Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

Things to Do in the Pocono Mountains

• Golfing –
  Home to some of the most picturesque courses in the northeast, the Poconos are an ideal destination for the avid golfer.  With over 15 courses near our Sundance Vacations properties, travelers can hit the links and never play the same course twice, unless of course they wanted to.  For those that want to just putt around, there are also a number of mini-golf courses in the area.
• Casinos and Waterparks –
  The Poconos have always been a booming resort area, but now with the addition of a number of Casinos and Waterparks (both indoor and outdoor), travelers are again finding more reasons to come back to the area.  Three major casinos in the area allow for gaming, dining, shows and even some horse racing.  Find more info about the Mt. Airy Casino here: “Mt. Airy Casino”.  In the waterpark department, the Poconos now have over 5 major waterparks to cool off in.
• Historic Jim Thorpe –
  If you are looking for a unique small town experience, Jim Thorpe is the place for you.  With Train rides through the mountains, bike rentals, historic tours, a number of small, local shops and restaurants, this town is easy to get lost in for the day.  Consider taking the train ride in the fall for a great foliage tour.
• Bushkill Falls –
  Billed as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls is a natural park with hiking trails, fishing, boating and of course, a 100 ft. natural waterfall.  With eight total waterfalls and a number of trails, travelers can easily make a day of this attraction and get back to nature.  Visit their website here: “Bushkill Falls”
• Pocono Raceway –
  Located in the Pocono Mountains, this racetrack has been around since 1971.  Currently the “Tricky Triangle” hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup events, two ARCA Racing events, a NASCAR Truck race and an IndyCar race.  Along with those major events, the raceway also holds smaller races and community events too.  Visit their website here: “Pocono Raceway”
• Hiking –
  There are a number of State Parks, hiking trails and scenic areas all over the state of Pennsylvania.  The Pocono Mountains are home to some of the best of these, including the Delaware Water Gap.  Once autumn sets in, the mountains are set ablaze with some of the most beautiful colors as the leaves put on a show for our travelers.
• Skiing –
  The Pocono Mountains have an abundant amount of amazing ski resorts.  There are over six within a short driving distance from any of the three properties we offer in the Poconos.  Check out Shawnee Mountain, Big Boulder Jack Frost, and Camelback Mountain Resort. With so many choices you can be sure that you will have plenty of options when it comes to shredding your way down the mountain.

Restaurants

1. Frogtown Inn
2. Desaki Japanese Restaurant 
3. Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen
4. Powerhouse Eatery
5. Bear Creek Cafe
6. Velma’s on Sand Spring, LLC
7. White Haven Family Diner
8. Basso
9. Barley Creek Brewing Company
10. Terra-Cottage Cafe

What To Pack

The Pocono Mountains are one of those all-year destinations.  So depending on what time of the year you are going will definitely effect what you bring along.  During the warmer months it can get up into the 80’s and 90’s, but will generally be in the comfortable 70’s.  Bring along a few pairs of shorts in the summer, but don’t forget a few pairs of long pants as the nights can be a bit chilly.  You may also want to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket too.  In the winter months, it can get pretty darn cold and snowy.  Suggestions will include: a warm winter coat, boots, scarf, gloves and hats.  If you are going skiing be sure you bring along some thermals, or snowsuits.  No matter the time of year, it’s a pretty solid plan to have a pair of sunglasses with you, for obvious reasons in the summer, but the sun glaring off the snow in the winter can make for a pain when driving.  If you will be doing anything outdoors, remember to bring some bug spray and sunscreen along.  Be sure you check out the average temperature list for this seasonally-changing destination.

Transport

There is not a whole lot of public transportation in the Pocono Mountains.  There are some small taxi services, but they are generally only in the area of large cities like Scranton, Stroudsburg and Wilkes-Barre.  As most of the attractions are spread out in this beautifully mountainous destination, a rental car could be a great option for you.  If you are looking to save some money on that rental car, check out this article on our Sundance Vacations Travel Blog, “Ten Tips for Saving Money on Rental Cars”

Special Events

• January – Pocono Winter Beer Festival
• July – Oktoberfest in July, Pennsylvania Blues Festival,
• August – Carbon County Fair, Wayne County Fair, Pocono Chicken Wing-Off
• September – Pocono Garlic Festival
• October – Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Weekends, Oktoberfest, Last Fling Pumpkin Sling
• November –Great Brews Classic Beer Festival
• December – Jim Thorpe Olde Time Christmas Weekends

Notable Navigation

Properties

Learn More

Woodfield Manor

472 Red Rock Road
Cresco, Pennsylvania

Woodfield Manor is a beautiful location set in the gorgeous natural surroundings of the Pocono Mountains.  

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Snow Ridge Village

Jack Frost Mountain Rd
Blakeslee, Pennsylvania

Snow Ridge Village is a beautiful destination near a number of amazing attractions, some of them include: skiing, Pocono Raceway, lakes and waterparks! 

Fun Facts!

1. The word “Pocono” is a Native American word meaning “stream between two mountains”
2. The area has 150 lakes and 170 miles of river! 
3. The Harry Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe, Pa. was the inspiration for the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disney World.
4. Heart-Shaped Tubs were first debuted in the Poconos.
5. In the winter, Lake Wallenpaupack is transformed into a frozen golf course.