Top 10 Reasons to Stay (and Play!) in the Poconos 10.

Haven of History History buffs will have a ball hopping from museum to muse um throughout the northeast Pennsylvania area. You can start at the Packer mansi ons in Jim Thorpe, at the southernmost end of the Poconos, and not stop until yo uve experienced life on a 19th century Pennsylvania German farmstead at Quiet Val ley Historical Farm, the coal regions lifeblood at the No. 9 Mine, or discovered the areas first residents at The Pocono Indian Museum. The Monroe County Historic al Society houses all the local history you can handle, along with a genealogy research library. Whatever the era, the Poconos have lived to tell its story. Its yours to discover! 9. Avenues of Art The architecture alone in the entire area is eye catching to creative souls and appreciative onlookers alike. The Poconos have long since be en a haven for and an inspiration to artists of all mediums. Stroll up Jim Thorp es historic Broadway and pop in at The Gandy Dancer to view art and photography d rawn from the local scenery and history, or Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation to ta ke in Abstract Expressionism, films, and poetry. There are many open gallery doo rs in between. Stroudsburg is home to Susan Bernadette Lebel. Susan is not only a professional florist that creates fairytale wedding arrangements for The Strou dsmoor Country Inns blushing brides, she is also a gifted painter. Her nature-ins pired art decorates the Auradell Gallery at the Inn, as well as many other place s throughout the Poconos and Lehigh Valley. 8. Music is Everywhere Not a day goes by without music in the Poconos. If theat ers are your thing, tickets are always on sale for great acts at the Sherman The ater and Mauch Chunk Opera House. An eclectic array of musicians are always stop ping by the area, from classic rock and oldies, to folk, jazz, blues, Celtic mus ic, and hits of today. If a more relaxed atmosphere, or dancing, is what you are looking for, most taverns and restaurants in the area have weekend musicians on tap regularly. Theres no shortage of live entertainment any night of the week. 7. Adventures for the Brave Afraid of heights? Dont like getting wet? Close your eyes and keep walking. Are you young, young at heart, or in charge of keeping s ome youngsters busy for the weekend? Then youll be in the right place here. Camel back has more adventure than you can imagine with their ziplines and water slide s. Camelback isnt just for skiers anymore! If you are adventurous (but not that a dventurous) you may choose to go horseback riding at the Inn at Pocono Manors sta bles or scream around the track at a local go kart track. Jim Thorpe is home to some of the best whitewater rafting on the Lehigh. Take a kayak lesson at Northe ast PA Kayak School, grab a paintball gun, or rent a boat from the Pocono Boat H ouse. Are you the type of person to seek out the Poison Dart frogs at Bear Mount ain Butterfly Sanctuary, or the one to sit in the Flutterarium allowing several species of butterflies to noiselessly land in the palm of your hand? The Pocono area is waiting to take your breath away. 6. Time for Tee If you havent experienced the beauty and serenity of the prime g reens at the Inn at Pocono Manor or the sprawling fairways at Shawnee Inn and Go lf Resort, then you havent really golfed. The picturesque Mahoning Valley Country Club is now open to the public. A bad day on the golf course isnt really such a bad day, is it? The Poconos are home to some of the most manicured and breathtak ing courses in Pennsylvaniaand they are waiting for you. 5. Let the Festivities Begin All of this relaxing and beauty is enough to make someone want to celebrate. Luckily, the Poconos are always celebrating. The tow n of Jim Thorpe celebrates its namesakes birthday every May, along with Earth Day , Fall Foliage, St. Patricks Day and an Olde Time Christmas. Halloween brings gho st walks and haunted mines, and horrifyingly haunted woods and mansions. Strouds burg has notable parades, art festivals, car shows, and carnivals. Keep an eye o n local newspapers and websites for full schedules. Most festivals are held in d

owntown common areas, resorts, and ski hills where they are hard to miss. The Po conos celebrate everything from the Blues, to wine, to garlic, to being Irish fo r a day! 4. Shop Til You Drop Nothing compares to finding the perfect item in a unique s hop in a quaint town. Stopping in at Josephines Fleur-de-lis on Main Street in St roudsburg, youll find the most meaningful jewelry or home dcor item to remember yo ur visit. Dunkelbergers offers women a chance to find the perfect ensemble to wea r for a weekend outing while its adjoining outfitter shop will keep any signific ant other distracted by outdoor gear just long enough. Josephines, Dunkelbergers, and many other boutiques offer specialty items you cant find just anywhere. The shopping district on Stroudsburgs bustling main street often offer shoppers speci al deals, unique treats, and rare deals just to thank you for shopping local. Ma ke sure you wear comfortable shoes. Once you start, you wont want to stop. 3. Nature Calls People move to the Poconos to get away. Tourists visit the Po conos to get away. You need a getaway! There is a state park or environmental ce nter everywhere you turn. Mountains loom on one side of you, a lake, river, or s tream flows on the other, no matter where you go. You cant help but breathe deepe r, smile broader, and relax. Hike to the highest lookout or pull up a picnic ben ch and your favorite book. If youre lucky, youll spot a deer, fox, raccoon, bird, or even a bear. What could be better? You can visit the Pocono Mountains Visitor s Bureau or Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to find a place to hike or camp. If enjoying nature on a more permanent basis is what you are looki ng for, you can call Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way or Pocono Mountain Lakes Realty to point you in the right direction. 2. Most Comfortable Places to Hang Your Hat All of that shopping and adventure will make you want to stay just one more day. There is no lack of hospitality w hen you need a place to stay for the night. Most resorts and hotels in the Pocon os offer their guests so much, visitors dont even need to leave the property. Str oudsmoor Country Inn is a popular wedding destination with a very romantic atmos phere offering special dinners and packages, while the Inn at Pocono Manor and t he Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort offer many activities and amenities to keep you b usy and boast sprawling grounds and beautiful architecture. Bed & Breakfasts ado rn the Jim Thorpe area. Take a step in to a different era at the Inn at Jim Thor pe, or hop across the pond and feel like English royalty at Hillcrest. If you ca n handle a rustic accommodation, Jim Thorpe Camping and many state parks offer s pace to park your RV or pop up your tent. The Poconos just beg you to stay Theres just one thing left to do before you leave the Poconos 1. Eat, Drink, & Be Merry! I have yet to have a meal at a Pocono restaurant I d id not enjoy. This area is rich in vineyards, bistros, taverns, pubs, fine resta urants, diners, and hole-in-the-wall local secrets. If youll be stopping in town, there are two things you do not want to miss; dinner at Andrew Moores Stone Bar Inn and a martini at Liquid. Each offers such a sophisticated and unique atmosph ere with truly fantastic menus. Put them on your list, but also give the local s pecialties a try. Crave at 66 Broadway in Jim Thorpe offers the area a rare opti on: an authentic Absinthe bar. Give it a whirl and stay to munch, or wander down the street for an eclectic array of options from Irish, to Tex Mex, to local or ganic. Chances are, youll leave full and happy. (If you do actually decide to le ave)