Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains Offer Water Parks, Outlet Shopping

For almost two years now I have been a happy homeowner and full-time resident of Monroe County, in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. If you are looking for a great place to live and play, this is it. The surrounding Pocono Mountains and Delaware Water Gap National Park offer natural wonders to enjoy. Summer and winter fun abound. Camelback Water Park is loaded with summer fun and when winter rolls around you can ski. The Pocono Mountains are a year round place to get away from it all. Come for a day or book one of the many excellent hotels in the area that cater to relaxing good times.
National Parks

Surrounded by the beautiful Pocono Mountains we have access to the natural wonder of some our nations most beautiful parks. The Delaware Water Gap National Park is located near Stroudsburg, PA, the county seat. A magnificent view of the “Gap” is possible as you approach from the West on Interstate 80. Driving through the break in the mountains you can view the Delaware River and the giant trees that grow alongside the bridge as you drive along the Interstate. The park itself preserves 40 miles of the middle Delaware River and almost 70,000 acres of land along the New Jersey and Pennsylvania shores. You can take a day to drive through the park and see waterfalls and visit the historic Millbrook Village. The village is staffed on Saturdays during the summer with Park rangers and volunteer craft persons in period costume demonstrate skills of the period. Some of the original structures are open for visits.

For more information on park hours, access, activities visit the National Park website at:
http://www.nps.gov/dewa/

To reach Historic Millbrook village:
Millbrook village is located at the junction of Old Mine Rd. and Route 602 in New Jersey, 12 miles north of Interstate 80 at Exit 1 Westbound. (908) 841-9531.

Water Park Fun

If you want a fun, safe and relaxing day the whole family can enjoy, visit Camelback Water Park in Tannersville, PA.

22 waterslides, ( the most in PA). A wave pool, kids play areas and a fun activity called the “Checkered Flag Challenge”. The “Challenge” is an eight-slide complex that friends and family can compete against each other on to win the race to the finish line. There is much more, including bumper boats, chairlift rides and so on. The attractions are varied enough to appeal to everyone and fill a day with laughter and fun. The best thing about the parks location is the setting in the Pocono Mountains. It seems like it is a world away from the congestion and hustle of everyday life. Just two hours from New York City and accessible from suburban locations even more quickly.

For more information visit the Camel Beach web site:
http://www.camelbeach.com/

Outlet Shopping

The Crossings outlet shopping center is located in Tannersville, PA. This is always a “must stop” when our friends from England visit us. You can’t beat the savings on Ann Taylor, The Gap, Jones New York, Waterford, Wedgwood and more. There is lots of free parking and on a beautiful day you can wander to your hearts content and shop for all the great savings. As you stroll around the shopping area your view it a treat to the eyes with the beautiful Pocono Mountains surrounding you.

There are several Bed and Breakfast accommodations in the area that can make your visit to the region even more enjoyable. They offer $25.00 gift certificates to use at the shopping center. The establishments are listed in the Travel & Tourism link on The Crossings web site.

For store listings, shopping center maps and more visit The Crossings Premium Outlets web site:
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=59

Plan for your day or weekend of fun in the Pocono Mountains and enjoy all they have to offer.