Whether you're planning the ultimate romantic getaway for Feb. 14 or eagerly anticipating hitting the slopes, you won’t have to go far to find luxurious accommodations, great entertainment and the perfect mix of relaxation and activities. The nearby Pocono Mountains offer all of this, and much more than the heart-shaped hot tub sterotype from years ago. For Susquehanna Valley residents in the know, here’s a handy go-to guide for getting there and staying there.
Camelback Lodge
Family fun for all
A familiar family fuss might have an easy cure when Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark is completed in early 2015.
Mom can have her skiing, Sis her snowboarding, Dad and Sonny their swimming and surfing, all at the same time. Fewer arguments, more fun.
The Tannersville ski resort already has a variety of activities for families, including ski slopes, a snow tubing park and an outdoor water park. But a 125,000-square-foot idoor water park under a transparent roof system and incorporated into a new eight-story lodge is on track to make Camelback’s new lodge and entertainment venue the largest in the northeastern United States. Construction began in September of last year on 25 acres at the foot of Camelback Mountain in the Poconos and is scheduled to be completed in February of 2015.
The water park will be built with two levels and include seven pools, such as a recreational pool, zero-depth children’s pools, an adventure river and a wave pool.
The under-roof water park will also include 19 slides and rides and a FlowRider boogie-board and surfing attraction. Included in the water attraction will be a swim-up bar, food and beverage service and private cabanas. In addition to the indoor water park, the resort will also house a 30,000-square-foot indoor dry park, which will include a family arcade and game center, an indoor ropes course, a nine-hole mini-golf course, a two-story laser tag arena, a laser maze, mini bowling and a kids’ club activity center.
The $163 million lodge and water park family entertainment resort will also include four restaurants, a 10,000-square-foot luxury spa and fitness center, a 25,000-square-foot conference space and 453 guest suites in 20 configurations. The lobby of the 533,000-square-foot lodge will be two-stories high.
One of the restaurants will be a ski-in ski-out bar and outdoor patio at the base of Camelback Mountain. At Camelback Mountain Resort’s existing entertainment complex, in addition to 34 trails and 16 lifts, guests can enjoy a snow tubing park and an outdoor waterpark. There is also a tree-top adventure center with a zip line and other rides. Camelback boasts the longest and fastest Zip-Flyer zip line in North America as part of its outdoor adventures and the only mountain coaster in Pennsylvania. The coaster has a 4,500-foot long steel-track that winds through the trees and down the steep slopes of Camelback Mountain. In addition, guests can take part in a tree-top obstacle course, including zip lines, suspended bridges, scramble nets and swinging logs.
The 2013-14 ski season marks 50 years that Camelback Mountain Resort has been a Pocono Mountains attraction.
“This is an exciting time for Camelback Mountain Resort,” says co-owner Arthur Berry III. “It’s a time to celebrate and look back at 50 years of history and it’s an excellent time to announce construction of what will become the most interactive resort destination in the country. In many ways, we’re just getting warmed up.”
50th Anniversary Events
When Camelback Mountain Resort opened in 1963, it had just a few ski lifts. Now with more than five times the original ski lifts and the biggest snow tubing park in the United States, it is celebrating its 50th anniversary in a big way.
Camelback kicked off its golden year anniversary and its 2013-14 winter season with the announcement of its new $163 million lodge and indoor water park, which is being built at the base of Camelback Mountain. It is expected to be completed in February of 2015.
But guests are being treated to anniversary surprises in several ways this year. Chuck the Camel, the resort’s mascot, will randomly choose a ticket line each day to count off to the 50th person in line, and that person will received a free lift ticket for the day, along with rental equipment, if needed.
The surprise gifts continue on the lifts, with the 50th chair on each lift painted gold. The golden chairs will periodically have gift bags attached to lap bars randomly throughout the day. There will also be contests and random giveaways by staff and instructors throughout the day.
In March, Camelback will attempt to break the Guinness Record for the largest snow tube-athon in the world while raising money for the American Cancer Society. The Relay for Life tube-athon will take place March 8 and 9 and will be a first in the United States. The weekend-long celebration will include a grand gala, torch light parade and fireworks.
Camelback Mountain Resort 301 Resort Drive | Tannersville, PA 570-629-1661 | www.skicamelback.com
The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
An Outdoor Experience
The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort opened in 1911 with a world-class golf course featuring breathtaking views and one of the finest resorts in the area. Now, 100 years later, Shawnee continues to embrace its reputation for excellence in both golf and hospitality.
Shawnee is the only resort in the Northeast on the Delaware River, and the only golf course in the United States on an island in the middle of a river. Expect great views from both the golf course and resort. Every spring, Shawnee builds its
famous bridge to the island golf course to officially
start the season.
“Our history revolves around golf,” explains Jeromy Wo, a representative from Shawnee. “Our course was
architectural mastermind A.W. Tillinghast’s first design. There aren’t many Tillinghast courses that are open to the public.”
While Shawnee has built its reputation around golf, the Inn also embraces its beautiful surroundings and does its part to keep our planet beautiful.
“We have a clientele who are very conscious about their environmental footprint and who really appreciate nature and the preservation of nature,” Wo says. “It is our duty to take care of this land that was bestowed to us. Some of our most popular activities are outdoor activities, including golf, river trips and hiking.”
Recently, Shawnee has doubled the size of its on-site garden. It has also added an apiary featuring Italian honeybees, which perform the double duty of pollinating the newly expanded garden and providing honey for the Inn’s restaurant and brewery, ShawneeCraft Brewing Co.
Searching for a meal that uses the freshest and most local ingredients? Farm-to-table offerings are available at the three restaurants on the grounds of the Shawnee Inn. Discerning guests can request to accompany the chef into the Inn’s garden, choosing the ingredients that will be used to create their meal. Guests are encouraged to enjoy a free tour
of the garden and apiary during the spring and
summer months.
“We offer a very unique experience that you can only have at Shawnee. They can taste food that was grown right here, on an island in the middle of the Delaware River,” Wo adds. “Our guests have received it very well.”
The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort also offers unique "Stay and Play" packages throughout the year, so be sure to check its website for the upcoming offerings.
The Mini-Destinations
As you head north on Route 33, you will want to hit some points of interest along the way, many of which are mini-destinations in themselves.
First, make a stop at The Crossings Premium Outlets in Tannersville. Get any last-minute items that you forgot to pack or set aside a few hours for retail therapy in its 100 stores. Grab a coffee at Au Bon Pain Bakery Café, then find a new outfit at Brooks Brothers, J. Crew or Lacoste. Later, swing by Coach or Cole Haan to take advantage of the great discounts and treat yourself to a new handbag. Don’t forget to sign up for the VIP Club online to get access to exclusive coupons and insider tips on sales.
Recharge your batteries just 10 miles away in Stroudsburg at the cozy Stroudsmoor Country Inn. Its hearty, freshly prepared menu features classic American and Italian dishes, perfectly paired with an extensive wine list. Don’t miss the classic antipasto, French dip sandwich or Black Angus sirloin burger.
Reservations are strongly recommended for weekends, so book yours early.
After enjoying a morning out and a hearty lunch, you’ll be primed to reach your Pocono getaway. Head east for a great outdoor and gaming experience at Shawnee Inn, west to Camelback Mountain Resort or continue north toward The French Manor Inn and Spa, the ultimate destination for romance and four-star luxury.
The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort One River Road | Shawnee on Delaware 800-742-9633 | www.shawneeinn.com
The French Manor
Romance and Luxury
Tucked away atop Huckleberry Mountain, The French Manor Inn and Spa offers its visitors elegant accommodations, fantastic meals and an unforgettable view of the surrounding Pocono Mountains.
“From the moment they make their reservation to the moment they check out, we like to go one step beyond what a guest would expect during a getaway,” says Bridget Logan Weber, a representative from The French Manor. This effort to go above and beyond expectations has earned The French Manor and its on-site restaurant the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating 11 years in a row.
After check-in, guests are escorted to accomodations prepared for their arrival, the perfect room temperature, and a tempting bottle of decanted sherry, fresh fruit and cheese tray waiting.
“Our innkeeper takes great care, personally inspecting each room before our guests’ arrival,” she adds. “Attention is paid to every little detail.” Throughout the stay, guests are also pampered by a turndown service, afternoon tea with
fresh baked goods and a gourmet breakfast made to order.
Sound appealing? Before you pack your bags, you’ll need to choose from a variety of luxurious rooms, from guest rooms in the main manor building to private suites in the carriage house or La Maisonneuve building. While each suite is unique, each features a private sitting area, fireplace and Jacuzzi. Some also include a private balcony overlooking the Pocono Mountains.
“Every room is very elegant, very beautiful. You have the feeling of being in an intimate bed and breakfast, with the modern conveniences of free Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV and other items that discerning travelers
really expect nowadays,” Weber says.
Visitors can customize their stay by choosing from a variety of packages or making a special request. Many couples celebrate the start of spring with the “enchanted evening” package for a romantic weekday retreat, which includes a full country breakfast and gourmet candlelit dinner, chilled champagne and chocolate. Or request a couples’ spa package, which allows guests to relax and unwind in The French Manor’s spa, Le Spa Foret. This is your chance to partake in the couples massage, offered in the Le Spa Foret’s massage suite, or choose from one of the spa’s many other offerings, including the stone massage or signature facial.
“The spa is a great way to relax and enjoy the serene setting,” Weber adds. “It’s very relaxing, and it allows couples to really enjoy some time away together. It’s
a nice time to reconnect.”
Nature lovers can request an outdoors package featuring horseback rides, a picnic lunch and a chance to enjoy the amazing scenery of the northern Pocono Mountains.
Whether you choose to spend the day in the spa or outdoors, be sure to head back to the Manor in time for dinner. Beginning in spring, both dinner and breakfast are served on the Manor’s stone veranda to allow guests to enjoy the warmer weather and fantastic views. Enjoy your coffee while watching the sunrise or sunset, or celebrate spring by listening to the calming sounds of nature.
“The dining experience here at The French Manor is fantastic,” Weber says. “The setting itself can’t be beat, and the outdoor dining option is becoming very popular.”
The French Manor Huckleberry Road | South Sterling 877-720-6090 | www.thefrenchmanor.com
By Maria Coole and By Stacey Solt
