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With the current "snowicane" blasting the northeastern United States, spring may be the farthest thing from your mind. Get ready because believe it or not, spring break for most colleges hits next week or soon there after. And if you were anything like me, you didn't receive the opportunity to jet set to Europe during any or every break.

If you're looking to get away for some much-needed R&R with your buddies, there's still time left to book a trip to the Pocono Mountains! Whether you are looking to rent a cabin to fit ten, or an all-inclusive resort where everyone can get their own room, we've got your ideal getaway because we are accessible from six major interstates and no expensive airfare is required!

Save even more money by checking out our Special Offers or take advantage of group rates at many of our accommodations and attractions. Imagine schussing down the slopes together or engaging in the heat of battle on our paintball fields. The possibilities are endless here in the Pocono Mountains!

So pack your bags, jump in the car and head to the mountains to celebrate spring, even if there's snow on the ground!

As quickly as they came, the Olympics are rounding third and heading for home.  But just because the Games end doesn't mean your Olympic experience has to stop this weekend, too.  We still have at least a solid month of snow left.  If you haven't already, it's time to get out and experience the best of the Winter Games here in the Pocono Mountains.  As we all know, the athletes in Vancouver participate in a plethora of unique sports and activities.  But that's not what the Olympics are all about.  Above all else, the Games are about one thing and one thing only - competition.

I never snowboard alone, because it's just more fun to go with a friend.  And what results are races, competitions, and other "dares" that make the experience memorable.  Sometimes it's simply a race based on speed, similar to a Snowboard-Cross competition.  Sometimes we hit the terrain park and our jumps and grinds more closely resemble the X-Games.  But it all comes down to that desire within us to compete.  It really doesn't matter who wins or loses, it's the act of competing that gets the blood pumping.  And that, is what the Olympic Experience is all about.

One of the best ways to keep the races interesting is to switch the venue.  My buddies and I are lucky in that we have several choices around us that offer events throughout the season.  For instance, Blue Mountain will be holding another NASTAR race this Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  NASTAR races are aimed to let recreational ski and snowboards compete via a handicapping system.  For the terrain park rider, Camelback is holding a Gaper Rail-Jam on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.  Prizes are awarded for best trick, best costume and other quirky qualifications.  Or, you can practice up for Shawnee Mountain's Rail Jam on March 7.  Overall talent will be judged with awards consisting of the latest and greatest gear.

You have to ask yourself only one question:  Are you ready to compete?  If the answer is yes, the choices are plentiful.  Here's to wishing you a safe ride and a good buddy to eat your dust.

Every year the Barrett Paradise Friendly Library holds a fundraiser aptly named, the Booklovers' Ball.   The library started as a dream of the Director Cindy DeLuca.  Cindy brought the community together to make her dream of a friendly library a reality and each year Skytop Lodge hosts the ball to raise money to keep the dream alive.  Skytop is the perfect setting for the ball.  We were welcomed with a red carpet outfitted with photographers to capture me in my designer BCBG gown and Mark in his "oh so sexy" tuxedo.  At the end of the red carpet we were greeted by volunteers who gladly sold us tickets for the silent auction and got us excited for the evening's main event, the live auction. 

As we entered the ballroom it had been transformed into a lover's paradise instantly comforting us and drawing us in.  Dinner was proudly served by the skillful Skytop staff as the Doug Smith Orchestra reminded us that dancing was not far off.  As we chatted with the couples at our table, I quickly decided that this has to be an annual evening out for us and I just can't wait to pick out a new gown for next year!  Dessert was followed by dancing and fun was had by all.  Most importantly, funds were raised to keep the library alive!

There is nothing more beautiful than a walk along one of the Pocono Mountains scenic trails. I am planning to be at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Dingmans Ferry between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 28^, as they will be hosting a Moon Rise Walk.

Everyone will be meeting in the lobby of the main building at 5:00pm to join the crew as they lead the way for a two-mile round trip walk along the Tumbling Water's Trail. I am hoping to catch a glimpse of wildlife in its natural environment or perhaps even hear the hoot of an owl!

You'll want to make sure that you dress warm and wear your hiking boots because it will take approximately 45 minutes to get to the ridge. I am also going to take a backpack with a thermos filled with steaming hot chocolate and some snacks, along with an insulated cushion to sit on while I relax and watch the moonrise. Oh, don't forget to pack your camera. You will definitely want to take many pictures of all of the serene natural beauty and the breathtaking sunset under the moonlit sky!

Did you notice my photo? It was taken last week on one of my visits to PEEC.

I have often heard it said that some of the best things in life are free. It must be true because there is absolutely no cost for this adventurous, guided moonlit walk along the gorgeous Tumbling Water's Trail!

As always, I'd love to hear from you! Let me know where the trails of the Pocono Mountains lead you this weekend. I hope to see you at PEEC!!

This weekend we took Nicholas to Crystal Cabin Fever. I highly recommend making it a point to visit the Pocono Mountains to attend this spectacular event! I'm not sure what I enjoyed more, taking Nicholas down the ice slide or looking at the intricate details of the ice sculptures. It was a perfect way to enjoy a day with my family. On the way home we stopped at Ehrhardt's Waterfront Resort for lunch. Carl enjoyed barbeque cheddar sliders, and I had a scrumptious prime rib cheesesteak with au ju on the side. Lucky for us, we received a 10%-off coupon from Crystal Cabin, so not only was lunch delicious, but it was also reasonably priced.

Now that I had my fill of the cold, I am ready to fill up with a hot cup of tea. Do you have any princesses or princes in your family? If so, polish up their crowns and visit the enchanting Shawnee Castle for the Princess Tea. All princesses and princes throughout the land are invited for a spot of tea with the Queen of Shawnee and His Royal Highness, the Prince Warren at Shawnee Inn. This delightful tea party will include finger sandwiches, freshly baked breads, scones, stories by the fireplace and of course tea. What a magical day for the royalty of your household. Please call the Shawnee Inn at 800-SHAWNEE for more details.

I sure am glad that I have a camera, because Nicholas is growing so fast. I'm grateful that he enjoys going out just as much as we do. The happiness that I feel when I see him smiling is pure bliss. Until next time... celebrate family, friends and traditions.

It's time to mount up in Upstate PA! As a representative of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, you may be wondering why exactly I would send you to a different destination. Au contraire, we are part of Upstate PA, in addition to the Endless Mountains, Lackawanna County, Luzerne County and Schuylkill County Convention and Visitors Bureaus.

This alliance was recently created to help better promote the northeast Pennsylvania region and allocate resources. Basically, it just makes sense. While all of these regions are different in their own unique ways we have one commonality, the outdoors. Our primary audience is even defined as "the roof rack crowd." You know, the people who have a fishing rod, kayak, bike and skis all on their top of the car on the interstate. How do you think we got the idea for our creation seen above?

Just two weeks ago, Upstate PA held our first media FAM and our journalists had a blast! From skiing to snowmobiling to gaming to wine tasting, we covered all 11 counties in three days and participated in the perfect winter extravaganza. Read some of the stories for yourself:

KYW Newsradio 1060 Philadelphia

Penn Live/Patriot News

The Italian Voice

Be sure to browse the Upstate PA site and start planning your next trip to this area, especially if you would classify yourself as an outdoor enthusiast. What are you waiting for? Mount Up!

The 15^th was also my birthday and a very good friend invited me to go snowmobiling with him.  What a gift it turned out to be!  We went to Hickory Run State Park and found only four other snowmobilers all day long.  The trails were beautiful.  Many of them winded through old, tall forest.  Others went over, under and across bridges.  And on every single trail, the evidence of recent deer and turkey activity was obvious.  The hunter in me was loving it.  

There are 21 miles of designated trails in the park.  Boulder Field Trail guided us to the legendary national landmark, where we snapped some pics and took a moment to catch our breath.  Then, it was back down Stage Trail until another one offered up some new terrain.  We rode them all by the day's end.  And I can honestly say that every single trail was beautiful.  Some challenged our technical abilities; others opened up and let us hammer down on the throttle.   But every one was memorable and scenic.  Every.  Single.  One.

There wasn't a cloud in the sky, the temperature was a very tolerable 33 degrees and the trails were all but vacant.  The woods were ours.  When it came time to go, I left the park with one thought on my mind, "Happy Birthday to me."

I remember it like it was yesterday, when in actuality it was over 20 years ago.  The anticipation, the preparation, the shear excitement of the crowd... Do you remember your first live concert?  Mine was Cher and it was an epiphany for me.  Who in their right mind doesn't fall in love with live music the first time they experience it?  I have committed to memory exactly what I wore that evening and every outfit change the mighty, mighty Cher dazzled us with.  I know there were times when I held my breath and others when a tear or two trickled down my cheek.  I fell in love with live music that night and I've never let go. 

Over the years, I can honestly say that I have been to more music concerts than movies.  The genres range from Alternative to Rock and the artists from ABBA to Zeppelin, from Broadway stages to smoky bars, live music makes me happy.  My love of music is one I share with many people and I'd like to share it with you.  On Sunday, March 7, Grammy-winner Michael Bolton will be in the Pocono Mountains for one exclusive concert event.  I've had the opportunity to see Michael in concert on two separate occasions and even sent my parents to see him perform, he's that good! 

Would you like to be part of this intimate evening with the undisputed king of the romantic ballad? I can't imagine a more perfect setting than Cove Haven Resort.  Tickets can be purchased for $50 per person or make an exceptional evening of it and have dinner before the show for $93 per person (concert ticket included).  Actually, here is a better idea!  Book a suite at the resort and your concert ticket is included in the price of your stay!  Your first concert only happens once in a lifetime but the joy music brings lasts forever. 

Ciao for now...

There will most definitely be a flurry of activity with a carnival-like atmosphere at the base of the mountain, and I don't want to miss a single minute of it! DJs from my two favorite radio stations 93.5 WSBG and 107.1 WWYY "The Bone" will be there spinning tunes and giving away lots of prizes.

You'll want to make sure to catch the various ski and snowboard reps that will be on hand to demonstrate some of the newest equipment. Oh and did I mention, the Mountains' Junior Development Race Team will be performing a synchronized skiing demonstration on the Thunder Cloud Trail? I suggest you definitely checking that out. But, if that's not enough to excite you, the Monster 4x4 will, as the free samples roll in for Carnival Day.

I'm also looking forward to watching three professional ice carvers as they each transform a three-hundred pound block of ice into a work of art! After the carvings are complete make sure to vote for your favorite carver and sculpture. The Peoples Choice Award will be presented at 2 p.m. I hope your favorites win!

As always, don't forget to fill me in on what's happening with you this weekend in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you at Shawnee Mountain!

Crystal Cabin Fever is an impressive ice display that features different themes each year.  This year the theme is Caribbean Ice.  Visitors can slide down the pirate ship ice slides, walk through a life-sized ice tiki hut and explore an ice treasure maze. The display will also include ice dolphins, a coral reef display, reptiles, birds and much more all carved out of ice. Yes, ice! I can't wait to see it...hard to imagine. I wonder how many blocks of ice were needed to create this masterpiece. I'll make Carl count!

A friend of mine attended Crystal Cabin Fever and said she had a blast.  She mentioned the ice slide was her favorite part, and that I must give it a try.  Due to the fact you will be indoors and surrounded by ice, I'd suggest dressing warm and be sure to bundle up your kids up in their snow gear. 

There is still lots of time to plan your Crystal Cabin Fever experience as it will be open daily through February 28. Visit their Web site for admission rates, directions, and further information.

I'm not sure what I'm more excited about; the slide, the ice maze or dressing Nicholas up in his adorable little snow suit and boots.  Whatever it is, I'm pretty excited and I can't wait go.  Until next time, celebrate family, friends and traditions.