Mountain do: Your fall guide to all things Pocono
THESE AREN'T your mama's Poconos. Once upon a time, the Pocono Mountains were known only as a honeymoon destination. World War II servicemen visited in droves with their brides before leaving for active duty. While still a honeymoon choice for more than 200,000 couples a year, the Pocono Mountains has more to offer than just the mood for romance.
THESE AREN'T your mama's Poconos.
Once upon a time, the Pocono Mountains were known only as a honeymoon destination. World War II servicemen visited in droves with their brides before leaving for active duty. While still a honeymoon choice for more than 200,000 couples a year, the Pocono Mountains has more to offer than just the mood for romance.
This section of the Appalachian Plateau stretches across four counties through some 13 recreation areas, picturesque villages and dense woodland. Not a single destination, the region encompasses a series of small towns connected by highways and country roads.
If you prefer warmth to chill, tranquillity to speed and the great outdoors over life in the fast lane, read on. The Pocono Mountains offer plenty of diversions to keep you entertained, warm and happy.
Got culture?
If you don't think "museums" when you think Poconos, think again. There are several terrific cultural gems located on the other side of the Lehigh Tunnel, within an easy drive of nearby inns and resorts.
Pocono Indian Museum
U.S. Highway 209, Bushkill
570-588-9338, www.poconoindianmuseum.com
Trace the history of Northeastern Pennsylvania from 10,500 B.C. until just before the American Revolution through artifacts and exhibits at this museum dedicated to the Delaware Indian. A gift shop sells Native American-related items, including clothing, toys, jewelry, pottery and literature.
Dorflinger Glass Museum
Long Ridge Road, White Mills
570-253-1185
The Dorflinger Glass Co., a favorite of President Lincoln, was established in 1862. Some 600 pieces of the highly etched, gilded and decorated glass are on display, including goblets from the Lincoln White House.
Asa Packer Mansion
Packer Hill Road, Jim Thorpe
570-325-3229
A captain of industry responsible for building the Lehigh Valley Railroad and Lehigh University, Asa Packer used some of his millions to build the brooding mansion that looms over the funky town of Jim Thorpe.
Tour the Victorian manse (and the one he built next door for his son Harry) to see Robert E. Lee's desk, a crystal chandelier used in the film "Gone with the Wind" and one of only two Swiss-made orchestrians (a combination one-man band and player piano built in a wooden case) in the U.S. The other one, in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C., doesn't work. Packer's still does.
Shopping sprees
The Pocono Mountains offer all kinds of ways to part you from your money. Big outlet stores? Got 'em. Crafty, cutesy country boutiques? Check. Antiques and collectibles? You bet.
Crossings Premium Outlets
1000 Route 611, Tannersville
570-629-4650
This is the ubiquitous outlet destination with more than 100 brand names, from Anne Klein and Jockey to Tommy Hilfiger and J. Crew. Located just off exit 299 of Interstate Route 80.
Pocono Bazaar
Route 209, Marshalls Creek
570-223-8640
If it's more obscure treasures you seek, the bazaar is open every weekend, year round, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You'll find bargains, fads and gadgets, all at negotiable prices. There's lots of kids' stuff, along with shirts, jeans, winter coats and brand-name sneakers. The selection changes all the time - part of the fun.
If you're traveling the back roads, in towns like Stroudsburg, Bangor, Mount Pocono and Jim Thorpe, you'll come across artist-owned pottery and glass studios, along with candle shops galore. Here are a few picks:
Reece Pottery
Crestmont Drive, off Pa. Highway 191/507, Newfoundland
570-676-9140
Thomas Reece has been selling his sculptural stoneware to collectors for more than 35 years. Bill Murray, Rita Moreno and Matt Le Blanc are a few of the celebs who have bought his functional, high-glaze pieces. Hours vary seasonally, so call ahead.
American Candle Shop
Pa. Highway 611, Bartonsville
570-629-3388
This 40,000-square-foot monster candle shop sells everything in wax, including carved candles, wedding favors and unity candles. Enjoy a cappuccino from the coffee shop while you browse.
House of Candles
Pa. Highway 715, Henryville
888-6CANDLE
Watch the candle-making process and see carvers at work at this busy shop, known for its custom candles for weddings, anniversaries and other commemorative occasions.
After dark
The Poconos is not the nightlife capital of the state. That said, you can catch live music and jazz on most weekends, and do some dancing at many of the larger mountain resorts just about any night of the week.
Waterwheel Café
150 Water St., Milford
570-296-2383
Located in the sweet town of Milford on the Delaware River, this intimate spot offers American and Vietnamese specialties, plus live blues every Thursday night and jams most weekends.
Deer Head Inn
5 Main St., Delaware Water Gap
570-424-2000
The Deer Head is the place to go for live jazz. A local hot spot for more than 50 years, the club attracts musicians from Manhattan for late-night jam sessions along with local talent. Come early and have dinner - the food is great.
Legendary Tannersville Inn
Pa. Highway 611, Tannersville
570-629-3131
Play whodunit at the Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre every Friday, with live music, ranging from bluegrass to rock and Dixieland, rounding out the weekend entertainment.
Bar Louis at the Hotel Fauchere
401 Broad St., Milford
570-409-1212
hotelfauchere.com
This hipster lounge scene in Milford could easily be a bar on New York's Upper East Side. Eclectic American fare and well-shaken cocktails set the tone. Collaborative art photography by the Hilton Brothers creates a stunning backdrop, and a portrait of Andy Warhol kissing John Lennon hangs over the bar.
_ Caesars Pocono Resorts (800-233-4141, www.caesars
poconoresorts.com) are known for hosting touring shows like ABBA Gold along with top-shelf comedians and live bands. You'll also find oldies bands on the circuit, along with local dance bands in most resort lounges.
Time to eat
Always a favorite indoor sport, dining out in the Poconos delivers experiences from down-home comfort food to white tablecloth cuisine.
Delmonico Room, Hotel Fauchere
401 Broad St., Milford
570-409-1212
hotelfauchere.com
Chef Michael Glatz brings modern American cuisine to the table using fresh, organic produce, some of which comes from co-owner Dick Snyder's nearby 70-acre farm. Try the gravlax cured with Lapsang tea, or the full-pound Delmonico steak with creamy potatoes gratin.
The Edelweiss
Highway 940, Pocono Lake
570-646-3938
This German restaurant puts the emphasis on Old World charm, along with generous portions of Wiener schnitzel, veal Edelweiss and sauerbraten. You'll also find American dishes such as steak and seafood. Try the warm Austrian apple strudel for dessert.
Hampton Court Inn
Highway 940 E., Mount Pocono
570-839-2119 www.hamptoncourtinn.com
Ask for a table by the fireplace at this four-diamond spot, known for excellent steaks, hand-cut in the kitchen. Entrées include Dijon crusted rack of lamb, veal Marsala and an excellent lump crab cake with pineapple chutney.
The French Manor
50 Huntingdon Drive
South Sterling
570-676-3244
This elegant French restaurant, modeled after a French estate, was built as a private retreat in 1932. Dress for dinner, which is fine French cuisine. Sunday brunch is served, too.
Torte Knox Cooking School & Bistro
301 Main Ave., Hawley
570-226-8200
Sheela Kaye-Stepkin, a pastry chef with a background in theater, transformed a 1902 bank building into a culinary-arts school and restaurant, with classes during the week and fine dining on the weekends.
Woody's Country House
Route 115, Blakeslee
570-646-9932
woodyscountryhouse.com
Chilies, soups and sandwiches chase away the winter chill at the moderately priced eatery, which also features steaks and chops, ribs and pasta.
There's the rub
Shopping, hiking, watching the leaves turn - it's exhausting. Time to take a break.
The Lodge at Woodloch
109 River Birch Lane, Hawley
866-953-8500
A retreat for the mind, body and spirit, the Lodge offers a well-appointed spa showcasing the usual body and beauty treatments, along with reiki, shiatsu and Thai massage. Therapists incorporate natural essences like lavender, green tea and lemongrass into blissful sessions of rejuvenation.
Deerfield Spa
50 Resica Falls Road
East Stroudsburg
570-223-0160
This is a serious destination spa and bodyworks facility, with an emphasis on fitness, exercise and spa cuisine. Facilities include a heated outdoor pool, aerobic gym, gym, sport court and treatment rooms where a range of massage and other wellness services are offered.
Staying inn
Get cozy. Read a book. Sit by the fire. From Victorian B&Bs to full-service resorts, the Pocono Mountains give good sleep.
Gilded Cupid B&B
40 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe
570-325-5453 www.gildedcupid.com
Hike, bike, ski and explore in and around Jim Thorpe, then settle in at this centrally located Victorian B&B. Friendly innkeepers (Sheila O'Neil and Bob Ewashko) make you feel at home and serve a delicious gourmet breakfast.
Hotel Fauchere
401 Broad St., Milford
570-409-1212
hotelfauchere.com
Named for its original owner, Louis Fauchere, a master chef at New York's Delmonico's Restaurant, this 19th-century hotel fell on hard times in the 1970s and closed.
Meticulously restored to its former glory by local businessmen Sean Strub and Dick Snyder, the hotel's elegant public spaces boast clean lines, burnished wood and luxurious finishes. Rockers invite on the front porch, and a collection of Hudson River School paintings are hung throughout the hotel.
The 16 luxe guest rooms manage to combine 21st-century technology (WiFi, iPod docking stations, flat screens) with heavenly comfort (Frette linens, Kiehls amenities, wine and chocolate in every room).
Hillside Lodge & Resort
Route 390, Canadensis
800-666-4455
This comfy lodge offers mountain views and a cottage and suite setting ideal for romance. Typical amenities include a king-size canopy bed, stocked wet bar, two-person whirlpool and a fireplace. Yes, they even have heart-shaped tubs.
The Inn at Pocono Manor
Route 314, Pocono Manor
800-233-8150 www.poconomanor.com
Located in Pocono Manor, a registered National Historic district, the Inn has 250 guest rooms and suites, each room with a distinct architectural style and furnishings. There is also entertainment nightly, tennis, golf, a cross-country trail and a fitness center if you want to move away from the fire.
For more information about the Poconos, call 800-POCONOS or visit www.800poconos.com.