Last weekend when the Pope was in Philly I headed out of town to the Poconos. I went there for a blog conference but I was excited to take my mom along because it was here first time up the mountains. I used to visit the Poconos every year with my cousin as a kid. I was also excited to see what had changed in the 17 years since I’d last visited (other than a ski trip bus trip).
My mom liked it a lot. As did I. We will likely go there again for a close to home get away. I was surprised by how much I remembered about the area. I was able to show my mom many of the attractions I used to visit with my cousin. I was also shocked by how many people of color I saw. As a kid I remember my cousin and I always being the only black kids. The diversity was awesome!!!!
Like I said, we will be going back. However, going to the Poconos as an adult is very different than going as a kid so I am putting together a few tips to make sure I have a Joyful time the next time we go.
- Go in the summer (Unless you are going to for the skiing) – I know the Poconos are known for skiing but there is a lot to do there in the summer. The mountains are beautiful. There are nature trails and places to go horseback riding and outdoor adventure trials. You are in the mountains, the temperature is cooler than other places during the summer months.
- Avoid driving at night. OK this tip is supper important for city folks like me. It gets really really dark at night in the Poconos. There are not many street lights when compared to what I am used to in the city. Combine the dark roads with mountain hills and unfamiliarity it can be a dangerous situation.
- Take the deer crossing signs seriously. There is lots of wildlife in the Poconos. As a kid we saw deer almost every time we visited. This time we did not see deer but we saw wild turkey and a chipmunk. We saw them when they ran right out into the road in front of my car. Good think I was driving slowly.
- Use the day time for site seeing. If you go in the summer take advantage of the longer days to take advantage of all of the attractions site seeing and gambling at the casino.
- Take advantage of your hotel’s amenities at night. The Poconos is one place to visit where you want to invest in a hotel with nice amenities. We stayed at Camelback Aquatopia. They had four restaurants, a bar, a couple gift shops, a large arcade, and a really cool indoor water park. There were plenty of things for us to do in the evening after the sun set.
- Put your concierge to work. This is probably good advice for any hotel stay. I’d never really made use of the concierge before my Poconos trip. The concierge was great. He was an older man who was able to help me find a tourist attraction that I could only describe from my memory. It was a Christmas Shop that also had a doll collection and doll house collectibles. He was able to figure out what I was talking about contact them and get me their contact info. Concierges are great!
*** Bonus*** Bring your Claritin or Alegra. Mixed in with the clean crisp mountain air will be pollen from plants that you may not be used to. Be prepared.
Have you vacationed in the Poconos or somewhere similar? What tips would you add?
Tips for Amtrak Train Travel: Do’s & Don’ts for a Joyful Train ride |
Nancy Laws says
Another location added to my wishlist, lol…
Tyra says
Great getaway ideas and tips. I always make sure to get recommendations from the concierge. And yes girl, those deer crossings are not a joke. A deer will mess up your car!
Casa Vilora Interiors says
I will take a get away to anywhere right now. The Poconos sound amazing anytime. Thanks for the tips
Patranila Jefferson says
I had a friend invite me to the Poconos recently, I think I may take them up on it!
chasingjoy says
Definatley go Patranila! Go soon before it is really cold. Or go in a few more weeks for skiing.
Stacie B. says
Thanks for sharing these tips. Just going to the Poconos would be joyfull enough for me.
chasingjoy says
Just getting away to somewhere different is Joyful Stacie B.
ChryssVI says
I haven't been to the Poconos before but thanks for the tips.
chasingjoy says
I'm sure thise tips will be similar for many other mountain towns.
mail4rosey says
A turkey has flown up and hit the windshield of my SUV before. I wasn't driving at the time, but it broke the window. Def. animals can be dangerous.
Boulder Locavore says
It sounds like you stayed in a great place (and were smart to leave town when you did)! I really don't love driving at night when there is wildlife around. Your recommendation is a good one!
Mimicutelips says
I've never been, I need to go. I always heard about it growing up but had no idea where it was. lol I love traveling on Amtrak, I need to add this to my list.
B. L. Davis says
Good point about hotel amenities and concierges! I rarely fully maximize those perks. Glad you and your mom had fun 🙂
Aisha Johnson says
Sounds like an amazing trip. I would love to visit one day. I will keep these awesome tips in mind.
LaChaya says
Nice! I've never considered visiting the Poconos! This will be a consideration for next summer!
GloGlo Shanell says
I went to the poconos once as a teen. I think I'll now take my kids back. Great tips.
Valerie Robinson says
I've always wanted to go there. Heard great things about it! Noted: take allergy meds 🙂
Kerri Estella says
I haven't been to the Poconos since I was a little kid! That's some good– and unexpected– advice about packing your allergy meds. I know I would get got…isn't that just the worst?
Six Time Mommy TEST says
Never been to the Poconos before but I would love to. I think it would be some great fun and this sounds great, and makes me want to head there for a nice little getaway! – Jeanine
Joanna Niles says
I love out there. My family has gone for Thanksgiving and even though we don't do the activities, it's a nice place for relaxing. Glad you guys had a great time.
Kristi says
I have never been to that area but I hope to some day. So many places I want to visit. Thanks for giving a nudge to have it happen soon than later!
Penelope says
I always pack a range of over the counter meds when I travel. You never know, and it certainly isn't worth ruining your vacation.
Crystal says
Those are all great tips for making sure it's a wonderful trip. I would love to see it in person.
Jonna, Naturally Glam LLC says
I visited the Poconos once with the husband. It was so peaceful. My favorite part was going horseback riding through an 100 year old apple orchard.
Pam says
I have never been to the Poconos before! I have heard such good things about visiting up there though.
Tracy Iglesias says
What was the blog conference? I heard a few people mentioning they were going out there, but no one said which conference, is it some kind of secret conference? LOL
I have never been to the Poconos before. But I do love me a good Casino! 🙂
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
Liz Mays says
This is great advice. It would be really nice to be able to go sometime. Seeing all the wildlife would be wonderful.
Debra Rutt says
We want to do an overnight at the Poconos with the kids. There are so many great resorts there for family, romance and gambling!
Mommy Moment says
It sounds like a beautiful place. I would love to check out the gift shops, I bet they have some awesome souvenirs.
Dallas Socials says
I would love to visit the Poconos one day! Thanks for the great tips!
Melissa Pezza says
We've been to a lot of places, but we've never been to the Poconos. I'd love to get there one day.
chasingjoy says
Definitely put it on your list Melissa.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Thanks for sharing these tips. I've never been to the Poconos, but I've always wanted to. It's so beautiful there.
chasingjoy says
Yes it is. Probably even more beautiful in the fall Stacie.
Masshole Mommy says
I have been wanting to go there for a number of years. It's totally drivable for us and it sounds like someplace I would love to experience at least once.
chasingjoy says
Masshole Mommy you should definitely go.