The Poconos (Let’s Try This Again!)

Happy, happy Tuesday my loves! I’m literally dying inside today, thanks to this lovely sickness I have but it is the most GORGEOUS day. It’s literally 52 degrees and I don’t have to wear my coat. (Okay, maybe that’s why I’m sick? I just can’t resist!) It totally doesn’t feel like January AT ALL. In fact it feels more like March. Which has me thinking of all the amazing outdoor adventures that are just a few months away from us and I seriously can’t wait!

Speaking of outdoor adventures, we’re heading back to The Poconos today!

For those of you that haven’t been here since the Fall (HI! Welcome to Savannah Said It! I’m so happy you’re here!) you probably don’t know that my handsome hubby and I took a weekend getaway to The Poconos. We were expecting to have a good weekend, but we never expected to love our time in Pennsylvania so much!

I love sharing my travels with you here on the blog, and like to write about absolutely everything I can think of to be sure you are 1,000% informed before booking a trip on my recommendation. I was SO excited when we got back from our trip that I instantly started sharing it with you. Which was v. Poor timing on my part because I didn’t have nearly enough Tuesdays to share everything I needed to with you before the holiday season rolled around!

So long story short, I decided to table The Poconos posts until January when I could give them all the love and attention they deserve. Because trust me, if you’re looking for a weekend getaway close to home, no matter the season, The Poconos are for you!

So today, I’m resharing my very first intro to The Poconos with you, so that way, you’ll be ready for all the fun posts coming at you the next couple of Tuesdays! If you read the original post, go ahead and skip on down to the bottom. But if not (or if you want a refresher since it feels like eons ago!) just keep reading!

Hey there all you nature/travel lovers! I’m so happy to be back to start a new travel series with all of you! Today, we’re on our way East to the home of Hershey Bars, The Liberty Bell, Cheesesteaks and The Office.

That’s right, we’re in Pennsylvania, AKA the hardest state to spell. And while our minds might flash to Primanti’s, Yuengling, Punxatawny Phil and The Little League World Series, PA is so much more. Including, big beautiful Mountains.

If I told you I was headed to Pennsylvania to hike, you’d probably think I was crazy. But when I say The Poconos, I’m pretty positive that will ring a bell. Although you might be thinking of this…

and this…

and this…

and this…

Not this…

and this…

and this…

and this…

(PS… the first four photos are courtesy of the Cove Haven Resorts page! You can still stay there if you’re into champagne hot tubs and heart shaped beds!)

“The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania have long been a destination for vacationers seeking to relax. The earliest resorts opened in the early 1900s. Known for theater, skiing, and resorts ranging from affordable to exclusive, it grew in popularity through the 1920s and 30s. Starting in the 40s, the region began attracting honeymooners. The idea of romantic honeymoon resorts took off as soldiers coming back from WWII, and later, Vietnam, began seeking out the perfect post-wedding retreat. As people became cooler with the idea of sex, resorts dedicated to all aspects honeymoon romance boomed. Think, heart-shaped beds, red vinyl, lots of mirrors, and very few windows. But, unfortunately, the love affair with honeymoon resorts wasn’t meant to be. Today, the area is dotted with abandoned Poconos resorts.” (Stole this from a really cool article about abandoned Poconos honeymoon resorts because Chronicle couldn’t have written it more perfectly. The original article is really cool. Check it out here!)

And while love may be dead at many honeymoon resorts in the area, the love affair with the mountains and the charming small towns that call them home is booming.

The Basics

Where the heck are “The Poconos”?! I had the HARDEST time figuring out exactly where The Poconos were. Other mountain ranges (like The Tetons) are within National Parks, so it’s easy to know where to go on an adventure. But The Poconos are different. They encompass 2,400 square miles across northeast Pennsylvania’s Carbon, Pike, Wayne and Monroe counties. And there aren’t just in one state or national park. They are spread out from a National Park, to state game lands and everything in between.

Are The Poconos actual mountains? YES! But they aren’t like the Rockies. The Poconos are v. similar to the Catskills or the Smokies in that they don’t look like a typical mountain. Rather like giant forest covered hills.

What can I do in The Poconos? Hiking, exploring, zip lining, white water rating, skiing, relaxing, eating, antique shopping, fishing… the possibilities are endless.

How long should I spend in The Poconos? A weekend getaway is the perfect amount of time to explore The Poconos!

Where To Stay

The Poconos are made up of a bunch of tiny towns and a few bigger cities. No matter where you stay, you’ll be in driving distance of the rest of The Poconos, but I would suggest choosing a town that has the amenities you are looking for. For example, we were less than 3 minutes from the Delaware Water Gap, putting us right in the middle of all the hiking we could dream of. From quaint inns and bed and breakfasts to large resorts for couples or families, you’ll find what you’re looking for in The Poconos! Start your search here.

What To Do 

Over the new few weeks, I’ll be sharing all the places I loved most in The Poconos! From trekking up mountains to wandering the streets of quaint little towns and everything in between, you’ll find it here! (Be sure you’re subscribed to have each post delivered to your inbox so you don’t miss any!)

Where To Eat

Eeeek there are SO many great places to try! Of all the places we ate, I had two stand out favorites. For lunch be sure to check out the Shawnee General Store, and for dinner Barley Creek Brewing! (We actually went to TWO breweries while we were there that me and my favorite guest blogger are going to be reviewing for you soon. (PS, if you haven’t seen his post on The Poconos yet, click here! You’ll get a sneak peak at our trip.)

Guys. I’m so excited to bring this beautiful place to my blog the next few Tuesdays. I’ll be sharing detailed itineraries, tips for navigating the parks and state game lands, and where to find the best attractions, food and brews. I just know that by the time this travel series is over, I’ll have you booking a weekend getaway to The Poconos!

I already shared my favorite hike in The Poconos here. Be sure to check it out, it’s SO gorgeous!

Alright my friends. Next week, we’re heading BACK to The Poconos for an all new post. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Have a wonderful night my friends. This sick girl is heading to bed. Sweet dreams!

Xx.
Savannah