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Every year, our family celebrates the 4^th of July with an all day party.  We cook out on the grill, swim in the pool, and treat ourselves to a few frozen cocktails. In addition to the family party, Carl and I will continue celebrating our nation's 234^rd birthday, by taking Nicholas to the Freedom Festival at Dansbury Park in East Stroudsburg.  The festival will include live entertainment, a variety of food, carnival rides for children, and of course a firework spectacular at night.  The festival will be held from 2-9pm and is FREE of charge.  The Freedom Festival is just another example of why I love the good ‘ol USA so much. 

This year, after you are finished with your picnic, be sure to head on down to Dansbury Park and celebrate the 4^th of July with your fellow patriotic friends and neighbors.  Until next time... Celebrate family, friends, and traditions. 

(Photo credit: Russ Schleipman)

As our resident socialista I don't think it's a stretch to believe that I have natural leadership abilities. I'm sure you could find someone who disagrees with that but you won't change my mind. Now I'm not saying that I am brilliant or have incredible problem solving skills... that would be a stretch. What I am saying is that I have the ability to positively influence people and affect change. 

Are you asking yourself what exactly does this have to do with the Pocono Mountains? Yesterday, I along with 23 coworkers spent the afternoon at PEEC. The Pocono Environmental Education Center located in Dingmans Ferry, PA, is a unique treasure nestled in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. What makes it a treasure? First, let's start with the natural beauty of the region. PEEC has embraced the "leave no trace" methodology giving its students a true wilderness experience. Secondly, PEEC's educational opportunities are endless and thirdly they have perfected their team building clinics.

Do you have a staff that needs a pick-me-up or a lesson in non-verbal communication? Are you having issues with cooperation among your teams? If so, you need to book an afternoon at PEEC. Their staff will engage your employees, loosen their muscles and put smiles on their faces. It's easy to forget how enjoyable it is to spend time with colleagues outside of the office, PEEC will remind you! Even after falling on my face during one of our challenges I can honestly say I had a blast!!

Please check out PEEC's website for a complete list of their camps, educational clinics, hiking trails and rental facilities. You won't be disappointed!!

Ciao for now...

If you enjoy gazing at fantastic fireworks displays as much as I do, you're in for a real treat! It doesn't matter where you are in the Pocono Mountains, because there is sure to be a dazzling display near by.

Here are a few ideas of places to go to see some of the area's brilliant, beautiful fireworks.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area will be hosting their annual display on Saturday, 7- 10pm with a rain date of Sunday. Admission to attend is $10.00 per car load. There will also be lots of other fun things taking place, including a magic show. The fireworks begin to boom at dusk.

The town of Honesdale will begin their celebration at 5:30pm on Saturday, in Central Park with music, games and food. The fireworks are set to sizzle at dusk. A rain date has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 6.

Memorial Park in Jim Thorpe will be holding their holiday celebration on Saturday, with a rain date on Sunday. The festivities will begin at 10am and will include a variety of food vendors, music, games and much more! The phenomenal fireworks display begins at 10pm.

Mount Airy Casino Resort is inviting everyone to attend their colorful display on Sunday, at 9:30pm. It may be a good idea to arrive early and secure your spot. You may also want to bring a blanket or lawn chair for your comfort. There is absolutely no admission fee!

Lake Wallenpaupack will be alive with a vibrant spectacular display on Sunday, beginning at 9:15pm. The display will be fired near the Wallenpaupack High School. Parking will be available in the High School's parking lots. You will be able to have a great view from a variety of places including the school's bleachers, or perhaps you may want to take your boat out on the lake and watch from the water. A rain date has been set for Monday, July 5.

I am hoping to catch as many celebrations and fireworks displays as possible! For more information on sensational summer activities and seasonal celebrations check out our calendar of events!

As always, I love hearing from you, so fill me in on your plans for a fabulous 4^th of July in the Pocono Mountains. I hope to see you at the fireworks!

For ten weeks, we highlighted some of the best area chefs with one-on-one interviews and unique recipes. This way, readers, residents and visitors to the region get to know the culinary talent in our incredible restaurants, resorts and recreational cooking schools.  

From BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs to Seafood Mousse Stuffed Shrimp to Tuna Tataki, we have featured a variety of recipes to fit all skill sets. We've also learned that one of chefs prepared Sea Bass for president  George W. Bush and was then asked for an open faced grilled cheese because he didn't eat seafood and that another chef plated a wedding during a complete power outage. For more great stories and recipes, be sure to check out all ten of the chef's stories on the Foodie Friday homepage.

Obviously we know how much I enjoyed this campaign, but I want to hear from you! Let me know what you liked, what you didn't and maybe some recipes you tried or want to get from our chefs. Depending on your feedback, we are hoping to continue a fall foodie campaign centered around autumn flavors and locally sourced items. Doesn't it just make you crave squash soup, pumpkin ravioli and apple pie?  See, I told you that I have an unhealthy obsession with food!

Last week your resident socialista (that would be me) had the opportunity to transform into an Italian fashionista for an evening. You may ask yourself what is an Italian fashionista, I know I did and what I discovered was short cocktail dresses, bold colors and stilettos. My dress was a stunning Kelly green, my stilettos were hot, and I was ready to hit the town. It was a night in the Piazza at Schmidt's in Philadelphia celebrating the 32^nd Annual Philadelphia Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (PAMPI) Awards Gala. It was an amazing evening under the stars where awards were presented in the following categories:

Planner of the Year
Supplier of the Year
Chapter Leader of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Presidents Award

Also recognized was the new incoming President of the PAMPI, our very own David Jackson, director of sales for the PMVB. 

Hors d'oeuvres were served in the open air while wine and vodka flowed freely and new friendships were made. Dinner began with a delicious salad and antipasto followed by grapefruit intermezzo. The main course was beef or fish, both delightfully prepared. We rounded out the evening with delectable cupcakes & coffee. Dancing and photos in the photo booth made this event one to remember. 

If you are looking for a place to hold your next corporate meeting, training session, team-building or family reunion, look no further than the Pocono Mountains... we do meetings!!

Ciao for now...

There is something about the warm summer months that makes me think back in time to the days of my youth in the Pocono Mountains! I love to reminisce about those care free days spent lounging at the pool, attending back yard barbecues, and of course, going to carnivals!

I am planning to be a kid again this weekend, as I stroll around the carnival being held on the Great Lawn of Fernwood Hotel and Resort in Bushkill.

Fun begins today and runs through Saturday, June 26. The hours of operation during midweek are from 6pm-10pm and from 2pm-10pm during the weekend.

Your whole family will enjoy this carnival complete with traditional games, thrilling rides, and flavorful foods! I am looking forward to that mouth watering bite of the season's first candy apple and trying my luck at winning some stuffed animals to add to my collection.

There is no admission fee, so you pay as you go. If you are planning to attend on today, June 24, or June 26 you may want to take advantage of the pay one price specials and ride the rides all day long at one low price! I am planning to spend the entire day of the 26^th riding the rides, playing the games and breathing the air filled with the appetizing aroma of French Fries with vinegar and all of the other terrific carnival foods!

You do not need to be a guest of Fernwood to attend and enjoy this 5 day long event as everyone is invited! However, you may want to think about spending a few days at this great family resort. Visit www.fernwoodhotel.com and check out the awesome amenities and large variety of lodging accommodations that Fernwood has to offer.

As always, let me know where you are planning to make summer memories in the Pocono Mountains this weekend! I hope to see you at the carnival on the Great Lawn of Fernwood Hotel and Resort!

Having a nice dinner with family and friends is something that I enjoy very much. This past Wednesday night, Carl, Nicholas and I, along with Nicholas' Uncle Matt and Aunt Andrea dined at La Vina Restaurant in Reeders.

La Vina Restaurant is a quaint restaurant that serves excellent Spanish and Italian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. The large menu features items such as the traditional Spanish paella to the Italian specialty, lobster ravioli. Not only is the food delicious, but the service is great. Our server, Danny, was more than helpful and was quick to fulfill any request. 

We started our dinner off with a pitcher of Sangria, followed by a fresh salad. Once our salads were finished, and after a few more sips of Sangria, we were served our entrees. The chef prepared the Paella with Lobster for Two, for Matt and Andrea, Carl went with the lobster ravioli, and I had shrimp with a delicious marina sauce. We ordered Nicholas spaghetti and meatballs from the children's menu, and I must admit Nicholas did a really good job eating his spaghetti. He must have truly enjoyed the homemade sauce!

While we were eating, we all agreed to save room for dessert. Our waiter brought us a tray with a sample of the delectable dessert menu. Items such as flan, tiramisu, cheese cake and other specialties (that I can't pronounce, yet alone spell) were available. All I have to say is - the tiramisu is out of this world!

Needless to say, we definitely enjoyed our family night out. The staff at La Vina made it very enjoyable for us. We are definitely looking forward to visiting this hidden gem again. Until next time... Celebrate family, friends and traditions.

So first, let's talk about the adventurous dad. Whether it is golf, whitewater rafting, paintball, fishing or just about any recreational activity you can think of, we have it here in the Pocono Mountains. With over 35 courses alone, there are still plenty of tee times to be had for Sunday and with the beautiful weather predicted this weekend, it's the perfect time to get out on the Lehigh River for some rafting or kayaking. For my dad, it's sailing so if you pass by Lake Naomi and see a rather tall girl stranded in the middle of the lake, be sure to send some wind my way.

For the dad who'd rather be indoors, dining is always a great choice. If you're family is anything like mine, we take our food very seriously and spend hours around the table alone. If you'd like to do brunch Sunday morning, the Settlers Inn is having a Jazz for Dads Brunch. If your dad is a beer guy, take him to the Gem and Keystone where he can sample dozens of handcrafted local brews. Personally, we're off to red's Steakhouse at Mount Airy Casino Resort. My dad is a meat and potatoes kind of guy, but red's takes it to a new level. If you get their filet served Oscar style, you will rave about it for days!

And if your father is unfortunately far away and you are unable to spend the day with him, head to the Crossings Premium Outlets in Tannersville. With 100 outlet stores of all varieties, you will be sure to find something perfect for your dad's personality. And if you're like me, you'll probably end up with a little something for yourself. Dad would want you to, right?

No matter what you find for your dad, always remember it's the time spent and memories shared that makes that day extra special for him. So while I spend countless minutes hunting and racking my brain for ideas, he'd much rather spend more time of being stranded on the lake or eating and laughing at red's than opening polo shirts or luggage items. Wishing everyone and their families a Happy Father's Day this Sunday!  

The team is about to start a four game road trip, returning to play at ESU on July 11 against the Erie Admirals at 5 p.m. The Snow got off to a hot start this year with a four game winning streak, positioning them at the top of the standings. Coming off their third tie of the year last week, the team looks to maintain their impressive form at the Erie Admirals this Saturday. To keep up with the players, scores and schedule, check out the Pocono Snow's website.

Let me know if you're headed out to a game!

Now if you have never attended a Barley Creek Summerfest you have definitely missed out. The upper deck is a magnificent setting for this spectacular late afternoon to evening event. The large bar and covered tent seating are excellent but pale in comparison to the enormous dance floor, where if you must know... we always get our groove on! I have plenty of photos that speak for themselves. 

Throw on a pair of flip-flops, your favorite shorts and a tank top, grab your best friends and head to Barley Creek this Saturday, June 19 from 4 - 10 p.m. I promise you will have a blast and then you'll be able to say you attended one of the leading summer events in the magnificent Pocono Mountains!

Ciao for now...