Pennsylvania is well-known for being a history hot-bed – full of bells, buildings and bridges to study to your heart’s content. If you get tired of hitting the books, though, no worries. There’s a whole hidden paradise out in the mountains of Penn: a cute little place we like to call the Poconos. And it’s got something for every kind of vacationer. Here are some of the great things to do in the Poconos:
For the Outdoorsy
If you’re hungry for adrenaline, you’re in the right spot. The mountains come with one great natural activity: snowy slopes. You’ve got your pick of more than six resorts to hit up, with Blue Mountain Resort being a fan favorite. We’re talking 39 ski trails and 39 tubing trails, so you can go as hard or as easy as you want.
Once you’ve met your need for speed, switch gears for something a little more serene. The Poconos are chockfull of great hiking opportunities, which make for some great Instagram pics. Visit the Niagara of Pennsylvania, Bushkill falls, and take advantage of their many hiking trails to view this series of eight beautiful waterfalls. For stiller waters, pop into Promised Land State Park and hike to a natural glacial lake.
For the Indoorsy
If cold and nature aren’t really your thing, no worries! Make a visit to Country Junction, the world’s largest general store. They’ve got plenty of shopping, plus a petting zoo complete with llamas. Say it ain’t so.
Next, hit up a museum that won’t put you to sleep and check out the Old Jail Museum. Formerly a working jail (obviously) from 1871-1995, there’s a 99.9% chance this place is haunted. If that’s not dark enough for you, take a deep dive into the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum, where you can ride 160 into the mountain to see what it’s like to be a coal miner. You’ll have a whole new appreciation for your day job.
For the Grown and Sexy
If you’re leaving the kids behind or living kid-free, the Poconos are a great place to find romance. Start off with a three-course meal at TREE Restaurant and bar, which includes gluten-free and vegan options for those who need them. After a nightcap, check into a themed room at the Cove Haven Suites. We’re talking champagne towers and heart-shaped hot tubs, folks. You can’t beat that charm.
For the Kid in All of Us
To satisfy your sweet tooth, pop into Callie’s Candy Kitchen. No ordinary candy store is this – the owner, Henry Callie, was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame in 2011, so you know this is way beyond your standard vacation fudge stand.
Once you’ve got your sugar rush on, slide on over to try out the indoor waterpark at Camelback Lodge. Or if you forgot your swimmers, you can still party hard – run wild with indoor laser tag, swing through a three-story ropes course, or get your game on in the arcade.
The Poconos aren’t just a place for your grandparents to take their RV for the weekend – they’re chock-full of different activities to get yourself into, whether you like to live fast or die hard. Go ahead and book a bachelor party weekend, a girl’s trip, or even a honeymoon. You’ll be in for a vintage style vacation that still takes your breath away.