Pocono Mountains Travel Guide - 2008-2009 - (Page 16) SRING THERESA GAWLAS MEDOFF BY JANET FUSCO SO ACCOMMODATING! The Pocono Mountains boasts a variety of accommodations to suit every girlfriends’ getaway. On one visit, my friends and I stayed in a country inn where each room was its own little cottage, and a cozy fire crackled in the main lodge’s big stone fireplace. On other visits, we’ve stayed in a traditional hotel, rented a spacious lakeside vacation home or enjoyed the amenities of a full-service resort, complete with a pool, tennis, golf and nightly entertainment. Other appealing choices for accommodations include historic inns, full-service destination spas and charming bed and breakfasts. GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY Every year, my college friends and I meet for a weekend of fun and reconnecting. Of all the places we’ve visited, the Pocono Mountains region remains a favorite – not only for the area’s serene beauty, but also for its incredible variety. Where else can we hike a waterfallmisted trail through sweet-scented woods, rejuvenate with a massage, follow up with an afternoon of outlet shopping and then reminisce over drinks on a flower-filled deck while the sun sets behind endless green mountains? Women spend so much time caring for others. When we finally manage to get away with friends, we need to relax, recharge, laugh, wonder and nourish our souls. With something that appeals to every facet of a woman’s personality, the Pocono Mountains is the perfect choice for a girlfriends’ getaway. Here are some ideas to get you started: A LITTLE PAMPERING The stress relief of a sauna. The vibrant glow after a healing facial. The head-to-toe feeling of purity that follows a detoxifying body treatment. Girlfriends can indulge and refresh together at one of the region’s many spas. A LITTLE SHOPPING Some enjoy the thrill of the hunt at a flea market or an antiques shop. Others prefer browsing in boutiques, galleries, craft and specialty shops. Still others get a kick out of finding outlet bargains. In the Pocono Mountains, shoppers of all sorts can indulge their passion. ARTS AND CULTURE The Pocono Mountains appeals to a woman’s sophisticated side with art galleries, museums, wine tastings and fine dining. Venues such as the Mauch Chunk Opera House, Mountain Laurel Center for the Performing Arts, Penn’s Peak, Sherman Theater and Shawnee Playhouse host a variety of performances throughout the year. Events such as the Black Bear Film Festival showcase independent films, arts, crafts, music and food. From Beethoven to blues, and ballet to hiphop, it’s all on the schedule of events. MILD TO WILD The Pocono Mountains offers sports to suit a woman’s every mood. Feeling adventurous? Try kayaking or rafting the whitewaters of the Delaware or Lehigh Rivers. Feeling competitive? Challenge your gal pals to a game of golf or tennis. Prefer to commune with nature? Try boating, hiking or biking at one of numerous parks. Variety abounds in winter, too, with snowshoeing, snow tubing, skiing and snowboarding. SPA SENSE: Get together with the girls for a little pampering at The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley. 16 POCONO MOUNTAINS TRAVEL GUIDE Too many great choices? Guess you’ll just have to schedule another girlfriends’ getaway!
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