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By Ron Kapon
I did not experience the whole 2,400-square miles that are the Pocono Mountains but rather two resorts located about 45 minutes from each other. There are six interstate highways that make the region quick and easy to reach from all directions. The Poconos is a well-known 4 seasons outdoor recreation destination for visitors around the northeast, especially from New York City and Philadelphia. The Poconos (population 340,000) encompasses the Delaware State Forest, including seven state parks and one national park: The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
My first stop was Split Rock Resort & Golf Club located on Lake Harmony, less than two hours from both Philadelphia and New York. I was there to sample the two-day Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine & Food Festival held outdoors at the resort. The weather was a mixed bag with beautiful, warm sunny weather on Saturday and a humid damp Sunday. There were 135 booths with 24 wineries and 100 vendors as well as three stages set up for entertainment. Admission was $25 in advance and $29 at the door. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and enjoying the Pennsylvania only wines.
Split Rock Resort was built in 1941 and now sits on 1,200 acres. I asked about the $1 toll booth at the entrance and it was explained that since no city, county or state entity wanted to maintain the road the owners decided to offset the maintenance by charging a toll (refundable for guests). In 2008 they opened a 53,000 square-foot indoor water park (I tried the hot tub and wave pool but skipped the surfboard ride). Besides the 27-hole golf course and nearby ski areas (Jack Frost & Big Boulder) there is plenty to do regardless of the weather. Split Rock features a movie theater, 18-hole miniature golf, 8-lane bowling alley, racquetball, indoor basketball and tennis (also outdoors), video arcade, fitness center, two indoor pools and one outdoors. The pizza restaurant always was full as was the ice cream parlor, next to the movie theatre.
I stayed in one of their time-share areas which had a bedroom, living room and kitchen. It was a minute drive from the main building the Galleria but far enough away to be very quiet. There is a shuttle bus that runs to all the sections of the resort. There are a total of 653 rooms in the resort, including suites, villas, cottages and regular hotel rooms. I ate breakfast and dinner at the Lodge at Bel’lago Italian restaurant located 3 minutes from my rooms. Below Bel’lago’s are BenchWarmers Sports Scene and the outdoor Sandbar lounge with views of their man-made private sand beach/lagoon and boat docks, on Lake Harmony. Another breakfast and dinner was in the main dining room in the Galleria. Lots of choices to make and all of them worked for me.
I could not resist stopping at The Crossing Outlet Center since it was just off Route 80 on my way to Skytop Lodge, a member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America. In 1925, John Stubbs, Frederic Smith, Earl Mayne and Sam Packer had an idea to build a grand resort in the Poconos on a high plateau three miles north of the village of Canadensis. They purchased 2,500 acres, hired a landscape architect to decide on the location of the lodge and golf course, and Skytop was born. The Lodge and golf course opened in 1928. In 1930 a dam was completed and the lake was enlarged to its present size of 75-acres. Later, the Steamside cottages were built, each with 4 bedrooms, and the 2,000-acre Goose Pond area was acquired. Trails to all of Skytop’s scenic areas were laid out and maps were drawn to enable the lodge’s guests to visit “places of quiet beauty and restful charm.” There are over 30 miles of private hiking/biking/walking trails on the resort’s now 5,500 acres that affords an opportunity to view woodland wildflowers, migrating and nesting birds, reptiles and amphibians, and signs of many of the area’s exciting wildlife, including black bear, otter, porcupine, beaver, coyote, bobcat, and mink.
I toured the property stopping at the Inn at Skytops with its 20 rooms (there are a total of 125 in the historic main lodge, plus scattered cottages- total 193 rooms), built specifically to accommodate golfers. The deli was set up on the turn so golfers didn’t have to come back to the main dining room for lunch. Skytops still operates on the three meals a day plan. Gentlemen are also required to wear a jacket for dinner in the Windsor Dining Room. The 200 wines on the list have resulted in a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The Adventure Center features a rock climbing wall, paint ball area, fishing and gun club. I was especially intrigued by the dog area where the Alaskan Huskies that pull the dog sleds during the winter spend their off hours. First you pass the restful waterfall-resting place. Speaking of things to do, the bottom floor activity center features an indoor miniature golf course, billiard and fuzz ball table, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and fitness center. Take the elevator to the 4th floor and walk up one more flight for the spa and lookout tower. On a clear day you can see past the Delaware Water Gap.
Two resorts, different but similar in their “total family vacation” theme. You can’t go wrong with either choice.
For More Information-
www.splitrockresort.com
www.skytop.com
www.premiumoutlets.com |