Rather than reinvent the wheel, I thought I'd share with you a nice summary of things to do in Stroudsburg and the surrounding Pocono area in the Spring and Summer. Newsday did a real nice job of showing all the different sides of our area in their recent article. You will find advice on where to stay, where to shop, historic places to visit downtown, shows to see, where to eat, and much much more. The Poconos really does have something for everyone, in every season!

Oh yeah...and don't forget about Pocono Restaurant Week (April 23 - May 2, 2009)!

Related Articles

Stay & Play in the Poconos: Mount Airy Casino Resort
Getting Back to Nature at the DWG National Recreation Area

Some Pocono Businesses on Facebook :)

Pocono Community Theater
The Jubilee Restaurant
Sarah Street Grille

Multiple Homes Open For Viewing This Weekend

In case you haven't heard, the Penn Estates Community Open House is happening this weekend. Bring your friends along for this trip to the Poconos because there are upwards of 15 homes available to tour during this day-long event...there's something for everybody!

Don't Miss 161 Overlook Drive in The Highlands

The Highlands, the fancy-schmancy name for Section A of Penn Estates, is an excellent location. The first section on the left after you enter the gate at the main Hallet Road entrance, The Highlands is conveniently located to the main amenity complex which includes the pools, the Community Center and the Country Kitchen. This section also abuts Highland Lake, the most popular of the community's three lakes and home to our beautiful beachfront amenities.

The property at 161 Overlook Drive is very close to this lake and overlooks a lovely stream, which provides a peaceful soundtrack to outdoor gatherings on the 30 foot deck.

One of the other special things about this home is that it offers one level living...and then some! Three of the bedrooms, including the privately situated master suite, are on the main level with the kitchen and other public living spaces - the perfect ranch style floor plan! But then there is the bonus of two more bedrooms on the second floor creating another 'wing' for extended family, hobby areas or home office space. All of this artfully arranged space accommodates every need: privacy where necessary & enough rooms to allow for unique lifestyles. The sparkling white kitchen isn't the only room that welcomes you...there is lots of light thru-out! As a matter of fact, the entire home and property are lovingly maintained and warm & inviting.  Featuring many extras found in more expensive properties, this home is a great value for those who need a lot of space on a small budget.

Big Upgrades & Low Price

• Cozy stone fireplace in the living room
• Efficient pellet stove supplements the electric heat
• Storage basement for seasonal items and yard tools
• Sun room off the living room adds another gathering place
• Complete appliance package is included
• Recent neutral paint throughout
• Master suite with walk-in closet and private bathroom
• And much much more!

Visit the community open house on April 18, 2008 from 11am to 4pm, or contact me by email [email protected] or phone 570.421.8950 ext 394 for a private showing. I am also happy to address any questions you may have about real estate in Penn Estates or other amenity communities in the Pocono Mountains.

Mount Airy Casino Resort opened awhile ago. I, unfortunately, haven't been there yet but I wanted to write about it - mostly to share this great photo graciously provided by Stephen Lippay. Check out his beautiful photography here.

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The casino in Mt. Pocono does not have live-dealer table games but does have lots of slot machines and electronic table games like poker, roulette and blackjack. There was a pretty big winner at the Casino back in February...over $100,000 won! Rumor has it that a resident of Penn Estates, a local single-family home community, won a few bucks earlier this year, too, but she's too shy to brag about it. :) Also, there are always promotions and giveaways going on. Maybe you could be the next big winner !?!?

The facility offers five restaurants, a spa, salon and nightclub on site. They offer special packages for short getaways, making this a great choice for a quick winter trip to unwind, ski or just enjoy the amenities of the casino. In the heart of the Poconos of northeastern Pennsylvania, the Mount Airy Casino Resort is an ideal 'home base' for enjoying all that our mountains have to offer, in any season! And, since the building is brand new, you can bet (pun intended of course) that the accomodations will be first-rate.

Other things to do while you're here (all within minutes of the Resort):

• Shopping at The Crossings Factory Outlets
• Skiing at Camelback Mountain
• Antiquing, sightseeing or buying chocolate, pretzels or gear for the leftie in the Mountainhome/Cresco area of beautiful Barret Township
• Golf at Pocono Manor Inn's famous East & West courses
• Vacation- or primary-home shopping with your favorite real estate agent ;)
  

There's always something going on in the Poconos

But fall is especially spectacular because the beauty of the fall foliage creates a stunning backdrop for festivals, hiking and all other sorts of outdoor activities. Check out the Pocono Fall Foliage Report here.

Whether you are looking for a low- or no-cost outing for the family, are in to theater and the arts, or want to explore and learn about history and nature, we got it goin' on!!

But when all else fails, just take a walk or a drive!

Some highlights of things going on this fall in Monroe, Carbon & Pike Counties:

10/11 Stroudsburg Autumn Festival
10/11 Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Weekend
10/18 Shawnee Mountain Timer & Balloon Festival
10/18 Bowfire at Sherman Theater
10/18 Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Weekend
10/19 "PEEC" of Autumn with John Serrao
10/25 PEEC-a-Boo Halloween Trail
10/25 Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Weekend
10/31 Rocky Horror Picture Show at Sherman Theater

Activities all month long at Jim Thorpe include haunted train display, ghost walk and more.

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau has an ever-updated calendar of things to do here in the beautiful mountains of northeastern Pennsylania.

Things to Do at Penn Estates

(Private Community - Members & Guests Only)

View Community Calendar of Events Here
Highlights for Fall:
10/11 Oktoberfest
10/18 Breast Cancer Walk-a-thon
10/24 & 25 Haunted House
11/15 Comedian Dave Reilly

Things to Do at Arrowhead Lakes

(Private Community - Members & Guests Only)

View Arrowhead Activity Calendar Here
Highlights for Fall:
10/11 Fall Fest/Flea Market
10/19 Sunday Breakfast Buffet
10/25 Haunted Clubhouse
10/31 Tailgate Trick or Treat

COTA's 31st Annual Jazz & Arts Festival is being held September 5-7 in the idyllic little town of Delaware Water Gap, PA. This celebration gets more popular every year thanks to the dedication of the volunteer-driven COTA organization and the participation of talented musicians from the Poconos, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Be sure to check out the excellent website which offers visitors a multi-media sneak-peek in to the festival's highlights. Also, find directions, ticketing information, schedules and more!

See the likes of Dave Leibman, Saxophone Warrior, who is a headliner again this year.

Past headliners include the music of Pocono native, Mark Williams,  and Vicky Doney, another Pennsylvania artist.

And, of course, Bob Dorough (of Schoolhouse Rock fame! and more) will be there as always.

You probably recognize the Lost Ramblers with Neil Morris, as these guys play ALL OVER the Poconos in gigs big and small!(Also check out the Pocono Bluegrass and Folk Society)

The Deer Head Inn on main street (Route 611) in the Gap offers jazz enthusiasts a year round option for enjoying music. Visit their website for information on performers, dinner and lodging availability.

Music from morning and into the night at the COTA Jazz Festival...

Above: Blue Sparks From Hell

A big thank you for the photos goes out to Bob Weidner Photography!

(ps: Bob is another famous, albeit humble, musician hailing from the Poconos...perhaps he will honor the Poconos Real Estate Blog with an exclusive interview someday :))

Are you going to be in the Gap this weekend? Have you ever been before? Please post a comment and share your thoughts!