark

I've learned that as mom, you constantly have to have a backup plan; so when unforeseeable things happen (like 50 degree, rainy weather in January), you are prepared. Luckily, there are a plethora of things to see and do for everyone.  I know no matter what time of year it may be, or what kind of weather we are enduring, there is always something to keep the family active and content.  Until next time, remember to celebrate family, friends and traditions.

 

WE ARE...! Usually, I would end that sentence with Penn State. However, since it is the off-season and Hawley has kicked-off their new winter campaign, I am allowed to answer WINTER for the remainder of the season. (Sorry PSU, I promise I still bleed blue and white!)

The town of Hawley is now officially proclaimed the "We Are Winter" destination. With recreation from skiing to snowshoeing and accommodations from Woodloch Resort to The Settlers Inn, Hawley is the ideal town for a winter getaway. And do not forget about the breathtaking scenery and great festivals such as The Ice Tee Golf Tournament, played on frozen Lake Wallenpaupack or my personal favorite, Crystal Cabin Fever.

Be sure to visit the official We Are Winter site for special offers, events, accommodations and more! This site is your one-stop shop to an unforgettable winter trip. So pack your bags and head to Hawley because WE ARE...WINTER!!!

There are summer sports, spring sports, fall sports and winter sports.  Then, there are sports that can be played year-round, in any weather.  Paintball is a year-round sport, so we are lucky to have Skirmish Paintball in our backyard.

Skirmish realized long ago that distinct and unique fields make all the difference in a paintball experience.  With field names like "The Metalands," Black Hawk Down" and "Pentagon," you know you're getting a one-of-a-kind experience at Skirmish.   Their Invasion of Normandy and Stalingrad scenario games have become nearly world famous over the last couple of years.  These games attract thousands of players from all over the country.  And their Tippman Castle is unmatched.  On February 6, they will be holding their 3-Man Tippman Castle Winter Tournament.  Check out their Calendar of Events  for upcoming tournaments you won't want to miss.

Here's the kicker - If you post a positive blog about your experience at Skirmish, they'll send you a free pass to come and play anytime you want!  In essence, they're rewarding you for enjoying your experience at their fields.  If you haven't played paintball at Skirmish yet - how do I put this lightly - what the heck are you waiting for!

I can proudly admit that I have not injured any part of my own body or the body of anyone else to date. The best thing about skiing at Camelback is that I know once I'm done on the slopes, the pleasure and mayhem continues inside the newly renovated Thirsty Camel!  Every weekend during the ski season, Camelback has excellent entertainment. I am so thrilled that I was able to see old favorites The Dr. Cheeko Band a few weekends ago and I am looking forward to the Maybabies this weekend and UUU and the Soulbusters appearing in February!  

So whether you are a skier, snowboarder, tuber or just love fantastic live entertainment, lace up your boots, throw on a scarf and head up to Camelback for a fun-filled weekend. Heck, why not make it a fun- filled week!!!  Check out their Web site for specials!  Ciao for now...

Some of the best maple syrup that I have ever tasted was made right here in the Pocono Mountains! I remember as a child watching my grandfather tap the maple trees and sampling the finished product. Being a kid at the time, I never paid any attention to all of the steps in-between.

This Saturday, January 23 at 10 a.m., the Monroe County Environmental Education Center in Stroudsburg will be holding a hands-on workshop on making your very own maple syrup! Environmental Education Coordinator, Roger Spotts, will be discussing maple sugaring methods and demonstrating simple, inexpensive ways that will enable your whole family to make maple syrup from the maple trees growing in your backyard. Information will also be available on where to get all of the equipment needed in order to get started and you will be able to sample the Center's syrup!

The cost of attending this sweet event is $5 for non-members and $3 for members and children under 12. For more information and to pre-register, call the center at 570.629.3061.

As always, I'd enjoy hearing about your weekend in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you at the MCEEC for some backyard maple sugaring!

Cars, SUV's, minivans and jeeps with ski and snowboard racks attached to the roof, fill restaurant parking lots for a hearty breakfast before hitting the slopes, halfpipe or snow tubing hills.  This weekend, my family and I visited local favorite, Landmark Diner, for some country fried steak with sausage gravy, eggs and homefries, with plenty of coffee to wash it down.  The cozy diner was full of hungry skiers and snowboarders.  You could hear the families talk about their plans for the day as they waited for their breakfast. 

If you ever drive on Route 209 in the East Stroudsburg/Marshalls Creek area, you will find many places to eat that offer lip-smacking breakfast specials.  Homemade waffles with fresh fruit toppings, stuffed French toast, biscuits and gravy...now that is good eatin'!

Not a breakfast person?  No worries, lunch specials are always available and giant, fresh off the grill burgers, milkshakes, homemade soups and so much more.  So before or after your day on the slopes, be sure to unwind (or recharge) with your family and eat a tasty meal. Until next time, celebrate family, friends and traditions.