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How about we switch gears this week? I've been out and about socializing so often in the past few weeks I thought maybe I'd talk a break from the parties, events and fundraisers to chat a bit about something I know many of you crave... Shopping! You know the holidays are just around the corner and although I have never been, nor will I ever be one of those people who has all her shopping done by November 1... I know there are those of you reading this that began your quest for the perfect holiday gifts months ago. I, in no way will pretend to understand the desire or dedication to such a practice. One holiday season, many moons ago, I thought I should give this foreign concept a try... I ended up giving the gift to its recipient long before the holiday arrived and had to purchase another one. That was my last attempt at planning and purchasing prior to December 15. But I digress, back to the business at hand.

Wondering where to go for a unique shopping experience in the palatial Pocono Mountains where you and your friends can spend the day shopping then enjoy dinner and a cocktail? That's easy... Jim Thorpe. Located in the heart of Carbon County, Mauch Chunk was established in 1818 and was later renamed Jim Thorpe after the legendary Native American athlete. Its hillsides, narrow streets and terraced gardens earned the town its nickname "The Switzerland of America." You will find whimsical boutiques, Victorian architecture and shop owners who welcome visitors from near and far. There are treasures nestled in every nook and cranny of this downtown so plan on spending the day and finishing your evening at The Inn at Jim Thorpe, where your taste buds will be dancing and your thirst will be quenched.

I can't wait to hear all about your adventures in Jim Thorpe, PA! Ciao for now...

(Photo credit: Russ Schleipman)

I can't think of a better way to spend an Autumn afternoon than by being at an outdoor music festival in the Pocono Mountains! I'm praying for plenty of fall sunshine to add some extra brightness to the trees that Mother Nature has already begun to transform into a colorful splendor as Mount Airy Casino Resort hosts the first annual Rocktoberfest!

If you enjoy being outside, live music, grilled brats, burgers, dogs and beers, you won't want to miss Rocktoberfest on Saturday from noon until 9pm and Sunday from noon until 6pm. The Battle of the Bands will take place on both days, All Day Long!

As you know I'm all about a good time, great bands and fabulous festivals, and I'm anticipating a great weekend of sipping a few beers, munching on some grilled classics and listening to lots of live music. Make sure to cast your vote for your favorite band on Saturday as the participating bands will be battling for a prize of $3,000 and a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

Rocktober Fest will also be offering some great door prizes from North American Warhorse! So, don't forget to enter for your chance to go home with your choice of some fantastic prizes including a 2010 Harley Sportster!!

I'm sure that everyone who is Rocktoberfesting on Saturday will want to return on Sunday and catch the performance of Mia Mania!

In addition to the outdoor fun of Rocktoberfest, make sure to check out the ROCK 107 Rock Art Show in Mount Airy's main lobby. This will be a sensational show and will feature a special appearance by Rock photographer Mark Weiss! Mark has photographed several rock star legends, including a few of my favorites like Ozzy Osbourne, Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones! Did you notice the photo featured in my blog? This photo of Ozzy is one of his classics!

Ron Campbell, director of the Beatles cartoon series will be making a rare appearance and will have many of his original paintings on sale that were created just for this show. Just imagine being able to display one of his pieces in your own home! I'm definitely going to be taking one home with me!

As always, fill me in on your weekend in the Pocono Mountains and share some of your classic photos with me! I hope to see you at Rocktoberfest and the ROCK 107 Rock Art Show!

Imagine traversing a large field with no vegetation and filled with all white boulders that are 26 feet long, while carrying a fussy toddler who I intentionally woke up from his nap so he could encounter the wonder with me. Yep! That was my experience at Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park. Granted, Nicholas wasn't too happy with the feeling of being unstable on these large rocks, although he did warm up a bit and even mustered a smile or two for a few pictures.

Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park is a large natural area that is 400 feet by 1,800 feet. It is a National Natural Landmark that has changed very little over the past 20,000 years. This natural section of the park is a unique scenic area with a geologic significance. I sound like an expert, don't I? I do have expertise in many things, but this natural landmark is not one of them. However, I obtained all of this factual information by reading literature that I picked up at the Visitors Center located at Hickory Run State Park's main office.

After we snapped a few more photos, balanced on a few boulders and comforted Nicholas after his initial meltdown, we decided to explore the rest of the park. Following our frolic in the perfectly groomed playgrounds, playing with rocks on the beach and removing Nicholas' wet shoes from his spontaneous dash to the water, we decided to call it day. Nicholas wasn't too happy about that, but because the park is so huge and there is so much more for us to explore, we promised him a return trip... but try explaining that to a 16 month old!

The beauty of this park really captured Nicholas' love of the outdoors. With so much to do and so many things to see, a visit to Hickory Run State Park and Boulder Field should be put on your list of things to do. Despite Nicholas' initial mood, he forgot he was tired and enjoyed running freely throughout this beautiful park. Until next time... Celebrate family, friends and traditions.

Autumn is officially upon us and although the temperatures still feel like summer, you can already see the difference!  In this week's Fall Foliage Forecast, all regions have at least 20% full color and the season just began yesterday. Fall is truly a spectacular time in the region and the colors are nothing short of breathtaking; however the best part is we have 17, yes I said 17 different ways to view the foliage during the autumn season. That's more shoes than I currently have in my closest! Well, no that's not true but you get the point it's a large number.    

For the adventurous soul, savor the stunning scenery rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding or golfing. If you are a water lover, set out on a rafting, kayaking, canoeing, sail boating or fishing excursion. For those who are seeking a more tranquil experience take a brisk stroll, chairlift ride, rail excursion or hayride. You can also visit a scenic overlook or relax on a porch of a quaint bed and breakfast or country inn. However, the final and possibly most popular way is taking a scenic drive through the countryside. We have 23 different self-guided driving tours and each feature unique views and picturesque foliage. My personal favorite is Route 507 in the Lake Region. There's nothing prettier than seeing the bright colors reflected off the waters of Lake Wallenpaupack! 

If that's not enough, don't forget about all the fairs and festivals we offer during this time period! From the Fall Foliage Weekends in Jim Thorpe to the Autumn Timber Festival at Shawnee Mountain and everything in between, there's always an outdoor celebration where you can experience the vibrancy of the foliage. 

So try one, all or any number in between but I insist you visit the Pocono Mountains this fall. With 13 weekends in autumn, it looks like I will be quite busy!

As I mentioned last week I've been the socialista extraordinaire the past few weeks and this one proved no different...  I'm not sure I've fully recovered from all the activities I've found myself involved in lately but being the trooper I am, I keep pushing forward... (insert laughter) 

I believe that part of being a "superior socialista" is the ability to lead, and I am proud to say that I am one of the 22 students enrolled in this year's Leadership Pocono program. Last weekend all of us rose early, laced up our sneaker and headed to Stony Acres for a day of team building. While climbing trees, zip lining and jumping off of a telephone pole, I quickly realized that we all have different personalities and styles of leadership and that each of us brings something different to the table...

One of my classmates brought something extremely exciting for me to the aforementioned table, a brand new boutique that will greatly improve my social wardrobe! I'm proud to announce the grand opening of Dawn of New York on Main Street in Stroudsburg! Owner and Sylist Dawn Notaro truly hit a home run with her eclectic boutique. I instantly fell in love with the look and feel of the space and couldn't wait to start trying on everything that tickled my fancy. Sipping champagne and snacking on hors d'oeuvres just added to the fantastic atmosphere! I walked out of the boutique with a new swing/shift sweater that has me wishing for cooler temperatures.

After the grand opening soiree my fellow blogger Nina and I headed to the after party at Liquid Martini Bar to meet friends and enjoy a much needed and deserved girl's night out. Of course my evening didn't end there, I also stopped at desaki to check out the "home grown" band of the week Sweet Charity. Desaki truly is an extraordinary place to listen to live music!

If you are interested in adding a few new pieces to your wardrobe, drop me a note, and we'll hit DNY together. Ciao for now...

The Summer of 2010 has faded into some wonderful memories and now it's time to celebrate the beginning of fall! In my opinion, there is no better way to enjoy the change of the seasons than by attending the many different types of fall festivals in the Pocono Mountains!

On Saturday between the hours of 11am and 5pm you will find me at the Wayne County Fairgrounds for the second annual Wayne County Wine and Cheese Fest!

If you share my passion for local wines, cheeses and many other local signature items, you won't want to miss this fantastic festival! Several of the Pocono Mountains' very own wineries and cheese artisans will be in attendance including Cherry Valley Vineyards and Pocono Limited Winery along with Calkins Creamery.

This will be an afternoon that will be all about pairing the perfect local wines with the perfect local cheeses. I'm hoping to get a few ideas to create the perfect combinations for hosting my own little wine and cheese party!

In addition to the wonderful wines and tasty cheeses, there will be an abundance of other vendors offering a wide variety of items. Visit http://nepawinecountry.com/wayne-co-wine-cheese/vendors for the complete list of vendors. The holiday season is right around the corner, so you may want to do a little seasonal shopping. I'm sure that you will be able to find some awesome one-of-a-kind gifts that will please even the most difficult person to shop for on your list.

Live entertainment is also on the day's agenda! Check out http://nepawinecountry.com/wayne-co-wine-cheese/entertainment for the complete venue. I'm sure that everyone in attendance will have a good time! I know I will!

Advance tickets are only $15. Each person holding a general admission ticket will receive a souvenir wine glass and will be able to enjoy tasting the wines of the participating wineries. If you are under the age of 21 or if you will be a designated driver you will be able to gain entry for only $5. However, you will not receive a wine glass or be able to taste the wines.

As always, I love hearing from you! So, let me know how and where you are planning to celebrate the change of the seasons in the Pocono Mountains. I hope to see you at the Wayne County Wine and Cheese Festival!

I love birthdays. I especially love my birthday. I can't help it, I love to celebrate with my family and friends, and I especially love gifts. I'm not going to lie, I've been spoiled my whole life and my husband continues the tradition of spoiling me. So when my birthday comes around he knows how to step it up a notch and bring out the big guns. Even my BFF (who I've decided is like a sister) spoils me with beautiful gifts and parties. It's a little known fact that she bought me my first Coach bag. It's now an addiction and my husband is still "thanking" her for it.

Wait... did I say birthday? What I meant to say was "birthweek". The week of my birthday is going to be so much fun. I'm going to start off the festivities with some of the most awesome women I know. Drinks, appetizers, tons of laughter, and who knows what else. There are numerous nightclubs, bars and pubs for us to stop in and get our party on.

Once girls night is over, its family time. With a plethora of places to go and explore, Carl and I decided to take a vacation week so we can get out with Nicholas and celebrate my "birthweek" the right way! Hiking, shopping, touring, dining, and relaxing are all on the itinerary. Having an uninterrupted week with my two favorite boys is the best present that I could ever ask for. 

So don't forget, visit our website www.800poconos.com for information on places to stay and things to do for your special princess (or prince's) birthday. Like I always say to my husband, "if the crown fits!" Until next time... Celebrate family, friends, and traditions.

Can I swim, bike and run? Yes, yes and yes! Can I swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles? I'm going to have to think long and hard about that. All in the same day?  Yeah, I'm not so sure about that. 70.3 miles makes up an ironman competition which is a true test of mind, body and spirit and defines a true athlete. This is exactly the reason why I couldn't be more thrilled to announce the launch of Ironman 70.3 Pocono Mountains! (Two announcement blogs in a row, I'm either a big loud mouth or I'm really good at this!)

Starting in the scenic Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and finishing in downtown Stroudsburg, there's not many areas that are better suited for this type of competition other than the Pocono Mountains. It's like yin and yang, we're a perfect fit! In fact, this inaugural race will mark the first ever Ironman event in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The first Ironman Pocono Mountains will take place on Sunday, October 2, 2011 so you still have plenty of time to begin training. However if you're a little unsure about the entire race, it will include a multisport expo and other interactive events! Visit ironmanpoconomountains.com for continual updates, race news move event information.

I guess I'm going to have to rethink the cookie I had with lunch because it's time to get serious. Hope to see you training around the Pocono Mountains!

As quickly as the Outdoorsian moniker came, it is leaving.  Unfortunately, this will be my last post under the title I've come to love.  Not to get all nostalgic on you here, but I recall some great memories as I look back on my little corner of the blogosphere. 

There was the time I saw a trout that size of a football in Tom's Creek - my unicorn.  And it lived up to its name, as I never saw it again.  Then, as winter fell, I remember sliding down Fernwood's Winter Fun Center on a slipper snow tube, shouting all the way down.  Snowmobiling through Hickory Run State Park was also a blast.  And I most certainly recall the time, at Delaware Water Gap Country Club, when the wheels fell off our near perfect round.  There were many other experiences of course, 76 to be exact.  I am grateful for every single one of them.  

 It's been a quick two years for me here at the PMVB.  I've been jubilant, stressed, excited, frustrated, and every other emotion in the book.  However, throughout all my journeys, adventures, and mishaps, one thing remained constant - I was in the Pocono Mountains, and I was loving life.  I truly enjoyed my time here, and no matter where I end up in the future, it will be hard to top the one, the only, Pocono Mountains. 

Until we meet again, farewell from the Outdoorsian.  I'll leave you with the four most important words I've ever written in this space, "Thank you for reading." 

I love being the Socialista for the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau! Want to know why?  It gives me an excellent excuse to attend every single awesome event that is held in our four counties.  I have had a busy few weeks and I don't see me slowing down anytime soon.  Let me just recap a few of the highlights of my recent escapades for you...

I'll begin with the serene setting of Big Pocono State Park.  It was a gorgeous Friday afternoon as I drove up Sullivan Trail to the 1,306 acres of rugged terrain on the summit and slopes of Camelback Mountain that make up the park.  I took in the breathtaking views of eastern PA and portions of New York & New Jersey as I witnessed the dedication of two magnificent park benches to Bob Uguccioni (aka Mr. Pocono).  If you are looking for a place to bike or hike head to Big Pocono for the challenge and when you are tuckered out you can bask in the glory or your surroundings while sitting on the new park benches.

My next night out brought me to desaki for their "martinis & manicures" event to benefit Thrive to Survive. I searched through my closet for something pink to wear and finally was rewarded for my effort when a dainty pink & black tank top appeared before my eyes.  The evening was spectacular and raised much needed dollars for the fight against breast cancer.  All the ladies grabbed their best friends and enjoyed the mini-manicures, fantastical martinis and heart tugging fashion show complete with breast cancer survivors & current warriors battling the disease. 

It just so happens that I was drawn back to desaki the following evening for their Local Band Series - Home Grown.  Terri and I, along with a few other socialista types sipped red and white wine respectively and danced to one of our favorite bands the Jim Roberti Trio.  I could go on and on about all the incredible events and attractions we have in the Pocono Mountains but I'm supposed to keep these blogs to fewer than 350 words and I want to save some excitement for next week!  Next time you hear someone say they're bored or have nothing to do... point them in the direction of the Pocono Mountains!

Ciao for now...