As the first event approached, teams worked on their strategies, indulged in libations and feasted on hearty burgers. Brent, Alicia and I walked to the starting line of the backward bobsled with high hopes and dreams of a top three finish. Unfortunately, crawling up a 30-foot snowy incline backwards with only the use of your hands proved much more difficult than expected and our dreams of a top three finish were dashed but our spirits remained high! Next up was the Olympic obstacle course, followed by Flip Cup then the Silly Suitcase Relay and what kind of spectator event would it be without a jello eating contest? I won't go into detail, let's just say the jello didn't stay in my stomach for very long. The final event was snow tubing and it was our last chance to get points on the scoreboard. Our tenacious Theresa qualified in the top three but was overtaken in the final run. Although we did not make it to the podium there is no denying that PMVB... Pure Energy was filled with team spirit and is more than ready to compete in the next tourism games.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the participating teams along with the podium winners. Teams from Camelback Ski Area, Fernwood Hotel & Resort, The French Manor Inn and Spa, Mountain Laurel Resort, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, The Shawnee Inn and Resort, Split Rock Resort & Golf Club, The Settlers Inn and Woodloch Resort all competed in the games. In third place was Shawnee's Best from the Shawnee Inn and Resort, second place was the team from Split Rock, H2OOooohh!! and the grand champions were the Frosty Mugs from Woodloch Resort.
Hope you can join us next time. Ciao for now...









Growing up the daughter of Margaret Anne Ryan there was little chance of me not embracing my Irish heritage, no matter how long ago my ancestors crossed the mighty, mighty seas. Mom was one of seven including twins Kathleen and Patrick born on... you guessed it, St. Patrick's Day.
So here we are again desperately awaiting the arrival of spring but dealing with the lion's component of March. I'm sure you all know the old adage "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb". Well it got me to thinking does that always hold true? I would have to say three days into March it seems to be spot on. I'm looking out my office window at grey skies, snow lined streets and temperatures in the mid 30's. I've decided that I am going to test the laurels of this famous saying and let you know at the end of the month just how lion and lamb like March turned out to be. In the meantime, I would love for you to check out our very own LION...
Yea, that's right; we have a lion right here in the phenomenal Pocono Mountains. It's not a traditional lion, but it's our lion, the
Did you know that the Pocono Mountains was touted as the honeymoon capital of the world in the late 60s through the 70s and even into the early 1980s? With abundant heart shaped tubs and champagne towers we enticed newlyweds to celebrate their love, Pocono Mountains style. Although we have branched out and broadened our brand you can still find love and romance alive and well in our breathtaking mountains.
I remember it like it was yesterday, when in actuality it was over 20 years ago. The anticipation, the preparation, the shear excitement of the crowd... Do you remember your first live concert? Mine was Cher and it was an epiphany for me. Who in their right mind doesn't fall in love with live music the first time they experience it? I have committed to memory exactly what I wore that evening and every outfit change the mighty, mighty Cher dazzled us with. I know there were times when I held my breath and others when a tear or two trickled down my cheek. I fell in love with live music that night and I've never let go.
Over the years, I can honestly say that I have been to more music concerts than movies. The genres range from Alternative to Rock and the artists from ABBA to Zeppelin, from Broadway stages to smoky bars, live music makes me happy. My love of music is one I share with many people and I'd like to share it with you. On Sunday, March 7, Grammy-winner Michael Bolton will be in the Pocono Mountains for one exclusive concert event. I've had the opportunity to see Michael in concert on two separate occasions and even sent my parents to see him perform, he's that good!
We walked into the dining room and were met by a mysterious man who handed us our role, (yes role, not roll). We took our seats with cautious anticipation at what would happen next. Would the lights flicker on and off? Would someone let out a blood curdling scream? Would one of us disappear? As it happens, none of the scenarios above were played out until later in the evening. Characters were perfected, onlookers were awed and dinner was served.
Are you wondering how this ties into tourism or being the "socialista" for the Visitor's Bureau? Well, believe it or not, I have never stayed overnight in a Bed & Breakfast. Can you believe that? It seems like almost an impossibility given the remarkable B&B properties we have in our four-county region. Take
Do you love horses? If so then you must take in the stunning views from
Head west to the dazzling town of Jim Thorpe and rest your head in a warm and inviting room at the 

