The Pocono Mountains region is nestled in Northeastern Pennsylvania, bordering the equally beautiful Western part of NJ, separated only by the Delaware River. Fall, or Autumn, is a wonderful time for those planning a visit. The mountains are awash in color as the foliage changes. Incredible mixes and hues of green, orange, yellow, red and even indigo will delight your eyes. The temperature is still mild, though the mornings and evenings can get chilly awful fast, and you are encouraged to dress appropriately.
The area boasts fine dining, as well as more rustic fare, with many a beloved drinking spot hidden on a back road. You can do far worse, trust me. Shopping opportunities abound, between the very modern outlets complex in Tannersville, to acres of antique shops, and many a small shop or artists' studio run by the owners themselves. Whatever you enjoy browsing over, buying, eating or drinking, you will most certainly find. Good advice is to pick up one of the many, and free, area attractions magazines that can be found at most gas stations and local businesses. They will not only be a good catalog of what's available, but many will also have a calendar of events for the current weeks.
The Poconos hosts a variety of festivals celebrating a specific theme, and if you are a fan of their subject, you will not find a better time. Garlicfest, held during the Labor Day Weekend, is a huge draw. Beer and Wine festivals are held in local resorts from August through late October, and a quick Google search will reveal the next one for you. For those of drinking age, you will hardly find a better deal than paying $20 or $30 entrance fee in return for all the beer or wine you care to drink. Just remember to be responsible and not drive after the event. Designated Driver tickets are usually available for these events, for a nominal, sometimes $5 fee.
But we promised you 5 things to do, right? The above was just an overview. Continue reading for our 5 recommendations.
1. Hiking - As mentioned, few things are more beautiful than the spectacular array of colors that our Fall foliage provides, and nowhere more in evidence than among our mountains. Great hiking opportunities for beginners as well as more experienced woodsmen (and women) can be accessed in the tiny town of Delaware Water Gap, which will be your first exit off of I-80 when crossing into PA from NJ. The Appalachian Trail crosses the town, and a nice parking lot is right off of it. It is a wonderful nature hike complete with a small lake called Diana's Bath, home to a family of herons, and other wildlife. Follow the trail towards the South (if you follow it North you will cross back into NJ), and you will come to an overhang with a breathtaking view of the whole Gap. Do not forget a good camera, or you will come to regret having ever come, it is that good. A warm jacket is recommended, as well as sturdy footwear.
2. Fishing - The Poconos abounds in streams, lakes and river access points. A fishing license is required, which you may purchase at any outfitters' store, or in Walmart, for a few dollars. Fishing gear, if you need, will also be available there. You do not need a guide, though it helps to know a local, or do a bit of research, so as to identify the better opportunities. Several local businesses will also rent you a canoe or boat, and drive you miles up river, where you can spend the day leisurely making your way back down, fishing the whole time. They will then pick you up at the end of the day, at the designated spot, and return you to your vehicle, hopefully with a good sized catch to brag about.
3. Hunting - Different seasons, for different prey and weapons, will start opening in the Fall. As with fishing, you will need a license, and you will have to be better prepared, in this case. Hunting licenses frequently require a course with the state game commission if you have not had one before. Make sure you look into all the requirements before planning your trip, and make the necessary arrangements. We have deer, bear, turkey, duck, and geese as options, and many a well stocked state gameland area for you to exercise your rights. If you need help finding out anything, please feel free to contact the author directly.
4. Antiquing - The area has a vast history, and this comes with an equally vast accumulation of artifacts from every period. There are thriving Antique shops, and even an Antique Mall, all within a 10 or 15 mile radius. Unless you stay a month or two, you will find it very difficult to exhaust the options. Some of the antiques I have seen are just incredible, and quite a few of these now grace my home! I have even found Japanese antiques, presumably brought home by returning GIs after WWII, at affordable prices. Japan being one of my passions, I could not complain.
5. Gambling, Dining & Entertainment - No, I am not cheating and adding an extra two on the sly here. I am more referring to one of the newer residents of our area, a humongous casino in the Mount Pocono vicinity, by the name of Mount Airy. If you enjoy slot machines and table games, this is a superb venue where you can safely play to your heart's content. It has a hotel, so you need not venture far for accommodations, and a broad variety of restaurants on property, most open 24 hours. Definitely put Mount Airy on the itinerary if you enjoy games of chance. Who knows? Maybe you'll return home with more money than when you left!
And that's it, that's my list. There are many other things to do, and some may find one of those I omitted to be more rewarding than those that made it in. I tried to offer something for everyone, but 5 really isn't enough to do that. Hopefully you did learn a thing or two, and are motivated to visit and enjoy everything the Poconos has to offer. Questions? Do not hesitate to contact the author.
Andy Pedraza is originally from New York, but has lived in the Pocono Mountains for over 10 years, and has gone native. No longer feeling comfortable in the city, he now prefers the outdoors no matter what season of the year we're in. Please check here for general information on Pocono Rentals, or here for Pet Friendly Pocono House.
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