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Are you developing a case of Spring Fever? I know I am, and the Pocono Mountains has the cure! There is no better way to greet the season than attending the 33^rd Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Stroudsburg!

The parade will begin at Stroudsburg High School at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday and will wind its way through the towns of Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg with Crystal Street being its final destination.

Everyone loves a parade! Bring the family and enjoy all of the fabulous floats, the sounds of the bagpipes and the smell of spring in the air. I usually watch the parade from the Sixth Street block in Stroudsburg and always enjoy seeing friends among the many people lining the route!

Don't forget to wear your green as everyone is Irish on Parade Day!  With that thought in mind you'll definitely want to stop in at one or more of the local Irish pubs for some traditional Irish food and Green Beer or perhaps an Irish Whiskey! A couple of my favorite places to be Irish are the Siamsa Irish Pub (636 Main Street, Stroudsburg) and Flood's (732 Main Street, Stroudsburg).

As always, I'd love to know where you are planning to be Irish this weekend in the Pocono Mountains. I hope to see you at the parade!

What are your plans this Sunday? Join me at Blue Mountain Ski Area in Palmerton for the Cardboard Box Derby!

If you are 10 years of age or older, you will want to be at the Summit Lodge between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to register and the race will begin at 1 p.m. There is no entry fee for this fantastic afternoon of pure entertainment and enjoyment!

Bundle up and bring the family as this event is going to be so much fun! Each racing box may have up to four members. Imagine racing in your very own custom built box made from only cardboard, paper, glue, string and tape. Oh, and of course a functional braking system. Ok, wait, is this really possible?

I am looking forward to seeing all of the unique and personalized boxes as they race down Vista Trail! It totally amazes me that there can be so many different ways to design a racer made from a box and a few simple household materials. Did I mention that prizes will be awarded? May the best box win, and I hope it's yours! Send me photos of your entry!

As always, I'd love to hear about your plans for the weekend in the Pocono Mountains. I hope to see you at Blue Mountain for the Cardboard Box Derby!!

The winter season is beginning to wind down in the Pocono Mountains and I am planning to do my last winter fling at Fernwood Hotel and Resort as they host their Spring TubeFest. This event promises to be a lot of fun as it has a unique way of combining spring and winter seasons!

This Saturday and Sunday, you will find me enjoying the luau-like atmosphere and thinking of spring and warmer weather at the Fernwood Winter Fun Center! I'm sure that you won't want to miss all of the activities that are in store for this fun-filled weekend in the snow.

Have you ever worn your bathing suit or your Hawaiian print shirt to go snow tubing? You may want to do just that because anyone dressed in resort wear costumes will receive $5 off of their snow tubing ticket. I am trying to think of something original to wear.

Does anyone know how to limbo or hula? You may want to practice as prizes will be given out for the limbo contest and the snowball toss! There will be so many activities to participate in! Or perhaps you may want to just sit by the fire and stuff yourself at the outdoor barbeque. I am also looking forward to the live entertainment. Erin McClelland, a popular regional vocalist will be performing!

Come out for a day or for the entire weekend! Fernwood Hotel and Resort is offering great packages beginning at $252. This fantastic rate includes four tickets to the Winter Fun Center's snow tubing park and two nights accommodations.

As always, no matter what you do this weekend in the Pocono Mountains I'd love to hear from you! I hope to see you at the Spring TubeFest!

There is nothing more beautiful than a walk along one of the Pocono Mountains scenic trails. I am planning to be at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Dingmans Ferry between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 28^, as they will be hosting a Moon Rise Walk.

Everyone will be meeting in the lobby of the main building at 5:00pm to join the crew as they lead the way for a two-mile round trip walk along the Tumbling Water's Trail. I am hoping to catch a glimpse of wildlife in its natural environment or perhaps even hear the hoot of an owl!

You'll want to make sure that you dress warm and wear your hiking boots because it will take approximately 45 minutes to get to the ridge. I am also going to take a backpack with a thermos filled with steaming hot chocolate and some snacks, along with an insulated cushion to sit on while I relax and watch the moonrise. Oh, don't forget to pack your camera. You will definitely want to take many pictures of all of the serene natural beauty and the breathtaking sunset under the moonlit sky!

Did you notice my photo? It was taken last week on one of my visits to PEEC.

I have often heard it said that some of the best things in life are free. It must be true because there is absolutely no cost for this adventurous, guided moonlit walk along the gorgeous Tumbling Water's Trail!

As always, I'd love to hear from you! Let me know where the trails of the Pocono Mountains lead you this weekend. I hope to see you at PEEC!!

There will most definitely be a flurry of activity with a carnival-like atmosphere at the base of the mountain, and I don't want to miss a single minute of it! DJs from my two favorite radio stations 93.5 WSBG and 107.1 WWYY "The Bone" will be there spinning tunes and giving away lots of prizes.

You'll want to make sure to catch the various ski and snowboard reps that will be on hand to demonstrate some of the newest equipment. Oh and did I mention, the Mountains' Junior Development Race Team will be performing a synchronized skiing demonstration on the Thunder Cloud Trail? I suggest you definitely checking that out. But, if that's not enough to excite you, the Monster 4x4 will, as the free samples roll in for Carnival Day.

I'm also looking forward to watching three professional ice carvers as they each transform a three-hundred pound block of ice into a work of art! After the carvings are complete make sure to vote for your favorite carver and sculpture. The Peoples Choice Award will be presented at 2 p.m. I hope your favorites win!

As always, don't forget to fill me in on what's happening with you this weekend in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you at Shawnee Mountain!

Are you looking to do something that's a little out of the ordinary on this Valentine's Day Weekend? If so, you need look no further than the Pocono Mountains! On Saturday, February 13, the historic town of Honesdale will be hosting its second annual Mardi Gras on Main.

My Valentine and I plan to get an early start and stop at the Trackside Grill (738 Main Street) to enjoy a leisurely belly-filling breakfast before the festivities begin. After a second cup of coffee, we will begin our Mardi Gras adventure!

I can hardly wait to check out all of the unique, original mini-floats and krewes that will be parading through the sidewalks! Make sure to look for the krewes handing out brightly colored Mardi Gras beads, as some of the beads will have valuable money-saving coupons attached. I hope that you get a few! Many of the local shops and businesses will be offering in-store savings as well.

You'll want to be comfortable so make sure that you and your sweetie bundle up and wear comfortable shoes to stroll around the sidewalks of Honesdale's beautiful Main Street.

After a full day of shopping and Mardi Gras, I am taking my honey out for a relaxing dinner and a cocktail or two at one of Honesdale's wonderful restaurants. We may even decide to spend the night and cozy up at one of the lovely Bed & Breakfasts or hotels. Why not? After all, it is Valentine's Day Weekend! Indulge and enjoy!

As always, I'd love to hear from you. So let me know where you and yours will be spending time together in the Pocono Mountains this Valentine's Day weekend! I hope to see you in Honesdale celebrating Mardi Gras on Main!

I plan on getting into town early to do some shopping in a few of Stroudsburg's specialty shops and having dinner in one of the town's fine eateries before heading to my seat to at the Sherman. I can't wait to hear them perform "Dust in the Wind," my favorite Kansas song! If you've never been to the Sherman you're in for a great time!  

I had planned on heading to Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe on Friday and Rocking Out with YES, but I waited too long to get my tickets and the show is a sell-out. I hope that you were able to get yours! Penn's Peak is absolutely one of the best places to see a show! The sound is incredible. I wish that I could be there and be able to hear them perform "Owner of a Lonely Heart" and "I've Seen All Good People," my two favorite YES songs!!

As always, I'd love to know where you plan to rock in the Pocono Mountains this weekend; I hope to see you at The Sherman Theater!

If you are beginning to develop a case of the Mid-Winter Blues, the Pocono Mountains has the cure! Beautiful downtown Stroudsburg will be hosting its 10^th Annual Winterfest this weekend.

I am planning to spend the whole weekend wandering around Stroudsburg and stopping in at one fantastic place after another to listen to as many different Bluegrass bands as possible.

I plan to begin at a few of my favorite places, The Main Street Lounge (438 Main Street) a local bar and grill with plenty of hometown atmosphere and hospitality. Fun begins at 7 p.m. with Uncle Pete Tawny and The Juggernaut Band. I'll continue by strolling uptown to The East Café (628 Main Street) at 9 p.m. with The Lost Ramblers and Friends. Then, it is off to The Hideaway Lounge (7^th and Main Streets), inside the Pocono Inne Town, for a night of Heavy Traffic. All of these bands will get you tapping your toes and clapping your hands!

But wait, Friday's Bluegrass continues in The Cedar Room at the Pocono Inne Town with Danny Stewart's Open Jam at 10 p.m. This is guaranteed to be a great time, so bring your instruments and start jammin' or just come hang out and listen! Either way you will definitely enjoy yourself and the best part is that there is no admission fee for the Jam Sessions!

The Sherman Theater is the place to be on Saturday, as several Bluegrass bands will be on stage. The doors will open at noon and the show will begin at 2 p.m. Come out and enjoy the sounds of The Lost Ramblers, Hillbilly Water, Aimless Pursuit and several other great bands! I'm sure that you don't want to miss out on this great concert packed with plenty of bluegrass, so reserve your tickets today! General Admission tickets are $25 and reserved seating is $35. Tickets may be purchased by calling 570-420-2808 or online

Sunday, January 31 will wrap up Winterfest Weekend at the Elks Lodge (260 Washington Street in East Stroudsburg). The show will begin at 10 a.m. with a Traditional Gospel Celebration. Admission is $15 or $10, if you have your ticket stub from Saturday's show at The Sherman Theater. Tickets are only available at the door and I plan to be the first one in line! In addition to the show, a variety of instrument workshops will be offered along with a special show for children.

This is just a sample of all that Winterfest has to offer. Visit for more information. Plan to come for a night or the entire weekend. The Pocono Inne Town, Stroudsburg's oldest hotel, is offering a special rate of $79.00 per night! Call 570-421-2200 to make your reservations. In order to get this great rate, just mention that you are coming for Winterfest and of course read the PMVB's blog about it!

As always, I'd love to hear where you plan to jam this weekend. I hope to see you at Winterfest in Stroudsburg!

Some of the best maple syrup that I have ever tasted was made right here in the Pocono Mountains! I remember as a child watching my grandfather tap the maple trees and sampling the finished product. Being a kid at the time, I never paid any attention to all of the steps in-between.

This Saturday, January 23 at 10 a.m., the Monroe County Environmental Education Center in Stroudsburg will be holding a hands-on workshop on making your very own maple syrup! Environmental Education Coordinator, Roger Spotts, will be discussing maple sugaring methods and demonstrating simple, inexpensive ways that will enable your whole family to make maple syrup from the maple trees growing in your backyard. Information will also be available on where to get all of the equipment needed in order to get started and you will be able to sample the Center's syrup!

The cost of attending this sweet event is $5 for non-members and $3 for members and children under 12. For more information and to pre-register, call the center at 570.629.3061.

As always, I'd enjoy hearing about your weekend in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you at the MCEEC for some backyard maple sugaring!

If you enjoy being in The Great Outdoors and taking in all of the wonder that Mother Nature has to offer, the Lacawac Sanctuary is the place to be this Sunday, January 17. Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. they will be hosting their annual Snow Soup Sunday event.

Bundle up and bring the entire family for this wonderful, winterful hour-long stroll led by Naturalist Jen Naugle through the Sanctuary. Learn how wildlife has adapted and is able to survive the winter in our Pocono Mountains. You will also learn about migration, hibernation and actually freezing solid!

After this informative, educational walk through the wild enjoy a relaxing lunch in the Sanctuary's beautiful Adirondack style lodge. A variety of comforting homemade soups provided by local restaurants will be served along with fresh breads and beverages. As a special treat, a short tour of the lodge will be given after lunch.

Admission for Snow Soup Sunday is $10 for the general public, $7 for members and $2 for those under the age of twelve. Reservations are required and must be made by Friday January 15^th.  Make your reservations by calling 570-689-9494 or by emailing info@lacawac.org .

As always, whatever path you choose to take this weekend I'd enjoy hearing from you! I hope to see you at the Lacawac Sanctuary for Snow Soup Sunday!!