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Can you say...AWESOME!  I cannot wait to try it! Be sure your family is one of the first to try the latest attraction by booking their Double Barrel Drop Package during the month of April. The promotion is valid on all suites and includes waterpark passes for your entire stay.

After a day full of waterpark fun, story time and engaging in a game of MagiQuest, be sure to treat yourself to a spa treatment at Elements spa. And your children can do the same. Scooops is an ice cream themed spa designed exclusively for children 4-12 years of age. You have to see it for yourself!

Head to Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains and take a family vacation that all ages can enjoy. See you on the Double Barrel Drop... if you dare! 

*Riders must be at least 48" minimum in height

  
Rare Brick Photography

It's officially the month of March which means Spring, St. Patrick's Day and National Nutrition Month! While the latter of the three may not be very well known, it may be the most important. In a nation where obesity runs rampant, we can all take a lesson or two on how to eat healthier.

While I consider myself an excellent cook and have learned from grandparents and parents who are some of the best, they come from a different generation. You know, when they didn't know butter and salt are some of the worst things to put into your body. This is why any skill level of cook from a frozen food consumer to Top Chef hopeful, can always learn from a cooking class!

The Pocono Mountains is actually home to two of the best chefs around. Both Chef Alice and Sheelah Kaye Stepkin come from extraordinary backgrounds and are extremely passionate about their work. Both own their own recreational cooking school and offer lessons. Let them know you're looking to celebrate National Nutrition Month and they'd be happy to help!

No matter who you are, cooking every night of the week is a difficult task. While the most popular excuse is time, it's always nice to treat yourself to an evening out. The problem that comes in is when you don't know what is being put into your food or where it hails from.  While an array of our restaurants indicate healthy dining options, it's nice to know restaurants that use home-grown or locally sourced items. The Settlers Inn and The Shawnee Inn are examples of two properties who believe in this philosophy. From utilizing herbs grown in their own gardens to menu items featuring local game and trout, these restaurants are sure to provide a local flair.

So whether you're learning from others or making smart choices on your own, experience wellness on your next trip to the Pocono Mountains.

With the current "snowicane" blasting the northeastern United States, spring may be the farthest thing from your mind. Get ready because believe it or not, spring break for most colleges hits next week or soon there after. And if you were anything like me, you didn't receive the opportunity to jet set to Europe during any or every break.

If you're looking to get away for some much-needed R&R with your buddies, there's still time left to book a trip to the Pocono Mountains! Whether you are looking to rent a cabin to fit ten, or an all-inclusive resort where everyone can get their own room, we've got your ideal getaway because we are accessible from six major interstates and no expensive airfare is required!

Save even more money by checking out our Special Offers or take advantage of group rates at many of our accommodations and attractions. Imagine schussing down the slopes together or engaging in the heat of battle on our paintball fields. The possibilities are endless here in the Pocono Mountains!

So pack your bags, jump in the car and head to the mountains to celebrate spring, even if there's snow on the ground!

It's time to mount up in Upstate PA! As a representative of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, you may be wondering why exactly I would send you to a different destination. Au contraire, we are part of Upstate PA, in addition to the Endless Mountains, Lackawanna County, Luzerne County and Schuylkill County Convention and Visitors Bureaus.

This alliance was recently created to help better promote the northeast Pennsylvania region and allocate resources. Basically, it just makes sense. While all of these regions are different in their own unique ways we have one commonality, the outdoors. Our primary audience is even defined as "the roof rack crowd." You know, the people who have a fishing rod, kayak, bike and skis all on their top of the car on the interstate. How do you think we got the idea for our creation seen above?

Just two weeks ago, Upstate PA held our first media FAM and our journalists had a blast! From skiing to snowmobiling to gaming to wine tasting, we covered all 11 counties in three days and participated in the perfect winter extravaganza. Read some of the stories for yourself:

KYW Newsradio 1060 Philadelphia

Penn Live/Patriot News

The Italian Voice

Be sure to browse the Upstate PA site and start planning your next trip to this area, especially if you would classify yourself as an outdoor enthusiast. What are you waiting for? Mount Up!

Photo credit: Rare Brick Photography

Love is in the air, I can feel it! Valentine's Day is this weekend and it is one of my favorite holidays of the year. Even if you have the majority of your weekend plans already set, I hope to spur some ideas to help make that day that much more special for your significant other, they are worth it! So here is my top ten for V-Day in the Pocono Mountains:

• 'The Month of Love' at Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts- The month of February at these couples-only, all-inclusive resorts is nothing but love. Not only will you save big during this time period, but every Friday you can renew your vows free of charge! Fun fact: If a guest filled the Champagne Glass Whirlpool Bath-for-Two with Cristal instead of water, it would require approximately 125 gallons at an estimated cost of approximately $631,000!
  
  
• Spas- The Pocono Mountains is home to more than ten spas, all with unique venues and treatments. There's no better way to unwind with your sweetie than during a couples massage or hydro treatment. The Lodge at Woodloch's Spa Concierge will even cater your treatments for each individual couple.
  
  
• Wineries and Breweries- Whether you are wine or beer drinkers, there's nothing like a tour of these magnificent facilities. Most of the time, you get to participate in some hands-on activity together and sample some of the region's best! Barley Creek Brewing Company offers free tours every day at 12:30 p.m.
  
  
• Treats- Sweet treats are essential for this holiday! In my world, the more chocolate, the better. However, don't forget about cheesecakes, cookies, cupcakes, pastries and more! Some of my local favorites are Stroudsmoor Inn Towne, Callies Candy Kitchen and Pocono Cheesecake. I might have sampled the strawberry cheesecake from Stroudsmoor Inn Towne in the last month and it was phenomenal!
  
  
• Outdoor Recreation- I love tackling a new sport with my significant other. It's a great experience to learn something together because even if you aren't any good, it's something you can laugh about. Some my favorites during this season are snowshoeing, ice skating, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. The best part is afterwards you get to cuddle and warm yourselves up by a fireplace!
  
  
• Fine Dining- If you're going out for a meal this weekend, there is so much to choose from! Most restaurants in our area are featuring special "couples menus" with portions made for two, so be sure to check before making reservations. My favorite in our region is hands down The French Manor Inn and Spa...their cuisine dances on your taste buds and you must try their Filet Mignon topped with seared lobster.
  
  
• B&Bs- Bed and Breakfasts are the perfect way to spend a romantic weekend with your honey and we happen to be home to over 35! All different in their own way, make sure you find the perfect one for the two of you. My recommendation is the Romantic Getaway package at The Settlers Inn. With 21 unique guestrooms, you will want to stay 21 times to experience them all!
  
  
• Cooking Schools- They always said the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and I think there may be something to that. While I don't believe it is the entire reason, it sure helps! We have great recreational cooking schools that will give your private lessons so you can make your mate's favorite dish to perfection. This is an especially great idea if you're planning on staying in on Sunday night. Chef Alice and Sheelah Kaye-Stepkin are some local favorites.
  
  
• Shopping- If eating is the way to a man's heart, shopping is the way to a woman's. Whether you're still searching for that perfect gift or you want to treat her to exactly what she wants on that special day by going together, shopping is a great idea on Sunday. Try The Crossings Premium Outlets because with 100 brand name stores, you will be sure to find something she will love!
  
  
• Entertainment- Going to the movies on this special day is so cliché! Try something different this year and enjoy live theatre. Make it that much more special by going to see his or her favorite show. The Shawnee Playhouse is known for their outstanding performances.

Thus, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau has teamed up with NBC Universal, Inc. to bring you Olympic updates and alerts. Whether you live in the Philadelphia, New York or Wilkes-Barre area, you can stay in the action by receiving the latest results, standings and information right on your mobile phone. All you have to do is text "Olympics" to 639710 and you will automatically be signed up.

And don't forget to ‘Experience the Games Here.' By signing up for these updates, you will receive special offers to help you live out your Olympic fantasies here in the Pocono Mountains. Also, pay attention to our Outdoorsian blogger throughout the games for tips on where to have these experiences.

So sign up today and be ready when the games roll around, because you don't want to be the one out of the know. Have a great weekend everyone!

On March 11, Fernwood will be abuzz with contests, relays, races and competitions, all to honor the hospitality industry for their outstanding work in the region.  So grab 10 of your friends in the biz and sign up today because the Pocono Mountains Cup and an array of prizes including overnight stays, gift certificates and apparel, will be up for grabs! Employees from any business who serve the tourism industry such as grocery stores, service stations and restaurants are eligible.

In addition to the games, you can head to Fernwood on Thursdays beginning February 25 and up until the games for Fire and Ice  Hospitality Nights. These evenings will be packed with live entertainment, drink specials and snowtubing discounts. So join the PMVB and and get your game face on because we're predicting a victory!

 

WE ARE...! Usually, I would end that sentence with Penn State. However, since it is the off-season and Hawley has kicked-off their new winter campaign, I am allowed to answer WINTER for the remainder of the season. (Sorry PSU, I promise I still bleed blue and white!)

The town of Hawley is now officially proclaimed the "We Are Winter" destination. With recreation from skiing to snowshoeing and accommodations from Woodloch Resort to The Settlers Inn, Hawley is the ideal town for a winter getaway. And do not forget about the breathtaking scenery and great festivals such as The Ice Tee Golf Tournament, played on frozen Lake Wallenpaupack or my personal favorite, Crystal Cabin Fever.

Be sure to visit the official We Are Winter site for special offers, events, accommodations and more! This site is your one-stop shop to an unforgettable winter trip. So pack your bags and head to Hawley because WE ARE...WINTER!!!

This is not about me. Funny, those words would appear on my own blog, but this week I decided I'd showcase other's opinions. Whether it be from a readers' survey, editors' picks or travel writers' suggestions, my blog highlights the publications who spoke up about their favorite places in the Pocono Mountains. Don't worry, every other week of the year will showcase mine!

• ABC News showcased "Spectacular Holiday Hotel Displays" and included Great Wolf Resort's Snowland
• Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel readers recognized Jim Thorpe as one of "Ten Coolest Small Towns"
• Metroplex families voted and selected Great Wolf Lodge as "Best Water Park"
• National Park Foundation named the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as one of the "10 Best National Parks for Fall Foliage"
• Parents Magazine recognized Woodloch Resort as a "Top Ten Best Winter Resorts"
• Snow East! Readers voted Camelback Mountain the number 9 "Favorite Resorts Under 1100 Feet"
• Sky Magazine chose their "Top Ten Fall Foliage" and selected Pennsylvania as number six and mentioned both the Poconos and Bushkill Falls
• Snow East! Readers named Camelback Mountain, Blue Mountain, Big Boulder and Jack Frost in the "Top Ten Mountains for Pennsylvania"
• Transworld Snowboarding readers chose Big Boulder as the number five "Tip Five East Coast Parks"
• Travel + Leisure released their 2010 edition of "100 Greatest Trips" and included the town of Milford
• Travel + Leisure readers named The Lodge at Woodloch as number 10 on their top 10 list of "World's Best Destination Spas"
• Westchester Magazine named Woodloch Resort a "13 Best Ski-Cations"

I hope you enjoyed hearing about some of the great accolades in 2009. Let me know some of your favorites!

After six months and 23 days, I am no longer the new kid on the block! I am gladly handing over the title to our new Vice President of Marketing and Sales, David West.  Formerly the Director of Marketing at the Bucks County Convention and Visitors Bureau, West began his new position at the beginning of December.  As a rite of passage, I decided I would grill him with a few questions...

Q: "Had you ever been to the Pocono Mountains prior to working at the Bureau?"
A: "Yes, in fact I frequently skied at Camelback Ski Resort in Tannersville."

Q: "What is your favorite food?"
A:" Sushi, specifically spicy tuna rolls."  

Q: "If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?"
A: "That's easy, Barak Obama because he's such a dynamic individual and has great vision. I think we could talk tourism."
(If he ever receives the opportunity, I will be sure to be the first one to blog about it.)

Q: "What is your favorite season in the Pocono Mountains?"
A: "Winter, because I am an outdoor enthusiast and thoroughly enjoy skiing."

Q: "What is your favorite part about your new job?"
A: "The creative and strategy aspects. I enjoy coming up with great creative and execution that really touches your key audiences."

Q: "What kind of music do you listen to?"
A: "Lately I've been listening to indie bands such as Muse and Phoenix."
(Remind me to hide his XM Satellite Radio later because we obviously have conflicting taste.)

Q: "Last question! What is your overall goal for the Bureau?"
A:  "To keep and build upon the Pocono Mountains as a top-of-mind destination."

The Bureau is thrilled to have West on board and I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about him. For more information about his career accomplishments, read the press release on his hire. Have a great weekend!