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Der Jaeger is a private fine dining facility where guests can browse the art and antique inventory while your food is being prepared. Guests are also welcome to sit at the bar and watch the chef at work. Our table was centered in the middle of the room and surrounded by beautiful artwork, German books and literature, war artifacts, and other memorabilia.

As Nicholas and our friend's daughter played on the floor, our gracious host, Sylvana, started bringing out bowl after bowl of delicious homemade cuisine. We first started out with a delicious bowl of soup; each adult had a different type so we can all have a taste of each others. Soup was followed by a delicious sausage plate that was served with the best sauerkraut I had ever had. After the "appetizers" we feasted on beef rouladen, sauerbraten, goulash, German potato salad, and homemade spatzle. With the décor of the room, the smells, the food, and the music, it really felt like I was in Deutschland. What really made me happy was Nicholas was not afraid to try the variety of food. He really loved the spatzle and goulash; looks like we have a future foodie on our hands.

One of my favorite features of this establishment is the hospitality. Guests are encouraged to sit back and relax enjoy the meal for as long as you wish. Because it is private dining, reservations must be made in order for each plate to be specifically prepared for you. I love family style meals, and I love restaurants that make you feel like family. Nicholas and his lovely playmate really felt comfortable and that says something because children are the toughest critics.

Everyone has turned to About.com at some point online and many people rely on the site on a daily basis. They have the answers to everything and their site description is spot on, "a valuable resource for content that helps people to solve the large and small needs of everyday life."  

They are currently hosting their ever-popular 2011 Reader's Choice Awards and showcasing the best of everything including products, services and innovations in more than 80 categories. Woodloch Resort hasn't only made the first round cut, they are a finalist in the top five in contention for Best All-Inclusive Resort in North America and Caribbean. They're not even the only resort in the northeast, but also the mainland of the United States!

A true testament to warm hospitality and family owned and operated for 50 years, Woodloch Resort is an exceptional getaway for all ages. This is obvious or they wouldn't be a finalist! However, they can't take home the title without your vote. So what are you waiting for? You only have until March 8 to vote and don't forget to start planning your next trip to Woodloch while you're at it!

I'm planning on a fun-filled weekend with a blast from the past as The Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe presents Experience Janis on Saturday! If you're old enough to remember the psychedelic era and the rockin' sounds of the late 1960s, or if you're of a younger generation and appreciate the music of decades gone by, you won't want to miss this show!

I have always been a fan of the late, great Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix! I can hardly wait to experience this awesome recreation of these incredible, legendary musical icons! Ironically, both Janis and Jimi performed at Woodstock in 1969, passed away in 1970 both at the young age of 27 and both became rock and roll legends who still have a profound influence on the music of today!

Since I was only eight when the historic Woodstock event took place, I can only remember it through the eyes of others. So, it will definitely be a thrill to see CC Coletti and Anthony Krizan as they transform themselves into Joplin and Hendrix and transport their awe struck audience back in time to the days of love beads, tye dies and torn jeans!

I don't think that there is a Joplin or Hendrix tune that I don't like! However, I do have a few favorites, and I'm sure you have yours too. I am hoping to hear Mercedes Bens, Bobby McGee, Purple Haze and Voodoo Child!

If you are a true Joplin & Hendrix fan, I'm sure that you will enjoy this fantastic tribute in the intimate atmosphere of the historical Opera House. The doors will open at 7:30pm and the show will begin at 8:30pm. Tickets are only $25 and may be purchased online.

Perhaps you would like to spend the entire weekend experiencing the awesome town of Jim Thorpe! There are so many great things to do and wonderful places to stay!

Streaming live cameras have recently launched at popular winter recreation areas, Blue Mountain, Shawnee Mountain, Fernwood Hotel & Resort and Woodloch Resort. So if you're missing the mountains this winter, you can check out the Pocono Mountains skiers, boarders and tubers right from your desktop. Don't trust the weatherman?  Go online to check snow conditions. Wonder how many people are on the mountain? Head to the page and see who is on the slopes.  Need a break from your cubicle? Simply access the outdoors online. 

As if the scenario couldn't get any better, our friends at NBC 4 in New York and NBC 10 in Philadelphia have adopted these shots in numerous news broadcasts. This way, residents of these popular metro areas can get a taste of the Pocono Mountains.

So next time you are daydreaming of our destination, head to our live camera page and witness the recreation for yourself. And stay tuned because come the summer season, we hope to have triple the cameras we have now.  I'm envisioning hikers, and bikers, and kayakers, oh my!

Typically, I spend this particular holiday weekend shopping until I drop by taking advantage of the sensational sales! I usually end up purchasing some fabulous winter wardrobe items at fantastic prices from my favorite stores at The Crossings Premium Outlets. If you have ever been to the Crossings, you already know that this is the ultimate shopping experience! I never go home without a Yankee candle or a bag full of treats from Pepperidge Farm!

If you share my passion for shopping, perhaps you would enjoy visiting a few of my other favorite shops! I'm sure that you will find some must have treasures in all of them!

• Pocono Candle Works- located in East Stroudsburg
• Country Kettle- located in East Stroudsburg
• Bendixen's Giftware- located in Pocono Summit
• The Artisan Exchange- located in Milford
• Maude Alley- located in Honesdale

As always, I'd like to hear from you! Let me know how you plan to spend this long holiday in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you in some of my favorite shops!

This Saturday, in downtown Stroudsburg, visitors can enjoy a cold winters day by visiting the Downtown Stroudsburg Ice Festival. Three-dimensional ice sculptures will be on display throughout the downtown area. Guests can stop and watch live ice carving demonstration and see how these magnificent icy pieces of artwork are created. If things get a little too cold for you, warm up with some great deals at one of the many shops, restaurants, and galleries in the downtown area. In addition to the sculptures, Dutch Valley Confections will be on hand selling yummy roasted nuts, hot coca, and hot apple cider. Be sure to stop Grandpa Pete's Bagels for free snow cones! If that's not "cool" enough, Kitchen Chemistry will be featuring special cupcake flavors all day, as well as a free demonstration, and a "make and take".

I'm planning to spend my weekend at Fernwood Hotel & Resort spoiling myself and my valentine with both indoor and outdoor fun! I'm especially looking forward to The Sweet Soul & Rock & Roll Valentine's Show in Fernwood's Event Center on Saturday at 8pm featuring Little Anthony & The Imperials!

If you remember the great music from the late 1950s and 1960s along with the sweet sounds of doo-wop, I'm sure that you will want to take a trip down memory lane as Little Anthony & The Imperials perform their hits of yesteryear! Although their first hit single, "Tears on My Pillow" was a bit before my time, I can't wait to hear it live! "Goin Outa My Head" and "Hurt So Bad" are two of their other popular hit songs from the era and just happen to be two of my favorites!

Saturday's show will also feature Lady A & Destiny as the opening act. This fantastic singing group is sure to get you dancing in your seat as they perform some Motown & Disco favorites for your bee-bopping pleasure!

Tickets are $55 for premium seating or $45 for general seating and may be purchased by calling 888-FERNWOOD and pressing 5. You may also purchase your tickets at the door.

May I suggest a cocktail or two and a bite to eat before the show? No matter what your taste buds desire, I'm sure that you will be able to satisfy them at one of Fernwood's fabulous eateries. I'm planning to dine on some wonderful wings accompanied by a few cold beers at the Trolley Stop Pub!

In case you would like to surprise your Valentine, there are special Rhythm and Romance Valentine's packages available beginning at $199.00. Visit http://www.fernwood.com/ or call 888-FERNWOOD for more information.

As always, I'd love to hear about your plans for a perfect Valentine's Day Weekend in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you at Fernwood Hotel and Resort!

Another really cool feature is the ice carving competitions. This year is a "wild west" theme so the ice carvers have four hours to create a western themed sculpture out of 600 lbs. of ice. We watched them last year, and it is amazing how the creation takes place right in front of your eyes. Carl and Nicholas watched the carvers for about an hour straight; in the meantime, I walked around and checked out some of the beautiful handmade crafts that were on sale. I also got to experience some wine tasting at the ice bar.

It's definitely time to beat these winter blues, so bundle up and get out and enjoy the ice! Until next time... Celebrate family, friends, and traditions.

So this is why I'm suggesting maybe this Valentine's Day we do the opposite and honor the males. Men, you can suggest these ideas to your partners. Ladies, let's put the shoe on the other foot and switch it up! Let's admit it, you receive these gifts from your partner on other days of the year so you can sacrifice this one day.  

My first idea is a brewery tour. Not too many men dislike the taste of beer and most men love the suds. So take a trip to your local brewery and go beer tasting together. With a myriad of options, they are likely to have a brew enjoy both of you can enjoy and you can indulge in pub fare afterwards, a delicious meal that isn't going to break the bank. In our four-county region we have several, but my favorites are Barley Creek Brewing Company and The Gem and Keystone Brewpub.

Another suggestion is to let your significant other get in touch with his manly side by getting outdoors. We offer endless winter recreational opportunities including dog sledding, ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more! This is the time to allow him to do what he likes or better yet, let him teach you something. Men love to feel like they're contributing to the relationship by helping you with something, so get some fresh air and learn a new snowsport you can brag about!

My last recommendation is eagle watching. Bald eagles are majestic and monogamous creatures. While your man will revel in how "cool" it is to see this endangered species so close, you can get an education about the unique animal.  Better yet, you can snuggle close to one another while braving the cold winter temperatures to witness a once and a lifetime opportunity. We have two popular nesting areas in our region, the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers.

We also have a variety of special offers dedicated to the holiday, if you choose to extend your romantic trip with an overnight stay. Whatever you do, be sure to spend it with the ones you love. And if you take my advice and it works out, be sure to let me know. Maybe in my next life I'll become a relationship columnist or matchmaker...

You will find me at Cove Haven Resort in Lakeville on Saturday enjoying the great sounds of original R&B of the fabulous Drifters! The magical music of The Drifters has provided listening pleasure for millions of people for more than 50 years! I have childhood memories of my mom playing their LP's and humming along as she did her housework.

I'm really looking forward to seeing The Drifters perform "Under the Boardwalk" and "Up on the Roof"! Although I totally enjoy all of their songs, these are two of my favorites! I'm sure that anyone who loves original R&B won't want to miss this awesome show.

Since Cove Haven is a romantic couples only resort, may I suggest making reservations for you and your special someone to spend the night! Packages are available beginning at $295 and include a wonderful breakfast and a delicious dinner, along with tickets for The Drifters show and the many other fantastic amenities! I'm planning to surprise my sweetie by making this his early Valentine's gift.

For those of you that would just like to see the show, tickets are only $10. You may want to make reservations for dinner and the show for $88. Please call 1-888-963-3052 for more information and to reserve.

As always, I'd love to know about your plans for a wonderful, winterful weekend in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you at Cove Haven Resort, indulging, enjoying and drifting back in time with The Drifters!