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The Pocono Mountains is a beautiful place to celebrate the upcoming Easter weekend, and the perfect place to start a new holiday tradition or continue with the traditions of the past.

The Easter holiday was always special to me. I remember as a child getting all dressed up on Easter morning in that new outfit complete with the Easter bonnet and feeling very special as my family headed to church for sunrise services. Then, it was off to my Great-Grandma's for the Easter feast!

Things have changed over the years, and I have vowed not to cook for a crowd for the holiday! I have started a new tradition by celebrating Easter at a different restaurant each year. A few of my favorites are:

• Stroudsmoor Country Inn in Stroudsburg
• The Boat House Restaurant in Hawley
• Fernwood Hotel & Resort in Bushkill

As always, I would love to hear from you! Please help me to decide where to dine this year by sharing your ideas with me! I hope to see you celebrating over Easter dinner!

Boy, time sure does fly when you are having fun! Can you believe that it's March 31 already? Seems like just yesterday we were reminding ourselves that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. I told you that I was going to pay attention to the weather this March to prove once and for all if the old adage is true (see "In Like a Lion" blog) Well guess what?  I think it just might be.  It was quite chilly and downright scary outside in early March and here we are staring in the face of summer like temperatures expected this weekend! I am thoroughly thrilled at the prospect of temps in the high 70s.  Not only will everyone be able to show off their new Easter outfits without heavy coats covering the delightful pastels, we may even have the opportunity to turn our pasty white skin to a light golden bronze. 

With the potential of warm temperatures comes the opportunity to shed a few layers of clothing, break out your open toe shoes and sandals and show off your freshly manicured tootsies!  Now personally I have perfectly delightful toes all year long but I must admit to you, my loyal blog readers, that I have NEVER had a pedicure. You read that correctly, I just wrote NEVER.  That is all going to change this year.  As part of my year-long 40^th birthday celebration, I will be treating myself to my first ever pedicure.  I asked my fellow blogger Nina (Mommy & Me) to accompany me on my big adventure and she gladly accepted the invitation.  I highly recommend getting outside this weekend and enjoying everything there is to offer in the Pocono Mountains.  I also suggest checking out the spa section on our Web site and finding a local spa to pamper your precious peepers.  Make sure you bring along your friends and make an entire day of it.  Bring on the strappy sandals!  Keep checking back for pics of my first pedi.  Ciao for now...

Waves of pastel colors, whimsical rabbits and ornamented eggs adorn our homes, streets and store windows.  In my opinion, Easter is such a beautiful holiday.  Bright sunshine, warm breezes, green grass and droves of flowers make it THAT much better.  Last Easter, I was nine months pregnant, three days over my due date and ready to pop.  This year, I have my "little bunny" to celebrate this perfect spring holiday.

In order to make Nicholas' first Easter memorable, I decorated my house from top to bottom.  I also plan on giving him an Easter basket that will be bigger than he is.  Easter egg dying, an Easter egg hunt and Easter Bunny pictures are all on my list.  Although he won't remember any of it, my husband and I will; and we plan on making Easter a grand theatrics every year.

Recently, we did some Easter shopping.  We looked for lawn and home décor, plastic eggs for an Easter egg hunt and goodie bags for all seven of my nieces and nephews.  Thankfully, we hit a jackpot when we visited Odd-Lot Outlet in Marshalls Creek.  It was a one-stop shop for our Easter needs and so much more.  The bargains were amazing, and there was an ample amount of items to choose from.  From seasonal items to everyday bits and pieces, they had it all.  But I was informed, if you like what you see, buy it because once the items are gone, they are gone. 

Odd-Lot Outlet has two locations, Route 209 in Marshalls Creek and Route 611 in Tannersville.  Both are conveniently located a mile or two off of I-80.  Be sure to visit their Web site www.oddlotoutlet.com to print out a 15% off coupon. 

It really is exciting to plan holiday festivities for my little guy.  I hope one day he can look back and say "yes, I had a wonderful childhood."  Until next time...celebrate family, friends and traditions. 

Corsets and high heels will be abound in Jim Thorpe this weekend for The First Annual Burlesque Festival! Located in the heart of downtown, the Mauch Chunk Opera House is one of the oldest Burlesque and Vaudeville venues located in the United States, making it the perfect venue for this celebration of art.

If you've come to watch, you will not be disappointed. Performances will be given by Burlesque troops, professionals from all over the world and unique acts including a magician and "The Human Floor," who will be attempting to break his existing world record. Yes, this man is definitely unique. One of his past stunts has included two dozen women in high heels standing on top of him. Can you say OUCH?! And you can't miss "The Big Reveal" competition on Saturday night!

If you've come to participate, you have an exciting array of classes to choose from. From the basics at Burlesque 101 or Belly Dancing 101 to Cabaret Boom Pow to The Art of Seductively Removing Gloves, you can find all classes essential to giving your own Burlesque performance. I didn't even know that you could seductively remove gloves! I wonder if it works the same with the pink ones I use to wash the dishes.

And lastly, if you've come to shop, vendors will be lining the streets all weekend selling lingerie, make-up, jewelry, corsets and more! Where else can you find pasties on a Saturday afternoon?

So if you're going to find your inner minx or to appreciate an art form, you will be sure to spice up your weekend by heading to Jim Thorpe!

I see my second shot landing safely on the green. After some careful calculations, my putting stroke is true. The ball drops. A three. A birdie. And I'm one under through one. My visions of golf greatness, no matter how unlikely they may be, are becoming more and more substantial. Soon, I'll try to turn them into reality.

Golf courses in the Pocono Mountains are already opening. Hideaway Hills and Water Gap Country Club are ready for you on the first tee. Glen Brook opens the 26^th along with Mountain Manor. Shawnee starts the 31^st, Mount Airy the 1^st and Pocono Manor the 2^nd. The rest will follow shortly thereafter. In the next few days, I'll break out my net and begin working on my form. With no one there to critique me, I'll be left to assume I'm hitting the ball correctly. As long as it's straight, I'm a happy camper.

While I dream of low scores and perfect drives, I'm also a realist. There will be high numbers posted this year, no doubt. I'm reminded of a quote by Paul Harvey who once said, "Golf is a game in which you yell ‘fore', shoot six and write down five." I'd say that's pretty accurate.

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down. I'm guessing that you are not reading this on a Monday, and I'm hoping that it's not raining right now but it just so happens that I am writing this on a very rainy Monday in the Pocono Mountains. Don't you hate when you are on vacation and the rain snatches away all your plans for outdoor fun? No sunbathing, no hiking, biking or golfing and no meandering down our Main streets or outlet malls! Just what is there to do when the sun has refused to shine? 

As the expert in all things social I can attest to the outrageous fun you will have if you get all of your friends together and ride the rapids. There is no way to explain the rush of excitement you experience as your raft traverses the river; you have to experience it yourself. Moving water has an awesome force, and that force is felt every minute you are immersed in it. Every time I hit the river with my friends, memories are made and friendships grow stronger. I mean c'mon, you are going to get wet anyway, why not have a blast at the same time!

Do me a favor and check out these great offers I found at Whitewater Challengers. Monday Madness, Terrific Tuesday, Wet & Wild Wednesdays or Thursday Thrillers?  On Mondays from April 12 - 26, bring six or more friends and enjoy a free river lunch as you challenge the rapids and enjoy the awesome scenery. On Tuesdays from April 13 - 27, enjoy a 20% discount on all the souvenirs and merchandise in the outfitter store. Wednesdays between April 14 - 28 mean free water cannons to soak your friends and after a rafting trip on Thursdays April 15 - 29 you will receive 20% discount on the new Zipline Adventure.

Visit our calendar of events section to take advantage of any of the above deals, and print a copy of the specific announcement you would like to experience. The announcement will be your coupon! I guarantee you there is no better way to get wet than on a raft in one of our rivers! I dare you to take the challenge!

Ciao for now...

Spring flowers are beginning to peek through the ground here in the Pocono Mountains, and Easter is only a week away! Needless to say the Easter Bunny will be very busy this upcoming weekend!

If you plan to do some Easter shopping, The Crossings Premium Outlets in Tannersville is the place to be. You will be sure to find that perfect Easter outfit or anything else that you may need for the upcoming holiday. The Easter Bunny will be making an appearance at The Crossings on Saturday, March 27 beginning at noon. Make sure to bring the kids for some special treats!

The Stourbridge Line in Honesdale will also be hosting that popular rabbit for The Easter Bunny Excursion! Board the train at either 12:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. for a two-hour trip filled with music, sing-alongs and special treats for all of the kids on board. Reservations are required and tickets for this trip are $20 for adults, $15 for those 12 and under and free for those lap held bunnies two years of age or younger.

The Hampton Inn in Matamoras will be holding their first ever Easter Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The afternoon will be filled with games such as a three-legged race, movies and of course, the egg hunt held on their front lawn! Don't forget to look for special eggs with special prizes inside. Refreshments will also be served. There is even a possibility that the Easter Bunny will be making a surprise appearance!

What a perfect way to welcome in the season of spring! Bring the kids and the Easter baskets and enjoy a fun filled, old-fashioned Easter celebration! My son is all grown up now so I am hoping to borrow my nephew for the day. I know that we will both have a great time!

As always, I would love to know what you're doing this weekend in the Pocono Mountains. I hope to see you at one of these fantastic Easter outings!

My sister-in-law, who came to the Pocono Mountains from Peru, told me many stories of her culture and their ancient history.  Recently, while her mother and father came to visit, I thought I would share our native ancient culture with them.  I put my tourism skills to good use by taking them to some of the best historical attractions around.  The tour included:  The Pocono Indian Museum, The Appalachian Trail and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and various scenic pull-offs on Route 611, in the town of Delaware Water Gap, that offer up close views of the massive gap and the strolling Delaware River. 

Fact:  The first settlers of the Pocono Mountains were the American Indians of the Delaware, Iroquois, Shawnee, Minisink, Lenape and Paupack tribes.

Fact:   The name "Pocono" is a Native American word which means "A stream between two mountains."

Fact:  The Appalachian Trail runs through the town of Delaware Water Gap; the trail stretches from Maine to Georgia.   

Fact:  The Delaware Water Gap formed millions of years ago.  There are a few theories about how the Gap formed.  Some of theories include a Continental shift, land erosion and a glacier.

After my historical tour was complete, we decided it was time to eat.  This time, I got a historical tour of my own...through food.  In the small village of Minisink, there is a hidden gem of a restaurant called Inti Peruvian Cuisine.  Inti (meaning sun), offered a traditional Peruvian menu complete with ceviche and Inca Cola.  My Peruvian "family" explained each dish and recommended their favorites; I must admit that I enjoyed everything they suggested.  Until next time...celebrate family, friends and traditions.

I will never forget my sister and I standing in our grandparent's driveway posing for pictures before church with pastel dresses larger than our bodies and bright pink rain coats (see image). Or the year we received our beloved bunny, C.C., from our uncle. From baskets to egg hunts to family gatherings, Easter is always a special and memorable time for children.  While the holiday is a mere two weeks away, there is still time to ensure it is special for you and yours!

A trip to Woodloch Resort this Easter is complete with an egg hunt, children's party, petting zoo, arts and craft and a special visit from the Easter Bunny himself.  This all-inclusive resort takes care of all the details from entertainment to meals daily, so you can focus on enjoying this holiday stress-free with your family.

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort also offers a plethora of Easter excitement including a basket in the room upon arrival, special buffet, egg coloring, egg hunt and time with the Easter Bunny! Located on the shores of the Delaware River, be sure to visit Shawnee River Trips and make your holiday memory by paddling down the river together.

And don't forget to hop onto the Bunny Run. The Stourbridge Line will be running a special train excursion on March 27, in order to kick-off the holiday excitement.  In addition to the special rabbit passenger, the kids will get to enjoy Easter entertainment and treats on this two-hour excursion through the beautiful mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. 

No matter how you spend your holiday, I wish you and your family the same excitement I had growing up. Go ahead, hop in!

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.