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Here is a great list of events (courtesty of The Pocono Where to Book on Facebook!) in and around the Poconos for Summer 2013, including fireworks and other things to do over the Fourth of July Holiday. 

Not on the list: Every Thursday evening, starting around 7pm, join me as I host World Tavern Trivia on the Patio/Tiki Bar at Petrizzo's Italian Restaurant in Bushkill. It's always a great time!

Petrizzo's also offers live music every weekend, and Johnny P. also puts on a fantastic fireworks extravaganza on the 4th of July!

Photo Credit: John Beljean, Bushkill, PA

Whether you are looking for wide open vistas or prefer a wooded creekside setting, you may be able to find your perfect home or weekend getaway in Saw Creek. Prices here are pretty reasonable, with properties available in the low $100's and even less. Additionally, Saw Creek's location in Bushkill allows easy access to Bushkill Falls, Shawnee Mountain, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and lots of other Pocono attractions. 

Saw Creek Estates boasts amenities that rival any available in the Pocono region, with well-maintained resort-style facilities dispersed throughout the community: several pools, tennis courts, a ski hill, and playgrounds, and more, as well as indoor pools, tennis, raquetball, and weight training facilities. Saw Creek is a fantastic value when you compare association fees and what you get for them. 

Find a home with a view in Saw Creek Estates via the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS MLS/IDX here

A little more about Saw Creek from the homeowner association's website: 

Saw Creek Estates is a private residential subdivision of nearly 3,000 properties, conceived and developed as one of the premier, four-season recreational communities in the Pocono Mountains. Construction of roads, common area facilities and amenities was begun in the mid 1970’s by Lehman-Pike Development Corporation. Sales of year-round and vacation homes continued at a brisk pace throughout the 80’s and 90’s.

Saw Creek Estates Community Association, Inc. was formed for the purpose of managing the rapidly growing community and transitioning full control from the developer to the property owners. All property owners are members of the Association, which is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership, and managed by an experienced staff of professionals. The transfer of control was completed in the year 2000 and since that time, the community has continued to grow and flourish.

Today Saw Creek Estates is one of the largest, best managed and most financially sound private communities in the region. 

Sunset view from Top of the World Restaurant 

One of the coolest things about Saw Creek is that it has its own restaurant, Top of the World, which allows owners and their guests to enjoy casual dining, fine wines and beverages, and weekend entertainment like live music and karaoke. How convenient is that? 

Many homes in Saw Creek have beautiful scenic views

Interested in finding out more about Saw Creek? Contact me! 

Find a home with a view in Saw Creek Estates via the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS MLS/IDX here

You can see for miles from some properties!

See that hawk? Was about the size of a Cessna! ;)

Happy Earth Day!

No matter where you live or stay in the Poconos, you aren't far from outdoor adventures. And now that the weather is breaking, it's time to get out and enjoy it! This weekend I checked out Tumbling Waters Trail, one of six trails at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC). Getting there is easy as it is a short and lovely drive north on 209 toward Dingman's Ferry from Bushkill. My hiking partner and I have been slowly building up the difficulty of our hikes, using the rich outdoor resources of the Poconos as our personal gym. This is one exercise I actually look forward to doing and do regularly! Had to take a break about half-way through the three mile excursion though:

If you're interested in seeing the route, check out the PEEC Trail Map. Tumbling Waters is the orange trail, and offers a little bit of all of the best Pocono scenery: breathtaking views of the mountains, ponds and streams, waterfalls, woods with foliage and wildlife, and even some ruins:

Chimney ruins: Quite an amazing homesite, no?

Old and weathered but still standing!

Beware, though...there is one section of the trail called Killer Hill, aka Cardiac Hill. Luckily, you can rest up before you tackle this climb and take in some negative ions at the spot that gave the trail its name, Tumbling Waters Falls:

Can't wait til next weekend!

Related articles

Bushkill Falls Open and Upgraded

Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau Unveils New National Geographic Map...

I just ran across this article online that gives a beautiful overview of the myriad golf offerings in the Pocono Mountains. Interesting to me is the almost 100 year golfing history the Poconos boasts...the East Course at Pocono Manor dates back to 1912! Read this eloquent ode to golf in our area of Northeastern Pennsylvania and be inspired!

Here is a list of golf courses in the Poconos, located all over from Blakeslee to Delaware Water Gap to Kresgeville and more. If it ever stops raining, you might wanna try a few holes! ;)

Golf Courses in the Southeastern Poconos

Evergreen Golf Course
Golf Shawnee
Cherry Valley
Fernwood Hotel & Resort
Great Bear Golf & Country Club
Country Club of the Poconos
Glenbrook Golf Club
Water Gap Country Club

There's always plenty to do here in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, in every season, rain or shine. And if you are watching your budget, there are even many things to do that cost very little or are free! Enjoy your holiday!!

Fireworks in the Poconos

There are fireworks displays happening all over the Poconos on July 4th...at Dansbury Park (American Freedom Festival) in East Stroudsburg, Lake Wallenpaupack, Camelbeach/Camelback in Tannersville, Mount Airy Casino, Shawnee Mountain and Fernwood Resort in Bushkill. Visit the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau for a full calendar of events for the 4th of July holiday and beyond.

Note: As you may know, the weather in the Pocono Mountains has been very rainy this summer, so be sure to check the calendar for rain dates!

My family usually keeps the Fourth low key - the last couple of years we picked up some Rita's (mmmm mango!) and found a spot in the vicinity of North Fifth Street in Stroudsburg with a decent view of the fireworks display. That way we beat the crowds home afterwards!

What About The Rest Of The Holiday Weekend?

• Try out some shopping at The Crossings Outlet Stores during their big July Fourth Sidewalk Sales July 2-July 6, 2009
• PoconoWhitewater.com...enough said! (river rafting, canoe rides and more)
• Free Brewery Tours & Tastings at Barley Creek Brewing Company at 12:30pm on 7/3/09, 7/4/09 & 7/5/09
• How about some Hibachi, Sushi & Dance at Shiro, the latest addition to the Poconos dining and nightlife scene?
• You haven't seen the real Poconos if you haven't hiked our greatest resource, The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area!
• The Pocono Community Theater offers a great selection of independent and art films to intrigue and delight.

What are you doing this summer in the Poconos? Please leave your suggestions in the comments!