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If you happen to be looking for awesome autumn fun and activities; you need look no further than the Pocono Mountains!

I really think that I enjoy decorating for fall as much as I enjoy decorating for Christmas. I absolutely love the autumn colors and carving jack-o-lanterns out of nice big, fat, round pumpkins!

This weekend you will find me wandering around The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival at Country Junction in Lehighton. This family oriented festival is a great way to enjoy a day of seasonal fun as well as pick up some fantastic items for your autumn decorating.

As you know, I am a big kid at heart and when it comes to the Halloween season, I probably always will be. Therefore, I will most definitely be visiting the Ghost Town at The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival. Ghost Town admission is only $6 and will offer a spooktacular time of unlimited access to hayrides, the corn maze and much, much more! I'm sure that kids of all ages will get a thrill from the haunted house!

Those of us that don't want to wait until next summer to ride the midway carnival rides will be able to ride till our heart's content for a small additional fee. There will be plenty of kiddie rides for all of the little goblins to delight in. You will be able to find me riding the Ferris Wheel and the Scrambler. I may even take a trip down the giant slide!

After a pleasant afternoon of riding the rides and a visit to the Ghost Town, you will definitely want to do a little shopping for your fall decorations. Country Junction is the perfect place to get everything you could possibly think of to decorate every nook and cranny of your home. I know that I will be going home with a car full of autumn ornaments. Did I mention that pumpkins are only $3 each and baby pumpkins are only $1?

The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-6pm. The Ghost Town activities and hayrides will also be open from noon-5pm on Monday through Friday. The General Store and Pet Shop are open from 8am-7pm Mondays through Saturdays and from 9am-6pm on Sundays.

As always, have an awesome autumn weekend in the Pocono Mountains! Happy Hauntings, and I hope to see you at Country Junction and The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival!

Automatically, whenever I'm craving an ice cream sundae I think of Sweet Creams! With 15 homemade flavors of ice cream and assorted baked goods, it's a dessert lover's haven.  Oh yea, and they also have a scrumptious lunch menu which includes gourmet sandwiches, appetizers, salads and homemade soups. While the food was tempting, my sister and I were on a mission for a quick energy boost for the power shopping we were about to embark upon. Our answer...  two specialty sundaes!

In an effort to cut back a little, I opted against adding a warm brownie to the bottom of my classic hot fudge sundae. Bad idea considering my sister wasn't too happy when I kept sneaking bites of her brownie.

Atmosphere: Quaint, cozy downtown café, eclectic

Food: My favorite ice cream parlor! It always hits the spot. Absolutely delectable.

Service: The sweetest!

Although it was only my sister's first time at Sweet Creams she strongly declared, as we were licking our bowls clean, "This is definitely my favorite restaurant!" She must get her food expertise from me. Dine with me next week in the Pocono Mountains!

In celebration of the season, I will be climbing aboard the Stourbridge Rail Line on Saturday to enjoy this year's Bavarian Festival. The train will depart from the station at the Wayne County Visitor Center at 12noon for a five hour round-trip to Lackawaxen.

I'm looking forward to a glorious afternoon of singing, dancing and German oompah music, and if you like all of the above you won't want to miss this fabulous trip! I'm also looking forward to gazing out of the train window and taking in all of the beautiful scenery as the train winds its way along the tracks.

For those of us that take pleasure in dining on on delicious authentic German cuisine, we will be in for a real treat as Bavarian Festival will feature a belly filling German style buffet feast that will be served outside complete with entertainment performed by Joe Lindner and his band.

Tickets for this fantastic trip are $59 per person. Reservations are recommended by calling 1-866-637-2457. So, bring your camera and come enjoy an afternoon filled with German Style fun aboard the historic Stourbridge Rail Line!! I'm definitely going to be taking lots of shots for my festival album.

The Stourbridge Rail Line has several terrific fall excursions scheduled for the upcoming season including the annual Halloween Ghost Train! I'm sure that all of the little ghosts and goblins will want to be aboard for this one!

Best fall wishes to everyone as the autumn season begins. May you enjoy the first weekend of fall in the Pocono Mountains; and as always I want to hear of your adventures and see your photos. I hope to see you aboard the Stourbridge Rail Line!!

Because the region spans 2,400 miles, I definitely don't get around as often as I would like, but Jim Thorpe is definitely one place you don't want to miss! Nestled along the bank of the Lehigh River, Jim Thorpe offers up something for everyone, one of my favorites being the dining experience!

Newly renovated, the Broadway Grille and Pub combines the charm of Jim Thorpe, with hip ambience. Centrally located right on Broadway, and attached to the historic Inn at Jim Thorpe, you can't miss it! The Broadway has even been recognized in a recent airing of Foodies on NBC Philadelphia! Pretty impressive!

Although my co-workers and I were only able to stop in at the Broadway for a quick bite which included a buffet of wraps and pasta salad, we were more than pleased with our lunch spread! Most of the staff returned to the line, including myself, to fill up on the delicious lunch before our historical tour with the Jim Thorpe Experience.

Known for their burgers, you can guarantee I'll be returning! Another enticing feature is their daily specials! Every day, breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Broadway offers up a special house feature including Monday's Yuengs and Wings, Thursday's All You Can Eat Past Night and more!

Broadway Grille & Pub

Atmosphere: Cool, hip downtown feel, comfortable and newly renovated

Food:  Many classic options including their mouth watering fire-grilled burgers served on a grilled Kaiser roll! Delectable...Not to mention, very reasonably priced!

Service:  Extremely friendly, along with everyone who works in Jim Thorpe!

Once you've worked up an appetite from the endless outdoor adventure in Jim Thorpe, stop by the Foodie favorite, the Broadway Grille and Pub! Dine with me next week in the Pocono Mountains!

Anyone who knows me knows that Halloween is my favorite time of the year. As such, I am taking over the reins of the Simply Sales blog to bring you and your group Haunted Happenings around our region. During the month of October, I become a child again. I am a huge fan of all things that go bump in the night. There's nothing like watching my favorite scary movie with the wind howling on a crisp fall night. With that said, I recommend visiting the historic Sherman Theater for their Severed Sinema. This is a monthly event showcasing horror double features, special guests, and live music! Prior to that I like to go to one of downtown Stroudsburg's eateries in costume!

Traditionally I like to kick off the Halloween season with a trip to the Hotel of Horror. The Hotel of Horror is three state of the art attractions located inside the Legendary Abandoned Lake House Hotel. In nearby Saylorsburg, this attraction is a must! I visit the hotel at least twice during the season as it is by far my favorite place to get my skin crawling with fear!  Every year there is something new to get your blood curdling such as this year's themes "The Doll House" and "Burial Below". While there, be sure to visit Exhibition Macabre which is a display of history's experiments in practicing medicine, preparing the dead, and memorializing life. What's even more chilling is the opening date of September 23, just over two weeks away!  Why not wrap up your fall meeting or event with a good scare? Contact the hotel for details on group discounts! Hope to see you around town scared out of your wits! Happy Haunting!

You probably already know that Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and I am planning to start celebrating early by being at the Sherman Theater for a night of fright with the Severed Sinema!

If you enjoy watching classic horror flicks you will definitely want to grab your friends and head to the historic Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg on Friday, at 7pm for a little "Fear from the Fields" on the big screen! I'm a huge fan of old time horror and am totally looking forward to a double feature of sheer fear with Children of the Corn and Scarecrows! Tickets are only $5 per person and will be available for purchase at the door the night of the show.

Before settling down to watch the films with your beverage of choice from the full bar along with some traditional theater snacks and popcorn, make sure to check out the awesome horror and fantasy art pieces of John Kolbeck and Michael Parsons that will be hanging on the blood stained gallery walls of the theater.

A stop at Siamsa Irish Pub for a few cocktails and delicious wings has become a tradition for my friends and me before we stroll down the beautiful Main Street of Stroudsburg to the Sherman and the Severed Sinema. Feel free to join us or to stop in at one of the other many fine pubs and eateries in town.

Let the Haunting Season begin! Make sure to watch for all of the seasonal events taking place at the Sherman Theater including the Zombie Walk being held on Thursday, October 27.

As always, I'm dying to hear about your plans for an early autumn weekend in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you at the Sherman Theater's Severed Sinema!

Now, for the record, I highly doubt you will see my husband getting up and line dancing, but you will see him sampling some of the best chili in the Pocono Mountains; he is a chili junky. Nicholas, on the other hand, just might be the one line dancing.

This two-day event is great for the whole family. The festivities kick-off at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, with the chili cook-off, followed by the rodeo at 2 p.m. Visitors can learn to line dance on Saturday, in addition to listening to live entertainment. Entertainment and food vendors will be available all weekend long, as well as slope side seating for all spectators, so be sure to bring a blanket or a lawn chair. Keep in mind, the chili cook-off and rodeo will be held on Saturday and Sunday.

I had my taste of Pocono Manor this summer at their traditional restaurant, The Exchange. In 1902, when the historical Inn first opened, The Exchange was a space available for guests to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas. I did a lot of sharing over dinner at The Exchange with the lovely PR Department, as well as a lot of munching!

Sipping on Chardonnay and chatting in our circular booth, we were eager to order. The Exchange menu changes periodically, providing a wide range of different options throughout the year. On our visit, crab cakes and the jumbo shrimp appetizers caught our eye! For our dinner options, we kept with the seafood theme! Our picks included the Seafood Medley, Shrimp and Chicken Scampi and the Grilled Ahi Tuna. My shrimp scampi was rich with garlic, spice and lemon flavor, and filling to say the least; I was able to bring it for lunch the next day! Depending on when you visit, you may find the Chef's Pasta Sauté, the Woodland Duck, Pork Osso Bucco and the Filet Gorgonzola, as menu options!

Our waiter kindly allowed us all the time we needed to socialize over our day's work! Before we knew it, we had been there for almost two and a half hours! It really is the place to sit back and "exchange" with one another!

The Exchange

Atmosphere: Traditional dining experience, perfect for catching up with family and friends over dinner.

Food: The menu had several traditional and unique dining options. All entrées were served in large portions! Come with an appetite.

Service:  Our server was very attentive and allowed us as much time as needed!

Hope to see you this fall to dine in the Pocono Mountains!

Recently, I took a Wildflower Walk at Camp Akenac Park with Dr. Ann Rhoads. This event was sponsored by the Delaware Highlands Conversancy (DHC). Camp Akenac Park is an excellent example of how DHC is protecting lands for public use. This 143-acre park was acquired in 2007 and is open to the public. This park has nature trails, a lake (for swimming, boating and fishing) and a community center and is easily accessed just off route 739 in Dingmans Ferry, Pike County, PA.

Our leisurely walk, with 25 new friends, opened our eyes to the beautiful wildflowers in our back yard. We developed a great appreciation for the biodiversity and importance of protecting these ecosystems. Dr. Rhoads shared her knowledge of the symbiosis that is at work with most of the species around us. Her books on the plants of PA and trees of PA can be found through the University of Pennsylvania Press. Every year at this time Dr. Rhoads comes up to give this walk. Don't despair! You can easily do this walk with your family anytime during the coming months. So take a break from work and get out into the fresh air and get some exercise - or just kick-back and watch the beauty around you. This park is a great gem for you to explore.

The Tap Room is one of dining amenities offered at the lodge during your stay. With a seemingly endless beverage list, including a 60-bottle international beer selection, they've got you covered! The entrée menu had several elegant options, including my selection, the swordfish! Covered in pineapple and grilled to perfection, I savored and finished every bite.

While my swordfish had been satisfying, I still had room for some goodies! Front and center in my photo, my ooey-gooey, chocolate chip pie was the favorite amongst me and my dinner dates! The warm cookie dough center melted in my mouth. I literally closed my eyes in awe after each bite. Sadly, all desserts must come to an end!

The Tap Room

Atmosphere:  Classy pub-like dining, with windows to view the pristine Skytop Lodge property.

Food: Each entrée had an elegant presentation. I could tell the food was crafted precisely, with attention to every detail.

Service: Each staffer was dressed in tuxedo-like attire, giving the impression of quality service. They lived up to their reputation!

I was in the clouds, at Skytop Lodge, relishing in every bite of my dessert and entree at the Tap Room. Don't be afraid to treat yourself every once in a while! Let's make a date next week in the Pocono Mountains!