The Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania
I had always heard about The Poconos and the resorts there with the heart-shaped tubs and champagne glass jacuzzis. It was at the top of my Bucket List for many years. I didn’t realize how beautiful the scenery would be!
The Pocono Mountains or “The Poconos” as they are commonly called, are located in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This area is a popular recreational area, with skiing, hiking, boating, and fishing. The location is great, it’s only about a 2-hour drive for people who live in New York or Pennsylvania. It’s about an 8-hour drive for us from our home in North Carolina but it was well worth it!
How the Poconos became the “Land of Love”
During World War II, many GI’s took their leaves with their girlfriends and wives in the Pocono Mountains. This area took on a romantic appeal for them and many returned after the war on their honeymoons or vacations. In 1945, Rudolf Von Hoevenberg opened lodging in the area which consisted of some cabins and the main lodge, called The Farm on the Hill, this was the first honeymoon resort of the Pocono Mountains. Many other resorts sprung up in the 1940s and 1950s. In 1963, after a story in Life Magazine, it was labeled the “Honeymoon Capital of the World”.
Unfortunately, in the 1990s, “Honeymooners” had started choosing other locations and some of the resorts were forced to close.
A New Century, a fresh new look
In 2005, the Great Wolf Lodge opened in Scotrun, Pennsylvania, which renewed people’s interest in the Poconos. Several of the resorts started renovating and couples(and families) started coming back to the area. Several more indoor waterparks have opened as well as new resorts. The small towns in this area are quaint and charming, with small shops, antique stores, and great restaurants!
Our time in The Poconos
We stayed at Paradise Stream in Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania. There were others to choose from but frankly, I found savings on Groupon and I wanted to take advantage of that. Mt. Pocono is about an 8-hour drive from our home in North Carolina. The drive through Pennsylvania is quite beautiful, very green, with rolling hills and mountains. We arrived late in the afternoon and quickly checked in.
NOTE: the taxes and fees are quite high as well as a daily resort fee(please read the small print). At least this is my experience booking through Groupon.
It was worth it for us, we were so happy to finally be there! There are several room options at Paradise Stream; Cupid’s Suite, Diana’s Oasis Suite, Garden of Eden Apple Suite, Champagne Tower Suite, and, the one we chose, Lakeside Villa Suite. Our room was on Lake Eden and was more like a small cottage.
We had a deck with a table and chairs, overlooking the lake, which was very relaxing and had great views of the lake!
It was a nice size cottage with a king-size bed, heart-shaped jacuzzi tub, and a large walk-in shower. On the ceiling, stars sparkled all around the hot tub. There was a mirror on the ceiling over the bed. It had a separate living room with a TV, couch, and fireplace.
I have to admit that the room was a little outdated, but it was still very romantic.
NOTE: This is an adult-only resort.
The resort complex has a lot to offer. They have a really nice indoor pool and a huge hot tub with a waterfall. There is a tennis court, fitness center, pedal boats, nature trail, mini-golf, sauna, pool table, and more! You can pay extra to have breakfast and dinner included, served in their spacious dining room. Each night they have entertainment in the Lounge/Nightclub which is included. If you’ve ever taken a cruise you will remember receiving an itinerary each day that lists all the activities available for that day. This resort was similar, they offered activities each day that was free. One afternoon we played bingo in the lounge and won some money!
I have to say that I was not disappointed! I think it’s a nice place in a beautiful setting. I did read recently, that they have updated/renovated several of their rooms. I can’t wait to go back! The fall would be a great time of year to go.
Have you been to the Poconos? Let me know in a comment. Please share on social media!
*You may also enjoy reading; Niagara Falls
Great article on the Poconos! My husband and I run a short term rental in the Poconos (http://www.fiveoclocklodge.com) and love the area. We wish more people knew about all the great outdoor activities and parks.
We would love to get back there! I looked at your rental site, looks great! We will consider these next time we go. Thanks!