For some reason, my husband has had a pretty serious fixation on wanting to visit The Pocono Mountains up in PA. I'd been a few times growing up, but only in the winter for skiing, when The Poconos is truly hopping. It's a popular destination for those who love the ski slopes and all that jazz, but what I've come to learn is that this mountain destination is awesome in the spring and summer as well, when everything is vibrant and green, and all the waterfalls are flowing.
So when I was doing my research just to see what's up there for the summer, I found a beautiful boutique hotel, Ledges, nestled in the mountains, overlooking a breath-taking waterfall over gorgeous natural rock ledges, I knew I'd found THE PLACE. I showed Michael, Major and Jack, everyone with the exception of Jack had the same reaction: When can we go?!
So we decided that during the week after Father's Day and Major's last day of school would be best, that way, we could celebrate both occasions. Our trip up to Hawley, PA was just what the doctor ordered for our family of 4, and I decided to break it down into the Top 5 Reasons to Visit The Poconos. Otherwise, this post will be 20 years long. Sounds good, right? Let's get on with it.
1. It's super close!!!
Now, part of the reason for the allure of The Poconos is that it's so darn close. After Major's last day of school, we were really looking forward to getting out of the hustle and bustle of Baltimore City to a place with more nature than we know what to do with. What we found on our drive up to The Poconos was a lush, green mountain oasis.
Only a 4 hour drive away from the city is a whole new world, full of outdoors adventures. It's close. It's an easy drive. It's a pretty drive. There's no excuse not to go up there to see for yourself.
2. There are some AMAZING places to stay!
As I mentioned before, after doing some research, we landed on the most beautiful place I could find, Ledges Hotel.
When we arrived, I had big expectations. The photos online made it seem like it was a little bit of heaven in the mountains, so when we arrived, I was ready to see what it was all about. I mean, it'd been nearly 20 years since I've visited The Poconos! Crazy, right? I'd never seen anything like this.
Upon first glance, the cool grey stone exterior was simply elegant. But what the wall was hiding was stunning.
Walking into the hotel was basic, normal, and comfortable. The great room just beyond the welcome desk, and had some beautiful settings to relax, and unwind.
But the true beauty just lay beyond the glass French doors that line the far wall of this great room.
When you walk out on Ledges' back patio, be prepared for your breath to just LEAVE. Just poof! GONE! This is why you want to drive to the mountains. It's simply stunning.
The natural stone ledges of the river gorge falls are awe-inspiring and tranquil all at once. It's exciting, and stimulating yet composed and delicate. You can sit and relax with a glass of wine, or become enchanted by the rushing waters. It's just a thing of beauty.
My boys and I spent a significant amount of time out there that first evening we arrived, and had a lot of fun watching everyone set up for a small, intimate wedding ceremony. We enjoyed exploring the property, and after we took it all in as much as we could, we brought our bags up to our room.
We booked a 2-bedroom suite, and it was definitely just what our family of 4 needed. I need to emphasize that these 2-bedroom suites are super spacious. They're basically mini apartments, and there was more than enough room for my husband, two sons and myself to fit comfortably for the 2 nights that we were there.
The downstairs portion featured a living room, powder room, full kitchen and eating area. In some of the other 2-bedroom suites, the appliances and other amenities were all updated and upgraded, but we still liked what we were provided with in ours.
When you travel up the spiral stair case, you land at a bathroom, which once again, in other 2-bedroom suites was upgraded and updated to a beautiful finish. Ours wasn't photo-worthy, but it wasn't terrible. The two bedrooms sat next to each other beyond the bathroom.
The first bedroom was perfect for our boys. This was the first time they ever shared a room, and our older son was really fired up about it. He loves his brother! They had so much fun playing in the full length mirrors that lined the large closets, and later enjoyed waking up to watching The Disney Channel.
I want to take a moment to mention that the folks at Ledges are really quite amazing. When I mentioned on the phone that one of my children was still very much a baby, they took it upon themselves to set up a Pack and Play for him, complete with sheets and other cozy blankets. I thought this was really great, and just the little touches like this take it from a hotel to a place that you WANT to stay.
The master bedroom was significantly larger, with two huge windows over looking the front of the property. The bed was large and once again, there were floor-to-ceiling mirrors, perfect for getting ready in the natural light.
After we finished exploring the suite, we were able to relax, and being in such a great room in such a beautiful hotel in a gorgeous location, relaxing wasn't hard to do.
Also availible at Ledges are more traditional style hotel rooms, 1 bedroom suites and there's even a super romantic room that's completely updated, with absolutely SENSATIONAL views of the waterfall. When Ledges hosts a wedding, this is the bridal room, and also the room for the happy couple to enjoy after the ceremony and party.
Ledges Hotel has two other sister properties that are equally as amazing, but all three sisters are very different. No triplets here! The three resort hotels have different amenities, and different feels, each to cater to different needs. The best part is that when you stay with Ledges, you get to experience the other two while you're there, if you request it.
While we stayed at Ledges, we were able to enjoy breakfast at The Settler's Inn, described as a "meticulously restored Arts & Craft Lodge in the Lake Region of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains boasting native Chestnut Wood Beams, Bradbury & Bradbury hand screened Wallpapers, Fulper hand crafted tiles, a Stickley Grandfather's Clock, a collection of Arts and Crafts Pottery and Mission Style furnishings. Our hospitality extends from the head to the heart to the hand."
The place was cute, quiet, and charming, and had beautiful gardens scattered around the property. The food from their award-winning restaurant was sensational, but we can get to the food later.
On our last day at Ledges, we were able to go check out the other sister, Silver Birches. At Silver Birches, you'll feel right at home at, whether you're looking to have a romantic getaway, a honeymoon retreat or a family vacation, Silver Birches is the perfect resort in the Poconos. Seriously. We were able to take full advantage of the pool, and the all of us, especially the kids had a great time.
Basically, whatever it is you're looking for, a romantic get away or a fun family vacation, there is a hotel or resort for any occasion.
3. There's a ton of fun stuff to do!
The Poconos offer SO many amazing and fun things to do. It's definitely an outdoorsy place, so pack your walking shoes. Since we stayed in Hawley, I'm going to focus on all the great things this small town, and it's surrounding area, has to offer.
Ledges Hotel, as well as The Settler's Inn are both in walking distance from the historic Silk Mill in Hawley. This place has been a vital part of this community since its construction in 1880.
Inside the silk mill, you'll find cute shops, a market and a gym that as a guest at Ledges, you'll be able to enjoy as part of your stay. There's also live music on the top floor, and it's basically a great little place to check out during your stay.
On our first day, we went exploring and found an amazing playground. Like, seriously amazing. Construction of the playground, appropriate for children ages 5-12, (and adults too!) began in September 2014. It is named CJR Memorial Playground after Caleb Joseph Regenski, who passed away at age 2 on Feb. 25, 2007, from a malignant brain tumor. Talk about beauty from ashes.
The playground includes:
- Tube slides
- Open slides
- Climbing walls
- Bridges
- A pretend backhoe and dump truck
- Fun Mirrors
- Swings
- Piano/music station
- And MORE!
This playground is handicapped-accessible restrooms are also slated to be installed next spring, and the playground itself is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. And we LOVED IT.
Lake Wallenpaupack is another amazing attraction in Hawley, PA. Head to the visitors' center, learn about the area, and then go on a beautiful walk around the lake. It was such a peaceful and fun way to spend our afternoon.
There's also tons of parks to explore. One of the parks that we visited and spent hours enjoying was Promised Land, 30 minutes' drive in Greentown, PA.
This place was GORGEOUS. There are several different hiking trails at different difficulty levels.
We chose two different places to hike. The first featured little falls, and the second was flatter, and on an island.
Both hikes were amazing, super fun, and gave us the outdoors fun we were looking for.
Don't forget that The Poconos is home to a lot of beautiful spots for skiing, so winter will have a lot of different activities to enjoy. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter all have so many things to do.
4. The Poconos are great for families AND for romance!
As I mentioned in my above points, The Poconos has some amazing options for both family vacations and for romantic getaways.
With the amazing playgrounds, green spaces, lakes and wildlife parks, it's an ideal place to take your family for a quiet vacation. There's activities that will keep the whole crew happy and entertained.
As for romance, it's in the air in The Poconos. At Ledges, you have the gorgeous and spacious room, the spectacular scenery, wonderful food, spas and more. It just screams romantic vacation. Cozy up and let the sparks fly!
5. THE. FOOD.
I left the best for last. I have to say, the food that we experienced was truly delicious. The first restaurant we visited was Ledges Hotel's on-site restaurant, Glass Wine. Bar. Kitchen., an award winning establishment serving small plates for sharing, and showcases an "All-American Wine and Beer List" with emphasis on American Spirits.
Our first impression was that the place was comfortable. There were two separate indoor dining areas, and a deck overlooking the waterfalls. The first dining space is more of an open style restaurant, with picturesque window views of the property. The second space feels more like a lounge-bar, with low lights, cozy seats and intimate dining and drinking spaces. The deck is spectacular, as can be expected.
As I said, Glass specializes in small plates, like American-style tapas. So we decided to go with a bunch of small plates to share amongst us. But first, drinks.
Major ordered his new favorite, a Shirley Temple. Michael got HIS new favorite, a Moscow Mule, and I went with a pomegranate martini.
Refreshing, and delicious.
The cocktails were very well balanced, and beautifully presented.
We decided to start with P.A. Perogies, potato, bacon, chive, cheese, sour cream, Celtic grey salt, and an order of their Devils on Horseback, bacon wrapped dates, smoked almond parsnip puree, blue cheese and apple.
The perogies were awesome. The dumpling was tender and the filling was packed with flavor and the texture was velvety and fluffy, just the way you'd want it.
The bacon wrapped dates were a bit of a memory lane plate for Michael and me, because we had that same dish at our wedding. After I took my first bite, I was beyond happy. That bite really brought me back to an amazing evening, the most magical evening of my life.
Next, we went with a charcuterie board, featuring Calkins Creamery, PA Vampire Slayer cheese, a garlic and red pepper cheese, and a Point Reyes Farmstead, CA Point Reyes Blue cheese.
For the meats, we chose Boar Soppressata and Prosciutto. Everything was arranged beautifully, and the meats and cheeses were fresh and tasty.
Following that, we went a bit crazy...
We got the hanger steak with pickled onions and blue cheese quark, a crab cake with white remoulade, fresh lemon, fried Brussels sprouts with Lukan's Farm honey and vinegar, buffalo Cauliflower with a house made ranch dip, and mac & cheese, featuring four cheeses, and panko bread crumbs. Because 4 people need that much food, right?
The steak was great, and I especially loved the pickled onions. The crab cake was good, but coming from Baltimore, it's hard to live up to what we can get locally. Major LOVED it, so that's a good sign.
The Brussels sprouts were excellent. The honey and vinegar brought out the nutty and deep flavors in the sprouts, and they were truly some of the best we've ever had. I loved, loved, loved them.
The mac and cheese was a hit with both kids, and I LOVED the presentation with the mini cast irons. So cute!
Now, I saved the buffalo cauliflower for last because it was incredible. I ate the whole thing by myself. I wanted more. So much more. It was crisp, spicy, and simply spectacular. My mouth is on overdrive with drool right now thinking about it. Oh my word. YES. So good. More...
After all that food, there wasn't any way we were going to be able to enjoy any dessert, but we left Glass full and happy.
Another place that's more than worth checking out is the restaurant at The Settler's Inn. This Pocono restaurant is a destination for vacationers and locals alike - a dining tradition for a romantic dinner or celebrating a special occasion.
We were able to enjoy breakfast two days in a row at The Settler's Inn restaurant, and both meals were spectacular.
I thoroughly enjoyed my steak and eggs, and I know Major was beyond happy with the french toast. Michael was extra happy with the sausage gravy and biscuits.
We loved our meals at Settler's and I'd recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
We also visited the restaurant associated with Silver Birches, Dock & Dine. This restaurant was much more relaxed and casual than the first two places we enjoyed, and had a real beachy-vibe.
We had a great time at Dock & Dine, and I have to say, the calamari was sensational. Yum, yum!
So all in all, we had a seriously amazing time up in The Poconos. It's close, fun for the whole family, with amazing places to stay, tons to do and great food and drinks. There's really no reason NOT to go!
